China Glaze Trendsetter

I love China Glaze.  I've loved them ever since I got (back) into nail polish back in mid 2009.  I would own every single color if I could and never buy another brand again.  (Oh yes, I said that.)  But honestly, I hate this color.


Trendsetter is a NYC mustard brown with gold shimmer.  At least, I think this is what NYC mustard looks like.  I'm going off super limited knowledge of one episode of "Girls Next Door" that was on at the gym one night.  This polish was from the fall 2011 Metro collection.


I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  Formula was a little thick on the brush but then would be runny on the nails, so as always, thin coats to win.


This color is definitely darker that OPI Simply Smash-ing and more opaque.  The boyfriend hated this color, and normally he's pretty forgiving and interested in what I'm wearing (even the blues, which I'm always iffy on).


I like this color much more in the shade.  You can see the shimmer, it doesn't completely clash with my skin tone... I'm liking you a little better, Trendsetter.


This is another one of those polishes that doesn't like to be focused on with the flash.  Or I just suck at being still - either way, I apologize for the blurriness.  Indoors with the flash and you can see the shimmer and the unique brown yellow of this polish.  This will probably sit on my shelf for a good long time, I'm telling you right now.



China Glaze can be found online through several etailers, including my favorite Head2Toe Beauty, Sally's Beauty Supply as well as TransDesign.  You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Color Club Artsy Crafty

Lately I've been ridiculously "Artsy Crafty", mostly working on cross-stitch projects but that can be talked about another time.  :] (Or just go to that link to see.)  Today's Color Club is from the Back to Boho Collection and is a dark pine green creme  Formula was good on this.  I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.


Here in the sun you can see that this is a pretty dark and opaque green.  Frankly, I think it's beautifully pigmented but not my style.


You can see how lush it is in the shade as well.  Great for fall or for a base for some nail art or Konad.


Sorry for the slightly blurry indoors with the flash picture.  Not much else to say here.  If you're looking for a good formula, opaque and pigmented dark green creme, look no further!


Color Club is located on several etailers, including Head2Toe Beauty which has it for $3.00.  You can also Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Rafflecopter Giveaway!

After all the information that came out in 2011 about bloggers and giveaways, I had partnered with the Beauty Blogger Coalition for my giveaways and that's where I learned about Rafflecopter.


They have gained a lot of popularity and to kick off 2012 & their new version of Rafflecopter, they are having their own giveaway!


The giveaway starts today, 9 January and lasts for one month.  To enter, simply say who referred you [Krystal Seidel]


Please note that this giveaway is open to legal residents of the US and to Canadians age 13+.


One winner will receive an iPad2 (Wifi, 16 gig)
One winner will receive an Amazon Kindle Fire


If you win, and listed that I referred you, I will also win a Kindle Fire.  (Sweet!)  Good luck!


Naked Nails

So I like to go at least once a month to have my nails shaped and my cuticles removed.  It's relaxing for me, and I know I'm in good hands (hah!)


I took these pictures before I went in December - I've been using Duri Rejuvacote every day and am shocked at how long my nails grew!  I don't notice any extra strength in them, but the length has been great!


You see my left hand all the time, but I also have my *dun dun dun!* right hand!


Boo awkward hand position.


I do hate how thin my nails are and yes I have loads of ridges, but keep your nails free of stains by always using a base coat before you polish your nails.  :]

How To Remove Glitter Nail Polish

Glitter nail polish: It's BEAUTIFUL but yes, it's a pain to remove!  I used to be one who would take pure acetone and stick my fingers in it, leaving me with cold wrinkled fingers that were very dried out.  I also would attempt to take a little cotton wipe and scrub*scrub*scrub my nails until I could scrape it all off.  I've even peeled glitter polish off before (do not do this.)  Then, one day, I read about the foil method.


Now many a blogger has their method, their tools, their tricks.  This is simply the way I've been doing it.  :]


Materials
-Zoya Remove+.  This is step "1" in the Zoya Color Lock system.  It's a mild acetone remover with a pleasant lavender scent.  I also adore the plunger top, which allows you to get the remover just where you want it.  You can also relock the bottle's lid for travel or storage.
-Felt.  I bought mine at Hobby Lobby - I'm using white as I'm not sure how acetone and dyed felt react.
-Aluminum foil.  Just a square will do - you'll be crumpling it up as you go.


I like to use 2 pumps of Remove+ straight on my square of felt and then wrap the felt around my finger tip.  This allows for all the remover to be on your nail, not your skin.


Next, wrap a square of aluminum foil around your finger.  Wrap as tightly as you can so there is some pressure on the felt.


Do the rest of your fingers on one hand.  After the last finger, wait a good 5 minutes before attempting to remove.  Yes I know this part is boring.  Do it anyway.


I like to unwrap the foil from my finger, and then pressing down on the felt, pull it off my finger.


Fold over the felt and remove any glitter that didn't come off in the initial slide of the felt.  Providing you covered your nail in felt, it will be easy to remove.


Finally, treat your nails to a cuticle oil of your choice.  I'm using Julep Essential Cuticle Oil from my September American Beauty Julep Maven box. [Julep referral link]


Ta da!  Hopefully this makes your glitter wearing a bit more bearable!