Monday, September 30, 2013

Top 5 Polishes for Fall

Hey everyone! I thought I would compose a list of my top 5 favorite nail colors for fall!  By chance, they all happen to be OPI and can be purchased here.
1. Cuckoo For This Color- a lovely deep green with a hint of glitter.  On par with the emerald trend!
2. French Quarters for Your Thoughts- a neutral with grey undertones.
3. Lincoln Park After Dark- a deep glossy purple, that almost looks black
4. DS Radiance- a true metallic silver.  This is the best metallic I have EVER found.
5. Color to Diner For- a beautiful berry red with sparkles.

Picture Below shows colors in above order

Tip* Make sure to always use a base and top coat! By doing this, you will extend your diy manicure by several days
xoxo
linds&bells

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Nail Polish Storage

Ive always been curious how the majority of people store their nail polishes.  Do you keep them in a big bin?  But then that leaves you with the problem of hunting and pawing through it when you need a color.  Or I guess you could put them in a drawer, but once again this means you are only seeing the tops of the nail polishes instead of the actual colors.  Trust me, when it comes to storage of any kind, I have tried it all and I've never truly been happy with my nail polish storage until now.  I have given my collection a new home in my second medicine cabinet.  The cabinet allows me to store the polishes upright, while still being able to see the colors.  My collection just barely fits, so if you have more polishes than cabinet space, consider changing out certain colors for the seasons.  This will make it easy to see the colors you actually want to use, and you can box up the others that you wont be using.  Take a look at mine below:
While the shelves are 2-3 polishes deep, it still allows for easy access and visibility of my collection.  Much easier than keeping them in a big bin! PLUS storing your polishes upright will extend their shelf life.

xoxo
linds&bells

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Sunday, September 29, 2013

How I Store Makeup Brushes

I always loved the idea of displaying my makeup brushes, but I could never find the right way to do so until now.  Sure I could have gotten a clear vase, as seen by many beauty gurus, but I wanted something different.  I found this gem at my local TJ Maxx and knew it would be perfect!  I'm actually not sure what its supposed to be, but it makes a perfect brush holder!  I filled it with some clear beads from Michaels Craft Store and voila! Perfect!

September Empties!

Well September is almost gone and I have little else to show for it than a big bag of empties!  I felt like I used up so many products this month! So here's the low down on what I would and would not repurchase!


The first product was my Acai Anti-frizz Shampoo.  I absolutely LOVE this shampoo- it's sulfate free so it does not lather, yet it makes my hair feel super clean after every use.  It also keeps my frizzy hair under wraps- and boy was that tested this month with the Los Angeles heat and humidity.  It is a bit pricey, so I wouldn't recommend it as an everyday shampoo.  However, when you feel like treating your hair to a little lovin', grab this pretty bottle of goodness.  $37.00 and you can get it from here.  Definitely repurchasing.





I also used up another hair favorite- the Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition 3 Minute Avocado Treatment.  I used this product on average 3 times a week from my ears down and noticed great results.  When paired with de-frizzing shampoo, it kept my hair soft and smooth all day long.  It has a thick creamy consistency and you really feel like you are nourishing your hair when you apply it.  Tip: Let it sink in for as long as possible before rinsing with luke warm water.  I got mine at target for $5.99, but you can purchase it online here.  And YES, I would repurchase.






I recently have been suffering from an acne breakout and needed to clear it up ASAP! Because really, who loves letting those pesky pimples make residence on your face?  umm..not me...so I turned to my second home Nordstrom for something to help.  I ended up getting the philosophy "clear and balanced" kit, which comes with a cleanser, moisturizer, and an acne treatment serum.  For $55.00, I felt it was worth a try, and honestly I really did like most of it. I love the cleanser and it does a fab job of making my skin feel clean.  Equally as amazing was the acne serum treatment, which really did help clear up my blemishes and diminish redness.  However, I was not totally loving the moisturizer- since it does have salicylic acid in it, it made my skin feel a little dry and blah.  I used it all up because it did do its job of clearing up the acne, but I will not be repurchasing this.  My advice when you purchase this kit- use the provided moisturizer and acne treatment at night, while opting for a more hydrating moisturizer for day.  The kit can be purchased here


















Another quick blurb about an acne treatment would be the Kate Somerville EradiKate.  This is a powder-liquid formulation that you apply with a q-tip directly onto the blemish.  My overall feedback on this is that it was just okay...it sometimes worked and sometimes didn't work.
And honestly the hair burning smell made me not want to reach for it whenever I did have a breakout.  Skip this product if you can, its just mediocre.  If you are so inclined to check it out, it is $22.00 and can be purchased here.









This month I also finished my beloved Stella McCartney perfume.  This fragrance is AMAZING and I don't even know why I love it so much.  If a flowery perfume and a light men's cologne had a love child, it would be this.  It is just lovely, really.  Please go give your nose a present and give this bottle a sniff.  I WILL be repurchasing.  It can be purchased here for $72.00.











I also finished up my alpha beta peel pads from Dr. Gross.  Tried and true, these peel pads are simply one of the best.  After ONE use, yes one use my lovelies, you will notice a difference in your skin.  They make your makeup look better, your skin look smoother and clearer, as well as brightening up your complexion.  I use the extra strength ones every other night, but if you are new to facial peels, I would opt for the regular version.  Both can be used every day, once a day morning or evening, but because they are pricier, I feel like every other day still gives the same great results.  They can be purchases here for $145.00 for 60 treatments.

Have a great week
xoxo linds & bells





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