New Year's Eve Nails

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Year's Eve last night!

I haven't done much with my nails since I've been home. As you can see from my Christmas outfit post, I've just been keeping them bare. However, for the new year, I thought I ought to do something a little festive.  I'm not a big fan of glitter nail polish, but seeing as it was New Year's Eve, I decided to make an exception. 

For my base, I used Sally Hansen's Double Duty Strengthening Base and Top Coat. Once dry, I painted on two coats of Zoya's - Neve, a gorgeous shimmery sapphire blue color. Then I carefully applied one coat of Cirque's XX, an amazing clear-base glitter polish that is a mix of over 20 types of holographic glitters, to create a "confetti" look. While I might not be a glitter fan, if you are, I *highly* recommend this polish. The formula is fantastic and it looks beautiful. To top it all off, I used Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat.

I love how it turned out!

How was your New Year's Eve?

REVIEW: Butter London Shag

I love Thanksgiving not only for the time with loved ones and delicious foods but because it also marks the beginning of Christmas time! So for my Thanksgiving day nails, I decided to go with a polish that would transition perfectly from fall into the holiday winter season. I think butter LONDON's "Shag" was just right for the job. It's not a new polish from this year but instead from last year's Autumn/Winter collection. 

Shag is a beautiful metallic burgundy brown shade. The color reminds me of autumn leaves and the shimmer adds a touch of Christmas. It's very pretty, and I can see it being flattering on all skin tones. The formula is very nice and applies well. I used 2-3 coats to achieve full opacity, then topped with Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat. Definitely one of my favorites!

Retails for $14 at ULTA, butterlondon.com, and Amazon ($15 Prime, not an affiliate link).

What nail polish did you wear on Thanksgiving?

Hunger Games Nail Polish Collection

A Hunger Games-inspired nail polish collection? By China Glaze? Um, awesome. When I first heard the news, I thought it was too good to be true - and it almost was, as a lawsuit almost killed this dream collaboration before it even reached stores. Fortunately, it IS indeed happening and was even promoted on Capitol Couture, the official Hunger Games style blog. Here’s part of the official Lionsgate press release talking about the inspiration for the collection:

In keeping with the powerful themes and messages of the story, the collection of nail polish will be inspired exclusively by one of the book’s distinct settings—the Capitol of the nation of Panem. Awash in lavish fashion, food, and entertainment, Capitol citizens enjoy extreme cosmetics and body modifications, bold wigs, and outlandish costumes.

I cannot express how excited I am for this collection, which is entitled “Colours From the Capitol.” There are 12 colors total, each cleverly inspired by one of the 12 districts of Panem. 

District 1 (Luxury) - Luxe and Lush

District 2 (Masonry) - Stone Cold

District 3 (Technology) - Riveting

District 4 (Fishing) - Hook and Line

District 5 (Power) - Electrify

District 6 (Transportation) - Fast Track

District 7 (Lumber) - Mahogany Magic

District 8 (Textiles) - Dress Me Up

District 9 (Grain) - Harvest Moon

District 10 (Livestock) - Foie Gras

District 11 (Agriculture) - Agro

District 12 (Coal Mining) - Smoke and Ashes

I really like the color palette (save for maybe the brown) and will be buying all 12 polishes to show off my Hunger Games pride. Simply judging from this promo picture, my favorites are Fast Track, Stone Cold, Riveting, and Electrify.

The collection launches March 1st, but if you’re impatient like me, you can preorder the entire collection online for $39.95 at Amazing Beauty Supply.

Are you as excited as I am for this collection? What are your favorite "colours"?

10 Summer Essentials

10 Summer Essentials by xoxoamanda

Summer in Florida is in full force! Here's my list of essentials to beat the heat and enjoy the season to the fullest!

1. Sundresses - I am proof that you can never have too many sundresses. I have quite a few from Hollister.
2. Wedge heels - SO cute and they're easy on the feet! I love this pair from Dolce Vita's Target line.
3. Bright pink nail polish - Get in on this stylish summer trend! Essie makes great shades!
4. Watermelon - My ultimate summer fruit! Nothing is more refreshing or juicy on a hot summer day!
5. Frozen yogurt - My go-to summer treat! Keep it healthy and pile on the fruit!
6. Sunglasses - They don't have to be designer as long as they protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays!
7. Lip balm - Prevent chapped lips by using a lip balm. Burt's Bees, a longtime favorite of mine, uses natural ingredients and leaves a slight peppermint tingle.
8. Moisturizer with SPF - Let your skin breathe by skipping the foundation and instead using a moisturizer with SPF. I use Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer with SPF 15. I love how light and non-oily it feels.
9. A good book - I highly recommend Beowulf on the Beach which gives a funny and easy-to-read breakdown on 50 literature classics. A very entertaining read!
10. Bathing Suit - Wear something fun and bright! Target and Victoria's Secret make great styles. I love my yellow polka dot bikini from VS (here worn by Sarah Chalke on Scrubs)!