BeautyGarde Rocket Nail Fuel Review

It was late 2021, I had been wearing builder gels to strengthen my nails. But to remove the builder gels, instead of soaking them off, as I should have, I used an e-file. Due to my misuse of the e-file, I damaged my natural nails. The damage resulted in lifting (Onycholysis) on all of my nails as well as "greenies" on my thumbs. I had never experienced damage to this level. So, what did I do to? I removed all the gel, cut off as much of the damage as I was comfortable with, and before each manicure, I soaked my nails in hydrogen peroxide and used a tea tree laden cuticle oil. As my nails grew out, I continued to cut off the remaining damaged nails. Then it was time for a fresh start. 

Shea Moisture: Even & Radiant with Raw Honey Skincare

Yes, even in my mid-50s, I still experience the occasional hormonal break out. And thanks to the current state of the world and mask-acne, I have been experiencing even more break outs. So, obviously, as a WOC, I have been in a constant battle with trying to maintain even skin tone and minimizing hyperpigmentation. You can imagine my excitement when I was offered the opportunity to try SheaMoisture's newest skincare line-Even & Radiant. This line is "made for melanin-rich skin, for a radiant, more even complexion, the Even & Radiant collection is blended with natural Raw Honey and Charcoal to help visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and post-acne spots while helping to restore skin’s natural tone."

The Even & Radiant Collection includes the following five products:

• 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm ($11.99) – This 3-in-1 multi-tasking cleanser removes oil and impurities, instantly melts away makeup, and moisturizes to leave skin feeling refreshed, soft and nourished. I will be incorporating this balm into my double cleansing routine.

Top 6 Blue Nail Polishes for Summer! Response Post

Come on now! You know when I saw Amanda's post of ItIsAmandaaa of her Top 6 Blue Nail Polishes for Summer, I had to chime in. Amanda did a collaboration with Cali of ThreeSixtyNails. I will link their posts below. 

If you have followed me for more than 10 minutes you already know I LOVE blue nail polishes! Just as Amanda said in her video, I often have people tag me on blue polish posts and I love them!

 

While this is supposed to be my top 6 blue polishes I could have easily taken it to my top 100. Again, I love blue polishes! I remember the very first blue polish I ever purchased, Sally Girl Mean Streak. But I digress. Back to the reason for this post. I am drawn to mid-tone blues for Summer, cobalt, bright, holo, they all speak my truth.

On the Road to Recovery...

After a rookie mistake, I find myself needing to start over. I must remember to follow my own rules, "Do not over buff!" I am often asked about my nail care routine, so I find this a great time to re-document my nail care routine. I first shared my process over 8 years ago. I will share that original link here. My process, as well as my products,  have changed over the years. This will be my routine to bring my nails back to a healthy state. I will, at a later time, share my maintenance routine. 

Also, one disclaimer. I am not a nail professional. This is just what works for me.

Tools: These are some of the products I use, but use what you have available.

• Cotton Rounds: to remove any old polish

• Clippers: to remove any major length

• Cuticle Pusher: this is a personal preference-metal, ceramic, plastic, wood, whatever you like

• Nail Files: to smooth edges. I have several types of files in my arsenal, each has a purpose

• Cuticle Nippers: used to clip hangnails and any dead skin

Derma E: Anti-Acne Skincare

PR Sample

If you are one of my Instagram followers, you know my love for DermaE products. DermaE has been a part of both my morning and evening skincare routines for the past couple of years. Yes, I have been gifted some of their products for review, I have purchased even more. With that being said you can imagine my excitement when I received yet another gift. This time and right on time, I received the DermaE Anti-Acne line. 

We Are Onyx ONYXBOX September, 2017 Subscription Box Unboxing

I have been slow to dip my toe into the subscription box game. I recently decided to give the Onyx Box a try. What I saw that drew me in was that the We Are Onyx box is "Curated with OUR Melanin in mind!" So this is my unboxing of the September OnyxBox. 

Upon opening the box, I was greeted with this beautiful artwork celebrating a rainbow of melanin. 

Happy World Coconut Day

With healthy eating & drinking, natural hair care, and natural skincare on the rise, coconuts have been experiencing a major rebirth over the past few years. I remember 4-5 years ago, when I first tried to transition to natural, outside of natural health food stores, the only coconut oils I could find in the stores were highly processed, but now there are entire sections of natural, unrefined, cold-pressed, "virgin"coconut oil in most drugstores and mass retailers. In addition, coconut water, coconut milk, coconut cream, and coconut flakes abound. 

Many manufacturers are also incorporating coconut into many of their product lines. I was recently sent some of the products from the Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya line. 

A Wooden Watch? A Review...

Press Sample

The Jord Watch Review...

I've recently returned to YouTube and am now starting to blog again. I've missed sharing with you. Today's post is vastly different from what I usually share with you. It's not nails, hair, or make-up. I often receive emails offering me opportunities to try different products, but if I don't feel they fit my genre, I decline. Some of the offers I receive are way off in left field...LOL! Earlier this Summer I was offered the chance to review a product. When I first read the email, it didn't capture my attention. I was going through my emails again and reread the email offering me the chance to try a wood watch. My first impression was confusion...I couldn't envision what a wood watch would look like. I went to their website and was immediately intrigued.  They are gorgeous! So after agreeing to give my honest opinion and review the watch, I went through the Jord Watches Website to make my selection.  

I decided on the Sydney in Red Sandalwood with a Mother of Pearl face. I have shared my first impressions with my Instagram and YouTube followers. But now that it has been about a month since I received the watch, I figured that now would be a good time to give a more detailed review.  

August 15th--National Relaxation Day...How Do You Relax?

Press Sample

My day usually starts at 5:00 AM and normally doesn't shut down until 11:00 PM. Its no wonder, that when my head hits the pillow, its only a matter a minutes before I'm fast asleep. A certain amount of stress is normal, too much stress can be harmful to both your physical and mental health. Thanks to our British mates, we have National Slacker Day, which those of us in the USA changed to the politically correct National Relaxation Day-August 15th. Yes, today, Friday, August 15th is National Relaxation Day. Probably wish you had taken today off from work, right? Oh well put it in your calendar for next year.

PRESS RELEASE: FingerPaints Film Noir, 2014 Wheel Swatches & Comparison

Press Sample

I wasn't overly impressed with the Enchanted Mermaids collection, but this Limited Edition FingerPaints Film Noir Collection is more to my liking. I wasn't sure what was meant by the "porcelain finish" descriptive. So I was excited to receive these for review. Now I can see it as an unfinished porcelain, almost chalkboard-like, matte finish. These shades are reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. L to R: Hollywood Decadence, Beautiful Mystery, Film Noir, & Petal Obsession.

PRESS RELEASE: MILANI COLOR STATEMENT NAIL LACQUER

Ever since Milani introduced their Color Statement Lipstick, this brand has been on FIRE!!!  I'm sure by now you've at least seen posts on if not in person, their new Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadows. We there is also a new nail lacquer coming out. The New Color Statement Nail Lacquer promises to be one stroke, high gloss and long lasting...You can bet I will be on the hunt at my local CVS...can wait? They are already available at milanicosmetics.com

FingerPaints-Enchanted Mermaid, July, 2014 Swatches

Press Sample

Ever since their brand revamp, FingerPaints has really been releasing some gorgeous polishes. So of course when I received the offer to review their latest Enchanted Mermaid collection, I was excited to give it a try. The press release described it as below:

"FingerPaints Enchanted Mermaid Collection is a LIMITED EDITION underworld inspired textured nail collection with 4 sailor-seducing shades. You will fall victim to the temptress effect of this innovative nail collection! The alluring fish scale texture is available in multi-tone shades that shimmer and shift like the friendly underwater creatures. After 2-3 coats you will see the full effect morph! This collection is so unique and eye-catching you are sure to be enchanted!"

I also really like textured nail polishes so again, I was anxious to give this collection a try. I will admit that I wasn't expecting this type of texture. There is another national brand that had a recent collection called Crinkled Chrome and from the swatches I saw, I had no desire to purchase any of them even when I found them on clearance.  When I received this FingerPaints Enchanted Mermaid collection, I was loving the shades in the bottle...they are gorgeous, in...the...bottle. 

Rest In Peace-Original Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

I've made it no secret that I love Blue nail polish. So it was a few weeks ago that I was in Walmart strolling down the nail polish aisle and I spotted a beautiful cobalt blue nail polish.  While I have more than I will ever use, I had to at least take a closer look. What to my shock, the Sally Hansen bottle was labeled "Pacific Blue". Being the Blue nail polish connoisseur that I am, I said that had to be a "mis-label", but then I saw more than one bottle.  I put it back and resolved to load a picture to my phone so that the next time, there would be no doubt. Although I already knew the answer.  Anyway, today I found myself in Walmart again, this time armed with a picture of the much love, cult classic Sally Hansen Pacific Blue; and as I knew, there was a definite change in the polish.  Not to take anything away from this impostor, it is a beautiful blue, so I had no problem purchasing it to do a comparison. 

FingerPaints Poolside Paradise Collection

Press Sample

June is the month of nail polish deals at Sally Beauty Supply so I wanted to share with you swatches of the latest FingerPaints collection. As you are aware, FingerPaints is exclusive to Sally Beauty.  FingerPaints are regular $5.29 but Sally Beauty Supply has them on sale this month for 2 for $8.00. 

PRESS RELEASE: Introducing ORLY® Color Blast® and Color Care®

Brush on something new with 72 dazzling shades and 12 treatments that deliver salon results

If you've followed my blog for a while or more recently my Instagram feed you're aware of my love for the Orly Nail Polish brand. However, recently I came across the newly released Orly Color Blast line.  And the bottle size change had me puzzled and a little disappointed so I decided to contact my PR contact at Orly. Below is the response of the Director of Communication, John Galea along with the official Press Release.

PRESS RELEASE: OPI Celebrates the Muppets with 2014 Limited Edition Nail Lacquers

Show-Stopping Shades!

OPI Celebrates the Muppets with Limited Edition Nail Lacquers Inspired by Disney’s New Film Muppets Most Wanted

OPI announces the launch of eight new limited edition nail lacquers inspired by Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted. With an all-star cast including Kermit the Frog, Constantine, Ricky Gervais, Miss Piggy, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey and the whole Muppet gang, this family comedy is directed by James Bobin and written by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller. Muppets Most Wanted opens in theaters on March 21, 2014. 

“The Muppets are a fun-loving, colorful cast of characters. These eight new nail lacquers were inspired by their latest adventures in Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted, which include a glamorous international stage tour – and lots of surprises,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP.  “Fashionable Miss Piggy is represented through soft pink, peach and pearlescent hues, as well as a frosty sapphire blue – Miss Piggy’s Big Number – to match her fabulous tour gown. The remaining four shades highlight the film’s unexpected elements and include a color-shifting mauve and three sparkle-packed lacquers – including my personal favorite Gaining Mole-mentum, a gold and rose chunky shredded glitter.” 

2014 Pantone Color of the Year-Radiant Orchid

Pantone, today announced Radiant Orchid, a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple, as the color of the year for 2014. “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love, and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

A modern and surprisingly versatile shade, Radiant Orchid enlivens the skin, making all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Blending both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing hue for distinctive combinations and flattering to many hair, eye, and skin tones.

This multifaceted hue is seductive when combined with red and pairs well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink, which provides an assortment of lipstick and blush options. Radiant Orchid’s exuberance also acts as a brilliant finishing touch to nails.

NOTD: My new Favorite Purple!

Today, I'm sharing another mono-chromatic manicure.  Today's theme is purple. I recently found a purple I had been wanting for ages.  During a trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond, I found it...Color Club's Disco Dress had been on my wish list since I saw it  posted on someone's blog. This color is absolutely, drop dead, GORGEOUS!!! It doesn't lean red and it doesn't lean blue...IMO, it is the perfect royal purple. 

For this manicure, I used Color Club Disco Dress (Index, Pinkie, & Thumb), Jordana Purple Punch (Middle), and Sinful Colors Purple Gleam (Ring).

NOTD: Mono-Chromatic, Multi-Textured Manicure...Gold Finger

I've never really been big on a lot of nail art but I do love a mono-chromatic, multi-textured manicure.  It gives the the look of nail art without having to have the artistic abilities...LOL!  I think this will make for a great holiday manicure.

I was inspired by one of the shades from the China Glaze 2013 Holiglaze Holiday Collection. One of the shades I purchased was China Glaze Mingle with Kringle, a gorgeous cool yellow gold foil.  

Once I decided on using Mingle with Kringle for my next manicure, it was easy to decide on the rest. Today's manicure includes, China Glaze Mingle with Kringle, OPI Honey Ryder, Orly Luxe, and Sally Hansen Glitter Gun. These four shades are all in the same color family but have different finishes.

I also love that it almost gives the mannequin hand look but with that extra bling. 

'Tis the Season for Healthier Lips with ChapStick...

The colder months are upon us, yes even here in Florida; we've gone from running the air conditioner to running the heater. And the Winter gift-giving holidays are within weeks. ChapStick, the brand that has been around for over 100 years, has provided some great stocking stuffer possibilities as well as some fun gifts for friends, teachers, and co-workers. 

This holiday season, ChapStick has released some limited edition Holiday Tins. Each tin holds three full-sized ChapSticks. Some, three of the classic flavors (strawberry, cherry and spearmint) and others the candy cane seasonal flavor. And to make finding these tins even more fun, ChapStick has released these tins to various locations...Target, Walgreens and Walmart.  Each having their own exclusive tins.

Walmart Exclusives