NP Fiend

I love nail polish.. and I haaaate it. I hate that I get tip wear so easily--scratching, itching, dishes, showers, etc. I've been trying and trying to figure out how to make my nail polish love not be such a tough love.. and I thiiiiink I may have found a solution ;)

Step 1: Buff your nails (gives more grip!)

Step 2: Use a base coat! I use Essie Protein Base Coat (thanks Catherine!)

Step 3: Use thinner coats of polish (not globs!)

Step 4: WAIT IN BETWEEN COATS!

Step 5: Use a top coat! I use Seche Vite (thanks Diana!) and I use it when the polish is still wet, since SV also speeds up drying time.

In regards to "Love and Friendship" by MAC, I don't think I waited enough between my coats of polish.. and with the formula and my impatience, I was having a hard time getting nice thin coats. I think I may try it again and hopefully have better results!

Anyway, this post will be about NAIL POLISH REMOVAL and my current favorite drugstore nail polish.. SINFUL COLORS - Rich in Heart 811. Oh my gosh, I loove this color.. and I love the price tag even more ($1.99 at CVS?)!

I was perusing through the aisles and I stumbled across the Sinful Colors display (which I honestly have never seen before at a CVS) and remembered that I absolutely ADORED my "Nail Junkie" from them (again, thanks Diana!).. so.. I looked.. some ehh colors.. but hidden.. and.. gasp!

Essie Protein base coat

Two coats Rich in Heart

Seche Vite top coat

Normal hand/nail usage/abuse, result after 4 days! Completely fabulous for me.. ignore the chipping near the cuticles.. that was all me, haha. Anyway, isn't it a pretty color? I was having such a hard time figuring out how to photograph this, and I decided to take a picture in the bathroom.. wha-laa.. it's a very very black looking nail polish with a hint of red from within. Oh I looove these kinds of colors, I definitely have more on my wishlist xD

Anyway, on to the REMOVAL part..

Ta-daaah! After seeing a post by KC (cambo soup) about having a TUB of nail polish.. I decided to peruse around.. and found this at my CVS (obviously, since it's CVS brand).

I'm going to share an embarrassing story.. ok.. so.. when I went to go get this and found it.. I opened the cap.. looked at it.. and SNIFFED IT.. hahahaa. Such a bad mistake! I was super tired.. I don't know why I did it in the first place. But yes, it still does smell like your typical nail polish remover, if anyone's wondering... d'oh -___-

The inside.. it's a sponge.. with 3 slits.. and 3 holes.. you insert your finger inside and twist around (trying to "scrape" your nail onto the sponge, much more effective).

I thought about taking a video.. but you have to have two hands to use it.. well, at least I use two hands (one to hold the container and the other hand.. is.. having the nail polish removed). So I tried to take illustrative pics :P

Ooo the red really comes out here!

Process of the removal! Sorry if I switched fingers, I guess I was twisting too vigorously so my nail ended up being clean by the time I pulled it out to look.. hahaha xD fail~

I tried counting how many twists or how long I left my finger (per nail) in the container.. I twist TWICE per time I count.. and I count in seconds.. so.. I counted for 10 seconds, and twisted 20 times.

I had to leave my thumbs in for a bit longer, since the nail is misshapen (also makes it harder to paint evenly!).. there's lumps on my nail, parallel to my cuticles. My boyfriend makes fun of me for them :( but he has lines/wrinkles going the OTHER way.. hahaha. We're both weird :P

End result... ignore my cuticles as always. Nice, clean nails. Your finger tips may feel a little dry but it's nothing that lotion can't cure.

The tub "before" and "after" removal.. I took off 8 fingers of nail polish (I scratched off 2 in my boredom in class). Not bad.. especially helps using this for glitter, since the sponge doesn't come off in wisps onto my nail like using cotton pads does.

I'm not sure how many "uses" there are.. but.. I know it's worth it for me to go get another one when it "stops working". Maybe I just need to throw out the liquid in there and put in fresh nail polish? I'll let you know.. but I have a feeling it's gonna be a long time before I have to do that, haha, especially since I don't paint my nails ALL that often :)

Hope this helps!

What are your guys' HG methods of removing nail polish?

Love and Friendship

*Scheduled post*

I know this polish has been around for awhile--from the MAC "A Rose Romance" collection. And this is definitely not the first time I've worn this polish.. BUT.. as long as I'm on a roll with this "beauty blog" thing, I figured why not!

PS- I received this polish as a gift from a dear friend.

Three coats plus one coat Seche Vite top coat.

Three coats were used to get complete opacity.. though I'm sure two coats would've been enough. I'm just especially picky :P

MAC described it as a "creamy-dirty mid-toned lavender". I think this polish has a touch more PINK than purple (though the purple is still there), so I would dub it a "dusty mid-tone pink-with-some-purple". Very exact and scientific, I know :P

Here are some other reviews:

Steph's Closet

The Beauty of Life

Perfume-Smellin' Things

The Shades of U (Konad-ed)

I think everything they say is true, so if you've read these before, I'm basically regurgitating and repeating information that you already know.

Application is great and the color is pretty unique--definitely unique in my own personal collection. I like the shape of the bottle and the sound it makes when you shake the polish--definitely deeper toned than, say, Wet n' Wild (I know, it's really random). The polish looks opaque under light but when your finger pad is facing towards a light:

This happens. It looks streaky, but I mean.. how often do you come across lighting like this?

I'm not much of a PINK person, much less pink nailpolish.. but this is definitely interesting enough for me to keep around and use again in the future. Definitely a spring-y shade (what's with me and these springy colors?). Girly but not overly done.

Overall, great polish!

* Update: about 20 hours later.. TIP WEAR!

So I posted pictures of both of my hands, just to show you. I do have to say.. I'm not the *best* critic about tip wear, since I use my hands HEAVILY.. *plus* I'm a big scratcher. I have psoriasis on my scalp, so if I don't shower every day, it just gets.. bad. I have medication to help me stop the itching, but yesterday was a bad day.

I painted my nails around 5PM, went to tennis from 6:30-10:30, came home and showered.. then this devastation happened.

In all fairness, I don't know if this was caused by my intense scratching OR if it was the nail polish. All I know is that this is.. really bad tip wear, usually something I get on day two, not within the first 24 hours. I didn't photograph my thumbs, but the tip wear there is about the same as the rest of my fingers--the ones with the most damage have been my pointer fingers--and again I apologize for the horrible cuticles.

I just wanted to post this up to show you guys the reason why I don't tend to wear nail polish.. because I get such bad tip wear in ONE day, so I have to take the polish off because I'm so OCD about it. But I did find a new way to take off my polish, so I'm more inclined to paint my nails more often.. so maybe I'll do a post about that :P

Wet n' Wild 409D Shameless

I felt kind of bored and lonely so I decided to do a mani (so far only on my left hand, hahaha--does anyone else get lazy when it comes to painting their dominant hand??) with one of the MANY prizes I received from winning Katie's giveaway (girlabouttown88)--she was SO generous! I came back from my vaca wondering what this HUGE package was that was sitting in the kitchen. Thank you thank you thank you :) x33 I'm glad you like my photography! ^__^

Anyway, on to the swatch~

Wet n' Wild 409D (she's real fine my 409 lalalaa) "Shameless"

This is two coats + 1 coat of Seche Vite top coat

This picture is a more true representation of the actual nail polish color.. it's this weird.. blue-lavender. I sort of want to say it's periwinkle xD since it's what I imagine periwinkle to be but I know periwinkle's actually a much deeper color (since I just googled it to make sure.. LOL).

And this picture (obviously much warmer) is a more true color representation of the pink shimmer.. definitely a medium-leaning-towards-hot-pink pink.

Of course you can't really SEE the shimmer when it's small, so click to enlarge! I apologize for the state of my cuticles and my messy application.. I even had to Photoshop a bit just because it was SO bad. It's funny that you don't notice things until AFTER you take the picture. D'OH!

Side note:

And you can see that I'm working on my squoval shape.. it was MORE squoval looking before I filed my nails, but I can't seem to stand having long nails anymore! This is now my comfortable length--probably because somewhere subconsciously I know that my nails are more likely to chip and peel at longer lengths. Boo.

Texture?

Very streaky and sort of.. globby. It'll probably be better if I thin it out, but I don't really have anything to thin out polish with since I'm not that big of a nail freak yet xD though my collection is definitely growing! I thought I was grabbing enough polish but every time, I had to redip my brush.

In contrast, when I was applying Seche Vite, I ended up grabbing too much.. and I was using the same "dipping" technique (not that there's really a technique huh? hahaha).

Though after it dried, the streaks seemed to go away.

Is it opaque?

I face my nails to my desk lamp (finger pads towards the lamp and nails facing me), I can still see streaks. But, in any other sort of light, it looks opaque.

Is it worth it?

In my collection, yes, since I don't have any other colors that are like this. I think I have a NuSkin color that's more of a pearly white with a pink sheen.. but, that's at home, two hours away. I'm definitely going to have to look into a nail polish thinner before I readily grab this for my next mani though. Definitely a pretty spring color on a budget!

What do you guys think?

CVS haul

whee, riding on the back of a motorcycle is funnn :) definitely made me feel a better for a little while. thanks hun <3 

felt OK today.. well.. felt sort of worthless just laying around devoid of energy and coughing. 

AND bro sent me a link for 50% off a single item from old navy.. PLUS my $5 off $25 CVS coupon was expiring.. so i jumped on the boyfriend's motorcycle (on the back!) and we went to both places :) mwahaha. also went into blue bee so he could try on shorts (didn't like any).. went into anthropologie to try on a dress, didn't like how it fit. 

also felt weird walking around in an oversize motorcycle leather jacket and carrying around a helmet and a backpack LOL. doesn't exactly put me into a shopping mood if you know what i mean ;P

trying brighter lipsticks.. was looking at a coral one.. but it was frost finish. meeeh. these might be too bright for me. we'll see though.. 

oh and i thought these were BOGOF but it turns out that it was maybelline, not revlon (right next to it).. EPIC PHAIL! :( i planned for exactly $25 so i could use my $5 off $25 AND my $5 extra care bucks.. hahaha. oh my. got too excited i guess ;P

anyone know CVS's makeup return policy? i think it's fine if it's open, as long as it's within 30 days..

SALLY HANSEN is having BOGOF at CVS!! of course i jumped on it.. and YES they had white. awesome :) gonna go back and stock up for presents, ahah.. 

and FINALLY found this.. bottom shelf.. dermo recommended it instead of MIMYX (sp?) for my eczema. 

some pics of my recent looks, no makeup close-ups though :P ahhaa.

using majolica majorca GR750 i think?

no idea why i look so flushed. this was prior to dinner.

at homehome.. majolica majorca BR799. my eyelashes look INTENSE! thanks post-its. 

ignore my sickly shiny un-madeup face.. ahah. and ignore the boyfriend's face. he's so weird.... 

more normal face for him. um, yes. he wears a shirt that says "i'm handsome" backwards.. just so he can read it in the mirror.. LOL! what a conceited bastard [x just kidding hun (well, not about the shirt). love you :)

incredibly excited about my DSK package.. though darn shipping across country takes about a week (6 days when i sent out mine). GRR~

gonna go whither away in bed now [x hahaha. take care of yourselves, girls! 

NOTD and ULTA

tried out the fabulous looking "gradation nail" after seeing MIUMIU'S tutorial.. and did really well on 2/5 nails. LOL! good enough for me. now let's try not to ruin this by.. say.. the time i go to sleep. and YES, i have FAT NAILS :(

looks pretty good, methinks!

bloooooob..

good vs bad nail.

good nail in the middle!

also based on a suggestion from MAYAARI, i looked at ULTA.COM and decided to buy me some mascaras :) it was BOGOF! checked CVS and LONGS DRUGS.. it was definitely more expensive, even w/ the $5 s&h from ulta (closest one is in oxnard.. aka 40 minutes away). 

temptalia recommended maybelline "full n' soft" (got 2x)

beth recommended maybelline "great lash" (got 2x)

temptalia also recommended covergirl "lash exact" (got 2x)

plus $3.50 off a $10 purchase.. total was $24.53! eee :)

looking forward to (packages):

- business cards (by friday?)

- DSK jewelry! (to be shipped on monday)

- ULTA? probably next week. 

- geisha contest prize? i'm not sure if she received my mailing addy :| hmmm.. 

pic heavy!

NYX EYESHADOWS ($6/per)

(L-->R) alaska, oro, green tea, ocean

close-ups got mixed up and.. i am too lazy to fix them. so. deal! ;P

i think i like oro (gold) the most.. wish it was a little lighter. ah, well. sucks that you can't open and swatch while in store.. but.. not too bad. haven't worn ANY of them since i've been SUPER lazy.. but.. soon!

NAILPOLISH


pretty, eh? nevermind my shitty painting job ;P hahaha. it peeled off anyways! arghhhh.. even the red one. maybe it's just the nailpolish.. 'cause i switched my clear NP brands.. i dunno :\ worked OK when i put the color straight on my nail but it stained it a little, annoying. it's fine up until i go into the shower.. or do dishes.. hot water stuff.

NYC nailpolish (blue/red).. forgot the brand of the cinnamon/rusty one though.

NEUTROGENA LIPGLOSS

not really pretty separate.. but looks pretty good when i put them on together. haven't tried other lipstick/lipgloss combinations. not a fantastic lipgloss either (then again, it is drugstore..)

MERVYN'S.... again. more of the same stuff ;P just taken with my powershot.
better view of the back of the mime-esque shirt.. i think it's muy cute :)

again w/ the black/grey stripey long sleeve. aahhh.. i looks chubs :(

reeeeeaally liked this~! freaking comfortable. too bad it was WAY too big :| even if it doesn't look like it in the pic (hah, being a photog makes me know how to pose ;P who would've guessed).. i think it was an L but i think i need more of a M or S possibly. but! at least i know i can wear the style :)

here's a better pic of the actual style: HERE @ victoriassecret.com

see how it fits her waist better? this one was slightly too baggy, even if i do love loose fitting stuff.. 

THE RECENT SARAH

my hair is so black! ish. actually i think it's more of a dark brown.. dark dark dark dark brown.. but still. this is pretty dark as to how it normally is. KATIE! remember that shirt? ;) jtown baby!

THE HAPPY COUPLE
i love how he holds my hand when he drives.. <3 

hahha.. what a dork :)

KITCHEN RANDOMNESS
i spy me some bananas! wtf is that label on there? why are they on the microwave?

HAHAHAHAHAH. 'nuff said!

"the bananas in the kitchen LOL'd at me!"

MONEY-WISE/MONEY-STUPID

the boyfriend wanted to get a tripod head for his new cam (that's coming.. hasn't gotten it yet!) 'cause it has a video function.. so..... i decided to get it for him :| we were both wandering around the store and he finally decided he was going to get it.. and i decided that the present that i'd gotten for him was just satisfactory (wasn't TOO excited to give it to him.. in fact.. i think i was more excited about wrapping it obnoxiously LOL). blah? maybe. i can afford it. he was super happy :) PLUS i told him it was his christmas AND bday.. but i might cave in and get him something for his bday too (more sentimental though). we'll see. excited for jan/feb session though.. will have hit the mulah jackpot with my stipend from my fin aid checks! but.. all must be saved towards rent so the parents will have an easier time. MAYBE a splurge. ONE! if it's a good sale.. and only if i've wanted it for awhile! WILL POWER!

been browsing around (makeup) websites.. man. my makeup wishlists on the bathroom door next to my comp.. has been growing. but i have been resisting!! i add things to my "basket".. look at the price.. and close the window. arrrgh. so hard sometimes.. but.. really. how much MU do i use?! next to none! i really should be using my eyeliner that i bought.. and be experimenting with decent looking eyeshadow combinations, not buying MORE stuff. plus with my ELF stuff coming tomorrow w/ bronzer/blush.. and whatever else i got.. i should be fiinneeee. RESISTING THE URGE. RESISTING THE URGE. woohoo for will power! :) and if there happens to be some sort of monumental sale or if i win the lottery.. i will know EXACTLY what to get.. and ONLY THAT!

haven't been looking so much around clothing websites.. thankfully. who knows what i would buy. though, i must say.. i haven't been very tempted by some of the new stuff that's been coming out. and even though i spent so much at wet seal (grr, stace! but we both know we love our purchases.. le sigh), i can't say i like their stuff online. I DO WANT A PAIR OF GREY JEANS. and pure black (maybe?). i was looking for a pair of dickies at mervyn's but they didn't have my size.. for some reason.. i couldn't fit into their 7's. wtf, right? guess it was just the brand. made me feel humungoooo. but i did NOT want a camel toe.. or.. whatever my issue with the pants were. hmm.. 

i DO.. however.. want a new wallet :| i just noticed HOW MANY FREAKING CARDS I HAVE. grr! it really takes a toll on my wallet. oh, and i love it so much.. my cheapo wallet from mervyn's.. you have served me well. and i'm oh so tempted to get an expensive wallet too.. one of those ones that clasps and has two sets of card holding.. things.. slots? but.. nOoo! save, save.. find a deal. or something. hah, it was funny.. i told bryant that i wanted a new wallet and the FIRST thing he says was "hintity hint hint!".. and it took me awhile to realize what he meant. i was NOT saying it as a hint. jerkface ;P hahaha. just keeeeddin'. we're doing really well! :) 

and.. i think.. i don't really need a new wallet. it's more of a vanity thing. plus i'm super picky about my wallet.. because.. well.. i see it all the damn time. took me awhile to find a new one from my OLD OLD one.. so.. meh. i'll deal. though i think i did find a really cute coach one, one time.... i don't remember. plus it was coach.. and i was still very frugal at the time..

cards: 805 deli stamp card (2x).. optometrist business card.. dentist business card.. border's gift card ($11 left.. xmas '06 present from lejano i think??).. starbucks gift card ($2 left LOL).. chevron gas gift card.. blockbuster's movie card (last time i took it out.. i ended up needing it. so i just.. don't take it out anymore).. YL library card (same situation as blockbusters card).. APA photog membership card.. brooks ID card.. debit card.. license.. amex.. and visa. so.. that's.. 15 cards? wtf :( 

MY VAIN WISHLIST
($248.00) i adoooreeee this design.. but.. wish it was on a normal wallet (like one of the two below). i don't mind the zip up but i think i'd have LESS card slots.. and seems like it might be annoying to get stuff from that space (constricted by zipper?). i could totally be wrong though, never used anything like it. but oh so cute!

($228.00) also cute in brown. tons of card space. i dunno if i like the clasp as much though. it'd probably get unclasped in my purse.. and i would get annoyed. i wish the first one had as much card slots as this one.

($208.00) cute, no? :) lots of card space plus all the other essentials. black is also cute.. might be better 'cause.. i dunno how clean the inside of my purse stays. not too crazy about the white stitches but if i ever got one.. i could most definitely deal with them, if you catch my drift ;P 

but.. i could probably find a wallet just as cute at a regular store too. should've looked when i went to mervyns.. grr. oh well. i will eventually get a new one :)