31 Day Challenge - Day 03: Yellow

Before I get to debuting day 3, let me first just say that I blame this manicure completely for giving me a hefty dose of Spring fever today, while in reality it's a snowy, blustery 2 degrees outside. At least for the time being I can look down at my cheery nails and imagine I'm sprawled out on warm sandy beach somewhere with a drink in my hand, so that  gives me a miniscule amount of comfort. 

Now let's get down to business...

 2 Coats of China Glaze - Happy Go Lucky

In all fairness, I really think yellow polishes have a habit of getingt the shaft from a lot of people, myself included. I think this polish changed that for me. This is 2 coats of China Glaze - Happy Go Lucky with Seche Vite on top. 

There is another China Glaze polish called Sunshine Pop that is extremely similar in color, however that polish has a shimmery sheen to it, while this is just pure yellow color. Personally, I prefer the pure brightness of this shade. 

I will definitely be working this color into the rotation more often once Summer hits!

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Cuticle Eraser + Balm

Over the weekend I realized I was completely out of cuticle cream and almost completely out of the Vaseline I had been using as a backup, so as part of my weekend mini haul I picked up some Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm from Wal-Mart. 

Typically, I'm a bit of a penny pincher when it comes to cuticle creams, but I felt like a little splurge and went for it even though it rang up at a hefty $7.49. As soon as I got home, I couldn't wait to tear open the box and try it (hence why you are seeing stock photos right now) and let me tell you... IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. 

Firstly, I think it goes without saying that the green and white swirls of this product are freakin' adorable. Can we all just agree on that? We can? Good. One of my favorite things about it is the fact that it is non greasy and doesn't take long for your skin to absorb it, although after my acetone use this afternoon, I think my skin was begging for it!  The smell is nice, sort of a mix between fresh cucumbers and watermelon... 

I keep catching myself smelling my fingertips. (Which I'm sure is a joy for others to witness.) I immediately noticed a difference in my cuticles, they went from worn out and ragged to smooth and nourished. This will definitely be a daily use product for me, so if you have been debating on whether or not to add this to your beauty regimen, then I seriously suggest you stop hesitating and go for it. I am adding it to my list of beauty must-haves!

31 Day Challenge - Day 02: Orange

Orange Gradient Topped Off With 3d Fruit Slices

The theme of the day is orange, and what better way to represent than with a bit of fruit on my nails? I started out by painting the entire nail in China Glaze Peachy Keen, then used the sponge technique to create a gradient by adding in CG Papaya Punch and High Hopes. 

Once dry, I dipped a dotting dool in topcoat and used the tip to pick up the orange slices and place them randomly on each nail. Finished with Seche Vite and viola, here we have day 2!

 

Polishes used: China Glaze Peachy Keen, Papaya Punch, and High Hopes

Victoria's Secret To Release 21 Nail Polish Colors

Stop the presses! Victoria's Secret is joining the ranks of the latest big name brands to debut their own nail polish line. I have heard some mixed reviews about the polishes sold at VS in the past, but I'm always willing to give new polish a try. The colors seem to be a bit on the basic side, and the bottles are reminiscent of Butter London, which may make them easy to store with the existing brands you already have in your stash. 

The new VS polishes will become available at the end of the month and will retail for $10.00.

Photo: Victoria's Secret

Photos: HelloBeautiful

31 Day Challenge - Day 01: Red

 Wet N Wild - Everybody Loves Redmond

While out and about today, I picked up a bottle of Wet N Wild - Everybody Loves Redmond because, well because it's a lovely red and everybody knows I can't pass up a polish with a good pun for a name. 

Everybody Loves Redmond is a thick, red creme polish with orange undertones that covers well with only 2 coats. The color becomes a bit deeper with an added 3rd coat, but that is really just a matter of personal preference and not necessary at all. Be extra careful with this one to polish carefully, I did notice that the red is very potent and will definitely bleed over and stain the skin and cuticles if not cleaned up right away.

In person, the color reminds me of being in elementary school and drawing fire on my notebook paper by rubbing the red crayon on top of the orange crayon to get that perfect firey blend.

The 1st three pics are with the flash, and the last picture is without flash to show the orangeness of the polish.