Showing posts with label cosmetics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cosmetics. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

DIY Gel Nails :: Update

If you missed the how-to on our at-home DIY gel nails manicure, you'll definitely want to check it out after you see how my mani stayed in place for a full seven days!  Since it worked so well, I knew I had to update so y'all could see for yourself...

It wasn't until Day 7 that I had even one tiny chip.  You can see it on the corner of my pointer finger on the Day 7 photo.  I really couldn't believe how well our tutorial worked and how long it lasted, and will absolutely be using this method all the time.  I love a good salon mani, but this will be my go-to method for when I can't get to the salon and don't want to fork out the dough.

I'll also point out that a good top coat is essential - so make sure to check out what we used on the DIY tutorial!

Have you guys used our tutorial?  If so, send us your pictures!  We'd love to show off y'alls manicures!  Do you have any tips or tricks to making your mani last?

Monday, June 23, 2014

Link Love

1  ::  I could totally see this stool working in a multitude of rooms (indoor + outdoor!).
2  ::  This bathroom redo is spot on.


3  ::  This recipe looks so fresh delicious - perfect for summer.
4  ::  Absolutely love this lamp finial and it comes in lots of colors!
5  ::  Loving this cozy living room with its amazing gallery wall.


6  ::  DIY gel nails at home with no UV light required.  Sign us up!
7  ::  I'm going to find a way to use this pendant in our house.
8  ::  How gorgeous is this beauty?!


9  ::  Is it bad that I want to make one of these for myself?
10  ::  This stuff works wonders and I use it every day.

Happy Monday!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

DIY Gel Nails


I'm a huge fan of gel polish manicures, but they can get pretty expensive pretty fast especially if you're getting them done every two to three weeks. So in an effort to cut down on time at the nail salon (don't worry, I'll still be going in every so often to get these crazy cuticles under control), I went on the hunt for an at home solution that didn't include buying my own gel kit.

After a bit of searching, I stumbled upon Gelous Advanced Nail Gel Coat, and thought I'd give it a try!  When I was checking out at Sally's, the lady at the counter said the Gelous was great and they hadn't gotten a single complaint about it yet.  So I gathered all of my nail polish supplies:



Let's get started!
  • Begin by applying two thin coats of Gelous to your clean dry nails, allowing a few minutes in between each coat for it to dry (about 3 or so minutes).
  • Once the Gelous has dried, apply a thin coat of your color nail polish and let it dry (5 minutes or so).
  • Apply a thin coat of Gelous and let that dry (2-3 minutes) making sure to swipe the tips of your nails to seal in the edges.
  • Apply another thin coat of your color nail polish, let that dry (2-3 minutes).
  • Apply your top coat (you want it to be a fast drying and Seche Vite is my new favorite - I don't know how I'm just now starting to use it!).
  • Let all of those layers dry and you're done!
I did my nails right after dinner so they had a bit of time to dry before I went to bed.  I let them dry overnight and when I woke up in the morning I was sure I would have sheet marks - but I didn't!  Victory!  I don't think this will last two weeks or more like normal gel nail polish, but if it can hold up for a week that's better than any regular polish in my book!


I'll post an update to this DIY to see how long the polish lasts, but so far so good!  It feels a bit stronger than my normal manicure so that's a hopeful sign!


Do you normally get gel polish done when you get your nails done?  Let us know if you try this out and how you like it!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

What's In My Virtual Shopping Cart?

I'm a big believer in online shopping. I rarely go shopping unless it's to a local shop where I can't purchase online. It's just so much easier to have everything delivered right to my door. Plus, it makes for a nice surprise when I get home from work!

Here are some of my recent online purchases...


Via Birchbox
Benefit They're Real! Mascara: I love this mascara. A friend told me about it after I asked if she was wearing false lashes (she wasn't). On a daily basis, I usually just use one coat for a more natural look. But, you can really glam it up with two or three coats. This mascara makes your lashes look full and long!


Via Nordstrom
Sole Goddess Blister Protection Foot Balm: "Killer shoes don't have to kill your feet." I bought this for my wedding rehearsal and wedding day. I, for one, am totally miserable if my feet are hurting; it just ruins everything. This balm is supposed to create a protective barrier to prevent blisters and rubbing. And, it's not sticky and doesn't ruin your shoes. I will be rubbing this all over my feet come next weekend!


Via Kirribilla
Kirribilla Whitney Dress: I have been DYING for this dress since last summer; I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money. So, as soon as it went on sale, I jumped. It's so pretty in person, and I love a peplum. I'm thinking about wearing it to my bridesmaids' luncheon and on our honeymoon. 


Via Zappos
Crocs Ballerina Estiva: You read that right...CROCS! I never thought I would buy a pair of Crocs, but these were too cute (and comfy!) to pass up. These are part of the Crocs Stefano Furiani Collection...they actually don't even have the word Crocs anywhere on the shoe, and the box just says Stefano Furiani. But, these babies are so comfortable and lightweight! I got these because I needed some comfy flats to wear on our honeymoon. I've already worn these to work a few times, and they're like walking on air. While I'll never buy the Crocs potato-looking shoes, I am sold on these!

Via Beryll c/o TODAY Show Steals and Deals


Beryll Canvas Tote Bag: Have you heard about the TODAY Show's Steals and Deals? I'm absolutely obsessed. Every few weeks, they feature insane deals on all kinds of goodies. For example, this tote bag retails for $485 on beryll.com; I got it for $70 on Steals and Deals. You can follow TODAY on Facebook to find out when the deals are going on...they only last 24 hours. 

What were some of your fave purchases lately? Did anything on my list catch your eye?