Moda VoxBox from Influenster

Let me start off by saying that so far this Vox Box has been my favorite.  I have received three boxes over the last four months.  The second box I didn't review on here because it was a bag of dog treats.  So, lets get right to it.

Google defines the word 'moda' as Spanish for fashion.  Honestly, I wouldn't have named this box 'moda'.  But, being that does have some makeup in it, I can see why they did name it that.

This is pretty much how the box looked when I opened it.  It was a very heavy box but was organized quite nicely.  I'm going to break down each item and add an image of each of those items.  Hope you enjoy.

Puffs Soft Pack:  $1.99-2.49

The first item I pulled out of the box was a Puffs Soft Pack.  They designed the package to hold up better than an ordinary tissue box.  The tissues are super soft and gentle.  I like this packaging due to is ability to be shoved into any little nook and cranny since it's just a plastic type of wrapping.

Resource Spring Water:  $1.49

According to the card that came with the box, this water is 100% natural spring water.  The bottle is also made with 50% recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable.  I did open it this morning to give it a try and it had a nice clean taste to it.

Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa:  $2.29

I'm a little dissapointed that they only included one little package for me to try.  This little package only requires for you to add hot milk to it and stir it in.  I personally only use water for hot cocoa due to being lactose intollerant but I will give it a try when it is cold enough down here (Florida) to sit outside in a blanket.  That's the only way to enjoy hot cocoa in my book!

Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer:  $5.99-6.99

I'm actually excited about this tiny 3 ounce bottle of goodness.  Being that I work with food, I am constantly washing my hands so this is supposed to save them!  It contains a unique illuminating Hydralucene blend and locks in moisture for up to 48 hours.  It claims to reveal visibly luminous, healthier-looking skin in just one week.  I used it for the first time today and I love it.  I'm definitely trying the one week challenge.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner:  $5.99-6.49

I've never used lip liner and I don't get chapped lips (I know, gah!  LOL)  so I am not going to be using this.  I will however keep it set aside for a giveaway.  The card says that it defines lips and prevent colour from feathering.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick:  $6.99-7.49

Again, another thing I will not sue especially since it is a serious red so I will be sitting this aside for a giveway, too.  The card says that it drenches your lips in moisture and brilliant colour.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara:  $5.49-5.99

I am so happy to have received this!  I've been wanting to buy new mascara that would give me more fuller looking lashes.  The wand is a broken heart shape that creates a fringe of big, curvy, rockin' lashes.  The shaped applicator twists and cures to hug the last line and the thin tip grabs the hard to reach inner lashes while the amplified base pulses lashes with incredible volume and curve.  All of that in one stroke?  Awesome!

Hair Food moisture Hair Mask:  $14.99

This is a product that isn't even on shelves yet!  I haven't used it yet but here is what the card reads:  As honey coats to protect and apricot oil hydrates for softness, the Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask  contains essences of these ingredients, conditioning and coating each strand to help repair and smooth the protective outer layer.  The formula helps proved rich moisture protection from everyday styling for smooth, manageable hair while adding softness, smoothness, and radiant.  I will be using this the next time I color my hair!

So that is the Moda VoxBox!  Hope you enjoyed!  If you would like to be invited to Influenster, please message me the following:

Your email address
TO:  Addicted2Polish2014@Gmail.com

DISCLAIMER:
I RECEIVED EACH OF THESE PRODUCTS COMPLEMENTARY FROM INFLUENSTER FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY!

Cheap Swatch Sticks!

Do you have a ton of polish or do you have a few bottles of just your favorite must haves?  Either way, you probably want a way to compare your polishes without actually having to paint, remove, and repaint your nails when you pick a polish and realize it just isn't the color you had wanted to use.  Well, I have a cheap way to allow you do compare your polish without wasting a single drop of Acetone or precious polish!

Things you'll need:
1.  Popsicle Sticks (bought a box of 1000 from Walmart for only $6)
2.  Fake Nails (bought a bag of 500 tips from Amazon for $3)
3.  Glue gun (Walmart under $10.  Had one laying around)
4.  Glue sticks (Walmart under $3.  Had a bag with my glue gun)
5.  Sharpie Fine Tip Marker (Walmart under $3)
6.  Nail polish, nail polish, nail polish (you decided what to spend)
7.  Something for storage
8.  Patience

I had one of those toilet paper roll storage containers sitting around that I had received for free a few years ago.  It was one of those hideous orange and white containers.  No one ever refilled it except for me so I decided to make use of it.  I had a can of Chalkboard Paint sitting around when I painted an old picture frame to use as a prop (yes, I'm a photog) for my photography sessions.  I painted that hideous orange container with the Chalkboard Paint and fell in love with the look of it!  I mean, it's CHALKBOARD PAINT!  You can draw all over it with chalk!

While I allowed the now "Swatch holder" to dry, I began fitting and gluing nails onto the Popsicle sticks.  You should make sure to order the larger nails (size 0 was the best to work with).  I tried using Elmer's Glue and nail glue but neither of them worked.  The fastest and most securing way was to use my hot glue gun!  It didn't melt the nails.  The nails were ready to work with as soon as the glue had cooled which was only a couple of minutes.  Be sure to add more glue than you would normally use to secure something.  I made sure to not only add glue onto the nail itself but after pressing the Popsicle stick into the nail I applied extra glue to the top of the stick and the sides.

I ended up recruiting the boyfriend into helping me because I had ordered nails that came in 0-4 sizes which caused the sticks to be too big.  I had him "trim" the sticks for the smaller ones.  After three days of gluing nails to sticks I was finally ready to start painting them!  Take note, do it in small sections to allow the proper dry time for each polish!  Storing them before they are dry will cause them to stick to each other.  And if you don't apply enough glue, you will find a couple here and there at the bottom of your container.

I found it was easier to paint my sticks in groups of ten.  Before I would paint each stick, I would write the name of the brand, name of the polish, and I would leave room at the end to add how many coats it took to make it opaque with the exception of glitters and textured polishes.  As I would write them on the sticks, I would also add them to a piece of paper so that I could tally the number of coats used.  After a VERY long week "swatching" I found that when I stood my container upright, my sticks wouldn't stand up the right way.  I figured out a quick and easy fix for that.

I taped each circle to one another and taped a few of the outside pieces to the container.  Doing this allowed me to please my OCD and separate my swatch sticks by color or brand.

I can fully confess that I am now happy with my swatch sticks and container and didn't have to spend $10 or more on real ones that only come with 50 or less.  I spent less than $15 since I already had a glue gun and sticks just laying around from other crafts.

Now, it's time to make another batch of sticks and up-cycle another container for my ever growing collection.  I hope that this has given you a cheaper way to swatch without paying for those expensive plastic ones.  It may take longer but I can assure you that it is well worth it.

Side note:  I also use an app on my phone called Nail Polish Rack.  I have an android phone and know that this is only for android.  I have yet to find an app that I like using my iPad but I will continue to try new ones until I find one that is fitting for my needs.

Follow me at:
Twitter:  @Addicted2Polish
Instagram:  @Addicted_2_Polish

I try to follow everyone who follows me, but it does take me some time to catch up, please be patient!

Have a wonderful night, everyone!

Nail Art Stamping Polishes

I have had several plates sitting in a drawer for a few years now that haven't had really any use.  I personally don't like the stamper that came with the Salon Express starter kit I had bought as well as the Nail Art Printing Machine.  I ended up tossing out the Nail Art Printing Machine but keeping the plates.

I joined an amazing group on Facebook called Adventures in Stamping and fell in love with all of the amazing work that was being shared!  I'm telling you, these women (and a few men) are absolutely amazing with nail stamping!

After months of trying to get it to work for me, I gave up!  I was getting no where and was getting very frustrated with it!  Recently, I started playing around with it again and was told that I should try a Winstonia Squishy Stamper.  I ordered one after doing the necessary research.  After a week, it was in my hands.

I grew frustrated with it quickly.  I would prime it and then try to stamp it and it just wouldn't pick up the image.  After priming it six times, yes you read that right, I finally was able to pick up a complete image!  Yes!  Finally!

I was so excited that I finally got it to pick up an image, I decided to go through all of my nail polish to find out which ones would actually stamp.  Here is a photo I took as I was working my way through my polish collection.

The tools I kept at hand were the following:
Winstonia Squishy Stamper
Stamping Plates (I used Salon Express SE18 for butterfly in the center)
Cotton Gripper
Cotton Ball
Acetone
Lint Roller to clean stamper (helps pick up the hair, dust, ect that the stamper head will pick up)
Piece of paper to prevent a mess
A notebook to keep note of which polishes worked

After four hours of stamping, writing, cleaning, and repeating, here is my list of polishes that I own (all of which are either drug store, department store, or mini's).  I will be adding this list to my "Polish Collection" page and will keep updating it as I continue to get more.

Quick note--Stamping polish can be expensive.  I have yet to find a single bottle that is less than $5 and is no more than 11ml.  That's pretty expensive for a small bottle specialty polish in my opinion.  I would rather spend $5 on two or three or even four bottles of 15ml bottles that can be used as regular nail polish, too.  That is just my opinion on the specialty polish.

My Stamping Polish

Finger Paints

Black Expressionism

Well-Cultured Pearl

SpaRitual

Kiss The Cook

Last Call

Creative

Winterfire

Warpaint Beauty

Slime

A Mile Away

Acid Orange

Wet N Wild

Ice Blue Pearl

Lavender Creme

Eggplant Frost

Frosted Fuschia

How I Met Your Magenta

Lavender Pearlescent

Dreamy Poppy

Caribbean Frost

Sunny Side Up

I Need A Refresh-Mint

Candy-Licious

On A Trip

Through The Grapevine

OPI

My Auntie Drinks Chianti

No Name Label (Gold)

Changing of the Garnet

A Little Nookie

La Boheme

Cupp-a-cawfee

Smok'n in Havana

Merry Crimson

L.A. Colors

BCC 660

Palm Tree

BCC 558

BCC 566

Nina Pro Ultra

Solar Flare

Orange Flame

Magenta

Sally Hansen

Hard Lemonade

Whirlwind White

Brisk Blue

Flashy Fuchsia

Lickety-Split Lime

Gold Chrome

Kelp Yourself

Marine Scene

Black Out

Ivy League

Crushed

You're Crabby

NYC

Moma

Skyline Blue

Times Square Tangerine Creme

Midtown Mimosa

French White Tip

Lexington Lilac

Rock The Party

Empire State Blue

Preppy Pink

Tudor City Teal

Pink Promenade Cream

Purple Pizzazz Frost

Rimmel

Shocker

Camouflage

Nicole

Twinkle Periwinkle

The Color Workshop

NEPA 45

NBMA 12

1

NBRA 12

NBRA 33

NBRA 1

NBRA 14

NBRA 2

NCYA 3

NBRA 19

NEPA 41

NBMA 6

NEPA 60

NBRA 41

NBRA 49

NCTA 6

4

NBLA 15

NBPA 15

Ulta

Goddess

Canyon Coral

Pure Ice

Scream

Maybelline Color Show

Denim Dash

Onyx Rush

Blue Blowout

Styled Out

Mystic Green

Sinful Colors

Palm Breezy

Courtney Orange

Big Daddy

Why Not

Cinderella

Hazard

San Francisco

Sea Glisten

Energetic Red

Island Coral

Boogie Nights

Rise & Shine

Kissy

Blue Crushin'

Innocent

Dream On

Cream Pink

Snow Me White

Daredevil

Mint Tropics

24/7

Ice Blue

Bali Mist

Black on Black

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

  Ugly Love is a story that is not easily going to be forgotten.  From the first chapter, Colleen Hoover pulls you into this emotional roller coaster of a story.  My preferences on books have definitely changed thanks to this book.  Normally, I am into the "Fifty Shades" types of stories but this one has proven to me that not every story has to have vivid accounts of sex and violence to enjoy it.  I enjoyed it.

  The story alternates chapters between Tate Collins who is a twenty-three year old RN who is also going to school to complete her CNRN degree and Miles Archer who is a twenty-four year old pilot.  Tate's side of the story is all in the present.  Miles' story goes back six years to explain why he is the way he is.

  Tate moves from San Diego to finish school in San Francisco while sharing an apartment with her older, protective pilot brother.  His friend, co-worker, and neighbor just happens to be Miles.  The ups and downs between Miles and Tate make you want to scream at them through the pages before you even hit the fifth chapter.  There is just so much sexual tension building in the first few chapters that you can barely contain yourself.

  Tate wants Miles to love her but Miles is so closed off from his past that he has an internal struggle with himself.  While he battles within himself, he hurts Tate over and over again until she just can't take anymore.  He breaks her.  She thought she could live with the two tiny rules they had laid down in the beginning but falls in love with him.  She has an internal struggle herself when Miles tells her and her brother that he has no plan to love her, ever.

  By chapter ten, you know you want them together more than anything else but Miles is so cold and shut off.  He continuously pushes her away to the point that he himself can't do it anymore.  He turns to a source for help.  A source that you wouldn't see coming.

It's a must read!  And you'll struggle within yourself on putting it down or reading just one more chapter.  It's a beautifully dark love story that makes you feel like you are watching everything happen.  Your heart will break.  Your heart with cry with joy.  Your heart will plead with you to continue reading the story.  Listen to your heart.  Pick up your copy of Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover at your local bookstore or on your device!  It's worth the read!


Disclaimer:  The product in this review was purchased by myself.  If you are a business and are interested in me doing a review of your product, please contact me at addicted2polish2014@gmail.com

A Couple Changes Coming! :)

So, I've decided that I'm going to be changing a couple of things on the blog.  One of which, you have already seen (if you haven't go check it out!) and hopefully enjoyed!  I am going to start reviewing more than just nail polish!  I'm going to be doing tons of reviews coming really really REALLY soon!  "What?"  you ask?  Well, here it is...Are you ready?

1.  Name Change!  Why?  Well, I want something to reflect the changes that are happening to the blog.  I have so many interests that I want to be able to blog a review about whatever I like other than nail polish.  Yes, I LOVE nail polish, but there are times that I just want to paint my nails and go about my day without even thinking about making a note of the consistency, odor, price, and so on of a manicure.  And yes, I will still be doing reviews and walk-through of nail polish!

2.  New Layout!  I'm changing the look of the blog to make it more ME.  I have to like what I'm doing, right?

3.  Books!  Yes, you read that right!  I am a HUGE bookworm!  So, why shouldn't I be blogging about the books I'm reading?  I already have a group on social media that we share books and even discuss them.  I feel it's time that I start blogging about books and I'm going to make it a weekly thing.

4.  Everyday Items!  I am going to start reviewing the things that I find important like the products I use in my hair to what app I have found to be a must have!

5.  NEW SEARCH & TABS!  What do I mean?  Well, I'm going to implement a search bar giving you easier access to finding the blog you want to read.  Each blog post I share will have a key label tag so that you can easily type in "book", "nail polish", and so on.  I am even going to make a page for just labels making it as easy for you.

I think that about sums it up and I hope that you all stay with me while I make these changes.  I feel that these changes will keep the life I want in the blog!  If you aren't following me yet, go to the "Social Media" tab to find a link to each of my social media pages.

Have a wonderful evening everyone!

Vitality VoxBox from Influenster

I recently joined Influenster after seeing a friend of mine share some photos of what she called a "VoxBox"...  I became quite curious after seeing the nail polish, shampoo, conditioner, and self tanner that she received for FREE.

There are absolutely NO FEES for joining Influenster.  There are NO FEES for receiving a VoxBox.  Not even for shipping if you are picked to participate.  I joined a couple months ago with the intentions of giving it a shot but not expecting to receive a box.

Well, I got one!!   It's called the Vitality VoxBox!!  Or as others are calling it:  Vitavoxbox.  And here is my first review of Influenster's VoxBox (and hoping for more to come!)

The first item you see is the Pure Leaf Lemon tea.  It's a full sized bottle wrapped in bubble wrap.  Of course, it needs to be refrigerated before you can enjoy it's pure goodness!  I personally don't like lemon so I gave it to my boyfriend.  He enjoyed it!

The second item is a burn cream from First Degree.  This is a must have in every medicine cabinet!  I am notorious for burning myself with a flat iron while trying to quickly do my hair.  First Degree Advanced Burn Cream is valued at $5.97-$8.99.

The next item is Playtex Sport Fresh Balance tampons.  I opened one of them and found that these are plastic applicators (thank God!) with a unique shape.  I figured that is why they are marketed for the very active women!  They are valued at $3.99.

The fourth item is Bikini Ready Energy Gummies.  Some of those who received the Vitality VoxBox received a full size bottle.  I was not one of those so I would like to disclose to you that I did only receive a sample of two gummies.  The package reads that they taste great, boost metabolism, and increases energy.  The two gummies have a light sugar coating on them.  I don't like orange flavored anything but I can say that the orange gummy tasted fine.  The grape gummy was amazing.  There is no bad after taste.  I cannot say if they increase energy or boost metabolism due to only receiving a one time use only package.  I may have to buy some to review!  The full sized bottle is valued at $14.99.

The fifth item is the awesome Softlips Cube!  I have never seen such a cute lip balm.  I'm not one who really wears any kind of product on my lips but after have a wisdom tooth removed last week, my lips have been really chapped.  As soon as I opened my VoxBox and seen the Cube, I opened it and applied it.  Instantly, I felt relief!  The smell is amazing, too.  The flavor/scent I received is Cool Mint!  I love it!  Softlips Cube is a 5 in 1 lip care.  It makes your lips look radiant and feel softer, smoother, and more hydrated according to the package.  I must say that I thoroughly agree with that!  As I had said before, I felt instant relief when I applied it to my horribly chapped lips!  I feel that this is a must have!  Every woman should have one of these adorable little cubes in their purse, make-up bag, in their desk drawer, and in their pocket!  It's that good!  The Softlips Cube is valued at $3.49.

And the final item is Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum.  When I opened this little package, I thought that it was another sample but I was wrong.  I read the little card that comes with the VoxBoxs and the inserts.  This little one ounce bottle is valued at $60.  I have never and will never pay that much for a one ounce bottle of anything.  I'm almost afraid to use this little bottle.  I don't use a lot of product of my skin due to having some issues with sensitivity but this bottle says that it can reclaim your flawless complexion.  The bottle has a clear liquid and a bunch of beads in it.  The mini beads are activated when dispensed.  According to the flier, this serum reinforces your skins essential moister barrier, evens skin tone and texture, and reduces the appearance of early signs of wrinkles.  I can't say if it does or doesn't.  I don't currently have wrinkles (I'm in my late twenties and have no children yet!) so I will save this tiny bottle for when it is needed!

So, there you have it!  These were the contents of my very first ever VoxBox from Influenster!  I liked nearly everything in the Vitality VoxBox and I'm looking forward to reviewing more VoxBoxs!

If you would like to join Influenster, ask me how to receive an invite!

DISCLAIMER:  I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

7 ways to clean up nail polish!

I haven't kept up with this blog for a couple months now.  I had some health issues which will be temporarily resolved next week.  I also celebrated my 29th birthday last week!!  The boyfriend took me to Sea World and I absolutely loved it!  My nails were perfect for it, I do believe!!

Anyway...Today, I want to share a few ways of removing nail polish!  Even the most stubborn glittered nail polish can be removed easily.  Here are just a few ways!!

1.  Cotton ball and acetone 

This method is quite simple.  All that you need to do is tear a cotton ball into several pieces and soak them in acetone or non acetone nail polish remover.  After you have soaked the cotton balls, you place one piece across your nail and hold firmly for about ten seconds to make sure that it is soaking into the polish.  I usually leave these on my nails for up to ten minutes.  After pulling them off, I take on cotton ball with acetone or non acetone polish remover and clean up the remaining polish.

2.  Pure Acetone

This is Onyx Professional Remover.  It is 100% pure acetone and I swear by it!!  You can purchase it at Wal-Mart for under $3.  I removes nail polish and glitter polish quickly and easily!  It says it can remove artificial nails but I cannot confirm or deny it due to not having artificial nails.

3.  Aluminum Foil and acetone

I personally don't use foil that is specifically for nails like this brand above.  In my honest opinion, it is MUCH cheaper to go to the dollar store and buy a roll of foil for $1.  To use this method, cut several pieces of aluminum foil and tear a cotton ball into 2 or 3 pieces (depending on the size of your nails).  Take the cotton ball and dip it in acetone.  After you have soaked your cotton ball, place it firmly onto your nail and wrap the aluminum foil around your finger.  Most people say that you should only leave it on your nails for about five minutes but I have found that it cleans the hardest of glitter polishes in about ten minutes.  After you remove the foil, use another cotton ball to clean up the remaining polish.  

4.  Whitening tooth paste (cleaning up stains on your nails)

I've had some issues with certain polishes staining my nails and I have found this to be the most reliable way to clean it up.  I keep an old toothbrush with my nail tools just for this reason.  I usually wash my hands first and towel dry leaving them slightly wet.  Then apply the toothpaste to each nail ensuring they are completely covered.  I allow the toothpaste to sit on my nails for two minutes before I begin scrubbing with the old toothbrush.  I scrub them for a few minutes and rinse the toothpaste off of one nail to check if they are clean.  If they are, I completely wash my hands and make sure all toothpaste has been washed out from under my nails as well as on them.  If they are not back to a natural color, I scrub my nails for a few more minutes and repeat the process until they are at my standards.

5.  Olive oil, baking soda, and lemon juice (for removing stains)

I personally do not like this method but I have tried it and it does work.  It's simple.  Just mix about two spoons of lemon juice and olive oil with one fourth cup of baking soda.  Stir it well.  After you have stirred it, you can apply it to your nails two different ways.  You can either "soak" your nails into the bowl for about five minutes or you can use an old toothbrush and scrub your nails with the mixture for about five minutes.  I like to just soak my nails when using this method.  

6.  Vaseline

Using Vaseline is really easy and probably the smartest thing to do to prevent messy manicures.  Just apply it around your nails on the skin.  When your nails are dry, just wipe away the Vaseline and it will clean up the excess polish that would normally require using acetone and a cleaning brush.

7.  Lotion

When I remember that I own Vaseline's line of lotion, I apply it around my nails before doing my manicure.  After my nails have dried completely, I just wipe away the excess polish that has been left behind.  Any lotion will work but I love this brand!  

That's all!  Easy peasy!!   Hopefully, your clean up times will get a little shorter and you can fully enjoy your beautiful manicures!!

--B

Ombre Tutorial

As most of you probably are, I'm addicted to Pinterest.  I love pinning different nail art to my board so that I can give them a try.  I've been seeing a ton of "Ombre" nails lately.  I had always known them as gradient but I think Ombre sounds more exotic!  I usually only do my tips but here lately have been doing a full nail.  It's something different!

So, this week, I decided to use my new NYC polishes that I got at CVS for $1.  I used three colors.  French White Tip, Preppy Pink, and Skyline Blue.

Preppy Pink and Skyline Blue are both very subtle colors.  That was what made me buy them.  I have tons of bright blues and pinks as well as dark so the contrast was perfect to go with my collection.

The first thing I did was clean up my nails.  I had glitter tips with two coats of Nail Aid's 3-Minute Miracle that I knew was going to be a pain in the nail to remove.  When I have glitter polish on, I typically use the aluminum foil trick.  I will be doing a blog on that in the near future with other ways to remove polish.

After I cleaned my nails up, I applied one coat of a clear top coat to prevent stains on my nails.  It's a must do especially when using blue, green, or red polishes.

While I let the polish dry, I cut a make-up sponge to remove the ridge from being attached to the other sponges.

After my nails were dry, I applied two coats of NYC French Tip White to each nail, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.  I am not a fan of white polish.  I have never found a good bottle from any brand.  They are always either too thin and takes more than two coats or they are too thick and look horrible.  NYC French Tip White is not any better.  I didn't expect much out of it being that it was only $1.  It applied thick and goopy.  After the first coat was dry, I applied the second coat being more generous hoping that it would make it a little better.

After I allowed the white polish to dry, which was very quick, I began applying NYC Preppy Pink and Skyline Blue to the bigger backside of the make-up sponge.  I wasn't worried about how many tries it was going to take me to get it right because I bought a bag of 25 sponges for only $1.50 at Walmart.  Also, I don't remember mentioning this above but if I did I will just repeat myself.  This is the first time I have ever used sponges and attempted an Ombre type of nail art.

I applied both polishes generously and allowed them to touch and kind of mix with each other giving it a three color look.  Pink and blue make purple!  I recommend having your bottles open and ready to use as well as moving kind of quick.  I wasn't worried about making them perfect.  I'm not perfect.  I'm not a professional.  And I enjoy trying new things!

I sponged each nail to my liking, adding each color to the sponge for every nail.  I made a huge mess around my nails on my skin but again, nobody's perfect.  I only applied the sponged colors once.  After they were completely dried, I applied a top coat to give them a shine and to protect my manicure for a few days.

I really like how they turned out and I really can't wait to do more variations.  NYC Preppy Pink and Skyline Blue are AMAZING polishes!  They both are very pretty and seem to be a perfect formula.  Way to go NYC!!  I'm very impressed!

This Ombre was a quick, fun, and easy manicure to do!  From start to finish, it only took 45 minutes which is less than half the time I usually take to do just my tips.

Have fun with it!  You can always add some glitter to them or even do some animal print.  The possibilities are endless!!

For more pictures of my nail art, please follow me on InstaGram @Addicted_2_Polish.  I follow everyone who follows me!

Hope you enjoyed my Ombre tutorial!!

Best Top Coat!

This is Nail-Aid's 3 Minute Artificials!  It's an 11x Gel Power top coat.  I have been using this top coat for the last year and can't express how much I love it!

I applied this top coat before heading to the beach and didn't have one chip, break, or smudge!

Let me clear up one thing though.  This is not an actual artificial polish or overlay.  It's just a polish that hardens up just like you had artificials or an overlay.

Best part of all is the price!  It's under $5!!!

So, go get you a bottle now!!  Look in the nail polish isle!  it comes in a pink box!!

--B

Disclaimer:  this is a photo from a google search.  My bottle is almost empty and wanted to show the full bottle.

Wet 'N Wild Mega Rocks Review

I absolutely love glitter polish!  I like to wear them as an accent to my normal manis as well as wearing them as a mani by themselves.  You can never go wrong with glitter polishes!  This time, I chose to use Sally Hansen's Black out as a base color and Wet 'N Wild's Mega Rocks Gettin' Amped.

I applied Sally Hansen's Black out on all of my tips except for one.  My middle finger I painted completely to make it look more like a jelly rather than just a mani.

I was in a hurry so they were not as nice as they usually are.  This polish tends to be runny but after two coats it looked better than most black polishes.

After the black had dried, I began adding the Wet 'N Wild Gettin' Amped over the black polish.  It's a clear polish with silver and black glitter.  At first, the glitter wasn't applying the way I wanted it to.  It would clump up in one area where I first brushed.  I ended up using one of my nail art brushes to push some of the glitter around into different areas.

It's quick drying and looks amazing!  You have to manipulate the glitter quickly if you want to spread it out.  I did two coats on each nail and three on my middle.  I wanted to middle nail to stand out from the rest.

The glitter on top of the black polish just pops out and says "Look at me!"  I absolutely love this glitter and really recommend it!  I'm glad I didn't pass up the BOGO on this!

Sally Hansen's Black Out 3/5
Wet 'N Wild Gettin Amped 4/5

--B

Walgreens SALE

All of Walgreen's nail polish is on sale!  Whether it's .69 a bottle or bogo for under $5!!  I spent a total of $14 this morning and ended up with 18 bottles!!

--B

Vitamins

I must confess that I am blessed with long hard nails naturally.  I come from a long line of women who have had absolutely no problems growing out and maintaining beautiful nails.  Growing up, I would sit at my Grandmother's kitchen table and watch as she applied her perfect manicure.  She never really did any colors.  It usually was just a nude mani but watching her always intrigued me on how she always had those beautiful nails, especially working as a nurse for the VA for 30 years.

As a child, I never had long nails.  I was a tom boy.  I played baseball in the summer and cheered/danced in the fall until I got into high school.  When I got into high school, I started letting them grow out until I got into Color Guard.  I had to keep them short so that I could keep a grip on my pole and riffles.  Can't really toss around a six foot pole and catch it without stabbing yourself in the palms!!  (Insert bad band camp jokes here.)

I ended up cutting my hair off one hot summer day due to believing the weight of my hair was causing migraines (proved to be a passed on migraine issue from generations of migraine sufferers in my family.).  It was almost to my waist and ended up cutting it into a bob type of style.  A HUGE change.  Since then, my hair hasn't grown much more than to the middle of my back before I cut it off again.  Now, I'm in the process of letting it grow out again.  It's a long and tedious process.

What does this have to do with nails, you ask.  Well, I spent hours searching the internet for quick ways to grow my hair out again and I came across a forum talking about vitamins.  I searched hundreds of sites and forums about these so called "Hair, Skin, & Nails" vitamins.  After finding all the information I could actually find, I decided to give it a shot.  These are the ones I ended up buying.  They are about $6 a bottle.

I started taking them in February when I "chopped" my hair off again, regretfully.  I also had the top of my hair bleached and the bottom dyed a dark brown.  I just finished my first bottle (240) yesterday.  My bangs are well to the tip of my nose now when they were cut about 2 1/2 - 3 inches ABOVE my eyebrows.  My roots have come out from the bleach blonde hair about the same amount.  The back of my hair went from a couple inches above my shoulders to right at the middle of my shoulder blades.

That's only THREE months.  My hair doesn't even grow that much in half a year, really.  I've also noticed that my hair isn't falling out like it was.  When I would shower, I would have strands of hair falling out every time I touched my hair.  Not so much now!

Again, what does this have to do with nails?

My nails now grow twice as fast as they did and are harder than they ever have been.  I rarely have to deal with my nails breaking.  They usually only break now when they get too long and I catch them on something, like a car door handle that snaps them down to the skin...Ouch!

I bought my second bottle yesterday and will continue to use these vitamins!  I do suggest that you take only one in the morning with a FULL bottle of water and two at night on a full stomach.  I was taking two in the morning and one at night and always ended up sick in the morning.  I'm sure thought if you eat breakfast it wouldn't affect you the way it did me.

And a little perk of these vitamins for me was the fact that I had psoriasis on my wrists, feet, knees, and the backs of my hands and legs but it seems to have gone away for the most part.  I had tried everything from creams to prescriptions to make it go away and it never did.  Maybe, just maybe, these vitamins helped!!

**Keep an eye out tomorrow for a new polish review!!

--B

Maybelline Color Show Street Art Review

Out of bordem, I have done my nails twice today.  If you read the last post, you know that I cut my nails down last night.  Why?  Well, they were hurting and causing problems with typing.  Anyway, the second mani I did today was Maybelline's Color Show Street Art Blue Beats (42).

I decided to do my tips with Sally Hansen Black Heart (880), Pure Ice Scream (278CP), and Maybelline's Color Show Street Art Blue Beats (42).  Blue Beats is a clear polish with black and blue specks.  Pretty cool if I say so myself!  I bought several different variations of Color Show and plan on reviewing each of them!

I applied Sally Hansen's Black Heart (880) to each of my tips leaving the middle nail to be fully painted in Pure Ice's Scream (278CP).  Each took only two coats and dried quickly.  I love Pure Ice's Scream.  It seems to just pop!

After letting my nails fully dry, I applied Maybelline's Color Show Street Art Blue Beats (42) to each tip.  Applying on top of the black made it look as if it was just blue specks on my mani.  I love the contrast.  I applied it on top of the "Scream" made the blue disappear into the base coat and allowed the black specks to shine through.  It applied very easily and dried quickly.  I only did two coats and think that was a bit much.  You may want to only do one coat.  I absolutely love how it turned out and will be wearing this for a few days!  I looks amazing!  Looks like I need to buy more Color Show!

Sally Hansen Black Heart (880) 4/5
Maybelline Color Show Street Art Blue Beats 5/5
Pure Ice Scream (278CP) 5/5

--B

Hard Candy Jubilee (652) Review

I ordered a few tools for my nails and received about 100 tiny rolls of nail tape.  I've never used it and decided that I would give it a try today since I cut down my nails last night.  I wanted to do something different.

This rolls of tape are very tiny and are quite hard to work with if you don't use a pair of tweezers.  Even with the tweezers it was a little bit of a pain because, well, it is tape after all.

I wanted to try out my bottle of Hard Candy Jubilee (652).  In my opinion, it shouldn't be called Jubilee.  It's more of a zombie color!  Yes, I love zombies!  Whether it's COD Zombies or some Walking Dead with the ever so sexy Norman Reedus.  Anyway...

I decided to play around a little bit and do something different.  Typically, I just do my tips but I had cut my nails last night so I really didn't have much to work with.

I did the tips of all of my nails except for my middle finger with the Jubilee.  I had to apply three coats to get the color to my liking.  It is kind of messy being that it has different shapes and sizes in the confetti.  I had to keep brushing to move everything around.  One coat was too light of a green.  Two coats was a pretty greenish color but not dark enough.  The third coat was perfect for me.

It dried rather quickly.  It was under three minutes and it did apply smoothly with the exception of having to keep brushing to move things around.  When all of my nails were dry, I began trying to figure out what I was going to do with the type.  I ended up just doing my middle nail with three pieces going from the cuticle and out at an angle.  I applied Sally Hansen's Black Heart (808) over the top of the nail with the tape to see how it would turn out...  Easily put:  messy.  Sally Hansen's Black Heart (808) is kind of thin but it is the best black polish I have come across.

After a few minutes of dry time, I pulled the tape off to see what it looked like...

I actually liked it.  I should have doubled the tape to make it wider.  All in all, I love Hard Candy's Jubilee and can't wait to try out the other one I bought.

Hard Candy Jubilee 4/5
Sally Hansen Black Heart 4/5

--B

Maybelline Color Show!

Today, I will be doing a review on Maybelline's Color Show.  I have bought several different colors from this line and have finally used two of them.

So, as you see, I'm using Maybelline's Color Show Onyx Rush (430) as a base coat and chose to use Maybelline's Color Show Street Art Green Graffitti (32) to go over it.  The green graffitti has green and black specks in a clear polish.  Looks pretty cool!

I ended up using the Onyx Rush as a base color because on my first attempt without a base color it looked like a huge mess of confusion.  The green and black specks didn't cover up my nail like I wanted it to.

While using the Onyx Rush, I realized how "runny" it was and had to have three  coats applied to make it look just right.  I just cannot seem to find a perfect black yet.  Either they are too runny or too thick.  I was impressed with how quickly the Onyx Rush dried though.  That is a huge perk for me!

The Green Graffitti is a clear polish with green and black specks of various sizes.  It took me only two coats over the Onyx Rush to get it just to where I wanted it.  It dried quickly as well.  It has become one of my favorite polishes to add flare to a plain mani!

To finish off my mani, I always use Nail-Aid's 3 Minute Artificials 11x Gel Top Coat.  I don't have acryllic nails or overlays.  My nails grow quickly naturally and they are usually pretty hard.  Nail-Aid's top coat is by far the best top coat I have ever used.  For me, it's a must have.  My polish does not chip when I have it on.  But the down fall is, my nails grow QUICKLY and within three days of doing my manicure I have to either "fill" the bottom of my nails with more top coat or I remove my polish and do something else.

On a normal week, I do my nails twice.

Rating:
Maybelline Color Show Onyx Rush--3/5
Maybelline Color Show Street Art Green Graffitti--5/5

I hope you have enjoyed my review!