End of November 2013 Beauty Empties

It is that time of month again, November 2013 Beauty Empties! I love reading and watching these kinds of posts and vlogs because I get to see that persons true opinion on a product after they have fully finished it. So here are my end of November Beauty Empties! Enjoy :)


1. Crest 3D White Strips: 5minute routine
- These white strips took me forever to finish. It comes with 28 top and 28 bottom strips. You put them on for 5 minutes only and then you remove them and rinse. These 5 minute strips are great to remove the surface stains from your teeth if you are a coffee and tea drinker. I have tried the 2 hour strips and although they made my teeth white, they brutally killed my teeth with sensitivity. So I would only re purchase the 5minute strips again. The only thing is that if you are not consistent with these strips then your white teeth will not stay long, you will need to constantly use the strips to maintain your white teeth. I plan on trying out a new whitening system in the near future so stay tuned on my thoughts on that.

2. One 'n Only Argan Oil Hair Color Cream Developer: 20 Volume
- I use this cream developer when I color my hair. This is the only brand I will use developer from since it has Argan oil in the developer which makes my hair so smooth and healthy. I usually get this baby for free when I purchase my hair color at Sally's only because they usually have sales going on for this line every so often. Definitely a re-purchase.




3. One 'n Only Argan Oil Hair Color: Medium and Dark Chocolate Brown
- Love this hair color. Just like the cream developer this color has done greatness to my hair. I will not go back to box color from the drug store nor will I go to another brand. Loving this color and will re-purchase. These can be found at Sally's Beauty Supply as well.






4. China Glazes Glitter Nail polish:  You're a Hoot & Flying South
- I love China Glaze polishes, so do not get me wrong on this one BUT I hate these glitter polished. You need at least 4 to 5 coats of this to make them opaque and once they dry the pop off your nails because you had to apply so many coats!  They were only $6 each so not worried that I am getting rid of them, but I am disappointed because that could have been $12 total I could have used elsewhere. C'mon China Glaze get with the times and work on those glitter formulas.





5. Benefit BAD Gal Lash Mascara-Sample size
- Now I enjoyed the Benefit They're Real Mascara so I thought this one would be great too. Don't kid your self. The wand on this B**** is so huge that you would end up looking like raccoon eyes after applying the mascara you want on your lashes. The formula is more on the dry side so you are sitting there for 20 minutes re-applying mascara that ends up on your lids. Not my cup of tea for a $29 mascara! This one was a disappointment. If you want to see the wand please go check out my YouTube Channel for my November empties video at MacGirl25Antonietta.




6. L'oreal go 360degree clean deep facial cleanser
- I have tried L'oreals facial cleansers so when I tried this one I loved it. It has a great morning citrus scent so it really wakes you up in the morning. I loved the little rubber scrub it comes with to help remove all the dirt properly. This line has a bunch of different types of cleansers for different skin types so I am determined to try each one slowly and give you guys my thoughts on them. The only down fall to this product is that it is a bit pricey, like $14-$16 range. But if you can find them on sale for half the price, because they do go on sale then grab them when you can. You will not be sorry you did trust me.




7. NeoStrata Moisture Infusion Cream (Face): Deluxe Sample size
- I have mentioned this sample size in previous favorite posts. I really enjoyed this face cream. I used it at night before bed, and I found that my skin soaked it up without leaving any greasy residue. The full size of this cream runs about $30, sometimes it goes on sale for $19. So in the future if you want to try it out and can't get a sample size wait until it goes on sale, that way you can save $11. I would purchase this in full size, once I am done the rest of the face creams I have.



8. Smahbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
- Loved this lid primer. It cancelled out all of my discoloration and veins on my eye lids. I sometimes just use this as my base and add no eye shadow at all because the skin tone it gives off is so awesome. I have already re-purchased this baby even though I am currently using a different lid primer at the moment. This product retails around $21.





9. Prevens Paris Makeup Remover Wipes- Travel size
- Got these wipes at Winners in a bundle pack with the full size packages. Tried them and I am not a fan. The scent of these babies are not appealing at all. The wipes are moist so the make up does come off, but the scent just throws me right off. That makes me un-attracted to putting them on my face. Yuck. The value pack was 2 full packages and the travel package for $6.99, so it was a good deal but I won't be repurchasing these once they are done. Working on the two full packages now. Can't wait until they are finished.





10. Benefit Porefessional Primer: Sample size
- Love this face primer, I have two full sizes of this. This is the most raved primer on YouTube and in the beauty blog world. If you haven't tried it go grab yourself a sample. You won't regret it. This product leaves your skin smooth and silky, the perfect canvas to apply foundation too. Full size bottle retails for around $30, but so worth it believe me.



11. ION Solutions Deep nurturing and hydrating cream
- Love these individual packets of hair masks. Get these at Sally's for $0.99 and you can usually get two uses out of each packet, depending how thick your hair is. My hair is fairly medium volume to thin, so 2 uses per packet I get by with. They are also great for travelling.



12. JJ Face masks: Dead Sea Face Spa & Fudge Sauna
- Love these at home face masks. They are so easy and affordable. You can find these at Wal-Mart or pretty much any local drug store for under $2.



13. Balea Detoxifying face mask
- Love this line of masks as well. If you have read my previous empties I always have a Balea face mask in my empties. They are 3 for $5 at Shoppers Drug Mart here in Canada. Love these at home face masks, one of my favorite past times when I am at home, and it's even better in the winter too because you cozy up with a cup of tea and a book and you chillax. When you rinse it off, your face feels fresh and rejuvenated.




14. Bath & Body Works Creamy Pumpkin Hand Soap
- Love BBW hand soaps. One of my favorite brands. Creamy pumpkin was a nice sweet scent. Loved it. You can get these on sale for 5 for $20 or $25.




15. Bath & Body Works 3 wicket Pumpkin Carving Candle
- Love BBW candles as well. Who doesn't love their candles? They can be pricey so wait until the sales come on and you can get them for 2 for $25. Regular retail they go for $22 each! Can someone comment down below on how I can take out the excess wax from these jars so I can reuse the jars?




16. Lush Almond & Coconut Shower Smoothie
- This was my first time using a shower smoothie, and I do not thing I will ever go back to not using one. These shower smoothies make my skin so hydrated and scrumptious, my skin has never felt so healthy. They are a bit expensive, Lush carries these babies for around $26 at 250gram container. But if you can grab a sample first to try it out because they are awesome. Use this after you wash your body, then rinse and pat dry after you finish in the shower and you will notice your skin is amazing. You can also use this to shave with but I don't waste it on that.





17. MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC35
- I did a detail review on this foundation a long time ago, refer back to my older posts. Love this foundation, it is my go to foundation for winter. Keeps me looking dewy and healthy and it is long wearing. Yes I have repurchased this in a different shade since I thought the cool tone was too light for me. Adding this empty to my back to MAC stash of empties :)




Well everyone that is it for my end of November Beauty Empties. I think I did pretty good this month with finishing products. I managed to finish a few samples this month and I am still going with finishing samples.

Also quick update, I decided to post pone my Make Out 2014 to begin until after the holidays, SO that means I am still able to purchase makeup until January 1st 2014! I will be making up a new post on that closer to the time. Until then just so you are aware, I have been invited to another MAC Sale in my area in about two weeks so keep watch for another mini haul. I won't be going too crazy, but I do need to pick up a couple items so keep on the look out there! :)

Thank you all for keeping up with my posts, I do appreciate all your support! Lots of hugs xxx

Until next time beauty lovers <3
MacGirl25

How to paint your nails...a beauty trick Diagram.

Ola beauty lovers! How is everyone doing? Hope you all had a good weekend. So I want to talk a little bit about nail polish. Well not really the polishes but how to apply the polishes. This is going to be a quick tip for all you ladies out there who want to know tricks to avoid getting that polish in the cracks of your cuticles. Don't you hate it when you do your own nails and it looks like a 2 year old did them?

Well, let me tell you, I have mastered painting my nails because I have been doing my own nails for years now. The odd time I will go get a manicure or polish change if I am desperate but on the up and up I usually do my own nails.

Sometimes it gets hard to apply nail polish if you apply too much of it on the brush then swipe it across your nail beds.

Here is a diagram I found a long time ago, and I was meaning to post something like this up for months now. But the diagram explains it all. Take a look below and try to follow the steps next time you paint your nails and leave a comment below if this diagram actually helped you out. I would love to know your thoughts.

Also for those of you who have a nailpolish problem like me, then you will find yourself with billions of polishes and not enough days to wear them all. My favorite brands are OPI, Essie, China Glaze, and the Covergirl polishes as well.

Don't forget to leave a comment down below if this diagram helps you out. :)

Until next time beauty lovers ❤️
MacGirl25

China Glaze Feather Effects Line

Ola Beauty Lovers! Yes I am back again to talk a little bit about the new China Glaze Feather Effects Collection of nail polish. 

I found my two colors at Sally's Beauty Supply. When I first purchased them I was so excited to try them out. In the bottle they look awesome. This line is a bunch of thinly sliced glitter or colored paper of different colors. The collections has about 8 colors or so. The two I purchased were Flying South and You're a Hoot. 

Application:

When applying this polish I notice that the formula is a bit thicker then a normal polish. The clear polish mixed in these feather effects polishes are very thick. I also notice that I need to apply 3 plus coats in order to get an opaque look. You need to be quick when applying this polish because it does dry quicker then most average polishes. 

Texture: 

The finish texture is a but rough. Not really feather like. When I think of feather I think about soft velvety feeling. This is nothing like it. Once it dries it reminds me of the texture of bricks. Yes....bricks. 

Wearing power:

The wearing power is pretty good. 6 to 7 days of wearing this polish without chipping providing you are using a base and top coat. Without a base and top coat I am assuming you can get away with 4 to 5 days of wear. 

Removal: 

Keep in mind that when you use any type of glitter polishes usually the base in that formula is some type of glue to keep the glitter on your nails. So the fact is that these kind of polishes do not come of in one swipe like other average polishes. 

That means you will need 100% acetone to remove this polish off your nails. You can get 100% acetone at any beauty supply or drug store, and be patient because it will take some effort to remove this polish off. 

Price:

These are the same price as any other China Glaze polishes so between $5 to $8 depending where you buy them. 

Final thoughts:

It was worth the shot to test these puppies out but I don't think I'll be repurchasing this collection again. The look of then on the nails looks cool but for me it's not worth it when I have to remove them. I prefer polishes that is easy to remove. 

Until next time beauty lovers❤

MacGirl25

Current Nail Care Routine

Ola Beauty Lovers! I know its been a week since I last posted but what can I tell you, my daytime job is at a busy period at the moment so by the time I get home I am pooped to go back onto the computer to post. But I figured its Friday and here in Canada it is the long weekend, so I should get you readers something to read for the long weekend we have here in Canada. Right before school starts for the kids (I don't have any, I just mean in general) we have Labor Day Monday September 2nd 2013, a national holiday of which is great!

Today I am here to talk to you about my current nail care routine. I have always a lot of people telling me how healthy and amazing my nails look. Well sweet heart, it takes work. You think I was born with these nails looking so groomed? Honey let me tell you, once upon a time, I used to bite my nails to the nubs and they would bleed! Yes those were my childhood years. Then once I got into high school I discovered the acrylic nails. Boy are those horrible for your nails! By the time I graduated high school, out in the working world/college world I discovered I can get my natural nails looking as if they were fake but they are in fact all N A T U R A L.

I change my nail polish every 2 to 4 days. Depending on how much I like the color/formula and if I am not busy, but I always find the time to paint my nails :) that is just me. My ultimate favorite nail polish companies are OPI (#1), China Glaze (#2), and Essie (#3). I still use other brands like L'oreal, Sally Hansen, Sephora by OPI, but those 3 are my top 3 brands of which I own the most nail polish from. You can get OPI, China Glaze, and Essie at any Beauty Supply outlet or drug store.

Now in order for your polish to look utterly fantastic, you must take care of your natural nails. Every time I remove my polish I use this process religiously.

1. Buff my nails slightly (not a lot, do not get carried away) to to ensure that there are no lumps or bumps on the nail bed surface so that your polish applies smoothly.

2. File my nails to the length I am comfortable having them. ( I don't do this step every time because there are times I like the length of my nails so I don't touch the length. Only if I get a split nail or they are as long as claws is usually when I take out the file)

3. If required I will use the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover to take away dead skin (Try really hard never to snip at your cuticles because that will make them mad!)

4. Wash my hands with my bath and body works hand soap. Yum.

5. Apply 2 coats of the "Growth Spurt" Nail polish base. This stuff is my holy grail. Any time I use this, my nails grow like weeds.

6. Let dry then apply 2 coats of my favorite color nail polish I am feeling at the moment. (Yes my colors change all the time, that's the fun in doing your nails girls!)

7. Let that dry then apply your top coat. My top coat at the moment is the Seche Vite. Love it! It dries instantly. Just what ever you do make sure when you use it that you have the window open so that you don't ingest those fumes. This one has a bit of a strong smell.

8. Lastly I apply 2 different kinds of cuticle oil. Sometimes I only apply one or the other and sometimes I apply both. The cuticle oil in the skinny tall bottle is suppose to promote strong, long healthy nails, and the cuticle oil in the small chubby bottle is just a mix of mango/jojoba/avocado oils. I mixed that small bottle myself with my own oils I have. ( Yes I am an oil freak. Comment below if you want me to post an article on beauty benefits of using natural oils).

Now you are thinking, my gosh woman that's a lot of steps. But for those true beauty lovers out there, you will understand that these steps are like a relaxing process. Once my manicure is done, I always apply the nail cream and cuticle oils every night before bed to help maximize my nails to their fullest potential.

Below is a photo of all the products I use except the nail polish. Its up to you which creams and oils you prefer to use, as everyone is different and also has their own preference. I usually switch up my cuticle creams after I finish one because I love to try out new things. But this is what I am currently using now. Also I will post here some photos of my nails after my manicures are done so you can see how well they are coming along. If you want to follow me on instagram, I post all kinds of nail swatches there on a regular basis. You can find me @Antoniettanacc

Please feel free to leave a comment and share with me your favorite colors you like to wear.

Until next time Beauty Lovers ❤
MacGirl25

China glaze nail polish

I absolutely love love doing my own manicures its some sort of therapy for me. I've tried my share of nail polish and I love all those brands OPI, Color club, MAC (of course), but lately I've noticed that China Glaze has improved their formula! I purchased this polish last week from Sally's . It's the halographic collection and I can't believe it's been 5 days and counting I'm wearing the same color without chipping! For those of you who know me I never wait this long to change my nail color! Amazing I tell you. Very impressed with this formula. I can't wait to swatch more colors for y'all. The polish is very easy to apply and dries fairy quick without a topcoat.

Remember use a good sticky base coat and a fast dry top coat and that should help eliminate a lot of chipping as well :)

If you want to see all my nail polish swatching please follow me on Instagram at @antoniettanacc 

Until next time Beauty lovers❤

MacGirl25