Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

 "If You're Not Whitening, You're Yellowing."

I am a member of Influenster (http://www.influenster.com/ )and I was recently sent this product to try out.  I was very excited because I have kind of a teeth obsession.  I am addicted to floss picks and I love to have white teeth.

 

I have tried other whitening products in the past including tooth pastes, white strips and even gels that you put in trays.  I was worried that this system would be complicated and messy as some of my other experiences have been.  I was pleasantly surprised that it was not at all difficult or messy.  These strips are easy to apply, mess free, and stay gripped onto your teeth like nobodies business.

This kit comes with 20 strips and an instructional pamphlet.  The instructions say that you peel the strips off of the wrapper and put one on the bottom row of teeth and one on the top row of teeth.  The strips are to remain on for 30 minutes.  The picture below shows what the strips look like out of the package as well as the results so far.

 So as I am writing this blog I have been using this product for 6 days.  In the pictures above you can see that after days 6 my teeth are brighter and whiter already.  I plan on continuing to use this product and posting an updated blog after day 20. 

Watch my video for more information, tips, and a look at how I apply these great whitening strips.

    Visit Crest here to find out more about their products  http://www.3dwhite.com/

Disclaimer- I received this product complimentary through Influenster.  However, all opinions and statement are my own.

Blackheart Beautiful Revenge Nail Polish- Hot Topic Skull Polish

This skull shaped bottle nail polish in Blackheart Beautiful Revenge Nail Polish came from Hot Topic.  I love skulls so I basically bought it for the bottle.

 After using the polish though it turns out not only do I like the bottle but the product is pretty cool too.

It is a black jelly base with 2 sizes of red glitter in it.  This is 2 coats of the polish. It is almost like a glitter jelly sandwich without having to layer any polishes.

I have not tried any of the other polishes from this line but I am super happy with this one.

Sinful Colors Lavender

Here is a picture of what Sinful Colors nail polish in Lavender looks like.  I love this color!  I put an Icing glitter polish (don't know the name) over the top on my ring fingers.  This is 2 coats.

Revlon ColorStay Amethyst

These are a few swatches of the Revlon ColorStay polish in the color Amethyst.  It is a shimmery medium purple color that is great for almost anytime of year. 

 This line of polishes is about $7 at the drugstore.  I own almost all of the colors in this line and I really love them but I would not pay that price for them.  I was able to purchase them over time by waiting for sales and using coupons at both Walgreens and Target.  I also purchased the base coat and top coat in the ColorStay line that I use when I paint my nails with these polishes.  It makes my manicure super shiny and these polishes last a very long time for me.  These pictures were taken on the third day of this manicure.  You can see some tip wear but no chipping at all.  I tend to change my polishes within 3-5 days but even then it is shiny and chip-free until then.  I did a ten day test on my YouTube channel with one of the polishes from this line.  (Linked here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uggmRaCzSxs)

I have used many of these polishes and have loved each an every one so far.  Give them a try but again only of you can get a deal or sale.

DIY Glittery Goodness- Upcycled Votive Candles and Sparkly Cup

I just love glitter! I had been trying to think of a project to do with it recently.  I had also been trying to figure out something to do with my used up and empty mini candle votives from Bath and Body Works.  

 Well...Pinterest to the rescue!  I was on there one day (as I usually am a few times a day) and I came across some ideas.  I took little ideas from several different people and posts (not even sure I actually pinned the ideas on my boards) Anyway...I got my glitter fix for sure with these two projects.  I love re-use and upcycled projects and I can't wait to empty some more votives to try some other glitter colors.  Check out the before and after photos are below.

 

The full video from my YouTube channel of how I did this is below.  Please watch to get your glitter on!

Island Girl Mood Color Changing Nail Polish

I received these 2 Island Girl Mood Color Changing Nail Polishes in a swap.  They were purchased on-line by the lady I swapped with from the ABC stores in Hawaii.  There is a bright pink, almost neon color and a teal blue.  Neither bottle has a name on it.

Both swatches come out matte on the nail.  Both nails are painted with 2 coats of the polish which applied very nicely.

The initial color of each polish matched the darker shade on the lid as pictured below.

 I dipped my hand in cold water and the color of the pink polish stayed the same.  In fact there was never any shade difference or change in either hot or cold water with the pink polish.

 The teal colored polish did change in warm water though.  You can see the transition happening in the photo above.  I had just ran the tip under the warm water.  The full change is pictured below.

 

I am not a huge fan of the matte look so I put a topcoat on the nails to add a glossy finish.The topcoat did not affect the color changing nature of the teal polish.  Again the pink stayed the same color the whole time.  On the whole the idea of color changing polishes in a fun one I suppose.  I will definitely wear these polish this Spring and Summer- with a topcoat of course.  However, I don't think that I will purchase any of the other color changing polishes that I have seen around (Claire's and Icing both carry some in their stores).

You can watch my video of the whole process below.

 

 

 

 

Sinful Colors Sinfully Magnetic Polish

This magnetic polish is called Captivate Me and it is from the Sinfully Magnetic line by Sinful Colors.  I purchased mine for about $4.99 for Target.

This polish is a beautiful berry, mauve color with iridescent sparkle in it.  The magnet is a convenient ring style tool that sits snugly on top of the bottle lid.

It also comes with an instruction booklet that I misplaced after reading it.  The directions say to paint one coat and let it dry thoroughly.  The pic above shows one coat dry.

After the first coat dries you apply a second coat and then immediately hold the magnet over your nail.  Be sure to center it over the nail and use the little rest piece to balance it.  Be very careful not to let the magnet hit your wet polish (I did that at first!)  Hold the magnet over the nail for 15-20 seconds.

When the time is up lift the magnet to see the neat star-burst design.  After doing a few nails you get the hang of it no problem.  Add a top coat and you are good to go.  I think that this polish is a quick way to get a nice design on your nails.

Pretty!

Watch the whole review and demo on my YouTube Channel below

All About Influenster

I have been loving being a part of the Influenster community so I thought I would share some more about it with you.  The website describes Influenster as, "... a free-to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products."  You can read more here- http://www.influenster.com/about

I have received several of their Vox Boxes full of great products to try.  In exchange I use the products and then post videos, reviews, etc. and spread the word to my friends about the products.  I have been able to try products that I would have never heard of or been exposed to otherwise and I have found some favorite products too.

Below are several of the video links for videos I have made on my YouTube channel sharing my boxes.  Please watch to find out more and to see the great products I have been able to try.

Want to join?  Send me you email address and I can send you an invite :)

Naturals Vox Box http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJdTYCUVwz4&feature=plcp
Mom Vox Box http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCdbu8nMQP8&feature=plcp
Love Vox Box http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-EwWSGTjIA&feature=plcp

Shooting Star Nail Art

I got bored of my plain nail color (Essie's Armed and Ready) so I decided to add some fun to my mani.  I did this shooting star design on my thumbs and ring fingers and I love it!  You can watch the how-to video to see exactly how I did it.

I have never used nail embellishment things like these stars before.  If you use a nice thick coat or 2 of top coat (Seche Vite is my favorite) they stay on well and won't snag.  The glow-in-the-dark stars actually glowed too which was a fun added bonus.

 As I mentioned in the video I ordered the nail art from colebys1981 on YouTube.  She sells monthly grab bags of nail art stuff so for me as a beginner it is a good way to try different things.  Enjoy!

Essie Armed and Ready

This is a nice Fall color that is somewhere between a green and a gray with subtle yellowish brown shimmers.  As the name Armed and Ready suggests, it is a good army green sort of color.  The shimmer doesn't really show up unless you are in the sun as in the second photo.  It is a nice application as most of Essie's darker polishes are.  This manicure is two coats of polish. 

 

Blue Polish Love

Blue polish love!

I am in love with this blue polish from Maybelline's Color Show line of polishes called Blue Freeze.  It is a rich, cool dark blue with purple shimmers in it.  I tried to capture the color in the photo but I was unable to get a pic in natural light or sun light due to cruddy weather and such.  Anyway...it is gorgeous!

I was worried as first when I applied this polish because the first coat was very streaky.  Once the second coat was on though it was all good.  It was even better after I added a top coat because all of the purple shimmers came out.

On my ring finger I added 2 coats of Essie's Stroke of Brilliance glitter topcoat.  It is a silvery blue glitter that goes very well with the blue polish.  This is a great combo for fall and winter too!

Fall Manicures

Fall Manicures

I love Fall with the changing colors and cooling weather.  Here are a few nail art looks that I have worn this Fall that are colorful and festive for the season.

 This Fall Leaves look has the colors and shimmer that are perfect this time of year.

Check out the tutorial here!

 This look is inspired by Indian Corn.  I love this one because it is so unique!

Watch the tutorial on my channel here!

Halloween Manicures

My Halloween Manicures

These are the Halloween manicures I wore this October.  I tried to make them more cute and colorful than scary.

This mani is called Frankenstein and His Bride.  Watch the tutorial on my YouTube channel.

Orange Glitter Jelly Sandwich with Creepy Eyes

Orange and Black Candy Stick Stripes.  Watch the tutorial on my YouTube channel.

Halloween Polka Dot Bows.  Watch the tutorial on my YouTube channel.

My First Blog Entry!

Welcome to my blog!  I have been posting pics of my nail polish swatches and nail art on Facebook and Pinterest for a while now but I figured it was time I started a blog too.  This entry will be short because I am still trying to figure out of the blog format stuff.  Until I get more content up check out my YouTube channel.  I have a giveaway going on right now.