Tag Archive | product reviews

No Lift Nails Cuticle Oil Review

Jul10

I’m always glad when something good comes out of doing something regrettable.  I did my own acrylic nails about two months ago.  While I loved the look, I didn’t realize how hard the fake nails would be on my natural nails. While doing some research for acrylic nail after care, I came across this awesome product.

Fast forward six weeks later, let me introduce you to No Lift Nails Cuticle Oil. Holy flipping cow!  I kept the fake ones on until my own grew out. I picked some up at Sally Beauty for $6.99 No Lift Nails Cuticle Oil  The ingredients are simple: Avocado Oil, Almond Oil, Vitamin E and fragrance.  It smells amazing. I put a drop on each nail before bed and massage it over my entire nail and cuticle.  The bottle is one ounce.

Cuticle Oil 7-10-16

In just six short weeks, my nails are all long and strong as heck.  My nail polish has been lasting longer, hardly chipping at all.

Cuticle Oil Nails 7-10-16

Here is a photo of my July 4th manicure.  I didn’t feel like redoing my nails, so I painted a silver line where the new growth is.  My nails grew an 1/8 inch in two weeks!  I started out with a wild blue color and just kept adding on.  I do my nails at night, and put this on over my polish, no smudges at all!  I actually filed my nails a bit here, as I wanted them to be squared off. My nails were really brittle before and would always break.  I feel like I have a gel manicure because they are so strong.

I have only used a small amount after daily use for six weeks. I sometimes will put some on my hands. I literally want to gnaw on my fingers because it smells so good.

Cuticle Oil 7-10-16 after two months of daily use

You can buy it on Amazon, but it’s $10. I actually paid less than $6.99 at Sally Beauty because I have a rewards card. It’s funny because I have been taking 5000 mg of Biotin for months and it wasn’t doing anything for my nails.  This stuff is awesome!

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense Review

Jul5

Happy day after the July 4th!  I’m off work today just hanging out.  I visited my friend Marv earlier, now I’m just chillaxing on the couch.  Having had the past five days off I visited Ulta twice. (Obsessed much? Yes).

Gravity is not being kind to my eyelids, as I watch them disappear before my eyes, literally.  I’ve been looking into some possible procedures, but after doing extensive research, I’ve decided against it.  I did a Botox eyelift four years ago, I liked the results, but it only lasted three months and cost $600.

I’ve never been big on liquid eyeliner on my lids, as I wear glasses and I could never get the darn line straight. I was looking through my vast eye make up collection, and came across a freebie Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense.  I tried it and really liked it.  I went to my local Ulta and got Intense Clove.  I must say it really enhances my eye color, and makes my lids not quite so hooded looking. The color lasts all day, and doesn’t smudge. I just did a quickie eye make up job today, as I was only going to do volunteer work.

I got a post card in the mail from Ulta saying I could get a full size Clinique  Clarifying toner with any purchase.  A $14 value. Dang, winner winner, chicken dinner!  I was looking for a clarifying cleanser and the salesperson said to use this instead. The salesperson was super helpful with my color selection.

Here are a few photos.  Please keep in mind I’m 57, and know I will never have the eyelids of my youth without medical intervention. And I’m okay with that.

The Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense at Ulta is $16.50.  I got Intense Clove.  I used points since I’m a Ulta rewards member and only paid $7.50.  Clinique Quickliner at Ulta

 

 

 

 

 

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Ulta Freebie-Buxom Lip Polish

Jul4

Can I just say I’m a goofball when it comes to free stuff?  I’m an Ulta rewards member, and I get emails everyday from them.  Lately I’ve been getting some great emails for new products, and some classic items as well.

I got the email for some free Buxom Lip gloss with purchase on June 30th.  You have to act quickly on these freebies, as they tend to run out fast. I got a full size Buxom lip polish in Dolly from Ipsy a few years ago.  I love it, and only use it on specials occasions, why, because I’m a goofball.  The color of the freebie was Dolly, so I was all in.

It’s a pretty mauve color that would flatter any skin tone.  When I do wear it, it’s over lipstick.  It stays on well, and really enhances the color of whatever lipstick you have on.

I went to my local Ulta right after they opened on July 1st, and they had already run out. I ran out of the house with no make-up, and didn’t even brush my teeth, to get free lip gloss. (did I mention I’m a goof ball?) I went to the next closest Ulta and scored my freebie.

It’s $20 at Ulta.  I got a generous sample that went right into my purse. If you are a Ulta rewards member, don’t forget to check your emails daily.

 

Buxom Lip Polish in Dolly

Tarte Review

Jun25

Hello!  I had a fun day off yesterday,  visiting my local Ulta for a haircut and style.  My awesome stylist Taleah asked me if I wanted a Tarte make over after my hair appointment.  I’m like heck yeah!  We were going out with friends later, and I had not done my make up yet.

I’ve used a few products from the Tarte line, but never any make up.  The Tarte make up artist Shannon, did an awesome job, and I ended up buying two items.

Tarte Make over Freebies 6-24-16

Freebies!

Tarte Make over Lip Sculptor VIP 6-24-16

VIP Lip Sculptor

Tarte Make over Swatch Lip color 6-24-16

Lip Color swatches

Tarte Make over Tarteist Contour Palette 6-24-16

Contour Palette

Tarte Make over Tarteist Contour Palette 6-24-16.jpg-1

Haircut 6-24-16

Great coverage make up!

Shannon used all of the colors from the contour palette, taking me through each step.  I’ve been a make up artist in the past, and she really knew her products.  My eyelids have practically vanished due to gravity, so I was glad to be able to see my eyes better. It’s $45 at Tarte Contour Palette

The Lip Sculptor in VIP is awesome!  Super creamy lipstick with a matching gloss that wasn’t sticky at all.   It’s $24 at VIP Lip Sculptor

Not only did I get these two great products, but I got two freebies as well.  A deluxe sample of the Maracuja Oil and Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment. I’ve used both products before and they are great.

The best part, not only did I get some amazing products, but as a Ulta rewards member I got 20% off my purchase.  It’s a once a year promotion where you can get 20% off your entire purchase including premium brands.

Ulta knocks it out of the park again!

 

 

 

Ulta Salon Review

Jun25

I’ve been shopping at Ulta since they first came to town. I only recently started going to the salon. Taleah at the Waukesha, WI

Haircut 6-24-16 Before front

Before-frizzy mess

Haircut 6-24-16 After Front

After-smooth and pretty

Haircut 6-24-16 Taleah info

Awesome stylist!

Haircut 6-24-16 Before back

OMG! Before

Haircut 6-24-16 After

Wow! After

location is an amazing stylist. I have course, naturally curly hair, and she makes my hair look amazing. If you become a rewards member you will get coupons, freebies coupons, etc. sent directly to your email. I have gotten some amazing freebies lately just for being a rewards member. If you see Taleah, just mention that Stacy sent you and you will get $10 off your salon service! The phone number is 262-574-0387. Taleah works convenient hours Tues-Friday 10-6, and 12-8. This young woman is only 24, but she has some amazing talent. http://www.ulta.com/

Way to go Ulta and Taleah! Keep up the great work!

Thrift Store Haul & Tips

Jun22

Here are a few things from a recent trip to my favorite Goodwill store.  I didn’t pay more than $3 for any one item.  I scored some NYDJ (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans) NYDJ on Amazon jeans for $3.50, this style sells for over $100!

I’ve gained a few pounds lately, so I was looking for some shorts.  I couldn’t find any so I bought four pairs of jeans to cut off.  The NYDJ brand fits perfectly.  My friend swears by them, but I would never pay over $100 for a pair of jeans, I don’t care how good they might make my butt look.  I just want my butt to look smaller.

A few of the items are for winter, but who cares! I’ll be more than set once the cold weather rolls around.  It is truly amazing what you can find.  My wardrobe just keeps getting better, and I’m keeping more money in my pocket.

Here are some tips for successful shopping at a thrift store:

  1. Give yourself plenty of time to shop. I’ve found men’s clothing mixed in with the women’s. Also you need to look in a size up or down from what you normally wear. It’s common to find other sizes mixed in with yours.
  2. Look at labels first. I could never afford to wear designer clothes before, now I can. I also find deals on items from our local department stores, as well as nationwide stores such as Kohl’s.
  3. Sign up for store rewards cards. I get advance notices of sales and coupons as well.
  4. Shopping on half price tag day. Usually on Sunday and Monday a particular color of price tag will be 50% off.  Sunday is probably the best time to shop because most people donate on Saturday.
  5. If you have lost weight or are losing weight, it’s the best place to go to reward yourself. When you have lost some weight and your old clothes are getting too baggy, shop Goodwill. Who wants to spend a lot of money on clothes, only to have them not fit in a month or so.
  6. Go outside your comfort zone. Before I discovered Goodwill, the colors of my wardrobe were indicative of my exciting occupation. I didn’t own anything pink, purple or coral.  Now I have all the colors of the rainbow in my closet.
  7. Go often. You will be amazed at the amount of brand new with the tag items you will find.
  8. Last but not least. Find out when your local department is having a Goodwill sale. When you donate items to the store they will give you a coupon good for that store. A week after the sale is over, go to your local Goodwill.  You will be amazed at the selection.  January 1st is great also; as many people (including myself) wait until the last minute to donate for the previous year.
  9. And the most important thing, donate regularly to your local thrift store. They help many people in the community, and it’s a great tax write off.

Pinterest Follower-Italian purses

Jun11

Happy Saturday!  I got an email last week that this Italian accessories company is following my Pinterest account. Given I’ve never visited their site, or even have any purse pins, I was a bit surprised.  I don’t have a lot of followers on Pinterest (don’t really care either), but since they are following me, I thought I would give them a shout out.  They do have some really nice stuff, a bit pricey for this bargain fashionista.  http://www.loristella.it/it/

loristella Logo 6-11-16

 

Summer is finally here-Manicure

Jun4

Happy Saturday!  It’s finally Summer here in Wisconsin.  Everything is so green and beautiful.  Thought this mani was very appropriate for a sunny Summer day!

Base color is Revlon Colorstay in Bonsai, tip color is Pure Ice in Wild Thing.  Paid $3 for both. Colors are discontinued.

What’s your favorite Summer manicure colors?

Thanks for stopping by!

Stacy

Summer Green Manicure 6-4-16 close up

 

 

DIY Acrylic Nails

May30

DIY Acrylic nails 5-28-16

 

Happy Memorial Day!  I wanted to do something patriotic for the holiday, so I decided to try my hand at doing my own acrylic nails.  I know this has nothing to do with the holiday, except the nail art and color I used. My own nails are brittle and take forever to grow.  Plus I have man hands, and need longer nails to not look like said man.  I looked at some stick on nails, but they were too short and too small.  I thought about going to one of the many nail salons in town to get a full set done, and decided that I’m too cheap, and I bet I could do them myself.

So after reviewing Pinterest and YouTube, I decided what the heck, I can do this. So off to Sally Beauty I went. Salons in my area charge anywhere from $35 to $70 for a full set. I paid less than $45 for the complete nail kit, nail form kit and better brush.

First off I have to give the staff at Sally Beauty props.  Whenever I have shopped there the staff is beyond helpful and very knowledgeable.  I’ve never done acrylic nails before, so I had a lot of questions.  Plus I have a short attention span and didn’t want anything to difficult or too expensive.  I have a tendency to buy beauty products, then they end up under my bathroom sink, then given to my 20 year old niece six months later.

Let’s get started. I purchased this kit  Beauty Secrets 4 in 1 Extension Kit. Buy here. for $17.59 with my Sally club card.  It had everything I needed. I also purchased these Form a Nail Nail Forms Form a Nail Nail Forms. for $7.79.  This is the product which really sold me on doing the nails myself.  It is super easy to use. The nail forms are reusable and make for a smooth finish.

This is what sold me on the whole fake nail deal.

 

I prepped my nails, and off I went.  I have to say the brush that came with kit was really crummy. Given how crummy it was, I was surprised at my end result.  I bought another brush that worked way better for $9.29 at Sally. Beauty Science #8 Pro Sculpt Brush . Again the staff at Sally was so helpful.  One of my nails had popped off, so I needed to do a repair.  Using the Nail Forms makes it a breeze.  I also purchased Terrific Tips Nail tip cutters for $6.49 at Sally Beauty. Nail tip cutters

 

 

After I put the tips on and filed them I used this Gelous Advanced Gel coat to smooth things out. Gelous Advanced Gel Coat at Sally Beauty.  I use this all the time when doing a regular manicure, and it makes my nails look like I’ve had a gel manicure.  Next I used Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail enamel in Indigo Night. Nail color Here it is on Amazon.  I bought mine at Dollar Tree for $1.  I also used L.A. Colors Art Deco in Silver L.A. Colors Art Deco in Silver another Dollar Tree find at $1. To finish things off I used my go to favorite top coat, Sally Hansen Insta Dry Top coat  Best top coat ever!  I’ve been using this top coat for years.  I have not found any top coat that works better.  It’s $5.99 at Ulta.  This stuff is so good that I can paint my nails before I go to bed, and they end up perfect the next day.

DIY Acrylic nails 5-28-16-polish used

 

One last note, after the one nail popped off, I put nail glue in the crack between my natural nail and the tip on the back of my nail.  They feel much more secure now.

I hope you enjoyed my first DIY nail post.  Thanks for stopping by.