Sally Hansen Sugar Coat Texture Collection Swatches and Review

Hi everyone, TGIF!

You asked for it, and you got it!
I asked my Facebook fans to choose between the Sally Hansen Sugar Coats and The Avon Cosmic Collection for my next post.

At the time I went to bed it was a tie, but SH was voted first so I went with these.
In truth, Avon ended up getting an extra vote after I started, oops. That's up next, I promise!

It took me awhile to actually find this collection near me, and I stalked CVS everyday until they put out the display.

It paid off! I scooped every single one before anyone else knew they were even there. 

The Collection

The Sugar Coat Collection is Sally Hansen's take on the texture trend, consisting of the following eight 3D matte shades:

From back left to back right:

Sugar Fix

Cherry Pop
Bubble Plum

Cotton Candies

Sweetie

Sour Apple
Razzleberry

Lich-O-Rich

The Sugar Coat collection can be found in most Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart locations and usually range from $5-6 each.

The Colors

All of these have the exact same formula.
While all except for Sugar Fix and Sweetie can be left at one coat, it is recommended to use two. If left at one the sugary finish may appear patchy and not evenly develop.

(I use one coat on all except Sugar Fix and Sweetie to demonstrate.)

The actual texture is a matte, but the base is not.  I actually prefer it this way as it emphasizes the effect.

Cherry Pop is literally a bright cherry red.

Cotton Candies is a bold bubblegum pink.

Bubble Plum is a fuschia like purple-pink.

Sugar Fix is a stark white.

Sweetie is a banana yellow.

Sour apple is a bold mint green.

 Razzleberry is a rich cerulean blue.

WARNING: This one stains horribly. I only wore it for five minutes and faced a whole day of stained cuticles after removal.

 Lich-O-Rich is black, but the texture makes it appear more charcoal.
This one best displays what happens if left at one coat.

Overall

I'm pleased with the collection for the most part. 

As rich as the colors are I wish the texture would have held at one coat. 

It's a minor concern considering applying two coats is an easy step for fast drying textured finishes.

My only disappointment is in Razzleberry, which would have been my favorite had it not been such a pain in hiney. 

Staining is a major thumbs down for me, but at least it was only bad one in the bunch.

In general I still prefer my textures to have a bit of sparkle, but these are cute basic colors and are a great option if you're short on time.

Which is your favorite of these sugary shades?

Have you hopped on board the texture trend train?

Let me know in the comments below or share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Coincidentally, this month's theme for Sally Hansen's I Heart Nail Art Challenge is textures!
For more information on how to enter and the prizes you could win, visit here.

Thanks for reading!

-Melody

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 Sea Salt Mystery Box Version 1 (Swatches and Review)

Hi everyone!

I know I've gone missing for a day or two. 

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter then you already know that I am preparing for a third roommate. A good bit of my time this week has been dedicated to clearing out the guestroom, combining my boyfriend and I's closet (which was a daunting task) and moving furniture in just about every room.

So I'm back outside for pictures until I get a new lightbox. My current one didn't survive the room shifting. :(

Anyways...

With the warm weather rolling in, you're probably ready to dip your feet in the ocean. 

Once again, Julep's got you covered with the most recent mystery box debuting the brand's first textured polishes, the "Sea Salt Finish," a matte sandy finish that's beachside beautiful.

The Box

Every month Julep offers a Mystery Box for $24.99 which includes $70-$200 worth of Julep polishes and beauty products. There are multiple versions of the mystery box, and from time to time Julep will include a special price for a few lucky Mavens including gift cards, jewelry and more.

You do not have to be a Julep Maven to purchase a mystery box, but Mavens will receive the benefit of free shipping.

To learn more about the Julep Maven Program, you can read my in-depth review of the entire program here.

The Polishes

Version One of the mystery box contained four colors: Barbara, Joy, Madeline, and Otte.

Barbara is a full coverage mix of purple glitter that shifts magenta.

(Retail Price: $14.00, Maven Price: $11.20)

Julep "Barbara"

This full dimension of this glitter was camera shy in the overcast weather. Unfortunately with my house currently torn apart, there is currently no way to take pictures inside.

The formula was actually kinda chunky. Not thick, but after the first layer I noticed little globs coming out of the bottle that had to be worked through. In the end it doesn't affect the finished look, but it's something to mention. You only need two coats to completely cover the nail.

It's not my favorite Julep glitter just because I have a few others like it, but it's still pretty!

Julep "Barbara"

Joy is a dusty mauve creme.

(Retail Price: $14.00, Maven Price: $11.20)

Julep "Joy"

 Joy is actually a dupe for me. It came in the March It-Girl Maven Box which I reviewed here. 

If you read my original review of this shade you know that I loved it and the formula was flawless. I applied it in thicker layers this time and reached full opacity in two coats as opposed to three.

Julep "Joy"

Otte is a light, milk chocolate brown creme from the Fall 2012 Trina Turk Collection.

(Retail Price: $14.00, Maven Price: $11.20)

Julep "Otte"

The formula is identical to Joy, gliding on perfectly even. It will require three coats to eliminate the nail line completely.

Despite the warm undertones, this shade  is extremely flattering even on pale skin tones like myself.

Julep "Otte"

Madeline is the star of the show in this box: the pale, baby pink with a "sea salt" finish.
(Retail Price: I assume they will be $14.00, Maven Price: $11.20)

Julep "Madeline"

I fell in love with Madeline on the first coat. It went on like a creme and you actually see little speckles as it applies. It was almost opaque on the first layer, but if your nails are really white you'll notice the tips shining through. Some may prefer that look and leave it at one coat, but I added a second coat to full cover the nail and bring out the color.

If you are nervous about diving into the textured trend, start with this one and you won't regret it. The delicate color is sophisticated enough for any woman, but the sandy texture gives it a subtle edge. 

Wedding season is already here, and I immediately saw this as the prefect beach wedding mani or for any bride who wants something different than the normal french tips.

Julep "Madeline"

Beauty Item

Version one of the mystery box included the Glow On Age Defying Hand Brightener.
(Retail Price: $32.00, Maven Price: $25.60)

I immediately noticed that this smelled like the cream version of the Hand and Cuticle Stick from the January Maven Box, which is also available on Julep's website for $22.00 ($17.60 for Mavens).

The scent is very fresh but not overpowering. I can't say much about the "brightening" aspect as I have only owned it for a day, but it is very moisturizing.

It's not an extremely thick lotion making it ideal for the hands, but I wouldn't use it as all over body lotion, which it's not made for anyway. It's a bit sticky for just a second after application, then fully absorbs leaving the hands soft and smooth.

The Extras

Julep will always include a couple of extra goodies in version of the box, and version one included a basic standard Emory board and a pair of tow separators. I have quite a few of these at this point, but they are always good to have around...

...especially when the cats get a hold of the toe separators and absolutely destroy them. Gotta love 'em.

Overall

Approximate Final Retail Value: $88.00 (not including file and separators)
Approximate Final Maven Value: $70.40 (not including file and separators)

I'm extremely pleased with this mystery box. The Seal Salt polish is divine and I will most certainly be picking up the other shades when they become available.  Version one knocked off a couple of shades from my wishlist I had overlooked when they were first released, and for a better price. 

Even though I already owned Joy, it is a shade I absolutely love. As much as I would love to keep it as a backup, my mother has yet to own a Julep polish and I know she would love this shade for Mother's Day.
Hope she doesn't read this!

The best part about this Mystery Box is that it is still available! It will gone soon, so grab it now by clicking here!

**Also, Maven selection will be open in just two days so if you're not already a Maven, you can sign up at Julep's website here and get your first box for free! Just enter "FREEBOX" at checkout.

Which polish/product was your favorite from the Julep Mystery Box?
Are you thinking of becoming a Julep Maven?

Let me know in the comments below and share your thoughts about the Julep brand.

And don't forget to stay updated with the Manicured Amateur on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks by clicking the icons in the top right hand corner.

Wish me luck as a tackle life with not one, not two, but three 20-something year old men and all the mess that comes with them. Ha!

Thanks for reading!

-Melody

JulieG Frosted Gumdrop Collection Swatches and Review

Hello everyone!

Today I bring you something even sweeter than pastels: JulieG's limited edition Frosted Gumdrop Collection, six brightly-colored, texture polishes loaded with shimmer and sparkle reminiscent of real gumdrops!

I cannot fully explain how excited I am to have purchased this collection.
Every shade makes me want to bite my nails, but in a good way!

JulieG's Frosted Gumdrop Collection (Top: Hot Cinnamon (left), Sugar Rish (center), Tangerine Drea, (right); Bottom: Rock Candy (left),  Blueberry Fizz (center), Crushed Candy (right).

The Colors

JulieG's Frosted Gumdrop Collection "Hot Cinnamon"

Hot Cinnamon is a spicy red, textured with shimmer in what looks to be shades of red, pink, brown and gold. In direct sunlight you'll notice a strong gold undertone, but in natural indoor lighting as shown above, the gold is much more subtle. Not only is this great for spring and summer to contrast your new pastel wardrobe, but sit and picture this beauty around the holidays, wow!

For a textured polish, application was almost too simple. It went on incredibly smooth and removal was not difficult. It dries to a matte finish, keeping the texture subtle but apparent. It can be left with one coat for a lighter more pink-toned shade, but two coats really amplifies the red and highlights the texture. As standard for all textured polishes, no topcoat was applied for any of these shades.

JulieG's Frosted Gumdrop Collection "Sugar Rush"

Sugar Rush is such an interesting shade. Depending on the light it can come across as a bright reddish-pink or as pictured above, a fiery chili red-orange. The gold undertone is much stronger in this one compared to Hot Cinnmon, only adding more dimension to the finished look. In addition the texture reveals flecks of red, orange and gold shimmer. As with Hot Cinnamon, it will also take on a pinky tone if left at one coat. Two coats are pictured above.

JulieG's Frosted Gumdrop Collection "Tangerine Dream"

Tangerine Dream really is a dream. This fresh golden orange is possibly the most flattering shade of orange I have ever seen no matter what the finish. I was a bit worried about this shade, afraid it would act like many other orange polishes do by extracting all the color from my fingers only highlighting veins or nerves or poor circulation. But look at that! This picture even came out darker than the others and it still looks beautiful.

The texture not only makes the nail look like candy, but it really does resemble the magnified surface of some sort of orange citrus fruit. Leaving this at one coat creates a sheer more golden texture, so to really get the orange you'll need two coats.

JulieG's Frosted Gumdrop Collection "Rock Candy"

Rock Candy, along with the remaining two cool colors completely switch gears, all taking on silver undertones rather than gold. Rock Candy is a gorgeous teal textured with green, teal, turquoise and silver shimmer. Bonus! The cool shades are chock full of small, silver hex glitters which in my opinion really cement the entire concept of sugared gumdrops. Pictured above is two coats, but for a lighter sheer finish you could leave it at one.

JulieG's Frosted Gumdrop Collection "Blueberry Fizz"

Blueberry Fizz is a fantastic denim-like berry ice blue (if that makes sense) textured with shades of blue, turquoise, and silver shimmer with the added small silver hexes. It makes me want to put on a pair of blue jeans/shorts, grab a gumdrop, eat a popsicle, sit by the pool, sip hot chocolate and play in the snow all at the same time. It boggles my noggin at how suitable this is for all seasons.

JulieG's Frosted Gumdrop Collection "Crushed Candy"

Last but definitely not least is Crushed Candy, a sweet-but-sassy purple textured with purple, lavender, pink and silver shimmer, along with the ever eye-catching small silver hexes we saw in Rock Candy and Blueberry Fizz. In direct lighting I noticed a fuchsia tint, which just made it all the more beautiful. This one is a chameleon, taking on a slightly different hue depending on the time of day, and I love it for that. If you are afraid this may be a little too razzle-dazzle for your taste, leave it at one coat. It will create a beautiful but more subtle violet-fuchsia tone that may be more appropriate for professional settings.

Availability

Today is the last day to pre-order the entire set for only $20.01! They even ship internationally for all of you worldly beauties out there. You even get a wonderful free gift just for pre-ordering which you can catch a glimpse of here from my twitter page.

After tomorrow, they available for individual purchase in April at Rite-Aid stores and at www.jessesgirlcosmetics.com. Like all other JulieG polishes, they retail for only $3.99! For the quality and stunning selection, that's a serious steal.
If your local Rite-Aid does not carry JulieG, keep looking! Here in Georgia there must be around three Rite-Aids in every town, so my fellow Georgia peaches should have no trouble finding them.

Overall

This is one of the collections that I can truly say I would have really regretted passing on. There are many brands releasing textured finishes this year, but JulieG just simply got it right. Every shade sits wonderfully flat on the nail, but by some magic still retains a beautiful shimmery texture that doesn't look like you fell asleep on your hands before your manicure dried. In addition, after a full day of wear I had no snagging, chipping or peeling.

The collection as a whole is consistent and is by far the closest texture I've seen that really promotes the advertised concept. I won't lie, I have a digestive condition and went bought a bag of sour gummy candy anyway just because this polish had me crave it so bad (the pain was worth it, haha).

If you have passed by the JulieG polish display at your local Rite-Aid without purchasing at least one you are really missing out on a special brand with an equally special story. JulieG started (and still is) a blogger/vlogger like many of us, but created a name for herself by being the first to premiere a mainstream nail polish line. It pulls at the heartstrings of the rest of us in the blogging world and she has truly earned every ounce of success she has gained.

I only have a few of her other polishes myself, but after having this collection I hope for that to change VERY soon.
I love them so much!

Will you purchasing the Frosted Gumdrop Collection? What do you think of textured polish finishes?

Comment below or let me know what think on my facebook page or twitter.
The pages are new and could use a little love!

Also make sure to check out Julie G on youtube, facebook or twitter,
along with Jesse's Girl Cosmetics on facebook and twitter.