Simple Summer Skittle Manicure featuring KKCenterHK 3D Bow Accents

Hi everyone!

So as most of you know, I've had quite the busy past few weeks. 

Things have been hectic as I've been suffering through dog fights, broken cars, landlord trouble, a tree falling on the house and now...moving out.

Complicated times call for simple manicures.
I need a look that's quick and can survive a day of packing, but can be dressed up for an evening with friends.

Sort of like a simple white tee...but for nails.

This is where a skittle mani with 3D decorations come in.

It's a simple solution that looks like you put in much more effort than you actually did.

All you need is a few colors, some cute accents, and you're good to go!

From left to right:

Wet 'N Wild Wild Shine "Hallucination"

Orly "Gumdrop"

Avon Mega Watt "Pop"

Sinful Colors "Snow Me White"

Avon "Inspire"

(Not Pictured) Out The Door top coat

For this particular skittle I wanted to choose colors that would later match the 3D bows.

Each finger began with a base layer of Sinful Colors "Snow Me White".

The pinky finger received two coats of Avon "Inspire".

The ring finger and thumb (not pictured) were left white but I chose to add a single coat of WNW Wild Shine "Hallucination," a subtle glitter top coat with an iridescent shimmer that matches the color palette perfectly.

The middle finger received two coats Avon Mega Watt "Pop," but a bit of shrinking still revealed the white base along the tip of the nail.

The index finger was layered with one coat of Orly "Gumdrop." 

The white base isn't really necessary for this particular shade, but it just saved me some time.

With a generous coat of Out The Door, I left the colors alone while I packed up a few things and moved some furniture.

When a couple of friends asked my boyfriend and I to join them for dinner, I decided I wanted to give the skittle an extra something.

I had little time on my hands, and automatically turned to my multicolored pearl wheel from Born Pretty Store.
Choosing a corresponding pearl for each finger, I dotted a bit of top coat onto the nails and placed the pearls accordingly with a small dotting tool.

What really brought the whole look together was these adorable bows from KKCenterHk.

The bows come in a pack of two and retail for $4.

Each bow is measured at about 10mm x 6mm x 2mm and can be applied with top coat, or nail glue if you want a longer hold. They are also resuable, so you are reassured that you are getting your money's worth.

At first I thought the price was a bit steep, but then when I noticed the patterns and details with each option I   felt the price was well justified.

There are 48 color and patterns available for this shape and style alone, which can been seen here.
It was hard to choose just one, but I ending up going for this cute Cyan Floral Print bow.

Even though my nails beds are tiny, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall look on the nail. It doesn't appear incredibly large, although it does stick out.

Knowing I wouldn't be wearing them for too long, I chose to apply the bows in the same manner as the pearls, and even then they stayed put up until I chose to take them off.

If you are not used to have a large decoration on your nail, it may feel funny at first. 

I was very aware of the presence of these little guys, and was may be a bit too careful about bumping or snagging them at first.
I got used to them pretty quickly and only noticed them when I ran my fingers through my hair.

I often snagged a few strands up under the bows, but they didn't budge.

It's not the most original or astounding look I've ever created, but it's a fantastic demonstration of how small details can make a big difference.

Small decorations like these 3D bows can turn an ordinary manicure to an extraordinary one.
I received multiple compliments and couldn't help giggle at how little time and effort I really put in it.

Dare I say that it's amazing nail art for the lazy nail artist?

What do you think of this cute bow featured skittle look?
What's you favorite quick nail art fix?

Let me know in the comments below and give this look some love on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest.

And don't forget! Google Reader is saying goodbye is just over a week, so make sure following me on Twitter and Bloglovin' for all updates.

Thanks for reading!

-Melody

**KKCenterHk products sent for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links. For more details, please see my disclosure policy.

Born Pretty Store Cosmiss Nail Polish Review + Half Glitter Half Texture Nail Art!

Hi everyone!

Today I have a quick post of another polish brand from Born Pretty Store.

Now if you read my review on Born Pretty Store's March Nail Lacquer, then you already know I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of their polishes. (if not, you can read it here.)

These Cosmiss Candy Color Glitter Sparkle Yogurt Series Varnishes are new to BPS, and once I saw them I knew I had to try one out.

They have no names, but this is Cosmiss #3, a semi-sheer, milky light olive green with ranbow hexes, round and fine glitter.

For how much glitter is packed in this baby, it went on like butter.
The base is really sheer and will take atleast three layers to reach the full opacity as shown in the photos.
My main surprise was how flat the glitter sits on the nail.
I did use a top coat to give it a nice, even glossy finish.

I know it's kind of snot colored, but I like it. I love interesting colors, and this one is definitely that.
And the glitter so dazzling who even cares what color the base is, haha.

If this particular base color isn't your taste, not to worry!
Born Pretty Store has got you covered with 10 different glittery shades to choose from for $4.36.

You can purchase them here and get 10% off you entire purchase using my special promo code BHL91!

I got so excited about this polish, I rushed to create a quick nail art look using my new Cosmiss beauty.

I grabbed a few quick items and went to work.

 Already having the Cosmiss varnish applied, I picked up a roll of nail tape and taped off half of each nail starting from the upper left corner, down to the lower right corner of each tip.

Using Sally Hansen Sugar Coat in Lich 'O Rich, I painted the lower half of each nail and then quickly but gently pulled off the tape while the polish was still wet.

I know I've neglected to officially share the SH Sugar Coat collection with you yet, but it's coming I promise!

I could have stopped there, but I was too excited over a few more goodies I received from Born Pretty Store.

I turned to my nail wheel of half pearls and added a red one to the center of each nail by placing a dot of top coat where I wanted the pearls to be. 

The pearls are easy to pick up and handle by taking a dotting tool or toothpick that has just a tiny bit of top coat on the tip.

(Want the pearls for yourself, you can get them here for $4.74)

After the fact I realized the red makes them look like clown noses. But hey, it matches the glitter right?

I'm quite happy with the look and I'll  definitely be getting my hands on more Cosmiss varnishes as soon as I can.

What do you think of this Cosmiss polish?
Are you a fan of my bad clown party-like design? 

Let me know in the comments below, and give it some love on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest.

Don't forget I'm having a giveaway at 500 Facebook followers, so spread the word!

Thanks for reading!

-Melody

**Products in this post were purchased by me with my own money.

Maven Madness: Julep Boho Glam Box + Gabrielle Add-On May 2013

Hi everyone!

It's that time of the month again, and no, it has nothing to do with your Aunt Flo coming to visit. :P
It time for me to share with you this month's Julep Maven box!

This month's 20s inspired collection was too tempting to not upgrade, but alas my bank account just wouldn't allow it. 

In the end I chose the Boho Glam option.

The Box

Julep Maven boxes are delivered right to your door every month for $19.99 and usually include two polishes, a beauty item, and one or two random extra gifts.

For a more details on all aspects of the Julep Maven program, read my in-depth review here.

The Colors

Alice is a very pale, lavender pearly-frost with golden shimmer.

Julep "Alice"

It really skirts the line between a pearl and a frost finish, but either way it's glamorous. In some lighting situations the shimmer will come across silver instead of gold, but I promise it's the latter of the two! There's also the slightest hint of magenta microglitter, but I really only caught a glimpse of it the bottle under a lamp. It never showed up on the nail or even in my bottle shots.

 The formula and application was flawless and opaque in one coat.

Millie is a deep indigo creme.

Once again, application just could not be any better. One glossy coat and you're good to go.

 It's such a sophisticated and mysterious color, much like the starlets of the time.

The Extras

To fit with the 20s theme, each Maven box  included an adorable vintage lipstick trio.
The Boho Glam box included the "New York" trio which included the following three shades:

Lady in Red - matte crimson red

Satin Doll - sheer poppy red
Tea for Two - very sheer shimmery. nude

I can't get over the cute Art Deco style packaging!

Also included were a set of "vintage finish" gold hair pins with white and coral acrylic roses.
I'm such a sucker for cute hair accessories and these are just my style!

The Add-On

Gabrielle is deep, dusty purple creme.

Julep "Gabrielle"

The formula is an exact match for Millie, and the shade is quite similiar as well.

The only difference is that Gabrielle is more of a pure purple and shows up a tinge lighter in direct sunlight. Indoors it's hard to tell them apart.

Overall

I haven't been this excited over a Maven box in a while. 

Although the boxes have yet to really disappoint me, there was just something about this box I just really loved.

Which your favorite from the Boho Glam Box? 

Do you like the old 1920s Hollywood style?
Let me know in the comments below and share your thoughts on my Facebook and Twitter!

And if you want to become a Julep Maven yourself you can get your first FREE! That's right! 

Juster enter my referral code "3488485" when you sign up on Julep's website, take your style quiz and then enter promo code "FREEBOX" at checkout!
You can cancel anytime, so what do you have to lose?!

Thanks for reading!

-Melody

Avon Petal Impressions Collection Swatches and Review

Avon Petal Impressions Collection Spring 2013

Hi everyone!

Today I have Avon's Petal Impressions Spring Collection to share with you.

A family friend has been an Avon rep for a couple of years now, so I thought I would help her business by checking out both the limited edition and permanent collections. 

I previously owned a couples of polishes from the brand and was not impressed with the formula of the cremes. Word on the street is that the company reformulated the entire Nailwear Pro+ line, so I am willing to give it a second chance.

The Petal Impressions collection is comprised of the following six shimmery pearl shades:

Inspired Iris

Painted Peony

Sweet Pea Dreams

Garden Green

Forget-Me-Not Blue

Blue Water Lilies

Price and Availability:

The colors are available for individual sale through your local Avon representative or here on Avon's website.

Each retails for $6.00 each, but are currently on sale for $3.49! Avon offers free shipping with any $30.00 purchase, but there are often free shipping with $10.00 codes which is how I ordered mine.

If you don't personally know an Avon representative near you, you can go to the online Avon "Find a Representative" page here and either search for one in your area, or you can enter my rep's information and shop through her campaign online:

My Avon Rep: Julie Pruitt, Tennessee

The Colors

Avon "Inspired Iris"

Inspired Iris is a gorgeous cool-toned, rosy pearl pink with indigo and silver micro-shimmer. It applies a bit sheer compared to the others but is opaque in three coats. 

This has the most pearl-like finish and applies just as smooth. This has the best application of the entire collection and is a perfect pearly polish without leaning too far towards a frost.

Avon "Painted Peony"

Painted Peony is a peachy coral leaning orange with golden shimmer.

It applies thicker than Inspired Iris, but goes on evenly. It's mostly opaque in two coats, but I added an extra  layer to eliminate the smallest hint of nail line that was still visible.

The golden shimmer is what makes this so beautiful. It just so flattering and complimented my skin tone completely. One of my favorite peachy corals to be released this year.

Avon "Sweet Pea Dreams"

Sweet Pea Dreams is a champagne-nude with golden shimmer. I really have mixed feelings about this. It's a beautiful color, but not on me. The warm undertones really emphasize any redness around the edges of my nails, and perhaps is just too light even for my fair skin tone. The shimmer tried to save it, but it just wasn't enough.

This was the only shade that gave me significant trouble with application. It thickens up rather quickly and brush strokes are more visible. That being said, it's easily hidden with an extra layer of top coat.

Alone it's a gorgeous concept. If you have more of an olive skin tone I think this would be extremely flattering, but more peachy pink beauties may be a bit disappointed.

Avon "Garden Green"

Garden Green is a deep forest green with silver micro-shimmer. I had a brain-lapse and forgot top coat, but I promise it has the same pearl finish as the others. It many other light situations this colors appears even darker.

It's application reminds me dead on of Zoya's Yara, which is almost the exact same color except with bright golden yellow shimmer as opposed to the shimmer. It's a one coater, thick but even with little effort..but there's something else about it that is so similiar to Yara I can't put my finger on. It's as if the micro-shimmer is so dense you can almost feel the resistance during application. It's not a negative experience, it's just...erm, unique?

Although this is a pretty basic forest green, the shimmer gives it its special something.

Avon "Forget-Me-Not Blue"

Forget-Me-Not Blue is the same situation as Garden Green, except blue. It's a cobalt-like blue with outstanding turquoise micro-shimmer. Like GG, this appears much darker depending on the light.

The turquoise shimmer is quite camera-shy, but in person it creates a perfect mermaid like palette. It's bolder than the rest of the collection and gives more of an aquatic viberather   than a floral one, but it's a great statement color.

Avon "Blue Water Lilies"

 Blue Water Lilies is a periwinkle blue with silver micro-shimmer. My absolute favorite, definitely out of this collection and possibly out of most of my recent purchases. It applies just as smooth as Inspired Iris, except it's opaque in two coats. The thickness of application is somewhere in-between Inspired Iris and Painted Peony.

I just can't stop looking at this color. It's subtle yet exciting, flattering, and versatile. It's fresh enough to fit the bill for spring and summer fashion, yet icy enough to stay appropriate during the winter holidays.

Overall

I would say Avon has stepped up to the plate, listened to customers and really improved. The formula is a thousand times better than previous shades of yesteryear and they're really making an effort  to release relevant collections that are on trend with the big dog polish brands.

The Petal Impressions set as a whole almost nailed it as a true collection, but not quite. Forget-Me-Not-Blue is just too far of a step away from a floral hue to remain consistent with the theme. Sweet Pea Dreams seconds that. It's lean too much towards a flesh tone to be reminiscent of flowers.

...Or maybe I just don't know my flowers. Not maybe...I really don't.

Individually these are great shimmery shades that are subtle enough to be appealing for any age group. The standouts for me are Blue Water Lilies and Painted Peony.

Which Petal Impression shade is your favorite? Have you tried any of Avon's polishes?

Let me know in the comments below, or as always you can share you thoughts on my facebook or twitter.

Thanks for reading!

-Melody