Polish review: Kiss Gradation Polishes

I came across this polish set on a swap site, and was intrigued. I wasn't loving the colors of the Exposure set being offered to me enough to swap, so I passed. However, I looked the set up online and discovered it came in other shades.

Then I kind of forgot about them until last weekend when I stumbled upon the Film Noir set at Target. At less than $7 for the set I couldn't pass it up. Home with me it went!

The pictures reminded me of the Julep Soraphine/Tania mani I did awhile back. I loved that look, so I was excited to give this a shot. Of course I realized after I was done I didn't take pictures of each step, just the finished look. Oh, well. You will still get the idea.

As instructed, I first painted each nail on both hands with two coats of the silver step 1 polish. Then I caught up on an episode of The Following while I waited for the polish to dry. Which it actually did pretty quickly.

For next steps the instructions state to complete one whole had before moving on to the other. I decided to tackle my right hand first; leaving my left hand to benefit from experience and my dominant hand doing the painting. Per the instructions I added the black step 2 polish to the top 1/3 of my nail. I did all five nails on my right hand, and then quickly grabbed the sparkly step 3 polish. Again, following the instructions I added the polish to the top half of my nails before the step 2 polish dried. Repeat on left hand.

And the final look:

Right hand

Right thumb

Left hand

Left thumb comparison

Left hand in shade

I like the overall look, but I would tweak it next time. I didn't get enough blend with the step 2 and 3 polishes. The polishes definitely sparkle in the sun though!

What do you think of the Kiss Gradation set? Has anyone else tried one?

Beauty swaps (part 5)

I thought I wouldn't have any new swaps for awhile since I am down to hardly any items in my swap shop, but then *bam* multiple requests in one night. Sadly there is one person who has attempted to swap me for certain items twice, and each time I respond they do not accept and after two days the swap cancels. Grr. I really want to swap those items too.

Seventeenth swap

This swap was my second swap on My Subscription Addiction. For those reading my other posts, you will recognize the two items from my April Wantable Accessories box that I really didn't like. I listed these items just to see if anyone was interested, and I swear as soon as I hit the submit button I had a swap offer for both items. Even more exciting the person, Mary Beth, had two Juleps (Coco and Kristy) and a Color Club polish I liked. Neither Julep was on my wish list, but two Juleps in one swap?! Yes, please! Also, Mary Beth is local so this swap arrived really quickly.

My only complaint is that I had really accepted the swap because the Color Club shade was listed as Heirloom Pearl which was the shimmery white shade from the Gala's Gems collection birchbox sampled. Unfortunately the shade that arrived was Gold Struck. I'm disappointed since I really wanted the white shade, but the gold is okay. Of course, now I want to swap for all four shades. (I received the blue shade in my birchbox.) I don't love Kristy, so I might be swapping her in pursuit of the Gems polishes.

Eighteenth swap

Another local swap! This arrived lightning fast. Again, for those following along at home you may notice a familiar product. I swapped with Shelley, sending off the Coola sunscreen for the Be a Bombshell Bora Bora eyeshadow quad. Yes, the same eyeshadow quad I received in an ipsy bag and swapped for the Pacifica items. I hesitated swapping away the shadow at the time, and out of what items Shelley had, it was the one that appealed most. Plus, I really wanted to swap away the Coola. I've had it for awhile. 

Nineteenth swap

With this swap, my third one on My Subscription Addiction, I completed my Color Club Gala's Gems set! (I picked up the third one in a deal through the Julep Swap Facebook page.) Sadly, this swap and the next had shipping issues on my end. More on that below. 

My swap partner this time was Jen from Michigan. She picked out the Hang Ten sunscreen that I received in my May ipsy bag. As someone who never uses sunscreen, I was really happy to swap it away. Especially for Heirloom Pearl.

Twentieth swap

Another Julep! This swap was with Cecilia from Texas. I sent off the CōTZ sunscreen in return for Julep Jules. This polish was one I had been eying from the Julep May selections. 

So, the shipping issue I mentioned. I made both of these swaps on the same night, and rushed out the next morning to mail them off at my usual neighborhood shipping center. Sadly, I was in a rush to head off on a business trip and a new girl was working. These factors led to the shipping labels being switched, and the wrong item was sent to each swap partner. So frustrating! I apologized profusely, sent shipping money, and am re-sending the packages. I feel so bad though. Especially for this particular swap. I feel like the CōTZ is so small and not nearly worth the value of a Julep polish. Oh, well. I will be super diligent about checking labels in the future.

My eDivv "shop" is: http://edivv.com/items?shop_id=936. Come swap with me!  :-)

Wantable Accessories: April 2014

I had a suprise in my mail box today: my April Wantable Accessories box! I wasn't expecting this baby until tomorrow. Super fast shipping!

This month was another kind of odd insert. I haven't skipped a box, so not sure why I've been missed.

I do like the quote on the backside:

I had no hopes or expectations with this month's box. Sadly, I opened the items in such a way that my hopes were raised, only to be severely dashed.

In the order I opened them:

Veronica Sunglasses

($22 retail value)

"The Veronica Sunglasses feature oversized bamboo-inspired metal frames. Style Tip: These shades would be great with a safari-inspired camp shirt, tousled waves, and a sexy bronze makeup look."

I was cautiously excited when I saw the sunglass pouch. I am really picky. I was pleasantly surprised though. My only complaint is that they are a bit big. Which is an impressive feat since I have a big head.

I liked the "bamboo" detail on the sides, and the purplish looking lenses. This is also the first product I've relieved form Wantable that had a brand tag. This one is from West Coast Sunglasses - SoHo Collection. I didn't find this exact pair online, but all the styles in that collection are listed as $12.99. Not the $22 that Wantable claims.

Rebecca Earrings

($18 retail value)

"The Rebecca Earrings are multi-toned studs with a distressed finish surrounding beautiful pearl accents. Style Tip: These studs are unique and stylish enough to add a dose of style to any outfit without overpowering the rest of your look."

I like these earrings! They are classy and unique, with a bit of nautical flair. 

The back reminds me of my grandma's clip on earrings that I played with as a kid.

Riley Bracelet

($27 retail value)

"The Riley Bracelet is woven with multi tone cords, chains, and beads with a loop and button closure. Style Tip: This beautiful bracelet can also be worn as a necklace!"

And here is where it all started to fall apart. WTF is that thing?! At some point I told Wantable I disliked beads. This thing is cheap, ugly, and chock full of beads. It looks like a kid made it at summer camp during arts and crafts.

It has a plastic "closure" - again, WTF?! And, $27?? Hahahahahahaha! Good one Wantable! I wouldn't pay 27 cents for this crap.

When I first opened it I thought it was a necklace, which wasn't any better. I want to return the box just because I am so insulted by this monstrosity.

Caroline Necklace

($16 retail value)

"The Caroline Necklace is a small silver toned pendant featuring a feather charm and pale mint and coral stone. Style Tip: This beautiful pendant features a little pop of color and would be great on its own or combined with longer beaded necklaces."

I like 90% of this necklace, but I really dislike the feather charm. It is big and a weird shape. I wish it had just three coral stones or just the mint stone. 

Summary: Per Wantable, the retail value of the box is $83 - which is just laughable. I paid $36 as a monthly subscriber ($40 for non-subscribers). I like the earrings and sunglasses enough to keep the box, and hope to trade the awful bracelet and meh necklace.

My referral link: https://www.wantable.com/invite/uB-2MMgB1Bc

Birchbox vs ipsy: April 2014

Time again for another birchbox vs ipsy match-up!

What came in my birchbox?

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle, Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream, Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner, Color Club Gala's Gems polish, and a KIND Bar.

What did my ipsy bag contain?

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil, Costal Scents Medium Shadow Brush, Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion, Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow, and StarLooks Luscious Longlasting Lip Pencil.

The winner: ipsy!

While I didn't really love anything in my ipsy bag this month, I again liked the types of products included. It was a good mix of lips, eyes, tools, and face.

My birchbox was close but it didn't win for three reasons: (1) another CC cream - and it was tiny, (2) the Beauty Protector once again leaked in the box, and (3) the spray pump isn't working on the Beauty Protector so it is basically unusable.

Birchbox: 1, ipsy: 3

My referral links are below, should you like to sign up and give me free points:

Birchbox:

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/hv6ks

ipsy: http://www.ipsy.com/r/4xwr

ipsy: April 2014

This month's theme is "Beauty Rocks" and it is all about music. The sneak peek pics had the products in various musical tableaux. The bag continues the theme with an image of a record player.

I'm not loving this bag. The fabric is a bit strange and I don't like the graphic. The dark purple is a nice color, but not a good spring color.

The info card illustrates the theme with a concert vibe.

The reverse has the logos of the possible brands sampled in the bag, as well as details on how to win a one-year free ipsy subscription.

Also included was a deal on tickets to Generation Beauty by ipsy. As this event is in L.A. I will not be attending.

Urban Decay

24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil - Black Velvet

Sample size: 0.03 oz/0.8 g (Full size: $20)

"A must for smoky-eye fanatics: an ultra-velvety, plush version of our creamy, waterproof 24/7 formula. Create perfectly blended-out or rich, defined lines."

I love eye products, so I was excited to see this item in the sneak peeks. I haven't tried an Urban Decay product before so that is another plus for me. It is disappointing that this sample is only the travel size.

Costal Scents

Medium Shadow Brush - BR-C-N02

Full size sample! Sample size: one brush (Full size: $2.49)

"The Coastal Scents Shadow Brush is a medium sized brush made out of natural fibers that is wide in shape and condensed to allow an even distribution of eyeshadow on the lid. This professional cosmetic brush can be used for shading the crease and highlighting the brow bone with complete precision."

I actually don't have many make-up tools, so this was a welcome addition. Handy too since I have received a few eyeshadows in my subscriptions lately.

Dr. Brandt

Microdermabrasion 

Sample size: 0.25 oz/7.5 g (Full size: $78)

"The dr. brandt® microdermabrasion gently sweeps away dead skin cells and softens skin texture, which enables better absorption of skincare products and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolorations. A great at home alternative to professional clinical treatments. Safe to use for all skin types."

After my last Dr. Brandt sample I wasn't very excited to see this brand in my bag, but once I saw that it wasn't a pore or CC cream I reconsidered. This sample is the microdermabrasion and I actually look forwarding to trying it. The full size is spendy though, so I won't be purchasing a full size tube any time soon.

Elizabeth Mott

Pop! Goes the Shadow - Champagne

Full size sample! Sample size: 0.07 oz/2 g (Full size: $12.99)

"The Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the eyeshadow is the ultimate eyeshadow that's long lasting, easy to apply, and effortlessly blends. Buildable colors will take you from subtle highlights to dramatic smokey eyes. With pop! goes the shadow, eye shadow creasing is a thing of the past. Get ready to try the eye shadow that will change your life!"

Again, I love eye products but I'm not loving this shade. Something bright for spring would have been fun. I have never heard of this brand, but it looks like it is a good product. I'm undecided on whether or not to keep this or swap it.

StarLooks

Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil - Naked

Full size sample! Sample size: 0.02 oz (Full Size: $14)

Another product I am undecided about. I haven't used a lip pencil before, and they seem so 90's to me. However so many beauty experts recommend using them that I think I should give it a whirl. 

Summary: like last month, this month was a mixed bag for me. I definitely like the type of products sent to me, I just didn't love any of them. I really wanted to try the Cailyn Lip Balm in Acid Pink, so I am hoping I can swap for that.

ipsy: http://www.ipsy.com/r/4xwr

My referral link, should you like to sign up and give me free points.

Birchbox: April 2014

It is only April 9th, and I have ready received my box! Can birchbox send it this quick every month?! Amazing! It arrived so fast that I couldn't even peek at the contents online yet.

The theme of this month's box is: Rainy Days. 

The flip side has the info on the products in the box.

As part of the theme, included was a tip on how to spend a rainy day. I received number 10 of 52.

The back also had a few more: 

My tip was:

Cute design. Kinda meh tip. Also included was a card with info on birchbox's new VIP program.

I haven't yet reached the 500 points required to join, but the program sounds cool.

Birchbox added a code to the sample pouch this month. Use code MOM50 for an extra 50 birchbox points.

Now on to the samples!

Beauty Protector

Protect & Detangle

Sample size: unknown (Full size: $21.95)

"Best-selling elixir that locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness. Spray generously onto damp hair before styling. Warning: Their signature scent is addictive."

I feel like a broken record with this brand, but the smell is so delicious. The warning is real, this smell is addictive. I'm excited to try this leave in conditioner, but once again I have a complaint. Every Beauty Protector sample I have received has leaked in the box. Such a waste! And so frustrating!

The one upside is that if I leave the soiled tissue paper out it makes my room smell so, so good. Seriously though, how hard is it to firmly screw on a lid??

Color Club

Gala's Gems Collection - Aquamarine Azulino

Full Size Sample! Sample size: 0.25 fl oz/7 ml (Set of 4, $13)

"We teamed up with style blogger Gala Gonzalez to create this exclusive shimmery shade. This formula has a luxe pearl finish. Apply two coats, followed by a top coat."

Nail polish! Yay! I was intrigued by this set in the sneak peek video and was hoping I would receive one - I even received the color I liked too. Color Club has switched up their logo, which I am digging. 

Sumita

Color Contrast Eyeliner - Jamun (Deep Purple)

Sample size: 0.025 oz/0.7 g (Full size: $11)

"This soft wax pencil delivers rich, long-lasting color that won't irritate eyes. Trace lash line starting from the inside corner of each eye. Blend to create a softer look."

Eyeliner! Yay! And it's purple! My only complaint is that is is not full size. Love the deep purple color, and happy to finally have received an eyeliner from birchbox. 

Supergoop!

Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream - Light/Medium

Sample size: 3 ml (Full size: $32)

"Next-generation SPF 35 CC cream that triple protects against UVA, UVB, and infrared-A rays. Apply a nickel-sized amount over face and neck - it works as both a primer and foundation."

Seeing as I was so excited for the other samples, I will not complain about receiving yet another CC cream. However, this is the tiniest sample I've seen. Seriously. It is like the size of my thumb nail. This is the only item off to the swap shop.

KIND Snacks

Healthy Grains Bar - Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt

Full size sample! Sample size: 1 bar (Full size: 15-count, $11.88)

"The perfect combo of salty and sweet, these delicious treats pack a whole-grain punch. Toss 'em in your purse or gym bag for a healthy pick-me-up whenever, wherever."

Once again the "Lifestyle Extra" doesn't disappoint. I love this brand and am looking forward to enjoying this for a morning snack tomorrow. Yum!

Summary: this might be my favorite birchbox yet! I love nail polish and eyeliner, plus just the smell of the Beauty Protector item alone is worth it. The Supergoop is tiny and disappointing, but love the KIND bar. Not too shabby.

Birchbox:

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/hv6ks

My referral link should you like to subscribe and give me free points.