343 SPRING BALL DIOR VERNIS SPARKLING COLOR NAIL LACQUER - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

NEW hue! Dior Vernis Sparkling Shine in 343 SPRING BALL

From glossy lips to sparkling tips, these four new playful and glimmering shades of Dior Vernis add a hint of shimmer and shine to nails.

About Dior Beauty:
Since the House of Dior was founded in 1946, its goal has been simply to make women look sophisticated, sexy, and elegant. Dior Beauty is an extension of that philosophy in the most literal sense, with a complete collection of luscious cosmetics, indulgent skin and body treatments, and captivating fragrances.

When I purchased the Dior nailpolish 343 Spring Ball it was strictly an impulse buy. I had not seen any swatches or pics of the polish except for a promo shot and even then I just gave it a passing glance. I had every intention of skipping it. It just seemed like any other peachy pink nail polish with glitter; but I was wrong. Keep reading and I'll explain...

First let me start with the positives:

When I was testing out the polish I noticed right away that I could get by with just one coat on the nails. The peachy pink nail polish does seem kind of sheer but it works. It leaves the nails with a even layer of polish and the glitter helps to balance everything out. Check out the three pics below to see what I mean.

More with the positives:

When I applied a second and / or a third coat (I could have pulled off two coats easily but I wanted a more deepened nail polish color) the polish seemed less peachy pink and more peachy coral. Also, the silver flecks of glitter in the polish do a great job of reflecting the light. They really amp up the shine. See the next three pics below for comparison.

Now for the negatives:

There is so much glitter in this polish it leaves a bumpy or gritty feel to the nails. I was hoping for a smoother surface but it only gets worse. The more layers of polish that are applied to the nails the grittier the surface and the nail polish doesn't adhere to the nail as well. Sure, I could have used a base coat and a top coat but that would require more work. To me, the true worthiness of a polish is in how easily does it apply and in as little time as possible. 

More on the glitter:

I have a wide range of polishes in my collection with different finishes and textures. Many of these polishes contain glitter just like this one. However, none have ever made me so upset as this one did. I was ready to throw this polish in the trash or smash the bottle with a hammer! When I first started painting my nails the consistency of the polish was more like a creamy gel. It wasn't overly runny but it wasn't so thick that it glob-ed on the nails.

Once I finished painting my nails I started noticing the little flecks of glitter. Not only was glitter on my nails, glitter was on my hands, on my arms, on my face, and even on my clothes. Glitter was everywhere! At first it was just a few random flecks here and there. It wasn't until I was taking off the polish that it truly became a problem. While the nail polish remover did a great job at removing all of the polish, it left behind a horrible mess - the glitter. With the polish gone the glitter flaked and stuck to everything. It was about impossible to remove. Needless to say my aggravation escalated and the situation didn't get much better.

I don't think I have ever encountered a nail polish such as this one that has almost pushed me over the edge. I was cleaning glitter from around my nail bed for the next week and this was even after soaking my nails in remover for over twenty minutes. If you like glitter and the mess doesn't matter then go for it. Personally, I hated it and I promptly returned the polish.

The Dior Spring Ball nail polish is currently priced at $24.00 USD on the Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom websites. On Sephora.com it is currently priced at $25.00 USD for .33 fl. oz.

SOLD OUT: ALLURE 2013 SUMMER BEAUTY BOX

Sorry Beauty Enthusiasts,

The Allure Summer Beauty Box has sold out! I don't ever remember the Beauty Box selling out as quickly as this one. Within ten minutes they were all gone. I know I barely had time to get my order placed before the dreaded "sold out" image appeared.

I'm not sure if this is true for all but according to others who commented on Allure's Facebook page if you used a web browser other than Firefox you may have experienced difficulties accessing the site. Personally, I was able to access it just fine but then again I was using Firefox as my web browser.

For those that missed out or decided to skip the Summer Beauty Box, check back in August when Allure will be announcing the official release date for the Fall Beauty Box. Additionally, for those that experienced dead links, or unable to load page, or any other issue with the Beauty Box link that Allure posted on their Allure.com webpage then please use this link: AllureAccess.com. It is a direct link that allows you to purchase the Beauty Boxes or any other products, contests, etc. that are sponsored by Allure.


GET READY! On April 23rd at 12:01PM EST the ALLURE SUMMER BEAUTY BOX will go on sale!

You will receive over $250 worth of "SUMMER ESSENTIAL" beauty products for the low cost of only $39.99 with an additional $10 for shipping and handling. So in all the cost is $49.99 plus tax and typically $5 of the purchase goes towards a charity of their choosing.

I've purchased the beauty boxes in the past (check out the 2012 Fall box here and here) and I am always surprised by all the great products included in them. There is always something for everyone in them and there is plenty to share with others too. If you want to be alerted for when they go on sale again you can sign up to be a beauty enthusiast here. Or you can join here as well There is not cost to be a member and there are a lot of great opportunities to receive free samples or deals on many new and old beauty products.


Click here to purchase the Allure Beauty Box or copy the link below into your web browser: https://www.allurebbfulfillment.com/april2013/

I'll be sure to update this post with the link for the 2013 Allure Summer Beauty Box once it has become active. The link for the beauty boxes will be active until all quantities have been sold. So when the sale first starts you may experience some slow down with the web page but it quickly passes. However, if the link quits working or fails to load then you know the beauty boxes are all sold out. In the past it has taken 24-48 hours less than 10 minutes this time.

SEDUCTION NARS BLUSH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

"Looking for the perfect compliment to those deep red wine lip? Seduction blush with an accent of the Orgasm illuminator on the cheekbones is the perfect balance of color and feminity."-- Christopher Mayes, Lead Trainer

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application for even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush.

• Silky texture in matte and shimmering shades.
• Micronized powder ensures soft, blendable application.
• Iconic NARS shades.

Currently available on the narscosmetics.com website for $28.00 USD.

Normally I'm not a fan of Nars powder blushes. Sure, they have incredible pigmentation and the lasting power is amazing. I just can't get past the gritty texture. At least that is how the Nars blushes feel against my skin. Maybe my skin is overly sensitive or maybe it's because so many of them contain flecks of glitter that it actually feels like sandpaper rubbing against my skin. Anyway, I decided to overlook my personal issues with this brand and I purchased the Nars Seduction Blush. Hey, we all have to make sacrifices for beauty!

Nars describes Seduction blush as a Sangria color. I actually had to Google the word Sangria for clarification and it is described as a dark purplish red. Sometimes it can even be described as a dark brick red. Although in this particular instance I would have to say it leans more purplish red. I didn't really have any major complaints with this blush except it did seem to have the same gritty feel like all the other Nars blushes. However, it didn't contain any glitter chunks or flecks so that made me really happy. Overall this is a really beautiful blush and it seems to be extremely pigmented enough to where it should work for all skin tones. I didn't notice any staining of the skin either so that is nice as well.

05 FUSCHIA IRRESISTIBLE GIVENCHY LE VERNIS INTENSE COLOR NAIL LACQUER - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

GIVENCHY 05 FUCHSIA IRRESISTIBLE is a creamy bright fuschia nail polish with a glossy finish. This beautiful nail polish has loads of shine and is extremely long-wearing / long-lasting. I experienced minor chip wear at the nail tip but that was only after three - four days of wear time. The polish did maintain it's vibrant color and shine the entire week that I wore it and I didn't see / experience any dullness or discoloration either.

I purchased the 05 Fuchsia Irresistible polish from Sephora during their Chic week event (read more here). Currently there are two colors to choose from: 04 Mandarine Bolero which is a muted red orange and this one; 05 Fuchsia Irrésistible. Both nail polishes can be found on the Sephora website here. It is important to note Sephora is the exclusive Beauty retailer for both polishes but they can also be found on the Givenchy beauty website here along with several more colors that are not available through Sephora. The retail price for the Givenchy nail polishes are $20.00 USD for .3 fl. oz.

 

BOBBI BROWN 2013 FRIENDS & FAMILY 20% Savings Starts APR 15th - APR 18th

Start saving those DOLLARS! This is the time of the year when most beauty companies and higher end department stores start having their annual Friends and Family Savings events or something similar. Sephora just hosted their Chic Week event (read more here), which ends Apr 22nd. Belk is gearing up for their week of beauty event which is in May, and today marks the start of the Bobbi Brown Friends and Family 20% Savings event.

Keep reading below for the rules and regulations regarding this event:

*20% discount and Free Standard Shipping with any $65+ order automatically applied at checkout. Offer available to U.S. residents only. Valid only at BobbiBrown.com through April 18, 2013 at 11:59PM ET. Offer may not be used in combination with any other offer or discounts. Offer applies to merchandise purchases only. Offer is not applicable to the purchase of eGift Certificates, pending purchases or purchases made prior to April 15, 2013 or after April 18, 2013. All purchases are subject to bank authorization prior to processing. Only authorized purchases will be processed and shipped. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered or ineligible use of offer and to modify or cancel any promotion due to system error or unforeseen problems. Ongoing offers are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

SEPHORA BEAUTY INSIDER CHIC WEEK EVENT - (VIB starts APR 11th) APR 12th to APR 22nd, 2013

Every year Sephora gives back to their Beauty Insider members with a 15% off event and this year it starts April 12th. For those who are VIB's (Very Important Beauty Insiders) you get to start shopping a day early - April 11th.

The VIB festivities usually start around 6PM on Thursday and typically wrap up around 8PM later that night. Although my Northlake Mall location has been known to keep the party going until well past closing time depending on the turnout. 

Normally I don't make VIB status for the next year (2014) until much later in the current year (2013) and it's around October / November time frame. However this year I have been on a hot-streak (shopping spree extravaganza) and I have already managed to rack up enough dollars / points to cover me for VIB status through 2014. Now, if only I could use the rest of my dollars / points to earn VIB status for 2015 I would have it made! LOL

Anyway, I already have a shopping list of items that I really, really want. A few of those items are makeup brushes, skincare products, and maybe an eyeshadow palette or two...maybe three.... I might get a couple of the higher end nailpolishes as well. It all depends on what is available and if I can fit it all in my budget.

To see the details (the rules and regulations) continue reading below...

SAVE THE DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 11TH - CHIC WEEK 15% OFF EARLY ACCESS STORE EVENT*

You're invited to an exclusive VIB in-store event to celebrate Sephora's Chic Week. Bring a friend and share your savings, get makeovers, take home free samples, and more.**

* Online, use promo code VIBCHIC. VALID APRIL 11 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2013, AT 11:59 PM PDT for VIBs only. May be used in Sephora stores and sephora.com on any merchandise purchase. Offer not valid online in Canadian checkout. Offer limited to Sephora VIBs only. Voucher must be presented at time of redemption when used in store. No minimum purchase required. May not be combined with any other promotions or employee discounts. Not valid on previous purchases or purchases of gift cards. May not be sold or otherwise transferred. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Not responsible for lost or stolen promotion codes. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time. Not valid for Sephora employees. Learn more about the Beauty Insider program at any Sephora store or online at Sephora.com/VIB.

** Select stores will have different hours; check your local store for exact times. Free tote and sample gift bag valid only during the in-store event on Thursday, April 11, 2013 or while supplies last, with any merchandise purchase. Sample bag contains one-time use samples from Algenist, Shiseido, Ole Henriksen, NUDE skincare, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Bumble and bumble, Smashbox, Josie Maran and D&G or Gucci. Must be a VIB to redeem. Not valid on previous purchases, or purchases of gift cards. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time.

643 DIABLOTINE DIOR VERNIS SPARKLING SHINE NAIL POLISH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

NEW hue! Dior Vernis Sparkling Shine in Diablotine.

From glossy lips to sparkling tips, these four new playful and glimmering shades of Dior Vernis add a hint of shimmer and shine to nails.

About Dior Beauty:
Since the House of Dior was founded in 1946, its goal has been simply to make women look sophisticated, sexy, and elegant. Dior Beauty is an extension of that philosophy in the most literal sense, with a complete collection of luscious cosmetics, indulgent skin and body treatments, and captivating fragrances.

DIOR VERNIS SPARKLING COLOR EXTREME WEAR NAIL LACQUER in 643 DIABLOTINE is described as a sparkling poppy red with loads of glitter dust. It is this glitter dust that helps give the polish it's shine and brings on the sparkle. Even though this reddish orange polish seems to have a glossy shine it actually falls flat and dull after it dries. A topcoat is definitely needed to retain it's original sparkle and shine. Now what this polish lacks in sparkle though it definitely makes up for in opaqueness; only one coat was needed.

This polish is currently priced at $24.00 USD on Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom websites. On Sephora.com it is currently $25.00 USD.

Final thoughts:

1. The wide applicator for this polish is typical of all Dior polishes. The wide brush tends to be sorta messy. It took me several tries at polishing my nails and even then there was still some residual left around the nail bed.
2. The staying power of this polish was barely two days. It started chipping and peeling by day two which is disappointing because it is such a unique and beautiful color.
3. If you like glitter polishes but hate the leftover flecks of glitter when removing the polish then you might want to pass on this one. I had to first soak and then scrub my nails and the surrounding nail bed just to remove everything.  

8 FLUID SHEER GIORGIO ARMANI SPRING 2013 COLLECTION - SWATCHES and REVIEW

Fluid sheer dresses skin in an illuminating veil of radiance. This unique, translucent formula is available in a range of versatile hues including makeup base shades, correcting shades, and radiance boosting shades. Blend your favorite fluid sheer with foundation to add radiance, polish and sculpting definition to your complexion. Or use it alone as a makeup base. All skin types.

• perfects, sculpts and illuminates skin
• complete and versatile shade range
• doubles as eye shadow base, blush or bronzer
• sheer, lightweight texture and coverage

For Spring 2013 GIORGIO ARMANI brings six new FLUID SHEER shades.
The six shades: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 12 will be added to the existing five which are permanent. Of the six new shades I purchased 8 and 9 from the Giorgio Armani website. When navigating the website I actually had to do a search for them. I thought they would be listed under the blush / bronzer category but they were in fact listed under the foundation category. Which makes sense seeing as how the ultimate purpose for these are to be used in conjunction with your foundation.

Click the link to check out my review of FLUID SHEER 9.

Previously Fluid Sheer #8 was a dark reddish bronze; almost a dark chocolate with hints of copper. It has been discontinued and now the new GIORGIO ARMANI FLUID SHEER 8 is a cool-toned shimmering medium pink. It isn't as pale as the Fluid Sheer #7 Pale Shimmering Rose and it's not as bright as the Fluid Sheer 9 - it is somewhere in the middle. When blended out it is quite similar to MAC Mineralize Blush duo MoonRiver. It gives the same shimmering effect with a slight pinkish sheen and there is a hint, almost subtle, of lavender undertones but it is barely noticeable. I didn't notice any chunks or flecks of micro-glitter with this formula either.

When I tried wearing the fluid sheer alone it gave my skin a beautiful healthy glow. It really perked up my tired looking skin and it didn't seem to enhance any wrinkles or fine lines. For those with oily skin you might need to apply a slight dusting of translucent powder but overall it didn't seem greasy nor did it oxidize into an oily mess.

Next I mixed the Fluid Sheer 8 with several different foundations. When trying to use a cream foundation it created a greasy mess. The two just didn't blend together very well and the end result was a greasy looking face. I tried a powder foundation and it was okay but there was a fair amount of flaking involved. The Fluid Sheer seemed to work best when mixed with normal to matte liquid foundations.

The Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers are currently priced at $59.00 USD on the Giorgio Armani website, and on all other websites: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, etc. they are listed at $60 for 1 fl. oz.

application techniques:
Apply with the blender brush to wear alone or mixed with foundation for a boost of radiance and color. Use on top of foundation for added highlighting and contouring.

Won InStyle's "Best 2012 Highlighter" for the 3rd year