Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Purple Paisley: Cheeky Monkey Tease

Hello ladies,

Though still wearing my winter coat, I walk by the trees, dressing themselves in Spring flowers.
The daffodils are like little yellow lights along the park walkways. So lovely! I can't wait for the tulips to greet us.

With Konad violet pearl special polish, I stamped the paisley design from plate H6. I embellished the paisleys with comma rhinestones and applied white rainbow flowers as an accent. In the centers of the flowers, I added purple gems and pale lavender pearls.





A beautiful grey toned lavender, Tease applied perfectly. Opaque in two coats, this is shade is what I wish for in every pastel application. The color is soft, yet a little edgy.

I hope the purple paisleys and flowers brought a little bit of Spring your way.

Tease was sent to me for review. This color can be purchased from cheekymonkeycosmetics.com.

Image plate H6 was provided for my consideration. To view the full line of nail art stamping supplies, stop by chez-delaney.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Diamond Cosmetics Spring Collection 2011

Hello ladies,

Diamond Cosmetics is introducing their new collection with a Welcome Spring gift set. It includes the three Spring Collection polishes plus Super Base and Super Dry and a fashion nail file, packaged in a clear bag for $12. I recommend both treatments included in the set.

The three new colors are currently for sale individually at diamondcosmetics.com. From the color dots, I am most looking forward to Once in a Blue Moon. Lady Luck may have a pearl finish, which Diamond Cosmetics does expertly. I bet that many of you will be most anticipating the green, Four Leaf Clover! I am already planning nail art with that polish!


Those requiring international shipping, keep checking in at boozyshop.nl. New Diamond Cosmetics collections are released first in the US and then become available there.

What do you ladies think of these shades? I am looking forward to reviewing them. I only wish the Spring Collection was larger than three polishes.

Happy painting, ladies!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Blue Geometry: Cheeky Monkey Get Wet

Hello ladies,

Even with the cool temperatures in Philadelphia, the skies have been showing the blues of Spring. I come in contact with students of various disciplines at the local cafe. I recently sat near a young man being tutored in Geometry. While the content of his lesson didn't remain in my mind, I was haunted by thoughts of squares and right angles. Today's manicure is about blue skies and mathematics.

From image plate T30, I stamped the squares in Konad blue special polish. I adhered clear crystals from Nubar, along with blue squares and hexagons from Bundle Monster. Very close in color to the base, the hexagons added subtle texture. I love creating tonal manicures!






A sheer jelly polish, Get Wet can also be layered for opacity. I started with two coats of a whitening base and sealed it with CND Air Dry. Next, I applied three coats of Get Wet. The polish has a high sheen. The dry time on this shade is on the slow side, but worth a little extra patience.

Despite being sheer, I found the formula easy to navigate. The polish smoothed over my nails with little need for clean up. If you have shorter nails, you may be able to go without the whitening base coat. I suggest experimenting!

The color is a pale blue with a greenish tint. Fans of China Glaze For Audrey would likely enjoy Get Wet. It's pretty, glossy and aptly named.

I hope you enjoyed the geometric shapes and the hints of Spring to come.

Get Wet was sent to me for review. You can purchase this shade at cheekymonkeycosmetics.com.

Image plate T30 was provided for my consideration. To shop the full line of stamping nail art supplies, visit chez-delaney.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Tattoos and Jewels: Diamond Cosmetics Moonsand

Hello ladies,

Philadelphia has been experiencing winter temperatures amidst the onset of Spring. I think the purple pansies and daffodils are as confused as residents downtown. My manicure today was also a union of opposites. I paired a tribal tattoo design with jewels.

Using black Konad special polish, I stamped the tattoo pattern from image plate T02. I alternated the stamping position every other nail. Large gems were placed on my thumb, middle and pinky nails. On my pointer and ring fingers, I used two rainbow rhinestones to border the image.

I am really loving the T series from chez-delaney. There are some adventurous designs that offer clean and easy transfers.






A charcoal grey foil, Moonsand can appear silvery in bright light. This is another beautiful foil polish from Diamond Cosmetics. There is also rainbow micro shimmer stirred in. I detect tiny pink and green sparkles. Two coats brought perfect opacity. Stunning!

I hope you enjoyed my elegant take on tribal tattoos.

Moonsand was sent to me for review. US residents can purchase this shade from diamondcosmetics.com. Visit boozyshop.nl for international shipping.

Image plate T02 was provided for my consideration. To shop the full line of nail art stamping plates and materials, go to chez-delaney.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Flaming hearts: Nubar Pink Lily

Hello ladies,

The flaming heart is a heraldic symbol meaning ardent affection. Traditionally found on coats of arms, I decided to let it emblazon my nails.

I chose red Konad special polish to stamp the heart motif from design plate H10. Pink rhinestone hearts embellish the stamping. I used a Nubar nail art pen in Rubies to highlight the flames. A funky french was painted with two coats of the flakie polish, Nubar 2010, and one layer of the silver shimmer, Pixie Dust.





Pink Lily is a soft pastel blended with a pearl shimmer. Three coats will bring opacity. The color is a whitened, mod style pink. I received lots of compliments on this pale pink when walking about town.

I hope you enjoyed my heraldic manicure. It would make a pretty Valentine this Spring or another way to showcase your coat of arms.

Part of the Nubar Spring Garden Collection, Pink Lily was sent to me for review. Pixie Dust and 2010, also provided for review, are available for purchase at bynubar.com.

Image plate H10 was provided for my consideration. Please visit chez-delaney.com to view the full line of stamping nail art supplies.

Happy painting, ladies!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes/Night Calming

Hello ladies,

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes are the newest essential in my skin care routine. I have been using the Night Calming variety to cleanse and relax before bedtime.

Auspicious to have on hand for late evenings, Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes are hard working. The cloths easily wipe away waterproof mascara, highly pigmented eye shadows and liquid or glitter eyeliner. When I am wearing a full color eye look, I will use a separate towelette to take off the makeup from my eye area and another for my face. If I have applied minimal makeup, I only require one cloth to cleanse my entire face and neck.

It is impressive how well Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes dissolve facial sunscreen and residue from moisturizers and primer. With no need to rinse after use, my face feels thoroughly clean from the towelettes alone. They are a time saving alternative to washing.

I also enjoy using these towelettes to remove makeup before treating myself to a purifying facial mask. The lavender scent is the perfect transition to relaxing with a mask and a cup of tea.

The Night Calming variety has a delicate floral aroma tinged with lavender. Even as a night owl, I find the fragrance of these towelettes a tranquil induction into sleep.

The towelettes measure 7.4" x 7.2" (19 x 18.5 cm). These squares are generously proportioned to cleanse the entire face and neck. They are slightly smaller than a standard size wash cloth. Lightly moistened, the towelettes are much drier than a baby wipe. The cloths feel silken when brushed over the skin.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isostearyl Palmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hexylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-4 Laurate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Sucrose Cocoate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance (1270-85).

The alcohol free formula is non-irritating for sensitive skin and eyes. These towelettes were tested by both dermatologists and ophthalmologists.

If you would like a versatile product to simplify your evening routine, I highly recommend Neutrogena Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes in Night Calming. These cloths are a useful addition to your medicine cabinet, gym bag or suitcase.

Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes were sent for review. A pack of 25 Pre-moistened toilettes retails for $7.99. They can be purchased at neutrogena.com or check your local drugstore.

Happy painting, ladies!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover

Hello ladies,

I have been using L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover for the past few weeks. An oil-free remover with a pretty floral scent and refreshing feel, it whisks away eye makeup with ease.
L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover dissolves waterproof mascara, glitter eyeliner, pigments, mineral makeup and baked or pressed shadows expertly. Wearing makeup daily, I prefer smoky eye looks or fashion colors set over primer. I haven't experienced a variety of eye makeup this remover couldn't clear away. It even eliminates the staining residue from darker purples and bold greens.

The bottle isn't fitted with a reducer cap. I find the open neck style more convenient. I am able to saturate a cotton pad more completely for faster removal. Depending on the color intensity of my makeup, I may use one or two cotton rounds for thorough cleansing.

The scent of this product is lovely. Its delicate floral fragrance brings pleasure to the everyday task of makeup removal. With this cleaser in your medicine cabinet, you may never fall asleep with your makeup on again.

For those ladies who have blogs or post color swatches on forums, L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover will take color off completely between testing a variety of shades. I tried swatching a soft white shimmer after a matte purple and there was no trace of the darker shadow left on my skin. I will be keeping a bottle of L'Oreal Eye Makeup remover on hand for swatching new eye shadow collections.

Ingredients: Water, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Allantoin, Magnesium Laureth-8 Sulfate, Magnesium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Oleth Sulfate, Magenesium Oleth Sulfate, Imidazolidnyl Urea, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, F.I.L.# B4853/1

The 100% oil-free formula is suitable for all skin types. I am impressed by how thoroughly this product removes eye makeup without over drying my sensitive skin.

If you are looking for a professional style cleansing product with an affordable price point, I recommend L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover. This blue bottle will stay in continued residence in my medicine cabinet.

I purchased L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover at my local CVS. A 4 fl. oz. (118mL) bottle retails for $6.99. You can find out more about L'Oreal products by visiting lorealparisusa.com

Happy painting, ladies!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Gabrielle Faust Eye Shadow Collection Swatches & 25-50% Off Sale!

Hello ladies,

Today I have a review and swatches of the Gabrielle Faust Eye Shadow Collection from Overall Beauty. Currently offered at a discount of 25-50% off, the eight shades in this grouping are being discontinued.

There are seven matte colors and one shimmer, Sanctified Snow. The white shimmer can be applied as a layering note over the matte shades in the collection.

The following swatches were layered over Hard Candy primer. The first line shows the color applied dry. The second shows the color when applied wet. The descriptions are from Overall Beauty.

Love Lost (deep rose)
Karmic Knight (dark eggplant purple)

Misanthrope (ashen violet)
Sanctified Snow (opalescent white)

Indiscretion (charcoal grey)

Vampire's Kiss (sangria red)

Hourglass Sand (golden cream)

Aftermath (burnt umber brown)

Since I typically gravitate towards shimmer when selecting color, I was surprised by how much I love matte eye shadow! The deeper shades in the Gabrielle Faust Collection tend to be my favorites. Aftermath is luscious as a contour shade. It resembles gourmet dark chocolate. If you want to experiment with a smokey eye look using a neutral palette, Aftermath is favorable choice. Karmic Knight is another defining shade for the contour. The dark purple looks velvety and rich.

Vampire's Kiss works equally well on the lid or deepening the contour. The red tone intensifies when applied wet. Love Lost is my top pick of the collection. I adore sweeping this shade across the lid with Aftermath in the contour. My friend Lisa called Hourglass Sand: a foundation color. This is the perfect description. My preferred way of wearing Hourglass Sand is as a highlight over the brow bone with Sanctified Snow glistening atop.

Another revelation brought by testing the Gabrielle Faust Collection was how suitable many of these shades are for everyday wear. I swatched the colors heavily. This same application style can be used for a smokey eye. You can also achieve a more subtle look by applying a gentle sweeping of color over primer.

I will be showing looks with these shadows in the coming weeks to accompany a review of rhinestone embellished false eyelashes. Matte shadows make a bold accompaniment to glitter accents. I love the way these colors look when paired with glitter eyeliner.

If you are new to mineral shadows, I recommend experimenting with different primers as a base for your eye shadow. I find Hard Candy primer works well for adhesion. The shadows glided on easily without pilling or drifting. Indiscretion was the only shade that was a little tricky to apply. It worked best when I started off with a small amount and built up the color.

I definitely recommend trying shades from the Gabrielle Faust Collection. It just may make you a convert to matte eye shadow.

The Gabrielle Faust Eye Shadow Collection was sent to me for review. The eight shades can be purchased as a group or individually from overallbeauty.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Blue Phoenix, Blue Moon: Nubar Blue Hydrangea

Hello ladies,

I created a healing manicure for my sister, Claire. Yesterday, she was released from the hospital after a very delicate and rarely performed spinal surgery. The recovery will be long, necessitating many months of physical therapy. I am really thankful she has the opportunity to regain her health after so many trials and so much uncertainty. The image of the phoenix is in harmony with her experience. I worked with a blue palette, her favorite color.

From T02, I stamped the phoenix in blue Konad special polish. I placed a blue disc from Bundle Monster, a pale blue pearl and royal blue jewel to adorn the tail. Since my sister loves to watch the Moon rising over the creek near her home, I accentuated the curve of the design with a blue Moon rhinestone . If you are having trouble seeing the phoenix, note its head is turned with its beak pointing towards its wing.




Such a pretty shade! Blue Hydrangea is a sweet pastel with a glossy, pearl shimmer. I painted three coats for opacity, but those with more active length nails would find two suitable. For lovers of blue, this color is worth adding to your collection.

I hope you enjoyed my blue phoenix manicure. For my sister and those who are sisters of my heart, I am sure you will understand its significance.

Blue Hydrangea was sent to me for review. This polish can be found within the Spring Garden Collection, available for purchase at bynubar.com.

Image plate T02 was provided for my consideration. To view the full line of nail art stamping plates, visit chez-delaney.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Irish Rose: Color Club Magic Elf

Hello ladies,

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I decided to celebrate with a festive green manicure. What could be more lovely than an Irish rose?

I stamped the ornate roses from Born Pretty plate M07. The swirls around the blooms remind me of lacework. In the center of each rose, I placed a rainbow crystal. I embellished the top and bottom of the pattern with miniature pearls. A green cameo forms the centerpiece of the manicure. The stamping design softly edges the cameo, but the camera couldn't entirely capture the effect. I surrounded the cameo with medium size pearls and rainbow gems.




Magic Elf is a sheer lacquer. I am showing four coats, but three would suffice on shorter nail lengths. This polish is a green foil packed with gold glitter pieces. It is an incredibly lustrous shade that appears bright and shimmering indoors and out.

I hope you enjoyed my tribute to Irish beauty.

Part of the Enchanted Holiday Mini Set, Magic Elf was sent to me for review. This polish and nail art kit can be purchased from victoriasnailsupply.com.

The nail art pearls and image plate M07 were provided for my consideration. Visit bornprettystore.com to view the full line of nail art products.

Happy painting, ladies!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Snails!: Nubar Earthen

Hello ladies,

I am feeling at one with these tiny snails today. I am moving slowly, but am doing so while prettied up a bit. Don't these little snails look like they are on their way to a faery garden party? I hope they arrive in plenty of time for treats and festivities.

From image plate H20, I stamped the snails in brown Konad special polish. I added gold beads to the tips of their long antennae. If we were exploring anatomy, these would be the eyes. In the center of the spiral shell, I placed a tiny pearl.

The funky french was created by first applying two coats of the flakie polish Nubar 2010 followed by one coat of Dewdrop. This would be amazing over the full nail as well.


The warm tones from 2010 glow beneath the soft blues in Dewdrop.
The sunlight is catching the lovely pearl shimmer in the bottle of Earthen.


A pale grey with a tinge of beige, Earthen is stirred with white pearl shimmer. The polish appears like a creme formula until the light touches the shimmer, giving it a subtle luster.

Earthen applied beautifully. I needed three coats for opacity but I believe ladies with shorter nails would be satisfied with two coats. Dewdrop is a festive, glittery topping. The round glitter pieces are softly tinted in pale blue and green. It reminds me of a cool tone version of Nubar Tiara.

Are you ladies as charmed by these darling snails as I am? They make the slow route seem quite a pleasure.

The three polishes featured were sent for review. These are available for purchase at bynubar.com. Earthen and Dewdrop are part of the new Spring Garden Collection, promotionally priced at 39.95 for the set of nine polishes.

Image plate H20 was provided for my consideration. Visit chez-delaney.com to explore the full line of nail art stamping design plates.

Today is the last day to enter the Make It Fancy Giveaway! Head over to the giveaway post before the last time zone March 14th (this translates to 8 a.m. EST March 15th) for a chance to win 8 nail art stamping plates, the Gabrielle Faust Eye Shadow Collection, a ring from Ginger Kitty Designs and skin care from Reviva Labs. Best of luck!

Happy painting, ladies!