Elle Sees|| Beauty Blogger in Atlanta: polish

Showing posts with label polish. Show all posts

7.06.2017

6 Nail Polishes That Look Good On Everyone for Summer

So y'all...I didn't mean to take yesterday off.

Here's what happened:

My 4th of July was nice and relaxing, despite the afternoon storms. The fireworks started and I watched them on the roof with my neighbors. The coolest thing happened--no one was on their phones! It was great.

Afterwards, some idiot(s) decided to do professional fireworks (I think they're illegal in GA) off the roof. It was so loud and scary to see and hear that up close. My apartment was shaking because it was so loud. Someone called security on them. They stopped. And start back at FOUR AM. 4am!!!!

So yeah, no new post yesterday. I needed some sleep!

But today I'm back and sharing with you some universally flattering nail polishes. You don't have to get these exact brands, just the general shade is the idea. Think of these as the basics. And you don't have to put them on fingers either if the color is too much, just try the toes. It's summer, after all.

Ballet Slippers, Essie

One of THE most popular, award-winning, and best-selling pale pink polishes. This is a fave for brides and every day wear. Depending on your skin tone, this may pull more neutral than pink.

Topless and Barefoot, Essie

This wins for a universally-flattering nude. It looks especially great with a tan. I'm wearing it today. I love this with a gold glitter on top. For lighter skin, think of this as when you don't want your hands to be noticed, just clean-looking.

Mulberry, Tenoverton

This mauve shade just works. If you had to get two polishes from this list, grab this one. The new Essie gel polishes--the ones in the funny-shaped bottle--have similar mauve shades.

Milly, Dior

To me, it isn't summer unless I've got a coral polish on! This one pulls a little less orange and a little more pink. It just works on everyone.

Terra-Coppa, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

Would you believe a bottle of this is sold every 3 minutes? This is my "wild card" shade--y'all know I'd usually insert a glitter polish here, but I wanted something different. And this is a beautiful rose gold polish--the pic is NOT doing it justice.

Rouge Essentiel, Chanel

This is the second polish, if you had to only get 2, that everyone should own: a classic red. L'Oreal makes one similar, as does nearly every brand. If it feels too austere on hands, a pedi of this is so classic and chic.

Which of these would you wear?

5.19.2017

How To: 3 Step Mani Treatment At Home

So here's a little something you might not know about me--I have amassed a collection of nail polish so large that I could wear a different polish every day. I'm a beauty blogger and that's my excuse, y'all. I know my love for nails started when I was little. I grew up playing in my Grandmother's salon, and recall her doing my nails. I find painting my nails relaxing, oddly enough.

Here's another thing about me: I can be a slacker when it comes to the maintenance of my nails. It seems like such a chore, a nuisance. But taking care of my nails helps the polish last longer, so matter what brand I use, so when I was contacted by Dr. Dana, I knew my nails would love it. Dr. Dana is is an internationally recognized dermatologist, and is one of the only physicians in the country with a specialty in the diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders. All of her products are formulated with the highest quality ingredients, backed by science, and clinically proven to improve the appearance of nails. Now do you see why I had to try this?

I got to try out the 3 step Nail Renewal System and y'all, it's so easy to use. After researching thousands of ingredients, this easy-to-use, three-step, scientific system will not only bring nails back to a healthy, hydrated, youthful state but will leave them with a long lasting, chip-free, gorgeous shine. It comes with 3 steps: Glycolic Prep For Nails, Perfect Grit Priming Wand, and Deep Hydrating Formula. So let's get into it:

Step 01: Glycolic Prep For Nails
Directions: Twist the bottom of pen until a droplet appears on the applicator tip. Brush a thin, even coat onto clean, dry, unpolished nails. One pen twist treats five nails. Use once weekly. Provides 90 days of treatment.

Step 02: Perfect Grit Priming Wand

Directions: Start with Side 1 and sweep over nails two to five times. A powdery overlay will appear indicating it’s time for Side 2. Using Side 2, sweep over nails two to five times. Finish with Side 3, pressing more firmly and sweeping back and forth until nails achieve a lustrous, chip-free shine.

Step 03: Deep Hydrating Formula
Directions: Twist the bottom of the pen until the applicator tip is saturated. Brush generously onto nails, cuticles and surrounding skin. Use once a week, or more, if nails are prone to peeling.

And that's it! Healthy nails for me! The Dr. Dana® Nail Renewal System has 90 days of treatments when used weekly for $46. And it's 5-free: Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Dibutyl Phthalate, Camphor, Toluene Free and Paraben Free, as well as Fragrance Free, Dye Free, and Cruelty Free.

Are you good about nail maintenance?

Extra Elle:

Headed out of town this weekend to work on something special with my youngest sister. I can't wait to share it with you.

They finally fixed the 85 bridge in Atlanta. Remember a couple of months ago when it caught on fire? It's been so lovely to have my drive cut down by half. Yay!

4.24.2017

10 Classic Drugstore Makeup Buys You Need to Try

Hey y'all! I was strolling down the aisles of the drugstore recently (this happens more often than I'd like to admit) and instead of being drawn to all of the NEW stuff, I decided revist some classics. You know, those makeup products you always hear about or maybe even forgot about. I thought I'd share 10 of my tried-and-true classic drugstore makeup buys you need to try:

FOUNDATIONS

For foundations, I chose two from L'Oreal. First up is a dry skin fave, L'Oreal True Match Lumi. It's a gorgeous luminous makeup that is very similar to the $64 Armani one. I even tested it for a dupe here.

For combo and slightly oily skin, I always recommend L'Oreal True Match. The shade range is really impressive--I love that it comes in neutral undertones (me) as well.

MASCARA

If I'm ever in a mascara rut and can't find one to wear (#beautybloggerprobs) I always go back to L'Oreal Voluminous. Pictured is a waterproof, Carbon Black version, but the original is my fave. It gives nice volume and is easy to wear.

For my friends who don't really wear makeup or mascara, or those who want something a little more natural looking, I recommend to them Maybelline Full N' Soft. It really is a classic mascara and can be hard to find sometimes, but it's stuck around for a reason--nice, fluffy lashes with no clumps.

Note: I didn't mention Maybelline Great Lash--the pink and green tube--it was the first mascara I ever used, and so many tubes are sold every minute, but I've never liked it. Do you?

EYELINER

Wet N Wild Megaliner is a classic opaque liner that removes easily with water. It's $3.99 and it's great for winged liner.

If you just can't figure out eyeliner, gel liner in a pot, like Maybelline Gel Liner. It's easy to use. Beauty Tip: I store mine upside down so it won't dry out.

WIPES + DRY SHAMPOO

There are cheaper options available, but when it doubt, I've been a long time fan of the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They've never aggrivated my skin and remove makeup very well.

I've tried just about every dry shampoo under the sun (seriously, check posts here and here) and Batiste Dry Shampoo will always be under my counter. Beauty Tip: Love dry shampoo but hate the white cast it can leave? Try this tip! It works (Batiste has brunette versions btw).

REVIEW: OUAI FOAM DRY SHAMPOO

BLUSH + POLISH

For that one blush you need to own, that looks good on just about everyone, Milani Luminoso is at the top of the list. It's peachy-pink shade has the slightest kiss of a glow. It's so pretty on skin.

There's a reason you'll always see Essie Ballet Slippers on every "best of" list: it's a neutral polish that just works.

We're just scratching the surface here!

Which classic drugstore products are must-haves for you?

Extra Elle:

Random fact, but I love the movie Donnie Darko--never saw it in theatres, so when a local one was showing it for the 15 anniversary, I had to! It was worth it.

Went on a mask-buying spree at Urban Oufitters! I've been trying them out here and there.

Check out these drugstore-exclusive brands--lots of goodies for less than their name brand counterparts.

4.10.2017

Spring Essentials--Makeup, Jewelry, Hair, Polish & More

Hey y'all! I hope you had an amazing weekend! After some nasty weather last week, I finally got a chance to enjoy a little bit of spring. Speaking of spring, it's time for another FabFitFun unboxing! If you've been a longtime ElleSees reader, then you've seen me share these before. I've been a sub since the beginning. It's always like a treat in the mail when you get one!

And if you haven't seen one of these, FFF is a subscription box that ships 4 times a year and is stocked with $200+ worth of full-sized products. You pay $49.95 per box. The total value for this box is $369! Let's see what's inside!

First up from MILLY is a water-resistant beach bag. These came in different colors with different sayings. Mine says Beach Please and will be perfect for throwing in a wet swimsuit. I plan on using mine with the kids I nanny for. I can throw their wet clothes or toys in.

I didn't unfold it for the pic, but GYPSY 05 sent a really cool ROUND tie-dye blanket. It looks to me more like a tapestry you'd see at Urban Outfitters, as it has fringe all the way around. I'm keeping my huge blanket in my car for the beach, but I really can't wait to use this for picnics and other outdoor events. These also came in a variety of colors and designs, too.

Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin, Nails Gummies are always good to keep on hand. Have you tried this brand before?

This was an item you got to pick--FFF usually lets you choose a few things in each box--I chose this gorgeous cage bangle from EMERALD DUV.

And now for more beauty stuff! Yay!

Briogeo is a brand I've heard of from past Ipsy bags, and I've always liked what I've tried from them. I got the Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-in Conditioning Spray. It’s lightweight and has good stuff in it like rosehip, argan, and coconut oils. It keeps my hair soft and strong, since it is a heat protectant as well!

Next is a polish duo from Deborah Lipmann. I got a very pale blue and a pastel blue. These are so cute for spring! These varied in color, too!

The Real Her Lip Kit was fun to get. You got to pick the color. I chose red (y'all know me and my reds) but I kind of wish I had picked the dark nude instead. Anyway, lip kits are hugely popular right now, and this one has a lip stick, lip liner, and a liquid lipstick. It's a dark crimson red and lasts for a bit. I love the message behind this one too--see the empowering statements on each product?

Dr. Brandt is a brand I know y'all have heard of before, right? I was so excited to see this one! Dr. Brandt’s Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator has lactic acid, aluminum oxide crystals, and smoothing botanicals, which give softer skin. Really loving this one.

And y'all KNOW I am a mask fanatic. I got a 5 pack from Karuna of Hydrating Face Masks. I'm feeling better now, but I was SO sick recently. The meds gave me super dehydrated skin, and popping of these on for a few minutes definitely helped.

So that's what's in my FabFitFun box!! What did you like?

3.02.2017

NEW Wet N Wild HAUL

First off, I want to thank everyone, truly everyone, who took the time to comment on my post yesterday. Your support is so touching to me. I can't even go into the right words for it. It was nothing but good news. Speaking of good news, let's talk beauty!

Actually, let's talk about what this post was supposed to be. So this was supposed to be a video. I filmed it but didn't like how it turned out, so it's a post instead. It was supposed to be a haul/review, but I was sick so I didn't get a chance to review a lot of these. Instead of calling this a fail, I'm calling it a haul. Sometimes things don't go as planned, and that's how we ended up here.

Thanks to a discount code from Hannah, I did a little haul last month or so from Wet N Wild. I love this affordable (and really good) drugstore brand, but I've never ordered from them online and I've never done a haul just of their stuff. That changes now. If you haven't checked them out since you were in high school, I highly recommend you do so. Don't knock it 'til you try it! Here's what I got:

First up are the cushion highlight and bronzer--Hannah sent me these, but I thought I'd share them here. I like them, but the bronzer is too warm for me.

My order begins with a stick blush, stick highlight, and stick bronzer. I wasn't really impressed with these. I couldn't tell how warm and dark the bronzer was online, so those were disappointments.

Speaking of highlight, I caved and got a powder one, my weakness. It's really good.

Next is WNW's version of micellar water. It's not bad, but has a little oily residue after.

The Gel Lip Balm reminds me of Babylips and I really like it. Unscented and a kiss of color.

The Cushion is not my fave formula, but it wasn't bad.

Skinny Eyeliner and Skinny Mascara--the eyeliner is really good but the mascara was dried out.

And I got a couple of nail items, like this 10 in 1 The Saving Base--I like it. Not really enough color to be worn alone, although I have. And the Hard as Ice--I didn't quite get a week of wear, but I did like it.

Do you wear Wet N Wild?
Have you tried any of these?

1.18.2017

Best/Worst of Makeup and More

I post a lot of reviews on here, y'all. And one of my fave types of reviews would be Best/Worst.

I'll take a certain makeup type, like liquid lipsticks, test a ton of them, and then present the best/worst to you.

Since I've posted so many over the years, sometimes those posts get lost in the shuffle.

I wanted to share a roundup of my roundups. I did all of the hard work for you! Which ones have you missed?

Skincare