30% OFF A-ENGLAND!

If you haven't tried A-England before, today is the day!  Not only do you get free shipping but you also get 30% off.  This is exactly how I bought my first A-England, Lady of the Lake!

A-England can be purchased at www.a-england.co.uk.  Have fun shopping, but hurry Dragon and St. George are already sold out!

UPDATE!  Kim of Overall Beauty is also offering a sale on A-England polishes!
Coupon code is AENGLAND in all caps to take 10% off your $40.00 order.

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.

3LAB BB Perfect SPF 40/PA+++ Swatches and Review

BB Creams are all the rage, so before I get into this review, let's discuss what makes a BB Cream a BB Cream.  BB Creams were originally designed by a German doctor for patients recovering from facial reconstruction plastic surgery.  It was a flesh toned cream that included ingredients to protect the skin with high SPF and to help fade scarring.  This quickly caught on in Korea where woman strive for the clearest, lightest skin possible.  The creams were used by Korean actresses and the popularity spread from there.  Korea is so well known for BB Creams that people often forget that they didn't originate there!

They Say:

Infused with 3LAB’s signature bio-engineered growth hormone and apple stem cell technology, PERFECT BB SPF 40 is a sheer tinted moisturizer designed to firm and lift the skin, regenerate new skin cells, brighten, moisturize, and protect. conveniently in three shades to match your skin tone.

I Say:

• A little goes a long way, and the size is very generous!  I like the pump to disperse the product.
• Great at hiding the pores on my cheeks!
• Wears more like a foundation than a traditional BB Cream. Dryer consistency than a BB Cream.
• Smooth matte finish (moist BB creams I have tried have a dewy finish).
• If you have dry skin, just be sure to prep with a good moisturizer or primer first.
• Came with an awesome roller for application.  I have never used anything like it but I am in love!

3LAB BB Perfect SPF 40/PA+++ in Shade 2 (swatched heavily)

3LAB BB Perfect SPF 40/PA+++ in Shade 2 (blended)

My skin is a little dry to be using this right now, but as soon as warm weather hits and I have a bit of a tan, 3LAB BB Perfect SPF 40/PA+++ will easily be my go-to product.  My winter BB cream, Skin79 VIP Gold, is way to moisturizing for me to wear in the summer, it practically slides right off my face.  The 3LAB will be PERFECT!  Shade 2 is a shade or two too dark for me, slight yellow tinge, but it would be perfect on NC20ish skin. (Which is a good thing, most BB creams I have tried are too light for those in the NC20 range).  In the mean time, I have been mixing the two together for a seamless look!  

3LAB BB Perfect SPF 40/PA+++ is available at Barney's, Saks and at 3LAB.com, $95. 

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.

I've Been Tagged! 11 Questions about polish insomniac

image source

I have been tagged by Marcia of Beauty Info Zone!  Here are the rules:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus add eleven questions for the people you have tagged to answer
3. Choose eleven people and link them in your tag
4. Go to their page and tell them
5. No tag backs
6. You legitimately have to tag

Here are the questions Marcia tagged me with!


1) What is your favorite green eyeshadow?  MAC Antique Green pigment


2) What countries have you traveled to?  Canada, Mexico, England, France and Switzerland - the European trip was when I was in high school, and not obsessed with polish.  I wish I could do it again!  European drugstore polishes are the best!  I do remember buying a some awesome Bourjois eyeshadow though!


3) Have you ever been on a cruise?  No!  I have always wanted to, but lately with all the drama, I am not sure if I want to!


4) Are you a good sleeper?  No.  (See blog name!)  


5) What are your 3 desert island items NOT counting lip balm and sunscreen? (My desert island provides those!)  My husband, a water filter, and a machete to cut down coconuts and foliage to make a hut/lean-to.


6) How long have you been blogging?  Since May of 2010.


7) Where’s your favorite place to shop?  Nordstrom.  Makeup, bags, jeans, can't get better than that.


8) What hobbies or obsessions do you have?  Besides hording polish?  Reading (I got a Nook for Christmas) on the deck is probably my favorite thing to do.


9) How would you wear your hair if you could?  Shaved.  Seriously.  Hair Takes up so much time and money!


10) What lipstick brand would you chose over all others?  I haven't tried a lot of brands as of yet, as I wasn't into lipstick until last year.  Out of the ones I have tried, Hourglass is my favorite.


11) You can’t live without what?  My Droid.  Which is unfortunate, as I have destroyed two of them in the last 8 days.  By letting them fall into a toilet.  *Hand palm*


Here are the questions I have picked (I kept a few of Marcia's):

1. What's your favorite green polish?
2. What brand of cosmetics would you buy more of, if money was no object?
3. In the age of blogs, do you still subscribed to magazines, and if so which ones?
4. Cat person?  Dog person?  Other?
5. Do you follow any professional sports?  What teams?
6. Does your significant other support your beauty habit?
7. Twitter or Facebook?
8. Mac or PC?
9. Where's your favorite place to shop?
10. What lipstick brand would you choose over all others?
11. You can't live without _______?

I tag the following lovely ladies!


Aquaheart's Obsession

Blushing Noir

Biba's Beauty Corner

Gotham Polish

JennStanz

Kittypolishnbags

Makeup Withdrawl

Nailderella

Polarbelle

The Lacquered Lady

The Scholarly Nail

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.

Sally Hansen Smooth & Perfect - Air & Sea - Swatches & Review

Today I am sharing with you two polishes from the Sally Hansen Smooth & Perfect Line.  These two shades are perfect for Spring!  First, lets review how Sally Hansen describes the line:

WHAT IT IS: Creamy color and porcelain-smooth perfection in one beautiful polish. The latest trend to hit your fingertips. Nearly naked, barely-there color with plenty of shine. The ultimate in understated elegance, sheer shades and healthy even shine work for every occasion. That’s why Sally Hansen created a chic collection of nude nail polishes that marries the two, Smooth and Perfect Color + Care, the ultimate fusion of perfecting polish and beautifying care.

Designed to hide ridges and imperfections, the uniquely breathable formula promotes stronger, healthier looking nails with a patented technology that allows for up to 20% more oxygen to reach the nail. The result? Ridges and imperfections are virtually erased and nails are left looking smooth, shiny and porcelain perfect.

Sea is gorgeous, dreamy powdery blue.  Not stuffy, not harsh.  Here I used three coats, but you could easily wear two for a more sheer look.  I had no idea it was a shimmer until I saw it in the sun!

Sea is slightly less pigmented than Sky.  I used four coats as opposed to the three that I used with Sky.  My bottle of Sea was broken in shipment, so that is why you see Sea in both pictures.

I didn’t wear the polishes long enough to evaluate the claims of healthier nails, but I can tell you that just three coats of Sky hid the horrible ridges on my thumb nails!

There are seven shades available in all:  Fog, Linen, Dune, Satin, Whisper, Air, Sea, Sorbet .  I definitely picked the best two!  You can find these polishes  at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally, and they retail for $5.49

Disclosures: polishes provided in exchange for an honest review.

Glossybox is coming to the US - and you could win!

By now, you are probably subscribed to one of the many monthly subscription services out there.  But guess what?  I'm not!  I have been hearing so many conflicting reviews of the existing services out there that I couldn't decide.  Lucky for me, Glossybox is coming to the US!

If you haven't heard of Glossybox, it is a subscription service available in 18 countries.  According to self-proclaimed subscription service expert Kimberly Nissen of The Plastic Diaries, "Glossybox is huge in Germany and the UK. They started in Australia at the end if last year and now the most successful in our country."

THREE polish insomniac readers will win their very own Glossybox for FREE!  All you have to do is enter your information in the Rafflecopter widget below.  The more entries you complete, the greater your chances of winner.  This contest is limited to US readers only.  Good Luck!

Layla Magneffect Polishes in Metallic Sky and Fuchsia Sky

Layla is an Italian cosmetics brand that has been taking the nail polish world by storm!  I first told you about their arrival at ULTA back in February.   Today I have two of them for you, Metallic Sky and Fuchsia Sky, and the magnets are built directly into the lid!

For ANY of you that are like me and have a hard time holding your hand steady, Metallic Sky was very easy to use!  It took less than 5 seconds for me to achieve the patterns that you see above with Metallic Sky. 

I had a little bit more trouble with the second polish, Fuchsia Sky.  I am not sure if it was the polish itself, or the magnet that wasn’t working that great.  I guess it is possible that the magnet was weakened somehow - I purchased Metallic Sky at ULTA, and Fuchsia Sky was sent to me in the mail.

Layla Magneffects are available at online at www.aveyou.com and available in store and online at ULTA.  They retail for $15.50 each.

Fuchsia Sky was sent to me for review.

The Beauty Spotlight Team Presents: What's in Cindy's Shower?

I was recently asked to be a part of the prestegious Beauty Spotlight Team, and today I am sharing my first Beauty Spotlight Post with you!

Our Beauty Spotlight Team series on 'What's In My Makeup Bag' was so successful that the team has decided to let you delve a little deeper into our inner sanctum. Prime Beauty is starting it off this week by giving you a peek at how she keeps her skin soft and smooth and her tresses shiny with 'What's In My Shower.' Let's go behind the curtain and she what's lurking in Prime Beauty's shower!

I have to admit, I am dying over Cindy's shower curtain!  So pretty and elegant!  I love black and white!

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.

How To: Syrup Nails

Syrup manicures are a form of gradient using a single jelly polish for the entire gradient.  A lot of people think they are difficult and that you have to be very skilled in order to do one.  I am here to show you that they are SUPER EASY!
You can use any jelly polish that you have, the sheerer the better.  Here I am using NXY Girls Frizzy Spot.


STEP ONE:  After applying a base coat, using a jelly polish of your choosing, apply it to the bottom quarter of your nails.  This does not have to be neat!  Variation is key!


STEP TWO:  After waiting two minutes, apply your polish to the bottom half of your nails.


STEP THREE:  After waiting two minutes, apply your polish to the top 3/4 of your nails.


STEP FOUR:  Apply your polish to your entire nail, top to bottom.


STEP FIVE:  Apply a generous layer of topcoat to unify the nails.  Here I used Seche Vite.  If this had been a jelly polish without any glitter in it, I may top it off with a sheer glitter, as I did below:

You can see more pictures of the gradient I did using Nars Midnight Express here.

STEP SIX:  You’re done!  Give your nails some time to dry, and then show them off to all your friends! 

I hope you found this helpful!

Check out my other "how to" posts here!

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.

Birthday NOTD and Haul

I wanted to do something special for my birthday NOTD, so I did a gradient using OPI My Pointe Exactly, Pirouette My Whistle and Don't Touch My Tutu!

My husband took my to Sephora to pick out my presents - he definitely knows how to make me happy!

Thank you to everyone who wished me Happy Birthday on Facebook!  You all made my day!

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.

New York City Ballet by OPI SoftShades - Swatches and Review

My Pointe Exactly was my most anticipated polish, and it didn’t disappoint.  Here I wore three coats.  I couldn’t stop staring at my nails! 

Pirouette my Whistle is a gorgeous, easy to use glitter - just remember to invert the bottle so that you can get lots of hex glitter on your brush.

Don’t Touch my Tutu! is a polish that I really really really didn’t think I would like, but it totally surprised me!  Two coats adds a touch of class to my poor yellow-stained nails.

Care to Danse? is a very sheer light purple.  It looked gorgeous after two coats, but I did three just to see how it would turn out.  I can totally see myself wearing this one - and that is not something I thought I would write!

You Callin' Me a Lyre? is the perfect base for French Manicure, while Barre My Soul would be the perfect for an American Manicure.  I used to wear French Manicures and American Manicures all the time (when I wore acrylics - shocking, I know).  I haven’t really felt the desire to wear them again, but if you do then these polishes are for you!  They both looked good after just one coat, but I did two for good measure.

I have never enjoyed an OPI SoftShades collection until this year.  I am in love with this collection, and with my new job I see myself wearing it a lot!

New York City Ballet by OPI will be available April 2012, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($9.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer. 

            For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!
Polishes provided for review.