Red Dog Designs Berry Friends Collection Swatches and Review

Red Dog Designs Berry Friends Collection Swatches and Review

Press Sample

Red Dog Designs is releasing a 5 piece collection this Friday called the Berry Friends Collection!

The lady behind Red Dog Designs posted teaser pictures of this collection and I couldn’t wait to see them!  All 5 are wonderfully made, but 1 in particular just made my jaw drop!

Check them out!

Purple Pieman:

I’m going to go ahead and start this post off with the one I will definitely need a full size bottle of.  Purple Pieman is a purple jelly base with blue shimmer, small silver holo glitter particles and a colorful assortment of square and hex glitter in multiple sizes all mixed up in it.  I used 3 coats for this photo, and really I could have stopped at 2, but I wanted MORE GLITTER!  I’m in LOVE!  Purple shimmer jelly base and tons of glitter?  Yes please!

Closeup:

Strawberry Shortcake:

Strawberry Shortcake is a girly bubblegum pink shimmery base with pink, red, white and green hexes and squares and small black glitter particles mixed in.  I used 2 coats and a glossy top coat for this photo.

Closeup:

Raspberry Tart:

Raspberry Tart is a pretty lavender base with a subtle shimmer mixed in with magenta circle, square and hex glitter, purple hex and square glitter, and green and white micro bar glitter.  I used 2 coats and a glossy top coat for this photo!

Closeup:

Lemon Meringue:

Lemon Meringue is a vibrant lemon yellow base with gold shimmer and small copper glitter, gold circle glitter, and yellow, white and green hex glitter.  Fun for Spring!  I used 3 coats for this photo and a glossy top coat.

Closeup:

Blueberry Muffin:

Blueberry Muffin is another favorite!  This one is a sky blue base with turquoise shimmer with blue, periwinkle, white, and purple hex and square glitter mixed in!  I used 3 thin coats for this photo!

Closeup:

Aren’t those gorgeous?  These release on April 26th at 5pm EDT!

My top picks from the collection are Purple Pieman (this is just a must have for all glitter lovers!), Blueberry Muffin and Strawberry Shortcake, but really – you need all 5!  Application on all of them was perfect!  No glitter clumping, streaking or runny base in any of them!  I used 2-3 coats depending on how much glitter depth I wanted, but opacity wise – they were all good at 2!

To purchase these make sure you check out the Red Dog Designs Shop

Each Full Size Polish will retail for $8.75

Also be sure to check out Red Dog Designs on Facebook, click “Like” and take a peek at swatches and watch for news and updates!

Will you be grabbing any from this set?

***Products in this post were provided for review.  All opinions are my own***

Posted in Featured, General, Nail Polish, Red Dog Designs

Zoya Summer 2013 Irresistible Collection Swatches and Review

Zoya Summer 2013 Irresistible Collection Swatches and Review

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Today I have the Zoya Irresistible Collection to show you!  I really loved Stunning and thought it would be my favorite, but I was wrong.  While the colors are gorgeous, these metallic foil beauties have captured my heart!

The Irresistible Collection consists of 6 colors with a beautiful metallic foil finish and the colors are fun and vibrant!

Take a look!

Tinsley:

I’m starting this off with my favorite of the six!  Tinsley is a gorgeous rose colored base packed with gold shimmer.  I only needed 2 coats for this and I did not use a top coat so you could see how nice it is on it’s own!

Closeup:

I shared this photo last night as a sneak peak and I love it.  Look at that shine and shift with NO top coat!

Amy:

I’m not a fan of oranges, but this one is so vibrant and summery, how could you NOT love it?!  Amy is a vibrant red orange foil metallic.  Again, 2 coats and no base coat!

Closeup:

Look how gorgeous that gold is when it hits the lights!

Kerry:

Kerry is a yellow gold foil metallic.  I used 2 coats and no top coat.  I like this color, but it’s not my favorite of the collection – mainly because it doesn’t show the gorgeous shimmer off like the other colors do!

Closeup:

Bobbi:

Bobbi is a hot magenta foil metallic.  Instead of a gold foil effect, this one has silver.  I used 2 coats, no top coat.

Closeup:

Hazel:

Hazel is a blue green metallic foil.  Very shimmery, but more on the “dusty” side.  One of the least vibrant colors of the collection.  2 coats and no top coat for this photo!

Closeup:

This shot really shows off the silver foil look in it!  As I said, not as vibrant, but still a beauty!

Rikki:

Rikki was the hidden gem in this collection.  The bottle didn’t impress me too much, but on the nail – completely different story!  Rikki is a green foil metallic and it’s beautiful on!  I used 2 coats and no top coat!

Closeup:

This side shot really shows off what I mean – look at that!  So much prettier than I first thought just from looking at the bottle!

This is another must have collection, especially if you love foils!  I would highly recommend Tinsley, Amy and Rikki as 3 must haves!  All 6 only required 2 coats and none of my photos used top coat.

Zoya’s Earth Day promo is still going on until the 26th, so you can grab these for just $4.00 each if you wanted!  Use the code ZOYAEARTH2013

Don’t forget – I currently have a giveaway going on and 1 winner will get the Irresistible Collection and another will win the Stunning Collection!

You can buy these polishes on the Zoya Website for $8.00 each (if you wait until after the Earth Day Promo)

Thinking of purchasing?  Zoya has a program called Share the Love!  If you click on the following link and set up a new account – you get a FREE polish (Just pay shipping!).. add a second polish and shipping is free PLUS the first polish is free!  I do get points based on my Share the Love link, which I generally flip and hold giveaways to spend the points.  You get a free polish, I get 100 points.

Here is my Share the Love Link:  https://www.artofbeauty.com/rd/01859C03

***The products in this post were sent for review.  All opinions are my own.***

Posted in Featured, General, Nail Polish, Zoya

Beauty On A Budget: Great Items At Great Prices

Beauty On A Budget: Great Items At Great Prices

I have a wonderful Beauty Budget Guest Post up for you all today!  A huge thank you to Amanda from SkincareHQ.org for this post!

Having a limited budget does not mean that you have to do without some really great beauty must haves. There are plenty of products out there that are totally affordable. Not only are they are totally affordable, but they are also a really great value! Don’t believe me? Then check out our list of great items at great prices for those who have to do their beauty on a budget!

1. Aloette Clarifying Facial Wash

This facial wash is a steal. Not only is it cheap, but is also works great at unclogging your pores, treating blackheads, and even whiteheads. It is surprisingly gentle, and is specifically great for oily skin types.

2. Bamboo Brush Set By ELF

Crafted out of recycled material, and 100% cruelty-free, this product is a real steal for ‘go green’ lovers who also happen to have a limited budget. The set comes with a complexion brush, concealer brush, blending eye brush, and mini Kabuki brush- and all for just $8.

3. Glycolix Elite Facial Cream Ultra Lite

This is a light glycerin moisturizer that is perfect for either oily skin, acne prone skin, or even combination skin. This facial cream has been formulated using ingredients that have both moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties, so it leaves you skin totally healthy and germ free. On average,  you can find this Glycolix facial cream for around $15.

4. Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 Moisturizing Face Lotion

This dermatologist recommended face lotion is great for dry and/or sensitive skin. It’s lightweight, helps to replenish the skin’s natural oils, and protects your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. It is also extremely lightweight, fragrance free, non-comedogenic, and clinically proven to be safe for even the most sensitive skins.

5.Boots No 7 Stay Perfect Foundation, SPF 15

This foundation is great for oily skin, and has a finish that lasts around eight hours without becoming flawed. It offers a medium shine-free finish.

6. Loreal Oil Free Moisturizer

This moisturizer is a perfect choice for anyone who suffers from oily or acne prone skin. Since there are no added oils, your skin will not end up being greasy and shiny. Loreal is a really great brand in general, even though all of their products are not as cheap as their oil free moisturizer.

7. Clean and Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser

This is another one that’s oil free, so it’s great for any type of acne prone skin, or those with oily skin. This one is available at just about every drugstore or grocery store, so it’s also very easy to find.

8. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

This wash is great for all skin types, and comes dermatologist recommended. It’s made plenty of “best” facial lists, and appeared in multiple magazines and websites.

9.  Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser

Good for normal to oily skin, it is made from salicylic acid. This product is also oil free, alcohol free, and dermatologist tested. The average price is around $5 to $6.

10. Bobbi Brown Blotting Paper

If you have oily skin, then blotting papers are a must have for your purse and general beauty regiment. These powder-free sheets come in a pack of around 100 for only $10 or less.

11. 180 Colors Super Queenie Eyeshadow Palette

This eyeshadow palette comes with a whopping 180 vibrant, bold colors and  it’s only $30 for the whole palette…that’s around 16 cents a color!

12. Voluminous Mascara by Loreal

Cheap and effective, that is exactly what this mascara is. No matter how many layers you put on, you will never be left with clumpy looking eyelashes, and you can find this product nearly anywhere makeup is sold.

13. Baked Blush by Milani

This powder blush is simple to use, and makes your skin look absolutely luminous. It looks great on anyone, and comes in nine different shades. It also costs less than ten dollars, and pretty much lasts forever.

14. Easyliner For Eyes by Jordana

This is a bright eyeliner that comes in ten different colors. Each stick costs under $2 each, so you could gather up every last one of the ten colors for less than $20.

On top of all of these beauty products, there are also a few brands who are on the cheaper side of things, but that work just as well as their expensive counterparts. Here are a few of the brands:

• ELF (Eyes Lips Face)
• Purity/100% Pure
• Icing Cosmetics

Do you know of other awesome budget items that actually work? Have you used one of the ones we mentioned and want to tell us how it worked out for you? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear what you have to say!

Author Bio: Amanda is a skincare fanatic and author of SkincareHQ.org which features a guide on Non-Comedogenic Foundation. Aside from skincare, Amanda loves to travel and one day dreams of living in Europe. If you have any questions or comments for Amanda, feel free to connect with her @Skincare_HQ on Twitter!

Posted in Eyes, Face, Featured, General, Skin Care

Zoya Stunning & Irresistible Collection Giveaway!

Zoya Stunning & Irresistible Collection Giveaway!

Who’s ready for an amazing giveaway?!

I am giving away 2 FULL Collections!  One winner will receive the full STUNNING Collection and another winner will receive the full IRRESISTIBLE Collection by Zoya!

I am loving these so much I purchased one of each set to giveaway!

I’ve already swatched the Stunning Collection (take a look at the collage!) and I’m working on the Irresistible Collection now!

Which set is for you?

Stunning?

Or Irresistible?

This giveaway is open to ALL Followers – both US and International <3  Must be 18 or older or have the consent of your parent/guardian.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Featured, General, Giveaway!, Nail Polish, Zoya

Zoya Summer 2013 Stunning Collection Swatches and Review

Zoya Summer 2013 Stunning Collection Swatches and Review

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You are going to be seeing a bit of Zoya this week because they have released 18 (!!) polishes for their summer collections this year!  Three separate collections, each collection has 6 polishes each!

First up is Stunning!  I love the vibrancy of these 6 colors as well as the subtle shimmer that is in some of them (but is incredibly difficult to catch on camera!)  This is THE perfect summer collection.  I loved all 18 polishes – but as a whole, this collection just screams summer!

Onto the swatches!

Rocky:

Zoya Rocky is a slightly dusty sky blue creme polish.  I used 2 coats for this photo and a glossy top coat!

Closeup:

Thandie:

Thandie is a vibrant orange creme!  I got some minor streaks with this one and it required 3 thin coats for this photo.  Nothing horrific by any means.  The third coat evened it all out and I added a glossy top coat!

Closeup:

Yana:

Yana is a favorite of mine from the Stunning Collection!  Yana is a  vivid medium pink creme with a subtle shimmer throughout.  Such a bright and “happy” color!  2 coats and a glossy top coat finished this mani off.

Closeup:

Micky:

Micky is a bright bubble gum pink creme with shimmer throughout!  I used 3 thin coats for this photo.  Mild streaking occurred, but the third coat evened everything out!

Closeup:

Josie:

Josie is a grassy green creme.  I used three thin coats for this mani and a glossy top coat.  I’m not a green fan, so this isn’t my favorite – but it’s not a bad color.

Closeup:

Darcy:

Darcy is a vibrant sunny yellow creme.  I had the most issues with this formula.  It was a tad streaky and I used 3 coats for it, but it looks thicker on my nails than the others.

Closeup:

And there you have it!  The Zoya Stunning Collection for Summer of 2013 <3  While a few of the polishes had some streaking issues, they seemed minor and 3 thin coats corrected it.  Pigmentation of all 6 colors was fabulous and the colors really pop!

I should have the remaining 2 Zoya Summer Collections up later this week!  So keep an eye out for Summer PixieDust as well as Irresistible!

You can buy these polishes on the Zoya Website for $8.00 each!

Thinking of purchasing?  Zoya has a program called Share the Love!  If you click on the following link and set up a new account – you get a FREE polish (Just pay shipping!).. add a second polish and shipping is free PLUS the first polish is free!  I do get points based on my Share the Love link, which I generally flip and hold giveaways to spend the points.  You get a free polish, I get 100 points.

Here is my Share the Love Link:  https://www.artofbeauty.com/rd/01859C03

***The products in this post were sent for review.  All opinions are my own.***

Posted in Featured, General, Nail Polish, Zoya

365 Days Of Color Limited Edition One Colorful Year Swatches & Review

365 Days Of Color Limited Edition One Colorful Year Swatches & Review

Press Sample

365 Days of Color is releasing a Limited Edition polish to commemorate her ONE Year Anniversary!  It releases today and I have swatches of it to show you!

The name of 365 Days of Color anniversary polish is called One Colorful Year!  Take a look!

One Colorful Year is a milky white base jelly with an amazingly colorful assortment of hex glitters in various sizes! I used 3 coats for this photo. Application was perfect!

And a close up to see all the gorgeous colors!

I am so excited to be able to show One Colorful Year today because I have been able to show most of the 365 Days of Color Collections since Sunny started!

Are you interested in snagging a bottle? They were made in a very limited batch, so don’t hesitate! Head on over to the 365 Days of Color shop! You can grab it for $8.00

Do you plan on picking up a bottle?

***Products in this post we provided for review. All opinions are my own***

Posted in 365 Days of Color, Featured, General, Nail Polish