Melt Radioactive Stack


The new MeltRadioactive stack launched on January 25th. I had been waiting patiently for this stack of bright pigmented colors to be released, and finally it was here! These colors are very different from the previous stacks released by Melt (which are also amazing). They are bright, build-able, and long-lasting.

I realize these neon-esque colors may not be for everyone, but even if you were only thinking of using them as accent colors, they would totally be worth the money.

At $48, the shadows come in a magnetized stack of four large pans. It may seem a bit pricey, but really it’s not. You are buying four, very pigmented eyeshadows where a little goes a long way.

For those of you who don’t see yourself sporting neon eyelids, I would emphatically recommend one of the other stacks from Melt. I own all three, and wear them most days. The other two stacks are Dark Matter, which includes four matte, warm neutral colors; and Love Sick, which includes matte and shimmer shadows in beautiful warm and cool shades.


Photo Information: (top) Melt – Radioactive Stack, (bottom) Melt-Radioactive Stack in shade Neon.

Essie Nail Polish

What can I say about Essie? Seriously I can only say great things! I first became intrigued by Essie because of the gorgeous range of colors that they had available. It is safe to say, it was love at first sight. Since first trying out this nail polish, I have not looked back. The colors are vivid and long lasting, and the polish itself is very resistant to chipping. Yes, it happens here and there, but by far the best polish I have yet to try in terms of value and upkeep.

Essie products are available most everywhere now, from Target to Rite-Aid. You can also purchase them online and see their full range of color options on the Essie website.

Some may say that $8-$9 is too much to pay for DIY nail polish, however you really do get what you pay for in this case.

Photo Information: Essie Colors (top to bottom) – Lady Like, Naughty Nautical, She’s Pampered, Stylenomics, and Mod Square.

Holy Trinity of Hair Care

So anyone who has massively color treated hair knows the importance of maintaining a good hair regimen. I am naturally a dark brunette but as of lately I have become a very light blonde (a la Gwen Stefani or Marilyn Monroe type blonde). So keeping my hair strong, moisturized, and healthy is SUPER important. These are the products I use to keep my hair looking smooth and silky. All products are available at Target, for approximately $4-$7 each.

First the Renpure. It comes in three different fragrances, and all of them are lovely smelling. The “Sweet Pomegranate” is pictured above, but it also comes in a “Rosemary Mint,” and “Lavender.” Renpure’s cleansing conditioner is a product I tried purely out of curiosity, and because I had been reading so many great things about using cleansing conditioners in place of shampoo. Many shampoos contain sulfates which can dry out your hair, this product does not. Also, because of the nature of shampooing (the lathering process), hair can also become dried out. The difference with cleansing conditioners is that it does not lather. This does take a little while to get used to (or at least it did for me). Once you have coated the hair in the cleansing conditioner, let it sit or a few minutes, and then rinse.

Next the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle. This comes in a few different options as well, they include, “Strong,” “Moist,” and “Color.” I prefer the “Strong” (photographed above) because I just like the smell a bit better than the other types.

I use this as a conditioner every time I wash my hair. After leaving it in for three minutes you will definitely notice that your hair is much softer, and why the name of the product includes the word “miracle.”

Last, but not least, the coconut oil. I’m sure by now you have heard about all the great uses and benefits of coconut oil, and for hair care it is no less. I use it as a deep conditioning mask once a week (if I’m being really good), or every other week. Basically I just scoop it out into my hands, rub it together to get it to melt a bit, and then rub it into my hair starting at the ends. After I coat my entire head, I wrap my hair into a loose bun on the top of my head and clip it down to secure it. I then cover it with a shower cap and go to sleep. In the morning I wash with the Renpure cleansing conditioner and follow up with the Aussie 3 minute miracle.

*On a side note, I typically will wash/condition my hair no more than three times a week using the above process.

Happy Hair-doing! 🙂 xo

Sheet Masks

Where have these been all my life? Seriously, where?! I (like most girls, I think) view skincare as a necessity. However, it’s one of those things that you just “have to” do. I can’t tell you how many masks, creams, moisturizers, etc. I have in my cupboard.. But there’s A LOT. I try with the best of my ability to use them all, but let’s face it (no pun intended) no one has time for all of that.

So I’ve begun investing in sheet masks. All I can say is that these are debatably just shy of the eighth wonder of the world, or maybe the best thing since Velcro or sliced bread.

I’ve tried several versions of the sheet mask, ranging in price from approximately $1-$7. There are sheets masks that I’ve seen that are in a higher price bracket as well, but I have not tried those out as of yet. Based on the sheet masks that I have tried, it does seem like you get what you pay for. The $6-$7 range masks are on softer towelettes and they really seem to have a lasting moisturizing effect on your skin. Also they just seem to fit the face a bit better than their inexpensive counterparts.

I still purchase the cheaper sheet masks on occasion just to save a few dollars, but in a perfect world where money grew on trees, (yes, please!) I’d be buying the better quality ones all the time.

Photo Information: Sheet Masks – Forever 21, Ulta, and Sephora.

National Hat Day!

Today is National Hat Day! So whether it be a sombrero, top hat, bonnet, cloche, beret, fedora, or beanie; today is the day! Hats are a great accessory to add to any outfit. Not just to cover a tragic case of bed head or protect from the elements, hats can be the finishing touch you are looking for to complete your overall look. Happy Hatting! 🙂

Kat Von D – Tattoo Liner

  
Just recently named the #1 eyeliner at Sephora, and for good reason! No joke, this is the holy grail of eyeliners, hands down! I’ve been a repeat user of Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner since I first tried it a few years ago. Nothing I have used before or since has even come close to the quality and precision of what this liner can do. It is the blackest of blacks, long-wearing, smudge proof, and the list of compliments go on and on. If you have yet to try this eyeliner, do yourself a favor. What are you waiting for, the verdict is in!

NYX Baked Blushes!

 Amazing!! I recently picked up a few shades of the NYX Baked Blushes. I’ve been playing and experimenting with them over the last week. They remind me a lot of the MAC Mineralize Blushes but for a less expensive price tag; although the MAC does come in a larger compact. Both are fantastic; however if you are looking to try several different shades, like I did, go with the NYX. Both have a lightweight, sheer coverage and have a very nice shimmer to them. The NYX Baked Blushes are also made to be used with either a wet or dry application, which give you dramatically different color. The dry application goes on as a light pigment and the wet application is more dramatic and pigmented. So you are really get getting two blushes in one….Bargain!!

Photo Information: NYX Baked Blushes in shades – Pink Fetish, Foreplay, Wanderlust, and Statement Red.