Alternative French Tip Nails

I've been toying with this nail design in my head for about a week, and decided to just give it a try today. It's not exactly how I imagined, but I like it! Let me know what you think, and if you want me to post a mini step by step slide show :)

FLASHBACK!

So this is supposed to be a "Beauty Blog" right? I have a TON of makeup reviews, and hauls that I have to get to - but I was feeling nostalgic today, while surfing youtube, I came across One song, and then another, and it snowballed from there. Here are some of the most beautiful songs I loved growing up in the 90's! I hope you enjoy them!! - These are in no particular order :)

1. Under The Bridge- Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. No Rain - Blind Melon
3. Just Like Heaven - The Cure
4. Slide - Goo Goo Dolls
5. Let Her Cry - Hootie and the Blowfish
6. Don't Speak - No Doubt
7. 1979 - Smashing Pumpkins
8. River of Deceit - Mad Season
9. Down in a Hole - Alice in Chains

20% OFF VALENTINES DAY SALE - TODAY ONLY!

Enter the coupon code "BEMYVALENTINE" at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order from Spectrum Cosmetics Etsy Shop
http://www.torik2009.etsy.com

also - Don't forget to enter the Spectrum Cosmetics Giveaway at the top of the page - just click on the Spectrum Banner! :)

Happy Valentines Day everyone!!

SUBTLE Valentines Day Nail Look

I've seen an overabundance of Pink and Red Nail and Makeup Tutorials for Valentines day, so I wanted to go off in a slightly different direction. I'm doing a nude and black look with a little heart design.

Here is the look - I painted all of my nails with a nude polish, them stamped them all with this design in black

I left the accent nails just like this, but on all of the other nails I painted another coat of the nude polish on them, so the design was muted. I Hope you all like this! If you want to know any specifics about the colors or the plate that I used just let me know! :) Happy Valentines Day!!

My Life According to Google

I though I would take a break from the Makeup posts for a day, and do a totally random and fun Post that another awesome blogger did! Here's her link if you want to go check her answers out!

What you do is substitute your first name ( where it says "name" into the google search, and post the first result! - No cheating!!

Ok - Here goes!!

1. "Name" Needs - Erica needs to be in a much better place

2. "Name" Looks like - Erica looks like a lion

3. "Name" Hates - Erica hates GLOWs profile on myspace

4. "Name" Goes - Erica goes MISSING - ( I hope not!)

5. "Name" Loves - Erica loves PPQ's Profile on myspace - ( What's with the myspace answers?)

6. "Name" Eats - Erica eats cookies, and others you may know - (What others??!! lol)

7. "Name" Has- Erica has been a key player

8. "Name" Works -Erica works on a plan to destroy Anna's Newly created soldiers

9. "Name" Lives - Erica Lives in Washington D.C. - ( I totally do not lol)

10. "Name" Died- Erica died after her aunt took her for a secret abortion :(

11."Name" Does- Erica Does Makeup has 219 friends - ( I would so be one of them!!)

12. "Name" Will - Erica Will is on facebook

13. "Name" Is - Erica is pursuing her dream to be a gazillionaire both on earth and in heaven

If you try this please send me a link and let me know, so I can go check out your answers! :)

EOTD

Can you tell I'm looking forward to spring!! lol
In this look I used Spectrum Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow Pigments in
Key Lime

Pacific

Electric Purple

If you want a chance to get some free Spectrum Cosmetics to try out for yourself - Please enter my Giveaway at the Top of this page! :)

My Very First Blog Award!!

I got a very pleasant surprise today from PRETTY IN THE DESERT

She was so sweet and Chose me to receive the "ONE AWESOME BLOG AWARD"

I am so excited, thank you so much!! I've been blogging less than a month, and have met so many awesome bloggers - including her! If you arent following her already - CLICK HERE to go check her out!!

Here are the Rules for accepting this award:

Post about the award, and copy the rules

Link to the person who gave you the award

Choose 3 - 5 blogs that you would like to give the award to, and link to them

Leave a comment on their blog to let them know

The award is for unknown and new blogs ONLY - Spread the love!!

Here are the AWESOME blogs that I'm Choosing to Send the award to:

Madein1985

EllaEtc

FASHIONPOLISH

HellCandyMakeUp

JustPeachy

Thanks again for the award!!

TOUGH LOVE!

I woke up to this Email From MAC

Just wanted to share! Go Check it out!! :)

TOP 10 Beauty Myths: Fact or Fiction

Ok - We've all heard a million and one different beauty myths ranging from teeth whitening to varicose veins, but how much should we really believe? Here are my top ten beauty myths exposed!

1. Pores Open and Close
FICTION - Pores are openings in our skin that secrete sebum, ( a mix of proteins, fats, and cholesterol, and inorganic salt). Sebum is important because it washes out dead skin , and dirt from our pores and coats our skin with it, thus providing a barrier to protect itself. When our pores become clogged, or get a lot of build up in them, they just appear larger. They don't actually "open or close"

2. Misting Your Face With Water Helps to Moisturize Your Skin Throughout the Day
FICTION - Misting you face with water will actually leave your skin more dried out once the water has evaporated. Use a facial mist with glycerin or aloe instead. It will help to lock in the moisture.

3. Waxing Will Make Your Hair Grow Back Thicker
FICTION - Your hair grows king of like a blade of grass. thicker at the base, and tapers off as it grows longer. When you wax, you are ripping the hair out of the follicle. When the hair does grow back it appears to be thicker than before you waxed it because you are seeing it from the base where it is thickest.

4. Painting Your Nails all the Time will Cause Nail Yellowing
FACT - Nail Polish like all other cosmetics contains pigments. These pigments are often staining - especially in darker colors that contain stronger or higher concentrations of pigments. To help prevent this, always use a base coat. It will act as a barrier to protect your nail.

5. Eating Chocolate Causes Pimples
FICTION- Breakouts and acne are caused mostly by hormones, stress, and dead skin cells blocking your pores, not chocolate :)

6. You Can Repair Damaged Hair and Split Ends
FICTION - As much as I would like this to be true, this is false. Although you can buy products to coat damaged hair and make it feel and appear better, Hair is dead, and cannot be repaired. The only way to get rid of damaged hair it to cut it off.

7. If You Pluck a Grey Hair - 2 More Will grow in it's Place
FICTION - If it's in your genetics to get grey hair, you're going to get grey hair. Grey hair appears when the root of the hair is no longer producing melanin that gives your hair it's color. Grey hair will often appear out of place coarse and wirey because the shaft has usually stopped producing the sebum that coats it as well.

8. You Shouldn't Wash Freshly Colored Hair
FACT - You should wait a minimum of 48 - 72 hours before washing hair that has been color treated. You need to give the dye time to penetrate the hair - washing it prematurely will wash out some of your color. To help maintain that color you should always use shampoo and conditioner formulated for color treated hair

9. Crossing Your Legs will Cause Varicose Veins
FICTION - Crossing your legs while sitting will not cause varicose veins, however STANDING for long periods of time will. Varicose veins are most common in the superficial veins in the legs. These veins are subjected to high pressure while standing since they are working against gravity to pump the blood back the the heart. There are leaflet valves in these veins to prevent back flow of the blood. When these valves stop working, the blood does back flow, and pool resulting in the bulgy veins. Surgery is available to remove these veins.

10. Cucumber Slices will Combat Puffiness Around the Eye
BOTH
Cucumbers are often stored in ice water when you are at a salon, or in the fridge when you are at home. Placing a chilled cucumber slice over your eye for a few minutes will decrease puffiness. BUT it's the cold temperature that is the actual remedy. Placing any cold compress on the area will constrict the blood vessels, and reduce puffiness.

New Spring 2011 MAC WONDER WOMAN Collection!

As a child growing up in the 80's I was never into barbie. I was however into WONDER WOMAN! So you can imagine my excitement when I heard about the new MAC Collection for Spring 2011!!

Maybe one of the best parts of this collection is you will get more "BANG" for you buck - with this collection there will be OVERSIZED packaging to mimic her taste for larger than life things! - How awesome is that!?!

I'm also super excited to check out the limited edition BLUE makeup brushes!

I think that this is seriously one of the most exciting collections that MAC has come out with in awhile!

This collection will be available Feb 10 - Mid April! I CAN'T WAIT!

Expect to see Blue, Red, Gold's and Plums :)

NOTD using Nubar and Sinful Colors :)

This is my Nail of the Day! I recently received Nubars 2010 in the mail, and could not wait to do a mani with it!! I originally was going to use 2010 over black or blue, but it seems like that's pretty popular, so instead I used it over a beautiful rich crimson color by Sinful Colors Called "Rich in Heart" I think it turned out fantastic! Let me know what you think, or if you have 2010 what colors do you like to use it over?

Sinful Colors "Rich in Heart" by itself

With 2 coats of Nubar 2010

With 1 coat of Seche Vite - This REALLY brings out the colors and makes any mani even more vibrant! LOVE THIS TOP COAT!

Let me know what you think! :)

Makeup Bags

A few months ago I was checking out etsy for makeup bags, and I found an awesome seller, but never got around to making a purchase. I was recently looking again, and came across another awesome seller. After looking through her store I realized that it was the same seller that I had loved so much from my 1st search! I decided I just HAD to buy some lol. 13 actually! They should be on their way soon, so I will make another post when they get here, and there might be a giveaway in store!! :) - What I DO know for sure is that some will be given away as contest prizes filled with goodies for THIS ANTI-VALENTINES DAY CONTEST!!

If you're impatient like me and want one NOW, then please head to her shop HERE

There's still a pretty nice variety, even though I bought up a bunch lol. I just LOVE her designs! They're bright and fun, and cheer me up just looking at them!! :) The BEST part is that they're so affordable that I can purchase a bunch, and not feel guilty!! They range in price from $2 - $5!!! Most of them are $3 and shipping is cheap too! ($2)!! Please check her out, and if you do make a purchase let her know that I sent you! :) Here are some examples of the bags that are available now! Like I said I bought up a bunch and they seem to sell quick! If you see a design that you like buy it now, as it may not be there tomorrow! Also check back often for new designs! :)

HOT DEALS on NUBAR NAIL POLISH!

Here are some links for some FANTASTIC Deals!!

WAS $67.41 NOW $49.95

You get 9 Nubar nail polishes!! Thats just $5.50 each!!

Click on the picture to view the details, and purchase!

This is the Cleopatra Collection - Was $59.92 NOW $49.95

And Last we have the NVC8 Vineyard Collection - Was $59.95 NOW $49.95

Nubar 2010!!!

Nubar celebrates 10 years of creating safe and innovative nail lacquers free of DBP, formaldehyde, and toluene, with Nubar 2010. This shade consists of flakes of reflective glitters, in a polychromatic base, and displays many shades worn alone as a sheer polish, or layered over other colors for a dramatic effect. The limit to Nubars 2010's possibilities, is your imagination!

I just received this color in the mail today, and I HAVE to say that it is GORGEOUS!!! I think it looks best over Dark colors, which really make the flakes stand out! I can't wait to try this!! Look for a nail look soon!! :)

If you are interested in trying this it is available HERE

Liquid Liner - Mac Vs Maybelline

I purchased the MAC Superslick Liquid Eyeliner a few weeks back, and LOVED IT! It had a wonderful application, nice opacity, and long wear. For the $17.50 I paid for it, I thought it was well worth it!

Then a week or so passed, and I read a review that a fellow blogger did on the Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Liner. I love the lash stiletto mascara, so intrigued decided to pick some up. I got mine at Rite-Aid for around $7. They're having a sale right now buy 1 get 1 50% off - so I picked up another Maybelline liner. Normally I would have gone with a different brand, but looking at the ingredients on the back the formulations are in fact different. The other liner I purchased was the Ultra Liner Liquid Eye Liner ( $5) Based on the image on the front of the packaging I though that this had a foam tip as well, but it's a brush.

From Right to Left ( Superslick, Line Stiletto, Ultra Liner)

The Superslick applicator is the nicest I think - it tapers off, and allows for a very nice thin or bold line.

The Line Stiletto applicator LOOKS like it is thicker, and might create a less precise line, but to my surprise it applied just as nicely as the Superslick.

The Ultra liner brush could be better, but it's not bad by any means. I just feel as if I have better control with the other 2 liners.

From Left to Right: Superslick, Line Stiletto, Ultra Liner

The pigmentation was nice with all three but the best with the Superslick, and the Ultra Liner.

I think that if Maybelline used the formulation of the ultra liner with the line stiletto packaging it would be a fantastic Superslick Dupe!

If you don't want to pay nearly 20 for a MAC liquid liner, but still want an AMAZING liner, I highly recommend trying out the Line Stiletto, or even the ultra liner for that matter if you're comfortable with a brush! :)

I hope this helps someone, and if you have any liners that you like please let me know so I can try them out! :)

I swatched all three of the liners on my hand, and have been wearing them for about 6 hours. There is no fading, or flaking at all on any of them! :)

Ed Hardy Curl Up And Dye Mascara Review

Recently I bought a few Ed Hardy Items. I got 4 mascaras, a nail polish, and the matte top coat.

I have only tried one item so far. I LOVE the name of the Curl up and Dye mascara!! BUT I HATE it! I wonder if that's where the came up with the name, because it's so terrible that's what it makes me want to do! :( It is the worst mascara that I have EVER used. I have fairly nice long lashes, and believe it or not this is the first product that actually made them look worse! The formulation is pretty thin, but clumps and makes a big gloppy mess. I WILL NOT be purchasing this product again. Hell I would even feel bad giving away such a crappy product! I give this a 1 / 5 Stars only because I like the Name, and it has nice packaging.

I hope the other products are better!

Check out this Contest!

This contest is for ANTI-VALENTINE'S DAY!!
Check it out...

Here's the link if anyone wants to enter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuePxlRdsEA

WET N WILD Creme Eyeliner - REVIEW

I purchased the wet n wild creme eyeliner in BLACK and EGGPLANT at Rite-Aid about a year ago. I have used the product pretty frequently, and they have not dried out, and are just as good as when I first used it. I bought a similar product at coastal scents for nearly twice the price of this, I used it once, and went to use it a month later and it was all dried out! :(
This was $3.99 and is an absolute steal! It has a very smooth application - I DO NOT like the brush that it comes with as it is too thick to get a nice line with. I recommend using your own liner brush, if you have one. The pigmentation is amazing, it's waterproof, and once it dries it does NOT budge. You can blend it out if you do it as soon as you apply it. I've heard some complaint about removal, but I use my own oil based remover, and have no problem at all :)
If you're looking for a more budget friendly alternative to MAC fluidline, Try this! I will be repurchasing! I just wish they had more colors!

Snow Leopard Eye Of The Day

Snow Leopard Inspired Eye Shadow Tutorial

Step1. Prime Your eye - I used Spectrum Cosmetics Primer

Step2. Apply a white shadow on the inner 1/2 of your eye. I used BLINDING

Step 3. Apply ALLOY to the outer 1/2 of your eye - blending where the meet in the middle

Step 4. Take FROST BITE and Lightly apply that to the very outer corner, and blend

Step 5. Apply liner - make sure to add a long cat tail on the end :)

Step 6. Make the Leopard design with your liner - basically c's and circle shapes.

make the designs smaller on the inner part and gradually draw them larger as you go towards the outer corner.

Step 7. Apply Mascara

I hope you all like it! If you decide to give it a try I would LOVE to see it!! Send me the link :)

These colors are also available as a stackable set HERE

Get all 3 colors for $8!

GIVEAWAY - CLOSED

I would like to do a "Just Because" Giveaway to celebrate the start of my blog!

The rules are NOT complicated, but there are a couple to qualify:

1. You MUST be a Follower

2. Go to Spectrum Cosmetics Etsy Store, and tell me what you would like to use your gift card on!

That's it! Leave me a comment with your favorite product(s)from the site, and be sure to leave your email address where I can contact you if you win!

The Prize is a $20 Gift Certificate to http://www.torik2009.etsy.com/

There are all kind of products on the site, Lip gloss, Lip Stick, Over 100 colors of eyeshadow, foundation, Cosmetic Glitter, Solid Perfume, Perfume Oils, Lotion, Solid Lotion Bars, etc.!! Something for everyone!

Giveaway Ends Feb 28, 2011

Brush Guard - REVIEW

I received a package From The Brush Guard Company months ago, and really wanted to use it a few times, to really "use" the products. I've used them so many times, and they are still in perfect condition- and so are my brushes!

I got the assorted package that comes with
1 Shadow/liner (ex small)
2 Blush (small)
2 Foundation (medium)
1 Powder/kabuki (large)

You can check it out HERE

Here is the information that comes with your set -It gives you the basic do's an don'ts for the proper use of the product, and shows you the sizes of the brush guards.

Here's a large and a small guard so you can see the size difference.

This is the Medium Size on one of my face brushes - see how the brush guard forms to the shape of the brush? LOVE this - it shapes your bristles while they dry!

I like using a brush guard even on brushes that don't really need to be shaped - like this flat brush - I just choose a size a little to big so it isn't snug against the brush, but just tight enough to keep it in place. This way I can dry it upside down to ensure no moisture gets down into the ferrule. If moisture gets into your ferrule it will begin breaking down the glue, and your bristles will begin to fall out. - Using HOT water while cleaning your brushes will do the same thing. Using cool water and a gentle cleanser is ideal.

Here you can see that I can dry my brushes completely upside down to ensure that no moisture is going to get down into the ferrule. Since the brush guards are so long, you can pull them well down past the bristles so they don't get squished either. LOVE this product!

There are other sets available as well if you need different quantities or sizes Check them out!

The ship to EVERY country and for $5.50 they're well worth the investment!

AMAZING STORY!!

I know that this is a "Beauty blog" - but I have something a little different today. I cam across this amazing and beautiful story today and wanted to share it with someone. Photography is a beautiful form of art, and this Lady captures the beauty of life so well. I hope you all enjoy this!
http://tv.gawker.com/5726565/genius-mary-poppins+esque-photographer-discovered-post-mortem

15% off Sale

Here is a Coupon Code for 15% off your entire purchase from Spectrum Cosmetics Etsy Shop!

It is a 3 day Sale that will run from Jan 7 - Jan 9

15 % off coup

on code is SevenEleven

Click HERE to check it out!

MAC Haul / Review and FREE SHIPPING CODE

I received my Mac order today! The First product that I ordered was a lipstick in MYTH . It is a BEAUTIFUL nude Satin Finish lip color. I found that it had great coverage, and wore very well. For $14.50 I'd say it's a STEAL! :) 4.5 / 5 Stars - I LOVE this!! No wonder it's one of their best selling colors!!
The Second Item I ordered was a Superslick Liquid Eyeliner in

ON THE HUNT. It is a water-based liquid liner that is water-resistent, VERY easy to apply - it creats a SMOOTH line with no effort at all and dries in seconds! One it dries it's absolutely smudge proof! This is by far one of the best liquid eyeliners I have ever used. The applicatior is fantastic - you can create a very thin line or a wider more intense line as shown in my swatch pic. If you have problems with liner brushes or cream liner, I highly recommend this - you'll LOVE it! It was $17.50 and worth every penny!

I don't know how long the code will last but if you enter "BUBBLES" at checkout you will receive FREE SHIPPING! I placed my order on 1-3-11 and it worked for me! IF you place an order let me know if it is still working! :)