Thursday, December 29, 2011

imPRESS Press-on Manicure Review

Another product I received in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was the imPRESS Press-on Manicure in the design 'Space Cadet'.  I have seen this brand in stores for a long minute, but never paid too much attention to it.  I am very much a fan of the natural nail, venturing into acrylics in high school and deciding that they were not for me.  Now that was half a lifetime ago!  When I saw these at the store the first time, I was intrigued.  I was even more curious when I saw there was a package in my box.  According to the site:
"Introducing imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPress is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPress, your nails will always be your best accessory.


imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!"
First I would love to talk about the packaging.  I'll be the first to admit that the packaging definitely grabbed my attention.  It's shaped like a little polish bottle. 


When I was getting ready to begin the process of applying these, I had difficulty getting the little bottle shaped package open.  I struggled with the black lid for a while, and once I got that open, it took me at least another 5 minutes just to open the clear part.  I guess it's good that the container is child-proof!  On a side note, I can now open it very easily.

Anyways, I sized up all my nails and trimmed them very short.  I then used the prep pad that came in the box as well.  Slowly, I began peeling the backing of the nail and applying them square to the cuticles.  I would hold each nail on for a long count of five and move on to the next.  They are very easy to apply.  As I got closer to my thumbs, however, they got a little more difficult.  I have long nailbeds to go along with my long fingers.  Since these nails are considered 'sport length', they were just too short to cover my full nail.  Here I cheated a little and put them a bit lower.

Here is my full hand:


Sorry about the large image.  So from close inspection, you can see the shine.  You can also see how the press ons don't quite fit right on my pointer finger and on my thumb.  They also bump out along the thumb, as can be seen on my thumb.

Here's what they look like on both hands:


Sorry about the quality and the size again.  I just wanted to show you how gorgeous they are.  What was sad for me was that I was only able to wear them for two days.  Even a couple of hours after putting them in, they felt like they would come off doing random tasks.  They lasted through washing the dishes and other household tasks.  They also lasted through my hot showers.  What they didn't pass was the hair test.  I have VERY long hair.  It falls almost to my waist.  Every time I would go to brush my hair, some strands would make their way between the press on and my natural nail, tugging and pulling my hair. 

This brings up another point as to how water tight the nails are.  Because water can seep in under the nails and stay there, it's a perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections. 

Removal was quick and easy, and I can say that they were really stuck on.  There was a little bit of peeling on the surface, but a light buffing can take care of that.

Overall, this is a pretty good product if it were for more of an emergency situations.  If you have longer nailbeds, it might not be an ideal fit.

Check them out at impressmanicure.com/ for more information and a peek at all the colors and patterns they offer and more.

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine Review


 One of the products I received in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was the NYC (New York Color) Liquid Lipshines in the color 'Nude York City'.  NYC is a brand that has been around as far as I could remember, and as a teen, I loved their eyeliners and lipsticks.  Many of those products that I loved in my youth are no longer sold, or maybe I just haven't looked much.  Anyways, I received this new product to try out.  According to the site:
"Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!"

"A beauty-editor favorite is Liquid Lipshine ($2.49). It has pure pigments that created a 3-D gloss effect. Vitamin E provides shine and a moisturizing feel. The formula is non-sticky, super shiny & soft. Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias. Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others. Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!"
I have worn it for the past two days and I can say that I would love to get some more. The color is a bit sheer, which keeps it from being too nude for my highly pigmented lips. 


The applicator is flexible and can hold a decent amount of product.  It's also great for applying it right up against the lip line, making your lips look fuller. 


The description above says the formula is non-sticky.  I wouldn't say that though.  I felt it wasn't as sticky as most others.  I also found that the lipshine was heavy when applied to bare lips.  It definitely helped to put a lip balm on.

Check them out at www.newyorkcolor.com for more information and a peek at all the colors they offer and more.

FTC Disclaimer: As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review. As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Influenster Holiday Voxbox

For those who are not familiar, Influenster is a service that periodically provides bloggers and other "trendsetters" free products to review. 

I was selected to receive their holiday 2011 box, which they call a Voxbox to review.  Here is what was inside.


  1. imPress Press-On Manicure
  2. Montagne Jeunesse Flavored Masque
  3. Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar
  4. NYC New York Color Liquid Lip Shine
  5. Mentos Pure Fresh Gum
  6. Larabar Healthy Snack Bar
  7. Garden Botanika Heart Fragrance Sample
In the next few days, I will be trying and reviewing these products.  From the looks of it, I will enjoy it all very much!
FTC Disclaimer:  As mentioned above, these products were provided to be my Influenster for my review.  As always, any opinions provided are honest and my own.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

QotW - December 12th

A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else.
~George Savile

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

My diet

My diet is something people don't seem to understand.  I figure maybe I could reach out and seek some support here or at least bring to light what it is as some people still don't understand.

So far, I figured out that I am most likely wheat intolerant.  That means no bread, no pasta, no pizza, biscuits, cookies or cake.  It also means that nothing should be breaded either.  When I cut out wheat, it made me aware of how much of the american diet is composed of wheat.  It's everywhere!  I have a much bigger appreciation of vegetables and other things.  I eat rice and have replaced pasta with vegetables.  My freezer is my friend.

I also don't eat shellfish.  Never developed a taste for it.  Found out I was also allergic to shrimp a year ago, so I don't bother regardless.

That's pretty much it, other than just being kinda picky.  :p

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Holidays

I've been asked by several people what I wanted for the holidays, or what gifts I wanted for the holidays.  To be honest, I have NO idea.  I first think, well, maybe I can hint at things I need.  But what do we all really need?  I have clothing on my back, food on my table and a roof over my head.  I have clean water and electricity to power this old laptop and the desktop I custom built for pretty cheap.  My wants aren't far from that.  I am the kind of person who just buys what I want if I can justify the purchase.  A new pair of boots isn't just a fashion statement, they are a winter necessity and a way of keeping my calves and ankles warm.  That expensive moisturizer is what keeps my skin clear.  That sulfate-free shampoo keeps my medium/long hair looking healthy.  Again, it's not a true necessity, but a want that I can justify.  And that's why I can't just say I want one thing or another.  I also can't deny that I still drool over some things, but if I really think about it, I don't need it and can't really justify it.

So what do I tell people when they ask?  I don't want to seem ungrateful for their lovely gestures, but my mind is a complete blank.  I tell my family that all I want is to spend time with them.  In the end, items break, are consumed, or get lost.  Those memories and the joy of a good time will last.

What do you think?

Monday, November 21, 2011

QotW - November 21st

"All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual."
~Albert Einstein

Monday, November 14, 2011

QotW - November 14th

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
~Maya Angelou

Monday, November 7, 2011

QotW - November 7th

"A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears."
~Anne Roiphe 

Sunday, November 6, 2011

I'm back!

I would like to apologize for my lack of presence here.  It's been a very strange October for me.  I'm hoping that I have a better November though.

I've also had some interesting ideas of how I should work this blog for my own happiness.  I will continue with quotes of the week.  I really like them.  They are supposed to be something to think about throughout the week.  All the rest of the content will come about as I work through it, but I would like it to be fun. :)

If anyone has any ideas for posts, let me know.

~xoxo

Monday, October 10, 2011

Quote of the Week - October 10th

"By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination."
~ Christopher Columbus

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Save the Boobies! -- It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

We as a population think of Breast Cancer as something a woman can only get in her 50s and beyond.  I'm here to tell you it is, in fact, not the case.  Instances of breast cancer, as well as others that are thought to be prevalent in a woman's later years, are presenting themselves in people as young as 22.

So you're asking, what can I do?

Well first, early detection is key.  I encourage everyone to talk to one another, discover your medical history.  Knowing your risks is part of the battle.  This includes men.  Men are at risk too!

A self-exam should be done periodically.  Medical exams and mammograms should be done as needed as well.

For more information, please visit:
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute

THINK PINK!  SAVE THE BOOBIES!


Monday, October 3, 2011

Qoute of the Week - October 3rd

"There are two types of people in the world: people who are passionate about things, and people who've had their passion punched, beaten, or whatever out of them."
~Kevyn Aucoin

This is definitely something to think about as we go through our days.

Friday, September 30, 2011

A Few of My Favorite Things! (September)

September is an interesting month.  Here in Northern NJ, the weather cools drastically.  That shift can be as much as 30°F.  It's a little crazy as is trying to adjust my scincare, haircare and clothing to it.  This September I have a few things that I haven't been able to let go of.
  1. My favorite blush of all-time, well, one that is still made is the Jordana Powder Blush in the color Cocoa.  The color is described as a plum brown.  Interesting, because it shows up more like a brick color against my skin.  I still love it though.  And the best part is that it LASTS all day!
  2. This Estée Lauder Eye Pencil is the perfect tool to line the waterline.  It's soft, has good color, and best of all, doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes.  I've had these pencils for a couple of years in three different colots, but I love my black pencil.  Best of all, it smudges beautifully for a gorgeous smoky look.
  3. If you haven't tried the Clinique High-Impact Mascara, you NEED to.  Now, this stuff isn't waterproof, but I like it better this way.  To me this mascara just enhances the lashes that I have with one coat with no clumping and doesn't make my lashes all crunchy either.  I just call it love for my lashes. :D
Well, that's it for my list this month!  Now tell me, what are your favorite items this month?

Monday, September 26, 2011

Quote of the Week -- Septemer 26th

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful  lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that  you are never alone."
~Audrey Hepburn

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Hello!

Welcome to my little corner of the interwebs. ^.^

I never know what to write about myself, so I thought I would just let you know that this blog will be a collection of stuff I think is cool, stuff I'm drooling over, and just random tidbits.
I hope you enjoy the randomness that you encounter here. :D