Seven and Parker Review and Swatches

Hey Polish Lovers!

A lot has been going on since my last post.  I moved into a new home. Our satellite internet won't get service at our new house and I am waiting until the first of the year to get another provider.  I recently got a new phone and am able to do my blog posts on it (although time consuming and a little frustrating). I will do my best to keep you updated on what's going on in my polish world.  I have two reviews that I still need to post but the photos are in my laptop so I will have to figure out how to get them on my phone.  

Mitzy from Seven&Parker sent me minis of her Christmas Collection plus base and fast drying top coat. 

From left to right: Base Coat, Fast Drying Top Coat, Twinkling Lights, She's Like a Pearl, Blue Spruce, Frost Bite, and Aurora Borealis.

First, I would like to talk about S&P's base & FDTC. They are both very thin, which I love! There's nothing worse to me than an overly thick base or top coat. The base coat did a great job at filling in the ridges of my nails and dried super fast. I absolutely love it and would recommend it to anyone who hasn't found a base coat they love. On to the FDTC...I wasn't as impressed as I was hoping to be. I guess if its a FDTC and it is thin, I shouldn't expect it to do what Seche Vite does. It does dry much faster than a plain old top coat. I think my main problem is patience. I don't usually let the first application of polish to dry before I add a second and I also added the FDTC shortly after applying my second coats. I think if you have patience (and time) to let your polish dry a little prior to using it, it would be great top coat for you.

Let's get on to the pretties!!


Twinkling Lights
Is a clear base with multi-sized gold glitter.

The application of TL was good. It wasn't goopy or too thick. It has just the right amount of glitter. You can add one coat to just add a little bling or use it alone, as I did. This is 3 coats over S&P base coat with S&P FDTC.

She's Like a Pearl

Is an off-white shimmery polish with a hint of holo.

Star Crushed Minerals Swatches & Review

Hey Polish Lovers!!

Today, as promised, I have a review & swatches from Star Crushed Minerals. SCM is a shop on Etsy that sells all 100% all natural hand-mixed mineral makeup. She has 570 items in her shop, including mineral eye shadows, foundation, blush, and more! 
There is also a line of Star Crushed Lacquers, which I did a review on, that you can check out here. 

I took advantage of a 75% off sale Edie had a while back and ended up with 14 new shadows. She also sent several extra shadows and mineral foundation for me to try out. 

Currently, Star Crushed Minerals is having a Halloween sale, which is 70% off, so you should definitely check it out! 

First up- The shadows I purchased. 

This is how they were packaged, with star confetti- what a cute touch! 

The next photo is of the shadows I purchased, out of the package. On the inside, the holes are sealed to ensure no spillage. I ordered three extras for a friend, so those aren't in the photo. (I also didn't realize the quality of this photo was so poor until after I had them opened, so I apologize for the blurriness.)

From Left to Right

Top Row: Teal Blue, Jade Sunrise, Deep Ocean Blue, Olive Pink & Starry Night

Middle Row: Emerald City, Amethyst, Taupe, Electric Lime, & Iced Mocha

Bottom Row: Superman, Golden Peach, Shooting Star & Deep Cranberry

 All photos will go in order of the photo above and will always read from left to right. All arm swatches were done with a q-tip over liquid foundation. Each swatch is done twice: on the left is dry and the right is wet. 

Disclaimer: I had to swatch while watching my wild 3 year old son, so swatching is not "perfect". Please forgive me for the uneven swatches.

The next three photos are of the first row in the photo above.

Teal Blue, Jade Sunrise, Deep Ocean Blue, 

Olive Pink, and Starry Night. 

  

The photo below is with flash. The 

The photo below is without flash. 

The next three photos are of the 2nd row of the photo displaying all shadows I purchased.  

Emerald City, Amethyst, Taupe,

Electric Lime, and Iced Mocha. 

 With Flash

Without Flash

The next three photos are of the 3rd row of the photo displaying all shadows I purchased.  

Superman, Golden Peach, 

Shooting Star, & Deep Cranberry

With Flash

Without Flash

All shadows are true to the colors shown on STM's Etsy shop. I am extremely pleased with application and colors. In person, when used wet, the colors really pop! It's incredible the shimmer that these shadows have. They are just gorgeous!

Next are the extra shadows and foundation Edie included. I didn't think to take a photo while they were still packaged up, but she had them in a cute purple paper bag, with a star cut-out (that had cellophane over it). Adorable!

These are going to go from left to right, then the one under the foundation will be named last. 

Skinny Dipping, Purple Lily, Hawaiian Hibiscus, Ivory Foundation, Mulan, Olive You, Cherry Blossom, & Rapunzel. 

First, the foundation matched my skin-tone perfectly. She was a little afraid it would be too dark, because I had explained how fair complected I am. I sent her a photo of the powder I was using, and she matched it up for me. So, if you every have any hesitation about ordering Foundation from her, just send her a message with information about your skin-tone and possibly a pic of a powder that matches your skin-tone. She will be able to help you figure out the one that is best for you. 

Skinny Dipping, Purple Lily, Hawaiian Hibiscus, & Rapunzel

I thought I took a photo of these with flash, but I must not have. I apologize. You can still tell how gorgeous they are without flash.

Without Flash

Mulan, Olive You, & Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom, Olive You, & Mulan

With Flash

Without Flash

I also did a few looks, which I haven't done & posted before. I am not a professional make-up artist, nor do I believe I am. I know I am not great at applying eye shadow, but I just want to show you a few combos I came up with. 

Under Eyebrow: Moondust 
Lid: Rapunzel
Crease: Purple Lily
Under Lid: Mix of Purple Lily & Rapunzel

Under Eyebrow: Moondust
Lid: Taupe
Crease: Olive Pink

Under Eyebrow: Moondust
Lid: Skinny Dipping
Crease: Starry Pink (Previously Purchased)
Under Eye: Starry Pink

I am in love with mineral shadow. I never wanted to deal with "loose eye shadow" because I always made a mess with it. The way Edie packages them, there is a "stopper" so it's not as easy to spill. Personally, I think it makes it much easier to apply, because you don't have to dip your brush down in a pile of shadow. 

Some of you may or may not know, but my husband and I just purchased a new home 4 days ago. We couldn't be more excited. He has been working odd hours, just so we can move. Our 8 year Wedding Anniversary was yesterday, as well. Things have been so hectic in real life the last two months or so, that is why I haven't been posting as often. Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me through the times I've been MIA. 

Thank you so much, Edie, for being so incredibly patient with me and sending me the extra goodies. 

To purchase Star Crushed Minerals Make-Up, just go to her Etsy shop! 
Also, don't forget to "like" her Facebook page!

Until next time, 
Love your Polish 
(And Make-Up)

Star Crushed Lacquers Review & Swatches!

Hey Polish Lovers!!

Today I have a review & swatches of Star Crushed Lacquers for you!

Star Crushed Lacquers came about after the owner of Star Crushed Minerals, Edie, had the brilliant idea of using her mineral shadows in polish. She recently consolidated the two shops into one (Star Crushed Minerals) so you can get your all natural, handmade shadows, foundation, etc. and polish all in one spot. 

Edie is an amazing woman who juggles her career, Husband, and four (Yes, 4!) kids. She is one of the nicest people I have come in contact with in the polish/cosmetics online world. She strives at excellence and achieves it every time (in my humble opinion). I am very glad I placed my first order several months ago, when her shop was still fairly new. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to write her as she is always happy to help!

These 5 Star Crushed Lacquers were sent to me to review, with a purchase I made of SCM. I am going to do the Star Crushed Minerals in another post, so hold tight and be on the lookout.

Let's get to it! 

From Left to Right:

Hot Pink, Magenta, Top Coat, Red Blackberry, & Teal Sparkle.

 All of my swatches are done with a base coat & Star Crushed Lacquers Top Coat. SCL Top Coat dries super fast and gives amazing shine!

Hot Pink is the most beautiful bright pink color with lots of holo glitter. This is three very thin coats, which dries almost instantly. The application was smooth and the coverage was good. I love this color!!

Magenta is a purple polish, again, packed with tons of sparkle! Oh my.... I'm not a huge purple fan... but I love this!! This is two regular coats. Again, the coverage was good & was very smooth going on. 

Red Blackberry is a deep burgundy-ish color with very fine multicolored glitter. This is two coats of RB. Once again, the application was smooth and the coverage was good. Another that I love! Perfect for fall & winter!

 Last, but not least, is Teal Sparkle. And does it ever live up to it's name! The most beautiful teal color with amazing sparkle!! Two coats & smooth coverage! Look at the shine of the SCL Top coat, too!

I can't choose a favorite out of these polishes! They are all stunning! 

Have you tried Star Crushed Lacquers yet? If not, check out her Etsy page, here, and click "Nail Lacquer" on the left. She is currently having a sale...50% off!! Don't forget to look at her mineral makeup while you're there!

Also, make sure you "Like" her Facebook page! She keeps you up-to-date on sales and new products!

Keep a look-out for my next post, which will be of Star Crushed Minerals shadows & foundation. 

Until next time,

Love your polish!!

Classic Films Swatches, Review, & SALE!!!

Hey Polish Lovers!!

Today I have swatches, a review, and a sale from Classic Films! 

Classic Films Cosmetics was started by Anna in June of 2012. She chose the name "Classic Films" due to her love of fashion (how classics don't go out of style) and cinema. 

Currently she has 13 polishes in her shop. She just added three new polishes on September 19th, which is also the day her sale started! Stay tuned for a coupon code for 20% off your order!

Anna sent me 7 polishes to swatch & review, so let's get to it!

The first four, from left to right:

Sunset Boulevard, Lured, D.O.A., & They Live by Night

The last three, from left to right:

Impact, Lady in the Lake, & Spellbound

All swatches are done with a base and top coat. 

Sunset Boulevard is described as a rich combination of gold, copper, caramel, and bronze hex glitter... topped off with a bit of purple.

In this first swatch, there is one coat & ring finger has two coats. 

This second swatch of Sunset Boulevard is a gradient over a gold polish I made.

I love Sunset Boulevard for Fall & Winter! It's the perfect time of year for this polish!

Lured is described as having a lot of gold in it! Gold pigments, holo hexes, and holo squares. It also has turquoise and purple holographic glitter. This polish was inspired by a dress that Anna loved, but obviously couldn't wear every single day. 

There is only one swatch of this polish; that's all you need to see the beauty of it. The swatch is two coats. 

I am in love with this polish. It's perfect for any time of year and is definitely something special, like the dress that inspired it.

D.O.A. is described as being all about a foundation of gunmetal. It is made interesting with pastel green and lavender hex glitter, silver holo slices, and iridescent shreds. 

The swatch below is two coats. 

The next swatch is one coat (ring finger has two coats) over black. 

D.O.A. can be dressed up or down. You can use it over any color and has the perfect amount of glamour!

They Live by Night is described as having a pinch of red glitter combined with blue and gunmetal glitter & pigment. It is topped off with silver holo moons and stars. 

Like Lured, there is only one swatch of They Live by Night. It is two coats.

This is a great polish that you can choose to or not to use the moons and stars. I love the effect of it! Another great polish for Fall & Winter!

Impact is described as being grounded in a very light, silvery pink base...loaded with black dots, diamonds and bars. It is topped off with hot pink hexes and cotton candy shreds. 

The first swatch is one coat, two coats on ring finger. 

 The second swatch is one coat (two on ring finger) over white. 

I love all the elements in this polish! It's very unique and definitely has Impact!

Lady in the Lake is described as having a light silvery-blue base with just a hint of rose-pink glitter and gold flakes.

This first swatch is two coats.

The second swatch is one coat over Broadway "O! Jessica"

Another amazing polish that you can use alone or over another polish. Try it over red to have more of a purple tone...you can play around with color combos and I bet every single one will look amazing!

Spellbound is described as having a pink pigment base with lavender, sunshine, and white glitter. It is topped off with lavender daisies and hot orange hearts. 

First swatch is one coat (two on ring finger). 

Second, and last swatch, is one coat over black. 

Again, a polish that can be used alone or layered over any color to get a different look every time. It's a very girly polish and you can choose to use the daisies and hearts, or leave them in the bottle. 

I loved swatching Classic Films' polishes! She does a great job at making polish that is very versatile and can be used in many different ways! 

I feel like I am forgetting something... But don't think so... 

Just kidding!!!! 

Use Coupon Code: SKULLSALE2013 

for 20% off your order (excludes shipping)!! 

Sale ends November 2nd, so make sure you get your orders in! 

If you would like to purchase any of these polishes (and more), visit Classic Films on Etsy!

Don't forget to give Classic Films a "like" on Facebook! Help her make it to and surpass 100 likes!

Until next time,

Love your polish!!!

Smelly Goods & Pretties Review

Hey Polish Lovers!

Today I have a review on several different things from Smelly Goods & Pretties. I ordered 5 soaps and 3 polishes with a blogger discount. They also threw in a couple of extras.

Smelly Goods & Pretties is a shop on Etsy, started by Kristen in September of 2012. She makes all kinds of hand-crafted, all natural soaps, lip balm, lotion, and more. She also has a line of nail polish called "Vapid Lacquer". 

First up: Vapid Lacquer

From Left to right:

Blarney, Rhapsody, and Winning. 

All swatches have a base & top coat. Each photo has two coats of Vapid Lacquer. 

Blarney is a gorgeous deep green color. It is great for any season, but am especially excited to have it now during the Fall & upcoming Winter seasons.

 

Rhapsody is a deep purple with lots of micro glitter. Another great polish for this time of year. 

Last, but not least, Winning. I completely understand why this polish is named "Winning". It is the perfect blue color with so much shine, it's amazing. Blue is my favorite color, and this has to be my favorite Vapid Lacquer that I ordered. 

All three Vapid Lacquer polishes went on extremely smooth with great coverage. I could have gotten away with one coat each, but personally, I had to have two- for that extra "pop!". 

Next up is the soap I ordered and extras.

The soaps I decided to go with are: Sugar Sugar, Your Face, Cherry Almond, Oats, Milk & Honey, and The Loofah Bar. The extra goodies she sent was a sample of Muddy Face Mask and Berry Cherry Fluff Lip Balm. 

Sugar Sugar is a Goat Milk soap that is very sweet smelling & girly. I love the look and feel of this soap. It is a very light exfoliating soap. 

On SGP Etsy site, this is how it is described: Fresh, warm and sweet, this scent combines top notes of strawberry and bergamot with a warm dry down of musk and vanilla. 

Your Face is a face soap that has Goat Milk & Charcoal. I have normal skin, with no conditions, such as acne. I do get the occasional dry or oily spots, but my main problem is black heads. Apparently my skin is just a little too sensitive for this soap. I used it once a day for three days in a row, and my face felt very sensitive. I may have an allergy to the active charcoal that's in it. Since I haven't ever used a soap with charcoal before, I am not sure what it was. My husband has oily skin and is not at all sensitive to products, and he loves it. He couldn't believe how clean his face felt after using it and is very pleased. 

Update: SGP is checking into why I am having a sensitivity to this soap.

 On SGP site, it is described as, "This clean rinsing bar is especially made for those with skin issues. Acne, over sensitivity, dry-oily skin, eczema, or those that just truly care for their skin."

Cherry Almond is an amazingly sweet scent!! It is by far my favorite of the ones I ordered. I can't get enough! It makes me want to lick my skin... although.. I do not advise that ;) 

SGP describes it as, " Abundant ripe cherries and warm almonds are just such a treat. Smells so nice you won't want to leave the shower. This is a bar that scents the bathroom long after you've used it." 

Oats, Milk, & Honey is my 2nd favorite! I love the scent and it is long-lasting.

 It is an exfoliating soap, with the oats, but isn't too exfoliating to use every day. I love using it on my 3 year old and then snuggling up with him... He also

 loves how much the soap "tickles" his belly :) I wish I would have seen the lotion to go with this before placing my order.  

SGP describes it on Etsy as, "With real local Texas honey, oats and goat milk, this is just a luxurious bar. Lightly exfoliating, and highly moisturizing bar. The warm and sweet scent will relax and sooth while the oats and honey in the bar smooth soften and correct."

 Last for the soap is The Loofah Bar. It is extremely exfoliating and that is what drew me to it. I love the clean scent of this bar. It's very refreshing that your husband/boyfriend will also be able to use. 

SGP describes it as, " This is our Loofah Bar, a smooth very green and fresh citrus scent cooled down with cucumber. All natural Organic shredded Loofah is in the bar, for an exfoliating event! Just a luxury in itself. With Goat Milk to smooth, even tone and hydrate."

Lastly, the extras!

Muddy Face Mask 

I am not one to use face masks. The closest I get is Apricot Scrub- that's the main reason I wanted to try the Muddy Face Mask. There wasn't any directions on the trial size. I would say it's just because it is a trial size. So I got online to see if I could find directions on SGP Etsy site, and I couldn't. I don't know if I used it correctly or not. I got my face damp and applied the mask. I allowed it to stay on for 5 to 10 minutes before washing it off. After washing my face twice, I got it off. It's a "mask", so I figured I would have to wash my face more than once to remove it. My face felt so fresh and clean. My skin looked vibrant. I was very pleased!

Berry Cherry Fluff Lip Balm

I am in love with this lip balm!!! It is not in any way, shape, or form... ok, maybe form.... but no other way like "chap-stick". It is so rich and creamy... silky and smooth. It made my lips so soft and hydrated! I am extremely pleased with it!

I hope you all enjoyed my review of Vapid Lacquer and Smelly Goods & Pretties. You can find everything you have seen and more, here!

Don't forget to check out their Facebook page, here!

Until next time, 

Love your polish!!