L'oreal Colour Riche Gold Dust Textures

I love it when color is spelled colour. Even though my American computer just tried to correct that to 'color'. Seems much more classy to me when there is a 'u' in there. I don't know, I guess I just like to spice things up sometimes.

I had seen a spoiler for these polishes on someone's IG awhile ago. When his name comes to me it will get posted here. 

I scooped up 3 of L'oreal's new Colour Riche Gold Dust Textured polishes. In the bottle, these looked very similar to the Julie G Gumdrops, which are my favorite textured polishes. I was happy to add some new textured shades to my collection.

First up is Sexy in Sequins. 

This was a really deep purple. It had gold shimmer in there that was pretty dynamic, flashing to shades of pinks. There were also larger purple bits, which is what reminded me of the Julie G Gumdrop collections.

I liked this one but I felt it was a little too dark for me. I think it almost ended up appearing black.

However, I loved the textured feel. It was similar to Julie G as in it was a light sandy texture, without being too gritty or annoying. It also dried quickly and retained much of its sparkle and shine!

Next up is Pop the Bubbles.

This is more teal in person. I missed out on the teal Julie G, so I just had to snag this one!

I loved it! It is a nice light teal shade, with silver shimmer and teal bits that give it a more multi-dimensional feel.

Like Sexy in Sequins, this went on smooth and dried to a nice sandy smooth textured finish.

Since the first dark purple I chose was a dud for me, I was glad to have picked up this gorgeous purple.

Meet Reign of Studs.

This is an awesome purple. It wasn't too dark but wasn't too light either. It was perfect. 

Reign over me has a silver shimmer with lilac purple bits. 

This one also dried in a reasonably amount of time with the same sandy finished as the rest.

I didn't try these with top coat, as I expect I would need 18 coats (kidding, but no, really) to get it to smooth out.

Overall, I loved this collection. If you missed out on the Julie G Gumdrops and have had a lemming for them, I suggest you check out these!

I found mine at CVS, but I have seen them turning up in other drugstores too!

Sad you missed out on the Julie Gs? What do you think of this collection?

Talk to you soon!

Christa

'Twas the Night before…Another Giveaway

The only terrible part [for me] about all these awesome giveaways I am involved it -- is that I can't enter ANY of them!

So yes, this makes FOUR giveaways that you, my lovely readers, can enter!

Did you miss one?

Nail Art Goodies up for wins is HERE.

$100 Sephora or Ulta Giftcard is HERE.

Holiday Themed Prizes is HERE

and read on to see the latest!

Tonight I have 4 polishes from Spellbound Nails 'Twas The Night Before Christmas collection!

Let me start off by saying that while I love very a many indie polish brands, none inspire nail art, like Ashley's do. Maybe it is the collection or polish names or the colors or whatever, but I am always itching to get one of her latest on my fingers with some cutesy nail art.

Tonight I will show you the latest nail art inspired swatches!

I will show them in the same order they appear in the poem:

First up is Visions of Sugar Plums.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,

VSP is actually a bit of a softer, lighter purple in person. It leans more dusty lilac than the purple in this photo. Suspended in the jelly are pastel pink hexes and stars, that really give it depth! 

Shown here is 2 easy coats, with base and top coat used. You can see that it built up nicely. There is not much visible nail line at all. Unfortunately, I don't think I mixed it well enough because I wasn't able to get any stars out :(

On my accent nail I used one of the L'oreal Nail stickers from their summer candy collection.

Next up is Eight Tiny Reindeer.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a minature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,

Eight Tiny Reindeer is a red-brown jelly with dark brown and light brown hexes suspended throughout.

Shown here is 2 coats with base and top coat used. I think is built up nicely and while there was a bit more VNL on this polish than VSP, it still isn't very noticeable. I tried my hand at a Rudolph accent nail, but was kind of meh about it. Eh, I tried!

Next up is my favorite one of the bunch!

Bowlful of Jelly!

He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laugh'd, like a bowl full of jelly:

I used 2 coats here, with a base and a top coat. I loved how squishy this one appeared. It is filled with red hex glitter and gold holo glitters. I will gladly put up with the VNL for this red. 

Everything about this red is just perfect!

I made a Santa Accent nail to go with this awesome polish!

Last but not least is

And to All a Good Night.

This is a deep blue jelly with blue holo glitter and even holo moons! I had a bit of trouble getting the moons out but other than that it built up nicely in 2 coats. It is dark enough that no VNL is showing. This one was a surprise like for me. The first coat went on kind of murky and it wasn't until 2 coats that the blue really came out.

I added a Rudolph and another reindeer as accent nails. Santa is heading home!

Ashley also has a ton of scents that she offers for her polishes! For these 4 I chose Hot Cocoa, Red Hot Cinnamon, Peach and Christmas Tree! I loved all the scents. They are nice and light, not over powering, but truly smell like the description.

You can find links to the other Bloggers who have swatched other polishes in this collection in the Rafflecopter widget below!

Now on to the giveaway!

Good Luck!

**Disclosure: Some of the product(s) in this post were provided to me by their manufacturer for my unbiased review. Please see my Disclaimer page for more info**

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Holiday Giveaway!

It's that time of year, ladies & germs! We're bundling up, gettin' toasty by the fire, and best of all, we're wearing our HOLIDAY polishes! And, since we can never have enough holiday ANYTHING, here's a giveaway for you to enter with LOADS of prizes up for grabs to keep your nails nice and festive this holiday season!

The giveaway is open internationally, so feel free to enter no matter where you're from! <3

Here is the snapshot of the prize pack I am offering!

2 Ulta polishes, and EOS lip balm, a mini Carmex cream and a Purell hand sanitizer!

You can enter to win this prize a bunch more using the Rafflecopter below!

Good Luck!

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Good Luck! =)

Indie Review: Daphine Polish Holiday Collection

*Press Sample

*3 Free & Cruelty Free

*Daphine Polish

Hello! I just had my after dinner snack. I was going to munch a Swiss Roll, but I opted for a yogurt instead. I am trying to make healthier choices. My nephew happily shared it with me. He just recently started eating solid foods and he sure loved my peach yogurt!

Tonight I have 3 lovely Holiday polishes from a new-to-me indie, Daphine Polish. I really loved these. I swatched each of the 3 over 2 different shades of polish, so you could really get a feel for them.

You bet your butt this post is photo heavy!

First up is Skating, swatched over 2 coats of Essie Turquoise & Caicos with 1 coat of NYC Top coat.

Skating is an awesome glitter topper made up of metallic, matte and holo blue glitters in 3 different shades, metallic silver glitter and silver holo diamonds. It is all in a clear base with a nice subtle gold shimmer.

The above macro gives you a good look at all of the different glitters and the

gold shimmer.

This is 1 coat of Skating. Shown here in the shade.

The formula on this polish was awesome. All of these polishes were packed with glitter and are well suspended in their base. There was no sinkage what so ever. I gave the bottle a good shake before use and using the glob and spread method, I still got plenty of the diamonds out.

Next, I swatched it over Sinful Colors Hot Spot. I used 2 coats  of Skating for this swatch. 1 coat of NYC topcoat over all. I used a BM stamp plate for my accent nail.

I like it over the mint polish the best!

Next up is Rudolph's Nose. I swatched 1 coat over 2 coats of SH Pink Satin, with 1 coat of NYC topcoat over all.

Rudolph's Nose is made up of red metallic and matte glitters, with a sprinkle of holo glitter and a green iridescent glitter, all in a clear base! I enjoyed this over the metallic pink.

Here is another shot in the shade. I like how this glitter will be able to be used for several different holidays. I love a versatile glitter!

The formula on this one was also great. It went on smoothly and I felt I got plenty of glitter out of the bottle, even with just one coat.

Next I swatched this over a nice Christmas green, for a super holiday feel! The green polish I used is a Maybelline Express Finish, which I don't think exists anymore.

I used 2 coats of Rudolph's Nose for these swatches! ! coat of NYC topcoat over all.

I think the next one, might have my favorite swatches. But you can decide which you like best!

This one is called Christmas in a Bottle. I am not sure how the name could be any more appropriate!

This glitter is made up of green and red matte glitter, gold and silver holo glitters and even gold holo stars. 

Shown here is 1 coat of CiaB over Loreal Charmed, I'm Sure in the shade. 1 coat of NYC topcoat over all.

I am dying. I loved this combination. I used 2 coats of CiaB over Julep Misti from the December Maven box. 1 coat of NYC topcoat over all.

So pretty! The formula on this one was just as good as the others. It was a little difficult to get some of the stars out, but I did just a little fishing and I was able to get at least one for each nail.

On my accent nail, I painted a small silver Christmas Tree and I placed one of the stars at the top of it.

Overall, I absolutely loved these polishes from Daphine Polish. I can't wait to see what polishes and collections she comes out with next! She is a an indie maker to watch, that is for sure!

You should follow Daphine Polish on Facebook and check out her Etsy for more looks at her polishes!

Facebook | Etsy

Did these polishes get you in the Christmas spirit? I keep hearing Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree in my head. 

:)

See you soon!

*Christa

**Disclosure: The product(s) in this post were provided to me by their manufacturer for my unbiased review. Please see my Disclaimer page for more info**

Tips On Tuesday: My Favorite Coupon App

I love coupons. Who the heck doesn't love coupons? 

The Millennial generation, especially loves coupons. 

Today is going to be a different kind of Tips on Tuesday, mostly because I love this Andriod and iOS app so much, if I could get up to my rooftop to shout it from there, I would.

This platform will have to do.

Anyway, while I talk, you should get to downloading the App called CouponSherpa.

Once you download it, no need to fill out the little popup that comes up. It is probably spam, who knows, just click through to get the DEALS!

This is what the icon looks like, if you are still searching!

I absolutely love this app. I have saved so much money from this thing, I can't even begin to make a list. 

Plus I love having my choice of coupons right on my phone. I don't need to remember to bring a paper coupon with me or make sure it isn't expired. Also, no more digging through my Mary Poppins purse trying to find that dang paper coupon…

I was SURE I put it in this pocket…

The app separates out HOT DEALS that are about to expire.

Yes, there are even coupons for restaurants! Sweet!

And it has coupons by store or restaurant listed for easy searching.

If the store isn't listed, there usually isn't any coupons.

Sometimes, it will even give you handy tips, like if the store accepts AAA Discounts or accepts Student IDs for discounts. Other times it will tell you about deals you can get by signing up for emails or text messages.

It also has a page that allows you to submit your own in store coupon that you might have gotten in the mail or in your email.

I LIKE THIS APP! Yes, yes I do!

Here is my receipt from my most recent shopping trip, when I used a coupon at Bath and Body Works from this app.

Receipt Dated 11/23/13. I am showing you the bottom half of the receipt.

I went in to purchase the Handsoaps, which are regularly $5.50 each.

The In-Store promotion was Buy 6 Soaps for $15.

This is already a deal!

Without any coupons, this makes the Soaps $2.50 each, which is a $3 savings.

NOW, whip out CouponSherpa and there is a coupon for $10 off $30.

I bought 12 soaps, at $2.50 each, totally $30 exactly, before tax. 

I used my $10 off $30 coupon, to make the sale an even $20. 

After tax, I paid $21.25 for a total of 12 bottles of hand soap.

In the end, I paid $1.67 per hand soap.

Including coupon and sale, I saved $46.

Perfect. 

Merry Christmas to my mama and my administrative assistants!

Have you downloaded it yet?

Indie Review: Sprout Non-Toxic Nail Polish

*Press Sample

*Non-Toxic, Water-Based

*Sprout

Well, this post has been a bit in the making. Every time I get on my laptop to write something up, anything up, I get sucked into watching Catching Fire cast interviews, or reading something else about the movie.
Yea, I am just a little obsessed.
~~~
Shout Out to my Rhode Island peeps!

Tonight I bring you an Indie polish, that is produced right here in Providence, Rhode Island.

It is also the first of its kind, that I have ever tried.

What makes this polish particularly unique, is that it is completely non-toxic and is water based.

This means that Sprout polish is primarily made up of water. The other ingredients used are Acrylic Copolymer, which is what helps adhere the polish to your nail, and the 3rd ingredient, is the pigment or mica that gives the polish its color!

Sprout is also 100% Vegan and Gluten Free.

This polish is especially good for children and for pregnant women. It is completely safe if it is accidentally ingested or when it is naturally absorbed into your body through your nails.

I became interested in this polish because a lot of the ladies in my life have recently had children. Being the nail polish aficionado that I am, I want to paint all of the girls nails (when they are old enough). But, I do worry about the polish chipping and children's hands are always in their mouths! It wasn't until all these babies came into my life, that the toxicity of nail polish, started to worry me.

Sprout Non-Toxic Nail Polish, is exactly the solution to my worries!

They have dozens of colors in kids and adult shades, called the Night Shades.

I have 3 lovely shades to show you tonight.

First up is a pretty princess pink, called Princess Pink.

Princess Pink was a bright, shimmery ballet pink. I loved this one!

The first photo is no base coat, 2 coats of polish with no topcoat.

The formula on this went on smoothly and dried fairly quickly. The scent on these polishes, is very similar to that of non-toxic children's paint.

I am going to point out a fault of mine: On my ring finger, you can see that this polish cracked. After experimenting with this polish and testing one of the other shades, I concluded this was a user error. When I applied the second coat, without waiting for it to dry, the top would crack.

Close up, after top coat.

I was generously sent the Sprout Non-Toxic Raindrop Clear topcoat. Now this does appear to be a milky white in the bottle, but it does dry clear. It gave a nice glossy shine to the polish!

Next up is the perfect shade for Fall, Red Cranberries.

Shown here with no base coat, 2 coats of polish and no top coat.

A glossy close up, after top coat!

This color is so pretty and is a nice deep burgundy. The formula on this was the same as Princess Pink. I waited a bit longer in between coats for this swatch to combat any cracking with the second coat.

Next up is Pretty Plum Purple.

Now this, is PURPLE! I love deep, but bright purples and this one was exceptional.

This is no base coat, 2 coats of polish and no topcoat.

After topcoat! You can really see the lovely shimmer after topcoat in this macro.

After top coat.

I tested Red Cranberries by wearing it around town. I really wanted to test these for wear because they are water based. 

My main question was, is it going to wash off in the shower? Or when I am washing my hands?

Well, it didn't wash off! In fact, I got 3 full days of wear without any chips and only minor tip wear! My only gripe was that the top coat did not stay shiny at all. I was kind of bummed since the colors with top coat are really pretty! After just a day, the polish had dulled considerably. 

Overall, because I have so many little girl cousins, I am happy to have these in my collection. I tend to carry them whenever I travel to an aunt or uncles or friends with small children, knowing I will feel safe and better about using this brand on them.

How to find Sprout!

Facebook | Etsy

Each polish is $7.49 each, but there are many affordable sets that come with multiple shades!

Have you heard about Water-Based polishes? How do you feel about them?

**Disclosure: The product(s) in this post were provided to me by their manufacturer for my unbiased review. Please see my Disclaimer page for more info**

Happy HAUL-idays Giveaway

Happy HAUL-idays GIVEAWAY!

Happy Friday!

 I am thinking I might brave the crowds later this afternoon, but for now I am cozying up with a coffee and a good book!

All of the bloggers below have come together to give back to our readers.

The prize is a $100 Giftcard to Sephora OR Ulta! 

Winners Choice!!

A BIG Thank you to Emily at The Lacquerologist for putting this giveaway together!

Show some love to the awesome bloggers below and enter using the Rafflecopter widget!

Good Luck! <3

Adventures in Polishland

BeautyGnome

BeautyPopStop

Cosmetic Sanctuary

Glisten and Glow

Love for Lacquer

mandie's manicures

manicurator

Nail A College Drop Out
Pointless Cafe

Polished Cousins
Possibly Polished

Princess Polish

Samarium's Swatches

Set In Lacquer

Taneja's Bride

The Lacquerologist

The Nail Network

work/play/polish

XO, Noelle

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Happy Thanksgiving Giveaway - No More Nail Biting!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lets celebrate the start of the holiday shopping season with a giveaway!
I want to take a minute to give a premise for this giveaway and first, it is my birthday month, who needs more reason than that to celebrate amiright?
But this year is also the 5 year anniversary of when I stopped biting my nails. Nail polish and some pretty flower nail stickers were what really helped me over come that bad habit.
So myself, some other fun bloggers and indie polish makers have come together to bring you an awesome giveaway.

Completely themed around Nail Art!!

Each bloggers prize consists of some type of nail art item or tool and each Indie maker is offering a great assortment of glitter and duo chromed polishes and even polishes for water marbling!! 

<3

Read the rules and good luck!
No cheating--We're all friends here, right?

Fine Print: 

Must be 18 or older to enter (unless you have parental permission!).
US Only.
(Sorry my friends! If you have someone in the US willing to accept your prize and forward on to you, enter away!). Be honest as we will verify entries and disqualify cheaters! This giveaway will be posted on blogs and Facebook pages and twitter, ect., but is in no way associated/ sponsored with/by Facebook or any blog platforms or other social media accounts.

Now on to the good stuff! Here is what you can win!

Possibly Polished Nail Art Starter Kit

My prize is a Nail Art Starter Kit and it includes:

Color Show Polka Dot glitter topper, Broadway Nail Art Stickers, an Essence Dotting Tool, a SH Butterfly Nail File, 2 rolls of Striping Tape, an Orly High Shine mini top coat and an Art Club Striping Polish!

A Girl Obsessed

AGO's prize is Bipolar Bear, a lovely duo chrome polish!

Lacquer: The Best Medicine

Lacquer: The Best Medicine's prize includes a Nail Candy stick, 1 roll of striping tape and 2 sheets of cute nail stickers!

Carpe Noctem Cosmetics

Carpe Noctem is offering one (1) Full Size polish, winners choice AND one (1) of her GlitterSlayer Topcoats.

My Boyfriend Hates Makeup

Mystery Prize Pack!

Wikid Nails

Wikid Nails has a really cool prize! 

She has a Water Marbling Kit (center photo) that includes: 

2 dropper bottles (7.5ml) filled with Wintertime Teal and Intergalactic Blue that are perfect for Water Marbling (left photo)! No spill!

She is also including a brush that is acetone resistant for clean up and an awesome glitter topper called Kiss me Beneath the Mistletoe! (right photo)

That Gal Jenna

Jenna is including Zoya Lana, American Apparel Peacock, a package of striping tape, some super cute and fancy nail stickers and a package of cute smiley faces for nail art!

Thanks everyone for the awesome prizes!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below! Good Luck Everyone!

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