Swatch & Review: OPI Unfor-greta-bly Blue

Hey everyone!

Today I have a simple swatch and review of OPI's Unfor-greta-bly Blue from the Germany Collection.

It is a brilliant jewel toned metallic blue that has a slight shimmer. The depth in this polish is amazing. I'm not usually much of a blue polish wearer but this is gorgeous! It applies very smooth and even and is fully opaque in two coats. It dried fairly quickly with a nice shine. I applied Hong Kong Girl top coat to seal it.

Hope you enjoy and have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!

Mystery Giveaway!

Hey everyone!

A good friend of mine Jillian from Jilltastic Nail Design recently hit 3,500 fans on her Facebook so to celebrate she is hosting a collab giveaway with 12 bloggers including myself! This giveaway is a little bit different in that all of the prizes are a mystery! You won't know what you've won until you receive it. The prizes are either nail OR beauty related.

Make sure you check out all the amazing blogs that are taking part!

Jilltastic Nail Design
Beauty Gnome
College Polished
365 Days of Color
DIY Polish
Munchy's Nails
Beyond Beauty Lounge
XO, Noelle
Peace Love Lacquer
Tall Girl In Heels
Princess Polish
Manicurator

Rules for the giveaway:

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Must be a US resident

Any questions please email me at diy.polish@gmail.com

Good luck to everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Tropical Traditions - Coconut Oil + A Giveaway!

Today I have something a little bit different. Being that I'm all about DIY alternatives, I am always looking for ways to make my own beauty products that don't contain as many harsh chemicals as things you can buy in stores.

I was given the chance to review some Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions. Now, if you aren't familiar with Coconut Oil, you can do a quick Google search to see that there are MANY uses for Coconut Oil including cooking with it and for use in beauty products.

I decided to use it as a skin moisturizer. Every night before bed, I apply it to my skin. I have definitely noticed that my skin is softer and not so dry. The Coconut Oil is naturally lightly scented and doesn't leave my skin feeling oily.

I also bleach and color my hair pretty regularly so I've applied it to my hair. I rub a little in the palms of my hands and work it through my hair. It leaves my hair feeling silky and smooth. Also, after styling, I like to use it to smooth my fly-aways down. Again, it doesn't leave my hair looking or feeling greasy or oily.

The awesome part is that it has been great for my hands and cuticles! They are so soft and smooth!

I am looking into other 'recipes' for some beauty products that I am pretty excited about. I will post more about them when I test them out.

   

Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

 

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.



This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Swatch: Zoya Jem

Hey everyone.

I'm feeling a bit down today. Today makes it 20 years since hurricane Andrew, the storm I lost my sister and home in. So please forgive me for a short and simple post.

I have Zoya Jem on, the application is great, like Zoya's usually are. It is a dark red-toned purple base with lots of golden shimmer. This is two coats followed by Hong Kong Girl Top Coat.

You can find it on the Zoya website here: https://www.artofbeauty.com/rd/013D6289 and if you create a NEW account you get a coupon for a FREE nail polish of your choice! And if you purchase 2 additional polishes, you can get free shipping on your whole order!

Hope you all enjoy and those of you in Florida and the Gulf Coast, stay safe!

Nail Art: Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls

Hey everyone!

A few days ago I did a manicure with OPI's Don't Pretzel My Buttons (can be found here) and it is still in perfect condition so instead of removing it, I wanted to add some art on top. I decided to add some sugar skulls.

I used a whole bunch of different colors, so many that I'm not going to list them all. If you have any questions about specifics, I'll be glad to answer them. Basically the idea is to use a bunch of bright, vibrant colors.

Hope you enjoy! Also, don't forget to add me on Instagram @Rapunzel411

Try It On Tuesday: OPI - Don't Pretzel My Buttons

Hey everyone!

Today is another Try It On Tuesday post! It is where I challenge myself and YOU! to reach into your pile of polishes that you own but haven't used yet, grab one and use it!

My choice for today is an OPI from the Germany collection, yes I know its one of the newer ones but I've been wanting a good nude polish for a while now so when I saw Don't Pretzel My Buttons, I had to get it!

The application was great, two even coats for opaque coverage. It dried pretty quick on its own.

I actually really like this. It is a big change from what I usually wear and I think probably only one of two nude polishes that I even own. I'm actually a bit shocked at how much I like this haha

What is your favorite nude polish?

Have a good day!

Nail Art + Review + Tutorial - Shooting Stars

Hey everyone!

Let me just start this off by saying I am so very proud of this manicure! I had this vision in my head and it came out perfectly! I've tried tape manicures before but they have never been up to my standards. A good friend of mine, Victoria from Manicurator, gave me a tip: use striping tape instead of regular tape! By the way, if you have never seen her blog, you should totally check it out, her skills are AMAZING!!!

Anyway, I started with a base of Zoya Indigo which is a dark indigo blue with a touch of shimmer. It really resembles a starry night. The application of Indigo is great, it applies evenly and is opaque.

After applying Indigo, I let it dry completely and even waited a few hours to make sure it was completely set. After the wait, I began applying the striping tape to create the shooting star effect. I then used Zoya Trixie to fill in the areas inside the taped out lines. I removed the tape while the polish was still wet. I then let Trixie set up a bit before applying a star shaped glitter followed by a layer of top coat.

Here is a step-by-step image:





I was lucky enough to receive some glitter from a new shop called Glitterland! She sells all sorts of shapes and colors of glitter that is used for creating nail art!

I used the Purple Stars to create my shooting stars. The nail art glitter is available for $5.50 for 8 grams or $9.00 for 16 grams and also has free shipping!

You can find her shop called Glitterland here!

Blog here: datyorkloves

Facebook page here: SassyNails

Make sure you check her out!

Ok now on to the pictures!!!

I seriously LOVE how this turned out! I am so proud of it and I hope you guys like it too!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Review: Nails inc. Sprinkles - Pudding Lane

Hey everyone!

I am pretty excited to share this beauty from Nails Inc. with you guys today! It is called Pudding Lane and it is one of four Sprinkle Special Effect polishes. Pudding Lane is described as a "teal with navy and gold sprinkles"... Now, I wouldn't necessarily call it teal but it is a beautiful, bright, light blue with navy and gold matte "sprinkles".

The application was a dream, for being so jam packed with glitter, it applies so smooth and effortlessly. Sometimes with heavy glitters you have to sort of dab the glitter on, not with this one! I used two normal coats and it was perfect coverage. I also notice that it didn't dry as gritty as I thought it was going to, I topped it with a coat of Seche Vite and it was perfectly smooth.

Here is a macro shot of it

It really is such a cool looking, pretty polish! Overall, I really loved how easy the application was and how unique it is!

Do you have any Nails Inc. polishes? Which ones are your favorite?

You can find Nails Inc. polishes in the US at Sephora. Check out their website here to find where they are available in your country. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest info.

*This product was provided to me for my honest review. All opinions are my own and my loyalties lie with my readers.

Review: Nails inc. Fishnet Magnetic Effects - Spitalfields

Hey everyone!

Today I have Nails Inc. Fishnet Magnetic Effect polish in Spitalfields. It is a super shimmery forest green color. Overall, I really like the color, I think it is a great shade for fall and even winter.

The application was decent, it applied evenly and dried smoothly. Now, the magnet itself is where I had problems... I didn't find that it was very strong at all and also wish it was a tad more wide. With that said, it did make a pretty cool design. I like the look the fishnet magnet provides.

The fishnet almost makes it look like scales. I think if it made a stronger design it'd be really cool looking. I will try to play with it again and see if I can get it to show up better and I'll update the post to let you guys know.

Do you like magnetic polishes? What is your favorite Nails inc polish?

*This product was provided to me for my honest review. All opinions are my own and my loyalties lie with my readers.

Review: Deborah Lippmann - Bad Romance

Hey everyone!

Today I have another polish that I got from Flat Iron Experts, Deborah Lippmann's Bad Romance! Now, if you know me, you know I love me some Lady Gaga. So of course when I saw the name of this, I had to have it. It is a black jelly base that is jam packed with purple shimmer and purple hex glitter. It is so dark and vampy yet very girly and pretty.



I applied two coats, the first was a bit patchy but the second coat evened it out perfectly. The application was great, the glitter was very managable. I know usually I'm all about bright colors but sometimes I love my dark, vampy colors too and this one is perfect.

Deborah Lippmann's Bad Romance retails for $21.99 on Flat Iron Experts and can be found here: Bad Romance, it also qualifies for free shipping with any order over $50

Also, for those of my readers who are in Canada, Flat Iron Experts is actually based in Canada!

Don't forget to check out their site and browse around a bit!

*This product was provided to me for my honest review. All opinions are my own and my loyalties lie with my readers.

Try It On Tuesday + a Review: Flat Iron Experts

Hey everyone!

Today I have my Try It On Tuesday post + a review!

Have you ever heard of Flat Iron Experts? It is an online beauty shop that sells everything from (yep, you guessed it!) all sorts of flat irons to cosmetics and even nail polish!

I was given the opportunity to review some polishes from them and today I have Essie's Sure Shot which can be found here!

Sure Shot is a beautiful, almost metallic magenta color. It shines so beautifully. The formula and application were less than desirable which made me sad since the color is so pretty. It applied streaky and a bit uneven. I also experienced some pooling on the edges on my nails. After applying two coats, a good layer of top coat (Seche Vite) seemed to even it out pretty good.

I'm beginning to think Essie just doesn't play well with me for some reason. I have to admit that I only have (I think) 4 Essie's and its for the same reason. The application just isn't great. Or maybe it is the brush? I'm not sure. Anyone have any tips or experience with Essie?

Anyway, Essie's Sure Shot is currently on sale for $7.50 at Flat Iron Experts. Make sure you check out their other great deals and products. Also, don't forget its free shipping on orders over $50 and they have great customer service!

*This product was provided to me for my honest review. All opinions are my own and my loyalties lie with my readers.

I'm baaaaccckkkk!!!

Hey everyone! It has been a very long 3 weeks, I am so glad it is starting to calm down a little bit and I can begin getting back to 'normal'. The move was rough, I'm thankful that its over. I'm starting to like the new place but I'll be happy when it is all decorated and unpacked.

I want to thank you all for all of the support and kind words I've received, it has really meant a lot to me. You guys are the best!

Anyway, I'm going to be working on nursing my cuticles and nails back to a healthy state so please excuse the shape they are in for now. I just had to paint them finally.

I used Deborah Lippmann's Edge of Glory, my favorite black, and an accent of China Glaze's Pool Party. I topped the accent nail with a thick coat of Seche Vite and applied hot pink rhinestones to the whole nail.

It is overall very simple but I actually like it. I love black (and most dark colors) on short nails and since I'm rockin' some crazy nubbins for now, I love how it looks.

I hope you have all had a great weekend and I can't wait to get back into the swing of things!