AStorePlus®: 8 Pcs Nail Art Design/Detailing Painting Brushes with Dotting Pen Set #Review #NailArtBrush

As a nail polish enthusiast……okay, I have dozens of bottles and sometimes even accidentally buy the same color because I forget what I own! I have also been down the nail art alley of products, to now have a sense what works and what does not. Price wise, I have also paid well for brushes that their art was leaving bristles behind when used. I called it “surprise brushes” because you never knew when they would come apart and/or how many bristles they would surprise you with. This taught me when one brush shows any sign of failure, just trash the thing!

In comes AStorePlus with an assortment of 7 brushes and 1 dotting tool. I have a set that came in a zipper pouch and love that set. Never a surprise bristle attack and because the brush sticks are made of plastic that can be wiped to clean, acetone is not a something to fear when cleaning up my supplies. The AStorePlus collection features:

• Smooth Wooden handles painted in a White color with a black design
• A Dotting tool made of metal tip
• The 7 brushes come in different sizes with an assortment of thickness and angles
• A long metal shaft/sleeve, which holds the bristles tightly and allows the user to get a nice angle for easy use and cleaning

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Retail Price Point: A collection of nail art 7 brushes and 1 dotting tool for $5.25 with free shipping on Amazon.

Verdict:
When I received these, I noticed they feature painted wood handles, but what these brushes feature that others of like kind don’t, is that long metal shaft/sleeve to allow cleaning without seeping onto the painted wood area. Cleaning is a major concern both for hygiene purposes but also to keep the tools clean enough for longevity and re-usability. Other brushes feature a short metal shaft that can cause the consumer to accidentally come in contact with the wooden painted handle, making the manufacture’s paint bleed and disintegrate. Thankfully, the AStorePlus brushes avoid this from occurring and had the forethought of having long metal shafts to avoid this from happening. I use acetone because I don’t want residue on my nails from glycerin or additives that may not allow polishes or nail art to last, causing a short lived manicure. This means a brush has to be able to soak (short-term) in a cap of acetone, which I save the older caps from used bottles to do this with. The AStorePlus brushes sat in acetone and not once did the liquid wick up towards the top to meet with painted handle. I found the handles to be a comfortable length and ergonomic enough to allow my left hand to work on my right hand’s nails with ease. I have used the brushes 4 times and every time they clean and return to their natural shape and point when dried. I saved the plastic sleeves for each brush, so this allows me to keep the points in shape when stored in the same pouch I keep all my nail art brushes in. I have paid more for 3 brushes than what the 8 tools here cost on Amazon. The price point makes this an affordable hobby and also makes a perfect beginner’s set to own. Like with make-up brushes, I don’t use everything in a collection but I learned with time what heads I used more and later purchased duplicates of the sizes and angles I wanted. The same applies here and so far this set has the finer points I seek, so that means I use more of the brushes than I thought I would. I was able to let go of any cuticle wooden sticks, as now I use 2 of the brushes in this set to clean around my cuticle with acetone for a clean edge look. It goes beyond art and also a may to get the best looking manicure you can get without issues and this set from AStorePlus was problem-free for me. I did my Halloween nails using just the brushes and they cleaned up black and dark red garnet polishes with ease, as they did at making fine white roses on a black background. With the holidays approaching, these are the perfect stocking stuffer to add and a welcoming site for any nail art beginner!

 

Connect with AStorePlus on:

• Amazon
• Facebook
• #NailArtBrush

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from AStorePlus.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

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HouseParty: TLC Love, Lust or Run Premiere Party #LoveLustRunParty

 

 

The new year means new shows and on January 23rd, we started off with the Premiere Party for TLC’s new show, Love, Lust or Run. The show is hosted by Stacy London and as always, she is helping someone from a fashion disaster, or better described like someone who is a repeat offender and commits a fashion felony on an everyday basis! Stacy London revamps a person in each episode, and this is not just to pick a better cut of jeans, this is a top to bottom re-do. Make-up, hair, shoes, you name it…..Stacy fixes it.

TLC provided all the fixin’s to get us started and celebrating Love, Lust or Run, because you can’t talk about others when you are not shining yourself. The party kit included:

• Love, Lust or Run paddles
• Love, Lust or Run large handheld mirror
• Love, Lust or Run Nail Polishes in a gorgeous silver color
• Love, Lust or Run Nail files and buffers
• Love, Lust or Run Hair Make-up remover
• Love, Lust or Run Hair bands

Of course gamming it up takes energy and time, so I made little finger cookies with the “TLC” logo. I figured we’d party with homemade alfajores, which I cut into heart shapes, filled with dulce de leche and dusted with unsweetened coconut. Hey, we are still dieting over here! Alfajores are cookies that are traditional to Spain and resemble a shortbread in both taste and texture.

TLC’s Love, Lust or Run party was very fun to watch and keeps us in line. Even though none of us suffer as badly as some of the guests on the show, it sure opened the door to point out certain fashion faux pas! Tune in on Fridays at 9:00 PM (CST) and have a few laughs, plus with Stacy London, you always learn a thing or two with every episode!

 

Connect with TLC’s Love, Lust or Run at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Stacy London on Pinterest
• TLC on Pinterest
• Instagram
• Twitter
• #LoveLustRunParty
• #Sponsored

I received the above product(s) free of charge from HouseParty and TLC .  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Influenster: Spring Fling Vox Box featuring Nivea, Rimmel London, Kiss, Soft Lips, Playtex to the Labor Day Movie release #SpringVoxBox

Another great Vox Box from Influenster and this one had a little bit of everything.  Even though Summer just arrived, this Spring Fling Vox Box has you prepared to take it on and look as beautiful as ever doing it!

 

 

 

• Rimmel Londom Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara

The new ScandalEyes Retro Glam Mascara by Rimmel London, has a great brush that distributes a non-crumbling and free of clumps formula evenly to your lashes. The delivery of the mascara via the nicely shaped bristles, gives you a look you can build-up or down. The even coats lets you glam your eyes with intensity for a bold look or you can just apply a light coat for a nice and classic finish. I also feel when the formula sets, it tends to hold the curl up through out the day and your lashes do not feel ultra stiff or heavy. Pair it with a “cat eye look” and a bold lipstick, you get a gorgeous look that never fades and is perfect for summer. I have been using a smokey bronze shadow and a thin wing tip at the end to get that copper-ish glow and I pair it with a nice nude colored lipstick. Great and an easy daytime look! You also can’t beat the $5.99 price tag!  A water-proof version is also available in case there is a beach or a pool in your future.

Connect with Rimmel London:

• #RetroGlam
• Twitter
• On-line
• Facebook

 

• Kiss Everlasting French Nails

Each packet comes with 28 nails in 14 different sizes that lasts a recommended 7 days. You get Kiss’s “no chip nail ” technology, which is easily applied in less than 10 minutes and this includes fitting to make sure you have the nail size that suits your finger nail best. No waiting to dry your nails, you literally glue and go! The glue is gentle to your natural nails but strong enough to hold the nail in place. No one wants a flying nail no matter how gorgeous they may look, but with Kiss Everlasting French, you are free of “nail attacks”. I love the peachy pink colored base that has a nice tone that matches any skin color beautifully. The white tip has a pleasant hue but not so white that it looks unpleasant or to intense. The box supplies you enough nails to get 2 applications and for the cost of under $6.50, you can get a salon look without the price tag. Any girl’s dream and you can find the Kiss Everlasting French nails in Flat or Regular nail arches, which come in a Medium length. Available in stores like Target, CVS, and Walgreens to Rite-Aid and Kmart. Pick-up yours today to get a classic that never fades and that includes the nail polish in this case too!

Connect with Kiss and their nail collection:

• #EverlastingFrench
• On-line
• Twitter
• Facebook

 

• Soft Lips Cube

The lip balm advertises a 5 in 1 lip care system. Think BB cream but for your lips! You get protection from future damage with the SPF 15. The formula helps Hydrate and Replenish moisture. You get Smoothness for that kissable look and a touch of shine. All that protection in a cute looking cube! I would rate the shine as low ,so you get more of a natural sheen that is not super glossy with zero tint. I liked the new Pomegranate Blueberry and because it’s in cube shape, I could easily find it when needed and it also stacked well with my other items in my purse. I used it both as a primer and protection under my lipsticks/glosses, but it performed well alone too. The product retails for a fair price point of $3.49 and you also have the choice of Fresh Mint or Vanilla Bean if the Pom & Berry is not your thing.

Connect with SoftLips:

• #SoftLipsCube
• On-line
• Facebook

 

• Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion

A lotion that has skin toning properties and also improves skin’s firmness and all in as little as 2 weeks. With bathing suit and bikini season in motion, I don’t want my skin to be in motion too. Nivea’s lotion has Co-Enzyme Q10 and Hydra IQ that deliver rejuvenating properties and also helps your skin retain deep and moisture longer. You won’t see my complaining if I can get skin improvements out of a bottle and especially firming and toning. It does not replace a work-out but it definitely softness my skin and with the extra hydration, I did notice a plumper feeling, which gave me a tighter/firmer look. They say to drink water to keep hydrated and this helps with smoothing out wrinkles…..well, Nivea’s new Skin Firming Hydration formula is a nice cool glass of water for your skin and gave me satisfactory results in all fields. No irritations and even after shaving, plus 2 weeks is a cinch when it comes to waiting to see results. The body lotion comes in two size, a 2.5 ounce bottle for $2.49 and a 13.5 ounce bottle for $10.99.

Connect with Nivea:

• #NiveaSkinFirming
• Twitter
• On-line
• Facebook

 

• Playtex Sports Fresh Balance

Playtex has added a new variety to their Playtex Sport’s line, which now not only gives you the same protection no matter what the day has ahead but also the option of Odor Shield. Odor Shield technology helps neutralize odors for that extra protection. A box of 18 tampons retails between $3.99 and $4.99 and the new Plus + Odor Shield is available in all absorbency/sizes.

Connect with Playtex:

• #PlayOn
• Twitter
• On-line
• Save $1.00 coupon link 
• Facebook

 

• Labor Day the Movie

Paramount’s Pictures movie release, which features Kate Winslet and John Brolin. This drama is directed by Jason Reitman and is about a single mother that picks up a wounded man and offers him a ride. The man ends up being an escaped convict and the novel based movie depicts what the duo must choose, as they get to the know the stranger and Police edge closer. Available on Blu-ray and DVD for just $19.99. I was sent a nice little pie shaped air freshener to commemorate the movie’s release!

Connect with the movie Labor Day:

• #LaborDayMovie
• Twitter
• On-line
• Facebook

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and the above mentioned companies.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Essence Cosmetics: Essence Lip Stick in Miss Peachy (67) #Beauty #Review #ExpressyourEssence

• Essence Lip Stick in Miss Peachy (67):

Product Retails for about: $2.99

I did not wear any foundation around my lips or lip liner in these pictures but thankfully the subtle shimmer takes attention away from all that. They say a good mascara and a good colored lipstick can be used when you are in a hurry and out the door!  You know those mornings you hit the off button versus the snooze button, and this peach with a touch of coral hues would do the trick. Easy to apply and not long wearing, but once you gather your thoughts and make it to work, you can touch-up and smile like nothing happened. The nice part is when it wears down, you are left with super soft lips that look beautiful.

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

• On-line– http:// essence-cosmetics.com
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/essence_US
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/essence.north.america
• Pinterest–http://www.pinterest.com/essencecosmetic/
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/essence_cosmetics
• #ExpressyourEssence 

I received the above product free of charge from Essence.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Essence Cosmetics: Essence Kajal Eye Pencil in Beach Bum #Beauty #Review #ExpressyourEssence

• Kajal Pencil in Beach Bum (26):

Product Retails for about: $0.99

Being new to the Essence eye pencil line, I trusted the formula because of my past experience with the Long Lasting Eye Pencil and I was so right! I could use the eyeliner and without a hiccup you get a nice smooth line that did not break or bump when applied. It just flows with the shape of your eye and no tugging on the skin. I usually do best on my first strokes, so this gave me a flawless liner that looked beautiful. The blue color is gorgeous and perfect for a day at the beach or for me, a day by the pool. This is a pencil you will be happy with and I purposely broke the tip to see how well it sharpens and it sharpened as smoothly as it applies. I again use it and no breakage or pieces dusting off that turn into smears (ooooh, can that ruin a perfect look). At a dollar a piece…….again, I want to kick myself for spending more on eyeliners that did not work half as good as this one does!

 

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

• On-line– http:// essence-cosmetics.com
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/essence_US
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/essence.north.america
• Pinterest–http://www.pinterest.com/essencecosmetic/
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/essence_cosmetics
• #ExpressyourEssence 

I received the above product free of charge from Essence.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Klout Perk: People V.I.P. Perk with 3 month Magazine Subscription and World’s Most Beautiful gift box #PEOPLEVIP

Another great Klout perk! Who doesn’t love getting boxes filled with goodies? Certainly not this gal! This one had a nice mix of items from jewelry to nail polish, and all courtesy of People’s Magazine. Definitely a great way in getting that V.I.P. feeling across! They call the items below Editor’s Pick and that means People’s Magazine did the hard work of testing things out to knowing what is currently H-O-T at the moment!

 

Let’s get started on the goodies…….

 

1. Hungry Girl: Chew the Right Thing

A cute but also informational diet book that helps in making better choices when it comes to eating. Perfect timing with Summer creeping closer and that means swimsuit weather too. You don’t want to eat yourself out of a bikini and this little set gives you 50 recipe cards filled with less guilty versions of the food you enjoy munching on. The low caloric versions range from everything like sweet treats, drinks, to full meals. Easy to follow and playful at the same time!

 

2. Zoya Nail Polish in color Rue
I have tried most brands out there of nail polishes and I once owned a Zoya in a red hue, however it was a bright red and so not me that I gave it away. Wanting to gift it to someone meant not trying it and I always pondered about the brand, many a times walking around Ulta with a bottle but never making the commitment to actually buy it and taking it home. I love neutral shades and I am guilty of purchasing the same color but from different brands. I don’t mean to but there are those tones that just make you smile and this Rue color is it for me. I love how it is a shade that goes with any season and any mood. It’s pretty, noticeable but does not scream out, “look at my nails”…..it sort of just goes with the flow kind of color. I also became a fan of Zoya’s formula because it makes me look like an expert when applying even when I try convincing my left paw to stop shaking.  I was able to do a polka dot accent nail because it was one of my better less shaking going on nail polishing days!

Zoya Rue

Zoya Nail Polish in Rue

 

 

3. Professional Hair Detangler
A comb-slash-brush but without a stick. You would think it’s like a broken brush and what’ the fuss? It comes down to control and less stress to your hair. The wand on a brush tends to make you put out more “umph” and this is why so many times we accidentally pull on (or out) our own hair even when it’s ourselves doing the brushing. I’m not into pain and much less tangles, so this little palm miracle makes we have less ouch and I can use it with wet or dry hair. I also like that there is no stick to deal with, so it travels well too.

4. Delicate Spring Bracelet
A gold accented bracelet that is light on the wrist and can easily be combined with other items to get that “stackable” look we are seeing with everything. We layered clothes for a while, so it seems we are now doing it with our accessories too. I liked the gold shimmer part but the plastic blue wires were just not me. I will not be tossing this piece away but with a little D.I.Y, I will be making this into something that is more “me” and that is the whole point when it comes to looks, you go with what you like!

5. Chevron Beauty Set
Three different sized bags that feature a nice green colored chevron pattern. I have make-up bags that I store inside other make-up bags because every bag has been used, needed, and even borrowed at one point. Easy closure and I love that these are also wipe-able inside. I’m not a make-up spill”er” but my purses are spotless because these baggies have saved me one time or another. Purses get dropped, stepped on to I have caught my husband using mine as an arm rest. I now still yell but with less spazing if anything was crushed and made a mess. I also use the larger one for half frozen water bottles that are cold and sweat….sort of like when you go to see a movie and don’t want to pay $6 for 8 ounces of H2o. Not that I’m giving you ideas or anything 🙂

6. People Magazine Subscription
I am reader of all magazines and this usually comes about that I run out of things to read and I’ll read anything for entertainment. I’m not a huge celebrity follower but enjoy entertainment news, like what is coming out soon to what got axed that I just started watching. People’s has it all, to shopping tips and even make-up advice. I will be enjoying my 3 months of entertainment along with my goodies!

I have said it before and if this box does not convince you, I have no idea what will.  Join Klout!  It’s a great way to experience what you already like and also a bit of the new so you can change up now and then.  I was unsure I would enjoy People’s Magazine and wrote it off in the past but I just learned a new thing, I actually found articles I enjoyed to even coupons!

Connections:

• Connect with Klout on-line- http://klout.com/#/create
• See what is new with People’s Magazine at- http://www.people.com/people/
• People’s Magazine via Twitter– https://twitter.com/peoplemag
• People’s Magazine via Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/peoplemag
• #PeopleVIP

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Klout and People’s Magazine.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Essence Cosmetics: Essence Lash Mania Reloaded Mascara #Beauty #Review

• Essence Lash Mania Reloaded Mascara

Product Retails for about: $4.99

 

Wand’s brush

I used this mascara in all the pictures! I love the brush and formula. I know they say non-department store mascaras perform the same or even better but that has not always been the case for me. I will find a great formula but it would come with a lousy brush and I have resorted to using a brush from another brand to make it work. I sort of did not really like having to wash it each time after use. Essence got both right and it all comes packed in one tube! Yes!!!! Finally, because black icky hands in the morning made me cringe at thinking of washing that wand again. The formula on the Lash Mania lengthens and also plumps your lashes, but without a fake-o look. I look like I was born with naturally long lashes. I only applied one (heavy) coat first, then the second coat used mostly for directing and setting the lashes. I did not want to obscure the eye shadows I was testing but when I was done taking pictures, I did apply a good 2-coat application and you can get some long looking lashes that are minus the clumps. Me-likey 🙂

Lash Mania Reloaded Mascara with Metal Glam Frosted Apple (03) from the Essence Spring 2014 collection

 

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

• On-line– http:// essence-cosmetics.com
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/essence_US
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/essence.north.america
• Pinterest–http://www.pinterest.com/essencecosmetic/
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/essence_cosmetics
• #ExpressyourEssence 

I received the above product free of charge from Essence.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Give me Nude, Baby (152) #Review #Nails

• Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in “Give me Nude, Baby (152):

 

Product Retails for approximately; $1.99

This color of nail polish  is not your typical nude/sheer and actually gives your nails a touch of shimmer. It’s very soft and think of a white colored pearl effect, minus the rainbow hues. I was able to test out and this polish in an easy one-coat application. You get nice settling and an even finish due to that unique brush Essence uses. You can also build up and intensify the white color by adding a second coat. The picture reflects how many coats I used and the #2 nail looks whiter because I used a thin first coat and a thicker second coat. Nail #3 is three coats, all thin and waiting in between for the polish to dry. I experienced a quick dry and by the time I completed polishing on my tenth nail, I could start again. 10 minutes under a fan and this testing was done with zero clear top coats, base or ridge filler polishes. Essence’s nail polish also lasts and you can’t beat the price point of $1.99 a bottle! The 2 buck price point makes the Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish line great when it comes to those trendy colors you want to try and are unsure about, to even using them as part of your Nail Art formulas.

 

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

• On-line– http:// essence-cosmetics.com
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/essence_US
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/essence.north.america
• Pinterest–http://www.pinterest.com/essencecosmetic/
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/essence_cosmetics
• #ExpressyourEssence 

I received the above product free of charge from Essence.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Essence Cosmetics: French Manicure & Pedicure Pen for #Nails #Review

• French Manicure and Pedicure Pen:

Product Retails for approximately: $2.49
Finally, an art pen that works as it should! The pen dispenses a beautiful white colored nail polish, which dries quickly. The flow of the polish is steady so you can easily control how much you want. Coverage evens out nicely and you can even do designs, so this pen for your nails is not limited to a French Manicure. I enjoyed using it and was able to get a white perfect tip with ease on my first try.

I found using Essence’s “Give me Nude, Baby (152)” gives you a nice perfect finish and also fills in any voids, for a flawless look. The shimmer is soft so you get a nice day to night look that is classy and different from the typical pinks with white French Manicures. I never thought of buying a pen and usually would “free-style it” but I always goofed on one or two nails and needed a redo. No errors means I can finish quicker and no awkward moments while trying to take off the polish of the nails you error on, while keeping the ones you are happy with untouched.

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

• On-line– http:// essence-cosmetics.com
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/essence_US
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/essence.north.america
• Pinterest–http://www.pinterest.com/essencecosmetic/
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/essence_cosmetics
• #ExpressyourEssence 

I received the above product free of charge from Essence.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Essence Cosmetics: #Essence Metal Glam in Jewel Up Ocean (01) #Review #Beauty

With Spring in full swing and experiencing close to 100 degree weather in California, the heat has definitely arrived. A new season means a new look and time to play with colors. Essence Cosmetics offers you to play with beauty products at a very economical price point. Affordable does not mean you should overlook this brand because it does deliver performance and I’m always for less “ouch” on the pocketbook and more glam added to my beauty box.

Pictures are untouched and I did not even put foundation on or any eye primers. I wanted to test the colors and products on their own, so I could attribute quality and performance 100% to the product I was trying. No fake lashes and just some brow gel and pencil because a girl must have tamed eyebrows 🙂

Essence Metal Glam in Jewel Up Ocean (01):

Product Retails for approximately: $2.99

Jewel Up Ocean

Don’t be fooled by the blue and sparkle. Yes, you get a shimmer glow but not crazy like a disco ball. Pigmentation in this line varies by color and this one was medium but can easily be built up or down to suit your needs. Easy to apply and not like other shimmer/glitter pods, this color does not scratch. The shimmer is kind to your eyelid and stays nicely in place. I went with an ocean waters look by swiping the blue eye shadow and then using a black colored liner to get a nice “cat eye” look. I did the same on the lower lashes.

Swiped first with Jewel Up Ocean and then with black pencil and touched up with more eye shadow

Before applying mascara, blend colors to create a “wave” look.

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

• On-line– http:// essence-cosmetics.com
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/essence_US
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/essence.north.america
• Pinterest-http://www.pinterest.com/essencecosmetic/
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/essence_cosmetics
• #ExpressyourEssence 

 

I received the above product free of charge from Essence.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.