Icy roses

Hello ladies,

I was amazed when my friend David told me the roses in his yard started blooming again. Roses are my favorite flower. It brought me such happiness to be able to experience roses on the vine past their season. I was thinking about the frosty temperatures typically brought by late November weather as well as the early darkening of the sky. I created a look of icy roses.

From Konad plate M40, I stamped roses with white special polish. I reversed the image from top to bottom every other nail. I added a clear crystal with rainbow reflection, a white pearl and a silver bead to each nail. I love the icy feel and the shine brought by these tiny ornaments.

Jewel of a Girl is such a beautiful shade. The color is a shimmering fusion of plum and burgundy. The deep hue doesn't appear blackened. Two coats should be perfect for opacity. While I tend to use three for most Color Club polishes, I love this color so much I kept right on painting!

I wanted to create a manicure that felt like a reflection of me, something to help me connect with my own sense of self and happiness. Roses and pearls were a natural choice. The local rose bushes were in full collaboration. I hope you enjoyed it too!

Jewel of a Girl was sent to me for review. This polish is part of the Untamed Luxury Collection, available at victoriasnailsupply.com.

Image plate M40 was provided for my consideration. You can see the full line of Konad products at ocnailart.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Made from Earth: Rooibos Tea Face Scrub

Hello ladies,

I have recently been enjoying Made from Earth's Rooibos Tea Face Scrub. This all natural scrub is the perfect selection for its gentle exfoliating and moisturizing properties. The combination of aloe vera, rooibos tea extract and vitamin E makes this scrub a healthful product to add to your skin care regimen.

For exfoliating, there is nothing more satisfying to me than scrubbing. Different than other natural products, Rooibos Tea Face Scrub employs jojoba beads to throughly cleanse the skin. These aren't the oil filled variety. They are small, waxy spheres that can be massaged against the face and neck to remove dead skin cells.

The round shape is superior to exfoliating with crushed walnuts or apricot seeds. The jojoba spheres provide gentle and even cleansing with no rough edges.

I am really impressed with how soft to the touch my skin feels immediately after using Rooibos Tea Face Scrub. It's most apparent on my cheeks, near the jaw line, where my face tends to experience the most dryness.

While the directions state to lightly massage into face for five minutes per treatment before rinsing, I believe two minutes is sufficient. I tried scrubbing for the full five minutes and the recommended time seemed more suited to a facial or an occasional deep cleansing than a twice weekly treatment.

The natural fragrance of this scrub is sweet and comforting. It reminds me of sitting at a cafe table and drinking a frothy, coconut steamer. It has a light and creamy, coconut scent.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera) Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Aspalathus linearis (Organic Rooibos Tea) Extract, Emulsifying Wax NF, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Olea Europea (Organic Olive) Oil, Palm Stearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Wax Beads, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, Hamamelis Virginana (Witch Hazel), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Salix Nigra (Black Willowbark).

While Rooibos is best known as African Red Bush Tea, its healthfulness extends beyond the teacup. It's antioxidant and detoxifying properties are utilized in skin care. Rooibos extract contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and zinc, ingredients that promote skin healing.

I appreciate the variety of organic oils included in Rooibos Tea Face Scrub. Coconut, olive, jojoba and avocado oils are blended to make the scrub moisturizing. The consistency is creamy and luxuriant with the jojoba beads adding a gentle massage.

If you are looking for a quality, natural exfoliant to help skin feel smooth and moisturized during the winter months, I can recommend Rooibos Tea Face Scrub.

Rooibos Tea Face Scrub was sent to me for review. This product is available for purchase at madefromearth.com. The retail price is $24.99 USD.

Happy painting, ladies!

Last day to enter the Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway!

Hello ladies,

I wanted to remind everyone the Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway ends in the last available time zone today. That translates to 8 a.m. EST, November 25th. Stop on by the contest post to enter!

I hope those who celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S. are having a great time with their holiday preparations. Wishing the best to everyone!

Happy painting, ladies!

Chocolate and crochet

Hello ladies,

With the cooler weather upon us, I keep hearing tales of evening hours spent with crochet hooks and knitting needles. I can guarantee the majority of my female friends has made a crochet flower in the past week. This manicure presents an option of how to accessorize your nails to match endeavors with yarn.

From image plate M40, I stamped the row of flowers with Konad pastel blue special polish. I added soft blue pearls and blue beads for ornamentation. This tone on tone approach reminds me of boutique yarns, threaded with delicate beads and gems.




Easy to apply, Nothing But Truffle was opaque in two coats. I love the warm shimmer present in full sun. In diffuse light, this shade appears dark, but still looks brown to my eyes.

For those of you who enjoy crochet during the colder weather, may I suggest a chocolate truffle to add luxury to the comfort of yarn?

Nothing But Truffle was sent to me for review. This polish and others from the Untamed Luxury Collection are available for purchase at victoriasnailsupply.com.

Image plate M40 was provided for my consideration. Visit ocnailart.com for the full line of Konad products. For a chance to win an assortment of image plates, stop by the Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway. The contest ends on November 24th, so get your entries in!

Happy painting, ladies!

Trousseau

Hello ladies,

I was thinking today about vintage bridal trousseaus. I love the idea of a hand carved trunk overflowing with embroidered linens and exquisite gowns. I wanted to create a manicure of soft colors and old world details.

With brown Konad Princess polish, I stamped the creeping floral vine from plate M31. I added blue and silver beads along with pastel blue pearls to highlight the flowers. The floral pattern makes me think of filigree.

Wild Orchid reminds me of moonlight.

A pretty little tree in Fitler Square.

Wild Orchid is unusual. It's a lavender tinted grey with multihued shimmer. I painted three coats for perfect opacity. Those ladies with shorter nails would likely be pleased with two coats. The application was great with this color.

I hope you enjoyed my heirloom inspired manicure.

Wild Orchid was sent to me for review. Part of the Untamed Luxury Collection, this polish can be purchased from victoriasnailsupply.com.

Konad plate M31 was provided for my consideration. To explore the full line of Konad products, stop by ocnailart.com. For the chance to win eight nail art stamping plates. Head over to the Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway! The contest ends November 24th, so get your entries in!

Happy painting, ladies!

Neutrogena Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion

Hello ladies,

Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion from Neutrogena is a useful product for combatting winter dryness and protecting skin from the seasonal chill. This lotion offers lasting emollience in a light, easily absorbed formula.

Another colossal ginkgo tree in Fairmount Park. To get an idea of the scale, click to enlarge for a view of the road sign under the tree.

I am continually impressed by the Norwegian Formula products. The five years of clinical testing and the 35 years of history that have gone into this line show beautiful results on my skin. Through use of this product since the beginning of October, I haven't experienced the dry patches and skin irritation that I typically deal with each fall season.

Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion has a light cream texture. It absorbs easily into the skin and offers concentrated moisture with a sheer application. This product is ideal for regular use. If you would like to try a richer formula, I recommend the Intensive Moisture Wrap Body Treatment.

This lotion is available in scented and fragrance free varieties. I tested the type without fragrance and found the scent of the basic components to be neutral. Those with sensitivities to perfumes would likely be comfortable with the fragrance free version.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Petrolatum, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Laurate, Hydrogenated Lanolin, Silica, BHT, PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C 12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben (1356-050).

The glycerin based formula is hydrating to my dry skin. Glycerin is a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture to the skin. I appreciate the all day softness this lotion provides.

I can certainly recommend Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion. For skin healing properties and affordability, it's a drug store gem.

Neutrogena Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased at neutrogena.com or check for it in your local drugstore. The retail price is $7.99.

Happy painting, ladies!

Modern floral

Hello ladies,

In home decor magazines, purple and brown is often showcased together as a design element. I translated this color scheme into a nail look and incorporated a modern floral.

With Konad violet pearl Princess polish, I stamped the flowers from plate M36. I positioned the design off center and mirrored the placement on my right hand. I added an amethyst jewel in the middle of each flower and used a lavender pearl and four silver beads to represent the buds.

I am showing two sets of photos of Nubar Moire. The first grouping was taken indoors under a natural lamp. The second were taken outdoors in full sun. The natural lamp photos are the most color accurate. A dusky shade, Moire is beige with a mauve undertone.

A piece of tumbled amethyst.

The full sun, along with the fall leaf background, adds warmth to Moire.

A ginkgo tree in Fairmount Park's Horticulture Center.

Two coats of Moire brings perfect opacity. This polish applied beautifully. I am really impressed with the application of all the colors I have tried from the Finest Silks Collection.

Moire is another shade that has a vintage feel. I enjoyed blending the old and the new with this look.

Moire was sent to me for review. This shade is part of the Finest Silks Collection, available at bynubar.com.

Konad plate M36 was provided for consideration. To explore the full line of Konad products, visit ocnailart.com. For the chance to win eight nail art stamping plates, stop by the Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway to enter.

Happy painting, ladies!

Gilded Chinoiserie

Hello ladies,

I love pairing red and gold together, especially when done with an Asian influence. This manicure makes me think of antique lacquer boxes and jewelry chests, overflowing with strands of golden pearls and lengths of chain.

Beginning with a base of Nubar Competition Red, I stamped the floral motif from Konad plate M23. I chose China Glaze 2030 to create the gilded flowers. I added a gold metallic gem and a yellow pearl to highlight the centers of the blooms.

The formula is an interesting mix between a jelly and a creme. Competition Red has the high gloss of a jelly, but builds to opacity as easily as a creme. I am wearing three coats, but most ladies would be satisfied with two. This polish is a classic winter red.

As the holidays approach, I love creating looks that are subtly festive and elegant.

Competition Red was sent to me for review. This shade is part of the Nubar Holiday Jewel Basket, which will be available for purchase on November 15th at bynubar.com.

Image plate M23 was provided for my consideration. To view the entire collection of Konad products, visit ocnailart.com. If you would like the chance to win eight nail art stamping plates, stop by the Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway to enter.

Happy painting, ladies!

Reviva Labs: Vitamin E Oil Stick

Hello ladies,

I have a new favorite product to share: Reviva Labs Vitamin E Oil Stick. If you are looking for a lip moisturizer, you will find that and more in this simple tube. Vitamin E Oil Stick is a fabulous treatment product that offers sun protection, as well as healing and anti-aging properties.

Waterlilies at Longwood Gardens.

I have been using Reviva Labs Vitamin E Oil Stick for the past month and keep discovering new benefits of this versatile product. As a lip balm, I appreciate its sheer emollience. It works beautifully as a layer under lipsticks and glosses.

Vitamin E Oil Stick won't disrupt the application of other lip products or cause the color to run or bleed. I have been layering gloss immediately over Vitamin E Oil Stick with no issues. There is no need to wait a few minutes to let the product set. I really appreciate the convenience.

I could see men enjoying this product as well. Vitamin E Oil Stick is moisturizing without being glossy. There is a light, gender neutral scent and no discernible taste. I asked all the men in my life to smell the product and examine the packaging to see if it was appealing to them. Used to being part of such research, I found them all to be in agreement it's suitable for men.

Vitamin Oil Stick contains an SPF 15. Aside from protecting lips, it is safe to use for shielding the eye area from UVA/UVB rays.

The ingredients include: Soybean Oil, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Castor Oil, Octylmethoxycinnamate, Ozokerite, Oxybenzone, Cetyl Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Olive Oil, Allantoin, and Linden Essential Oil.

The skin healing properties of Vitamin E are well documented. This product is very soothing to chapped skin. Having recently suffered a cold, I can attest how grateful I was to have Vitamin E Oil stick on hand to calm the tender skin on my nose. Especially for those readers with children, I would recommend keeping a tube in the medicine cabinet. It would be helpful during allergy season as well.

This product also contains allantoin, an ingredient extracted from the comfrey plant. It is known for its ability to promote cell renewal and assist in moisturizing the skin. Allantoin is often utilized in anti-aging products.

Check out this post in which Mary from Body and Soul expresses her devotion to the Vitamin E Oil Stick and shares her feelings about its effectiveness as a cuticle treatment. I am entertained by her product usage photo and her picture assuring us she will never run out.

I feel a similar sense of enthusiasm for Vitamin E Oil Stick. I carry a tube in my make up bag for daily use. A great multi-tasking product, Vitamin E Oil Stick is one of Reviva Labs' top sellers. I certainly recommend it.

Vitamin E Oil Stick was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased at revivalabs.com or overallbeauty.com. The retail price is $4.00.

Happy painting, ladies!

Nice or Naughty-Hard Candy Holiday Sets

Hello ladies,

Hard Candy has some pretty amazing gift sets for the holidays! I am eyeing the Hall of Fame Train Case and the minis with the red snakeskin clutch. I love holiday sets especially when they include sparkle and nail polish. Are any of you ladies tempted?

Below is the press release information. The photo is huge, so click away to view the product details.

NICE OR NAUGHTY- HARD CANDY HAS AFFORDABLE HOLIDAY SETS

FOR EVERYONE'S LIST

No matter what the celebration is this holiday season Hard Candy is offering a range of gift sets for loved ones, teachers, friends, co-workers and even the person who has everything!

From $1 mini nail polish and limited edition heart shaped nail files to the $20 Hall of Fame train case these sets are fun, functional and flirty.

Heartbreaker ($10) offers a sampling of mini products along with a red snakeskin clutch to use during the holidays – and beyond.

Lash Stash ($10) offers the perfect lashes for any occasion with a limited edition pink chrome eyelash curler.

The Flavored Lip Gloss Ring set ($5) is a 4 pack of fashion meets beauty.

Eyes, lips, nails, face and body are all covered in these amazing sets and will mark you as the ultimate gift giver.

Happy painting, ladies!

Neutrogena Intensive Moisture Wrap Body Treatment

Hello ladies,

With the weather cooling in Philadelphia, I have been extra attentive to nourishing my dry skin. Neutrogena Intensive Moisture Wrap Body Treatment has been essential to my skin care routine for the past few weeks. The glycerin based formula is a useful ally in keeping my skin smooth and hydrated.

An autumn scene in the Rancocas Nature Center.

I have been using Intensive Moisture Wrap daily after showering. The light weight formula exists somewhere between a cream and a gel in texture. I found it moisturizes as effectively as a heavy body butter.

I am really impressed with the fast absorption as well. This product is welcome on cold days. It's nourishing moisture penetrates the skin quickly. Especially in winter, I value a moisturizer that sets almost instantly.

This skin treatment is great to have on hand for the holidays. The formula is sheer enough to be worn under holiday dresses. You could easily treat dry skin without concern for delicate fabrics being damaged by the residue of moisturizing butters or oils.

Intensive Moisture Wrap is available in scented and fragrance free varieties. I am reviewing the scented formula. The photo of the box with the fragrance free label was provided by the PR company. I find the scent to be clean and fresh with a soft powder note. The fragrance is pleasant, but it doesn't interfere with any perfume I choose to wear.

The ingredients include: Water, Glycerin, Capric/Caprylic Stearic Trigylceride, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alchol, Petrolatum, Octyldodecanol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Laurate, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lanolin, Triethanolamine, Silicone Polyether Copolymer, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Steapyrium Chloride, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Sodium Sulfate, BHT, Fragrance.

The glycerin based formula reminds me of other shielding body lotions I have tried. It does an exceptional job of healing dry skin. I have had no problems with dry patches or irritation since using Intensive Moisture Wrap.

When I run my hand over my skin, I can feel a protective softness. I have been using Intensive Moisture Wrap as a hand treatment while housecleaning. Although I wear gloves for dishwashing and heavy scrubbing, I find this lotion to quickly replenish moisture after doing basic chores like laundry or dusting. I love the convenience of the pump dispenser for a quick application.

There is an added benefit of affordable pricing and availability compared to similar treatment lotions. The retail price is $9.99 for 10.5 fluid ounces (310 mL).

If you are looking for a lightweight formula lotion to help guard your skin against winter dryness, I can definitely recommend Intensive Moisture Wrap.

Intensive Moisture Wrap Body Treatment was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased at neutrogena.com or check your local drug store.

Happy painting, ladies!

Naturally Beautiful and Polished Giveaway Winner!

Hello ladies,

The time to select the winner for the Naturally Beautiful and Polished Giveaway has arisen!

We begin with 656 hand written contest entries, mingled with birdseed.

Here comes Yellow Sun, the illustrious cockatiel!

To cast some light onto the proceedings,

Yellow Sun circles around the bowl.

and offers a backwards glance.

He ruffles up his feathers...

And picks up the name of the winner!

Congratulations to Zara!

What a bright fellow! Thanks so much, Yellow Sun!

Check out Zara's blog: Never Unpolished. She has lots of pretty swatches of fashion forward shades.

Many thanks to Overall Beauty and Reviva Labs for sponsoring this giveaway. A special thanks to my sister Claire and my friend Sarada for all manner of photographic assistance and pet stewardship.

There are more chances to win at painted Lady fingers! Stop by the Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway for the opportunity to win Konad image plates from OC Nail Art. Best of luck!

Happy painting, ladies!