Glam Winter Nail Polish

Nail polish is one of those girly things that I just love. It never lasts long on my fingers, thanks to my nail-biting tendencies, but there is something about having my nails painted that makes me happy. Getting a manicure is a little bit of pampering that makes you feel like a rock star. Most of the time, I give myself a mini manicure, just to save some money, but going to get the real thing can’t be beat. Howeverrrr,  since we have been buying lots of Christmas presents, I decided to give myself a mani.

We had a cookie swap at my office and I won prettiest cookie and a little gift card, so I decided to buy myself a new nail polish color. I picked Merino Cool by Essie. It is a deep grayish purple that is not super bright or too dark. Its a great winter color.  I have been a Pinterest groupie recently, as I am sure many of you are, and I stumbled upon a great nude color with one nail done in glitter. I was totally on board….I just adapted that basic idea with the nail polish color I picked. conveniently,  Sally Hansen had a glitter polish with some light purple tones that matched the Essie color I picked out, which was perfect for my glittery finger. I am completely in love with the outcome. Appropriate for the season with a little bit of glam. xo

Amy

My Make-Up Must Haves

I have loved make-up since I was about 4 years old. I wasn’t really allowed to wear make-up unless it was for my dance recitals, which may be a large reason why I kept going back, year after year. I used to have sleep overs where we did make overs and played dress up all night long. My mom is a big make-up lover, so I guess it’s in my blood.  Over the years I have learned how to wear make-up, what colors work best for my complextion and what products work best for my skin type.  I think I have finally found the best products. I don’t usually like to spend too much on make-up, but I have learned that sometimes it is worth it to shell out the cash for a great product. Although, I am still a sucker for the $5 lipsticks or eyeshadows at Target. How can you resist?

My Must Haves

1. Laura Mecier Stickgloss Lip Color in Courtisane. This color is just enough color to make your eye color pop, but doesn’t scream “I am wearing lipstick”. It is an enhancement of my natural color. Great for everyday or special occasions. I also wear this over the bolder colors to give a nice shine. Wore this on my wedding day. Beautiful.  Retails $20

2. Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen. This is eye make-up primer perfection. You apply to your eyes before eyeshadow to help the eyeshadow look smooth and stay on all day. I have really oily skin and eyeshadow just fades away after a few short hours, but with this magic product, it lasts all day. It gives you a smooth, clean look and keeps it all in place. Retails $24. Worth EVERY penny

3. Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in Black. Sure you could buy a cheap mascara from the drugstore, but for me it doesn’t do its job. This mascara from Mary Kay really covers my lashes and gives them a lift.  It doesn’t run or smudge. Favorite Mascara to date. PS. Did you know you should take off most the mascara that comes onto the applicator? This gives you an even coat and doesn’t get really gloppy on your eyelashes. Retails $15 (if you need a great Mary Kay Rep…I have one!)

4. Bobby Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Violet Ink. THE BEST EYELINER EVER. Don’t be scared by the word gel. This eyeliner is really easy to use and goes on with little effort. You just need an eyeliner brush. Coat both sides  of the brush and apply. You can make it as light or as dark as you like. I have the violet color to help my green eyes pop, but it’s not “in your face” purple, it’s really dark and looks almost black. Literally lasts all day and then some. You could ball your eyes out and still have eyeliner on. Retails $21. I bought mine about 7 months ago and still have more than 1/2 the pot left.

5. Maybelline Color Explosion in Pink Punch. You get 5 coordinating colors and each has a great shimmer. This palate is great for green or hazel eyes, but they have great sets for any eye color or skin tone. The top color is pretty much pure glitter and is great by itself or over any of the colors included. The palate has an ombre of colors for a light and simple look or a bold and daring look. Retails $10. Such a fun way to update your make-up  and spice up your everyday!

Stay tuned for a post about my top picks for skincare products!

xo

Amy

DIY: Christmas Clothespins

Glitter and Christmas just go hand in hand. And, like any girl, I am obsessed with glitter. My friend Jenny and I decided to make clothespins go glitz. The plan is for the clothespins to help display our Christmas cards. With a big thick ribbon hung from a pantry door or over cabinet doors, these clothespins will add a bit of glamour to the Christmas cards. I cannot wait. Start sending me your Christmas cards now 🙂

What we bought:

1. Standard size clothespins

2. Craft glue or Modge Podge

3. Glitter in red, green, silver and gold

4. Protecting/sealing spray paint (in gloss)

5. Foam brush to apply glue

How to make:

1. Paint glue onto the top of the clothespins

2. Pour glitter onto a plate. Press the clothespins into the glitter to coat. Touch up any areas that may have missed the glitter

3. Repeat with all other clothespins alternating between colors.*

*Side Note:  We found that they turn out really cute if you combine all of the left over glitter colors into one big pile to get a multi color look. Super cute!

4. Let dry, then spray with protecting spray. This will keep the glitter from falling off during use. We did two coats.

That’s it! So simple but so festive! What do you think!?

Once the Christmas Cards start rolling in, I will show you how they look in action! Stay tuned!

xo

Amy