Apr 30, 2011

"SHATTERED"

Beauty gals love playing with products,so when the latest craze for nails came along, I couldn't help but fall victim to the urge to grab these and try them for myself.


Katy Perry created a stir when she performed "Teenage Dream", her nails were all the rage! Her minx like pink nails were somehow mixed with an amazing black to produce a somewhat shattered look. OPI Products managed to produce a nail lacquer called "Black Shatter" that created the same effect,along with a stunning polish called "Teenage Dream".


The polish itself is indeed a dream. A beautiful sparkly bubblegum pink with hints of iridescent glitter. When worn alone this polish is all girl. I loved how it looked on my nails.


But, when paired with Black Shatter, it became a fun, funky look that catches the eye. Black Shatter goes on over dried nail enamel,and looks a bit like heavy black nail polish. However, after it is applied, the polish "crackles" (it is cool to watch it evaporate and shatter) over the Teenage Dream. This creates an almost broken egg effect over any nail polish.
It looks amazing!



Grab this before it is gone. You can find Teenage Dream along with Black Shatter in most local salons. Glamour girls who live in Bellevue can find the collection at Pzazz Hair Design & Beauty Supply located at the Crossroads Mall Shopping Center. See www.pzazz.com for more info.






Tell me, do you love this look? Are you ready to get "shattered?"


Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl


Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner and may not be used without permission
BellevueGrl Productions,2011

Summer Tanning Safari

As you may already know, I also write for Beautystat.com. Recently, I was asked to cover the best sunless tanning products for your skin.

If you haven't already viewed this article,here is the original piece. Read the additional review for Beautystat here: http://www.beautystat.com/site/skincare/review-the-best-self-tanners-for-summer-2011/


Our Beautystat team decided to round up some of the best new ideas for your summer tan this year. It's important to protect your skin. We all know that being out there under the sun is fun, but those rays can be so dangerous. Here, we have gathered up a few of our favorites to help you "fake it" instead of "bake it" baby!
Fake Bake is one of the products that it girls go to. It's one of the leading self-tanning formulas, and is known for pampering all skin tones and types. We want to spotlight a special formula called Fair, Fake Bakes’ build your own tan. Fair is a moisturizing, easy to apply, slow building tanner and moisturizer designed for the woman who wants to control their results a bit more.
Fair is wonderful on even the palest of skin tones and builds gradually so the effect is easy to control. It also has Fake Bakes’ signature guide color so you can see exactly where it’s going as you apply it.
Fair is available at leading salons nation wide and retails for $29.00.

LORAC TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer
 A quick drying "makeup" that gives a soft, sexy, better than natural tan, without streaking. Apply to arms, legs, decollete, or anywhere you want a smooth bronze glow. Let dry before dressing. ($32) Available at Sephora and sephora.com


For those who can't wait for an instant glow, there's Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel. It's instantly absorbed, so there's no waiting. Maximum color is achieved in two hours, which makes it perfect for those that want to maintain a healthy glow all year round. Light weight, and oil free. ($33) at better department stores and at sephora, and sephora.com


Prowl that pool princess!

- Elaine Hamilton
(AKA BellevueGrl)
Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs

Apr 13, 2011

I'M A UD-ER

I'm not usually a Summer collection kind of gal. But every now and then, I will hop aboard the bronze and soft shimmer train to add a bit of pop to a sweet summer glow.

I usually rely upon eyeshadow and a hint of blush or bronzer to do the trick, and one of my favorite go to everyday brands come from Urban Decay. This year, Urban Decay has brought back their wonderful nail shades and I'm so excited to try this new kit out..




There are six new shades based on a roller derby theme called RollerGirl Nail Kit ($28) This is a limited edition set, so grab them as soon as you can, because just like the Naked palettes, they will be flying off the shelves. (see: http://www.urbandecay.com/)



The shades range from simple to superstar and are Fame (shimmery beige), Superfreak (gold glitter), Xanadu (Purple Glitter), Miss T (pearly fuchsia), Woodstock (hot pink) and Love Train (iridescent white).




I personally can't wait to try "Xanadu" a bold, glittery purple,that says "all girl" to me. These are pocket sized bottles,and comes housed in a 70's inspired pink and gold foil design box with a super cute rollergirl picture.Formulated without toluene, formaldehyde or DBP,they wont harm your nails or the environment.


"Rumor has it".. there is also a matching RollerGirl Eyeshadow Palette for $32.00 {{Shreak}} A four shadow palette featuring Darkhorse (soft brown),Suspect (copper),Verve (pale oyster),and Woodstock (hot pink)



This set comes with Lip Junkie Lip Gloss, and a 24/7 glide on eye pencil. The kit even has a magnetic closure (FINALLY) so it's super portable. Check it out here, for more info http://www.urbandecay.com/rollergirl-palette/293,default,pd.html?dwvar_293_color=Rollergirl%20Palette



Get ready to roll girls!



Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts

BellevueGrl
 
Photo Credits:
http://www.urbandecay.com/

Apr 12, 2011

Be Kind To The Earth

Makeup is almost “second nature” to most of us. It’s the first thing we grab every morning as we head off to our jobs, our classes, or wherever. It makes our world a little brighter to put a fresh face forward.


Many of us have become aware of product testing and what’s actually in the products we are applying, and how they might be effecting our over all health and the environment. We’re reaching for greener choices, and reading labels, choosing products that are paraben, and petro-chemical free, as well as products that are cruelty-free (not tested on animals).


Read more about "Earth-Friendly" products in my latest review for Beautystat.com here:http://www.beautystat.com/site/makeup/review-giveaway-makeup-brushes-ecotools-for-earth-month-2011/comment-page-2/#comment-14833




Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl


Photo Credits:
http://www.lisisoft.com/tag/earth

Apr 4, 2011

KISSING FOOL

I love the look of well groomed hands and nails,but sometimes I don't always want to mess with polish,or have time spend at the salon. I recently discovered KISS nails at my local store,and decided to give them a try.




The package sat on my desk for about a week,since I wasn't sure how "artificial" nails would would really look on me. I didn't like the idea of using nail glue,and trying to fit the little tiny nails on my fingers. Eventually, I succumbed to curiosity,and gave them a try. (see http://www.kissusa.com/636-8666/Everlasting_French_-_Petites for more info)




I have a mixed review on these, I loved the look initially.. very nice, they looked like I had them done
at a salon,they went on very easily (I choose the ones with tabs) and the nail glue and time it took to apply was next to nothing.I was very careful to follow directions,and I even purchased a pair of rubber gloves to protect my nails from water when I did dishes etc. I was under the impression that with care, they would last at least 5-7 days.

I was really disappointed when my lovely nails started to lift and began to fall off on the second day of wear.Little by little the nails would start lifting and the glue underneath would almost dry up and cause the nail to fall off. I have already re-glued at least four nails back on.. not what I had hoped for.

I don't blame KISS, the nails are great, but I think the glue that came in the box should be tossed and replaced with a pro formula when you buy these. For the price,they are great but only for temporary wear,like just for a night..they will not last past two days,even with care. I'm not sure if I will use these again,I am trying another brand to see if they do the same and will report back later on them.




KISS Nails can be found at most major retail outlets,for around $5.99

Have you used this brand? What was your experience? Is there a better nail glue out there? Please share your comments.




Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts

BellevueGrl


Photo Credits:


KISS Nails: http://www.kissusa.com/
All other photos are property of the blog owner and may not be used without permission
BellevueGrl Productions,2011