China Glaze Marry A Millionaire (over Julep Maggie)

I don’t typically care for bar glitter, but this one takes the cake!

Do you agree?

Now I know what all the fuss is about… Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

If you remember from my recent Sephora haul, I picked up a major lemming of mine, Dior Addict Lipstick in Diorkiss.  The formula is well known for its sheer color and comfortable consistency.  I really liked it… until I tried Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle.


If you don’t know which shade to get, I highly suggest you try out this one, which is 001 Pink Truffle.  It’s very neutral, not too warm, not too cool!

xoxo,

polish insomniac

A look back: Top 5 Posts on polish insomniac

I thought it would be fun to look back at the top 5 posts in polish insomniac history!
Click on the picture to go directly to the post.

#1 - DS Sapphire (this was published in 2010 but received a lot of traffic this year too!)

#2 - OPI Love is a Rocket vs. Nicole I Love You Cherry Much

#3 - The Muppet Glitters - My Way

#4 - Color Club New Bohemian - comparisons and dupe search

#5 - Get them before they are gone - Nicole by OPI Holiday Glitters

Thanks to all of you, whose comments and tweets have made polish insomniac what it is today!

xoxo,

polish insomniac

Product Review: Dermelect Resilient Stem Cell Regenerating Treatment

I was recently sent the Dermelect Resilient Stem Cell Regenerating Treatment.  It is the second step in the Skin Regenerating System, the first step being the Dermelect Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum which I previously reviewed here on polish insomniac.

 

 

What They Say:

A skin-perfecting cream infused to help activate the skin’s protein production and boost facial skin stem cell activity.

• Increases the skin cell vitality, elasticity and softness
• Boosts epidermal regeneration
• Reverses damage by free radical agents
• Leaves the skin looking rested and supple

Extracted from the stem cells of the Alpine Rose, Resilient Stem Cell Regenerating Treatment is an indulgently rich cream that provides a luxurious barrier to the damaging factors (environmental free radicals and natural aging) that work to break down your skins stem cell production.  The key function for skin tissue stem cells is to continuously regenerate brand new skin and be the basis for healing damaged skin. Formulated with Alpine Rose technology, this cream provides the potential to reverse skin damage through the stimulation of new skin from the stem cell reservoirs.  By allowing the stem cells to increase their potency and promote cell regeneration, tissue is reconstructed to a denser quality and more elastic skin.

Also formulated with Alpha Hydroxy Acid to help exfoliate and moisturize the top layers of the skin and the anti-inflammatory Mushroom Extract to help control and reduce skin irritation.

What I Say:

I have been using this treatment for approximately four weeks, twice a day.  In the morning I apply it directly over my Dermelect Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum; and in the evening I apply it over my Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum. 

Even though we are amidst the stressful holiday season, after just four weeks I can definitely see a difference!  My skin has never felt softer, and it has been tolerating the strange winter we are having in Iowa with ease.  I LOVE the fact that the product contains an AHA, as my skin greatly benefits from gentle exfoliation.  Just remember to wear a good sunscreen!

Individually the cost of the system is $208.00, but you can get the entire set for $159.00 in holiday gift set featured below:

 

 

 

imPRESS Press-on Manicure - to good to be true?

imPRESS Press-on Manicure in "Working Girl"

I received these ImPRESS nails from my Holiday VoxBox from Influenster.  I didn't expect to like them -  come on they are press-on nails!  But I was wrong =)  


If you have ever used press-on nails in the past, be sure that these are different! From the Influenster Website:  

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, visitimPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

As I mentioned, I liked these a lot more than I though.  Easy to apply, easy to shape to my preferene, and they came in a super cute package!  I can also verify they were VERY easy to remove; when I soaked the press-on in Zoya Remove+, it lifted from the nail.  The press-on softened and became malleable, which made it even easier to remove.  


These are supposed to last 5-7 days, which I can not attest to... I can't wear the same mani for 3 days, let alone 5!  I would go crazy, people!

You can purchase ImPRESS nails in all major drug chains and discount retailers (Walmart, Kmart and Meijer). Go to the WHERE TO BUY section of the site to see listing and on-line purchase locations.  You can also print this COUPON to save $1!

xoxo,

polish insomniac

Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Ring in the Red and Glittering Garland: this year’s Ruby Pumps and Emerald Sparkle???

~all images are clickable~

This year China Glaze brought us two new versions of much loved favorites:  Ruby Pumps and Emerald Sparkle.  I was surprised to find that I like these as much as the originals! 

Ring in the Red is a different formula than Red Ruby Pumps.  Instead of all the same size glitter, it is comprised of small red glitter with random pieces of large glitter.  The base is clear in both.  The glitter is much denser in Ruby Pumps, so Ring in the Red required more coats – but oh so worth it!

Glittering Garland is so very close to Emerald Sparkle.  It could be said you don’t need both – but if you are as obsessed with polish as I am, you probably already bought it.  The best thing about China Glaze Glittering Garland?  Super easy to remove with no staining!

You will find these wherever China Glaze is sold.  I purchased mine at UTLA, where they are B2G1 FREE.

xoxo,

polish insomniac

Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Guest Post: How to repair your skin around your nails with these easy tips

Repair your skin around your nails with these easy tips

Extreme dry weather and biting nails are two very common things which tend to make one’s skin around their nails look as well as feel unpleasant. People often have the tendency of biting their nails especially when they are upset or nervous. At times they also unconsciously bite the skin that surrounds their nails. All those who are suffering from this problem can have amazing fingers as well as fingernails overnight by following these simple steps. These will help one to have healthy and happy nails.

Getting started

Firstly take a bowl filled with water approximately 4 inches deep. Dip your hands in it for about 5 minutes. This will help to soften the skin.

Steps to follow

1. Take out your hands from the water and pat dry with a towel. With the help of manicure scissors, cut extra skin around your nails. Always remember that the extra skin is white in color compared to the skin of your other fingers. For soothing sensation, use warm water and always make sure that the scissors work properly and are clean.

2. Wait till your skin is dry completely and the skin near your fingers is no longer moist. Next generously apply moisturizer to your hands. Apply a moisturizing cream from a reputed brand such as Blistex Lip Medex, Vaseline, Avon Hand Cream, Bees Cuticle Cream from Burt’s or any other good moisturizer which will deeply moisturize. Always apply some cream on the cuticles and under your nails. Make it a point to always use an alcohol and fragrance free cream as fragrance contains alcohol which usually dehydrates.

3. After applying cream, wear gloves on both hands and keep them on till next morning. You will be surprised as well as happy the next morning to notice great looking hands as well as no dry skin near your nails. For better, permanent results, apply moisturizer on your hands during the day. Repeat this procedure every night.

4. Keep healthy cuticle intact as it prevents your nail from any form of infection.

5. Carefully file your nails via a nail file paying special attention towards the corners, smoothing them so that they do not injure skin around the nails.

6. Apply olive oil or special cuticle oil especially on dry skin surrounding your nails.

Fun Fact

Earlier when moisturizer was a commodity, one used the white of an egg mixed with few drops lime as a moisturizing cream. Some people even today use egg white as it an apt ingredient for reducing dead skin and cellulite.

You should try to make your nails appear pretty as this will not only boost your self confidence but at the same time will prevent you from biting them. This beauty remedy also works wonders on your toenails but in this case you are required to rub more moisturizer and wear cotton socks. To protect your skin in the future, follow this procedure despite your cuticle being fine. To prevent biting your nails, soak it every morning in lemon juice. This will automatically make you hate the taste.

Ungroomed and unhealthy cuticle not only looks ragged but also causes discomfort. This can be avoided by paying attention towards regular maintenance. Spend a few minutes every day for grooming your hands and see the results.

About the author: Kate is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on Jimmy Choo Handbags and fashion. Beside this she loves travelling. She recently shared an article on symptoms of breast cancer in women.

xoxo,

polish insomniac

Disclosures: polish insomniac at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page.

Holiday Giveaway #3–Julep Maven

Holiday Giveaway #1:  $500 Visa Gift Card (international)

Holiday Giveaway #2:  Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum (US residents only)

Holiday Giveaway #3:  Julep Maven (US residents only) SCROLL DOWN TO ENTER!

Let’s review the Julep Maven program, so that you can know what you can win!  Each month for $19.99 you receive a package containing $40 worth products from Julep Nails based on a personality quiz.  Then each month, they will send you an email to let you know what they have curated for you in your customized beauty editor Sneak Peek Box.  If you don't like what you see, you can request another "shelf pull."
The package that was sent to me contained two nail polishes and a glycolic acid scrub (which I really liked, but have not used long enough to review).  Check out my reviews for Maggie and Zoe!


And don’t forget, I have a special introductory code for you to use! All you have to do is use the code code “POLISHINSOMNIAC” at checkout, and you will receive your first Julep Maven Sneak Peek Box for just $9.99! (valued over $60)

Follow the steps below to win your very own Maven package directly from Julep Nails!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product Review: Julep Nails Maggie

The second polish I have to review from Julep Nails is Maggie (see Zoe here).  It’s a gorgeous deep grape purple, which I unfortunately failed to capture on camera.  Instead it looks blue, but believe me it’s purple!

What makes this polish special is the finish – the purple base with matching purple shimmer particles is breathtaking.  And mesmerizing!  I loved it. 

I wore this polish as my “wear test” for 4 days and I survived the entire time without any chips and only minimal tip wear.

Now, I am sure that a lot of you have already signed up for the Maven program.  But if you were like me and holding out, I have a special introductory code for you to use! All you have to do is use the code code “POLISHINSOMNIAC” at checkout, and you will receive your first Julep Maven Sneak Peek Box for just $9.99! (valued over $60)

In my box I received two polishes, Zoe and Maggie, and the Julep Facial for Hands.  Stay tuned for those reviews in the next few days!  And don’t forget to check back at the end of the week to enter to win your very own Maven Box!

xoxo,

polish insomniac

Coming Soon… an ALL FLAKIE collection from FingerPaints!

I am so excited for this collection!  As soon as I heard about this collection I reached out to my contact at Sally’s for the scoop!  Here it is! 




Here are the individual bottle shots, remember you can click on each of them to enlarge!

This collection will be an in-store exclusive available in January! 

They will retail for $5.49 each.

You all know how much I love my flakies!  I am most excited for Flecked and Motley!  What about you?

 

Product Review: Julep Nails Zoe

I was recently contacted by Jennifer at Julep Nails, who offered me the chance to review their “Maven” program.  To be honest I was hesitant at first, because there was a bit of confusion when the program started.  However, after talking to a few of my nail friends on Facebook, I decided to go ahead and do the review.  The best part is that you will have a chance to win your very own Maven box after I review each of the products!

After trying their products, I have to say I am very happy that I changed my mind!  The quality of the 3 items I received in my “Bombshell” Maven box was outstanding!!!  The first one I have to show you is Julep Zoe.

Zoe is one of those colors I would never ever EVER have picked out for myself!  Ever!  But my goodness look at the shimmer!  When I first applied the shade I thought it would show up brushstroke-y, but it didn’t at all.  It’s definitely a flashy shade, designed to get you compliments!  In fact, my nails kinda look like they are on FIRE!

I want to mention the bottle and brush.  At first I thought the bottle would be awkward to hold, but it was just the opposite.  The brush itself was long and wide, but not too wide.  If was definitely narrower than the OPI pro-wide brush, yet it still covered a lot of nail with one stroke.

Now, I am sure that a lot of you have already signed up for the Maven program.  But if you were like me and holding out, I have a special introductory code for you to use! All you have to do is use the code code “POLISHINSOMNIAC” at checkout, and you will receive your first Julep Maven Sneak Peek Box for just $9.99! (valued over $60)

In my box I received two polishes, Zoe and Maggie, and the Julep Facial for Hands.  Stay tuned for those reviews in the next few days!  And don’t forget to check back at the end of the week to enter to win your very own Maven Box!

xoxo,

polish insomniac

Deborah Lippmann Daytripper

Another post I found abandoned in my drafts folder!  Daytripper is a super bright squishy crème.  I positively adored it!  The pictures below in the shade show how super bright this polish is, practically a neon!