Product Review: Wet & Wild Megalast Nail- Private Viewing

This post contains affiliate links

Wet & Wild Megalast

“Private Viewing- 204B”

Spring its finally here and so are the many different kind of ‘spring’ and ‘summer’ nail polish shades at our local stores. 

I’ve been feeling out of sorts the last few weeks and when I saw this neutral (nude) shade at my local Rite Aid Pharmacy, it really called out to me. Today, I am reviewing another fantastic color by Wet & Wild Megalast-“Private Viewing- 204B” which I’ve been wearing for the last 8 days.

Their Claim:

·         A revolutionary resin polymer system for exceptional color adhesion

·         Calcium and mineral fortified to help prevent nail discoloration

·         3-Free: No Formaldehyde, Toluene, or Phthalates

·         Our ManiCurve Pro Brush is absolutely incredible - The rod is flat so the liquid drains down to the bristles equally, and the rounded bristles hug your nail curves perfectly

All the end results of going to the nail salon, but without the hassle. The driving, the sitting, the waiting, the forced small-talk, and especially the pricey manicurist bills - forget it! Looking salon pampered just got easier! These 5-day, chip-resistant formulas are just so darn great, delivering a professional, yet far more accessible, look. Ever wonder what actually makes a "salon" formula? Read the features!

Ingredients

Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Talc, [+/- (MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): Mica, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891, Yellow 5 Lake/CI 19140, Iron Oxides/CI 77491, CI 77499, Manganese Violet/CI 77742, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide/CI 77510, Ultramarines/CI 77007, Red 6 Lake/CI 15850, Red 7 Lake/CI 15850, Red 30 Lake/CI 73360, Red 36/CI 12085, Blue 1 Lake/CI 42090]

My Thoughts:

As I mentioned before, as soon as I saw this polish I felt the need to have it.  The “Manicurve Pro Brush” does make the application process easier as it covers the entire nail bed in just one stroke. 

In order to acquire the desire shade, I applied a total of three coats.  Please allow a few minutes to pass in between coats in order to reduce the length it would take for the polish to dry and it will also reduce the amount of air bubbles that may appear.

Pros:

 

The company claims that the polish may last up to five days before you start seeing any chipping on the tip of your nails. 

This polish actually lasted 8 days before I noticed it was time to re-do my manicure.

It was fairly easy to remove the polish from my nails;

The Pro Brush really makes the application easier and faster;

The low price it’s perfect for those (like yours truly) who have a very limited budget.

Cons:

Can’t really find anything wrong with this product at all!!

Sadly, I have to say that this color was not “Hubby Approved”.  He kindly told me that the color was too close to my skin tone.  But I think that’s what I like about it..

I loved this color and I will probably wear it more often during the spring and summer days.  The natural and glossy salon like finish was perfect and easy to accomplish.

Where to get it:

I found this little gem at my local Rite Aid Pharmacy or you can purchase it here:

Wet & Wild Megalast- Private Viewing 204B

Thank you for stopping by and stay tuned for our next nail polish review!

Have a great week!

Product Review: Wet and Wild: Under Your Spell

Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color:

Under Your Spell 216B Review

  

Welcome, what I have for you today is another nail polish review!!  I am reviewing one of the deepest color I have ever own.  This magnificent color is from the Wet & Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color collection. 

My son described this color perfectly:  “216B Under Your Spell” [mom, this color] reminds me of the color of a “coffee bean” because of its deep brown color with a touch of a red [shimmer]”.

If you follow us on Facebook page, Caramel Curlz N Swirls, then you probably remember the video I posted a few days ago in which I shared some great “sales” from the RiteAid Pharmacy.  I posted this video six days ago Two New Polishes.

                 

Their product description:

All the end results of going to the nail salon, but without the hassle, the driving, the sitting, the waiting, the forced small-talk, and especially the manicurist bills- forget it!  Looking salon pampered just got easier! These 5-day, chip-resistant formulas are just so darn great, delivering a professional, yet far more accessible.

Their claim:

·      A revolutionary resin polymer for exceptional color adhesion;

·      Calcium and mineral fortified to help prevent nail discoloration;

·      Formaldehyde, toluene and phthalate fee!

·      Our ManiCurve Pro Brush! It’s absolutely incredible! The rod is flat so the liquid drains down to the bristles equally and the rouded bristles hug your nail curves perfectly!

My Review:

As I stated in my last video, I was hesitant about purchasing this polish [despite the low price of $1.99] because of the type of brush, but I decided to give it a try anyway.  I fell in love with this deep bold color and since it really matched my mood, why not step out my comfort zone. 

“Under Your Spell” has definitely made my ‘favorite colors’ list.  I love the deep color base with the red shimmer which gives a vibrant and smooth finish.

I applied three coats to reach the full capacity, of course, I applied each coat every 10 minutes in order to allow the polish to dry evenly [and without forming any bubbles].   Its quick drying formula was highly convenient.

However, the only ‘con’ of this polish is that it does chip off easily around the tips but it does last 6 to 7 days!

I highly recommend this brand and color, the “pro-curve” brush works wonderfully and provides great coverage in just one swipe.   

Sinful with a Kiss Giveaway!

Ladies and Gentlemen... 

It is time to begin our 7 Days of Giveaways! 

Sinful with a Kiss Giveaway is open now and here is what you need to do in order to enter this fabulous and colorful giveaway: 

RULES are simple.. 

*FOLLOW our Instagram Page: Caramel Curlz & Swirls
*LIKE "Sinful with a Kiss Giveaway" Image; and
* TAG five friends that would love to win this as well...

Didn't I said it was simple... 

But hurry, this giveaway will end today! 

Giveaway ENDS today, February 1st, 2017 at 8:00 (PM EST)

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

PRIZE: 

Your box of goodies contain: 

8 nail polishes (shown on the picture) from our favorite brand, SinfulColor Professionals plus 1 surprise color personally picked by Ms. Bree. 

2 Pack Buffers;

Stencils from Kiss so that you can create salon-worthy nail art designs right at home. 

Plus more surprise goodies! 

My First Recipe of the Year: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

        Hello everyone and welcome to our very first post of 2017 🎇🎆

Bacon... bacon... bacon... now say the word four times really fast!   (now you sound like the "Beggin Bacon Strips" commercial.. 😆

In our home everyone is a big fan of bacon... from the oldest to the very youngest and that includes our three fur babies!  

Bacon it's so delicious when cooked on its own but it's even better when you create different "drool-worthy" recipes using bacon as your main (or key) ingredient.   

In this recipe, we paired some nice thick slices of bacon with fresh asparagus covered in a rich sweet soy sauce.

The Ingredients....

*1 to 2 lbs of fresh asparagus
*1 lb of your favorite bacon

The Steps

wash and pat dry your asparagus;
gently bend the bottom of each spear to determine the breaking point;

Why are you doing this?   
The bottom of the asparagus is a bit woody, definitely not tasty and it's not something you want to serve your guests.  The woody part and natural breaking point varies from spear to spear, but it's really not that time consuming, so don't worry too  much about this part.   Just remember to bend and snap!  

Let's continue...

While your oven is preheating at 400 degrees, let's get to the "wrapping" part... 

*carefully place a slice of bacon on your cutting board (or counter);
*place from 2 to 3 spears of asparagus and wrap the bacon;
*place each wrap on your baking sheet. 

All about the sauce....

* 1/2 of dark brown sugar
* 1/2 of teaspoon garlic powder
* pinch of onion powder (optional)
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 stick of butter (or margarine)
             conversion note: 1 stick of butter = 8 Tablespoons 
* about 1 (to 1.5) tablespoon of soy sauce

Combine all of your ingredients in a small sauce pot and bring it to boil and simmer for about five to ten minutes.  (mixing your sauce every few minutes until it's nice and thick)

Pour your sauce on top of your bacon wrapped asparagus; (use as much or as little sauce as you want)

Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes- (checking every so often to make sure the asparagus doesn't over cook)

and the results are tooooo die for.... 

Make sure you share this recipe with your friends and family especially during International Bacon Day!!  

Giveaway Alert!

All Things Beautiful Book Giveaway!!

Hello everyone and welcome back!!

Reading is one of my passions.  I can enjoy a really good book regardless of its genre.  I could literally read all day and all night, unfortunately, adulthood prevents me from doing just that.

Because reading is my personal way of escaping reality for a couple of hours, I always find time to read.  I mean, Sleep is overrated if you ask me!

If you follow me on "GoodReads" than most likely, you are aware of my 2016 Reading Challenge.  So far, I've read 92 out of my 100 books… what did I tell you, I love reading!  You can follow me here: Elena's 2016 Reading Challenge.

I deeply believe reading gives you access to an experience that is deeply personal yet shared with the writer and world they lived in.  Self-help books are very personal, especially when the writer has had personal experience with the topic.  

Our friend Beth, owner of All Things Beautiful has an amazing Book Giveaway!  These are the prizes:  

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig;

Reasons to Stay Alive is about making the most of your time on earth. In the western world the suicide rate is highest amongst men under the age of 35. Matt Haig could have added to that statistic when, aged 24, he found himself staring at a cliff-edge about to jump off. This is the story of why he didn't; how he recovered and learned to live with anxiety and depression. It's also an upbeat, joyous and very funny exploration of how live better, love better, read better and feel more.

Humans: An A to Z by Matt Haig;

DO YOU:
A) Know a human?
B) Love a human?
C) Have trouble dealing with humans?

IF YOU'VE ANSWERED YES TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU
Whether you are planning a high level of human interaction or just a casual visit to the planet, this user-guide to the human race will help you translate their sayings, understand exotic concepts such as 'democracy' and 'sofas', and make sense of their habits and bizarre customs.
A phrase book, a dictionary and a survival guide, this book unravels all the oddness, idiosyncrasies and wonder of the species, allowing everyone to make the most of their time on Earth. 

  

The Man Who Couldn't Stop by David Adam:

Have you ever had a strange urge to jump from a tall building, or steer your car into oncoming traffic? You are not alone. In this captivating fusion of science, history and personal memoir, writer David Adam explores the weird thoughts that exist within every mind, and how they drive millions of us towards obsessions and compulsions.  David has suffered from OCD for twenty years, and The Man Who Couldn’t Stop is his unflinchingly honest attempt to understand the condition and his experiences. What might lead an Ethiopian schoolgirl to eat a wall of her house, piece by piece; or a pair of brothers to die beneath an avalanche of household junk that they had compulsively hoarded? At what point does a harmless idea, a snowflake in a clear summer sky, become a blinding blizzard of unwanted thoughts? Drawing on the latest research on the brain, as well as historical accounts of patients and their treatments, this is a book that will challenge the way you think about what is normal, and what is mental illness.  Told with fierce clarity, humour and urgent lyricism, this extraordinary book is both the haunting story of a personal nightmare, and a fascinating doorway into the darkest corners of our minds.

How to Enter:

How can you enter this amazing giveaway?  Very easy, simply visit our friend's page All Things Beautiful Giveaway! and follow the steps!  

*Make sure you complete the extra steps for an even higher chance of winning!  BUT you better hurry, this giveaway will end in three days.... 

GOOD LUCK!!! 

DIY: Stitch The Copper

Welcome back my pretties!

Just a few more days for the big Halloween celebration and today I have an even easier nail design!

Let's start with our latest "stitchy" and fun design.. 

For this super easy and fun design I used the following:

1:  SinfulColors Professional Nail Hardener as my base coat;

2: SinfulColors Professional #1503 Copper Pot;

3: SinfulColors Professional #103 Black on Black;

4: Kiss Nail Art Tool Kit; and

5: SinfulColors Professional Top Shine Coat

STEPS: 

First, on clean nails apply a coat of SinfulColor Professionals #901 Nail Hardener or your favorite base coat; 

After your base coat is completely dry, place the design guide (of you can do it free hand if you have steady hands) close to the tip of your nail; 

Apply two coats of the SinfulColors Professionals Copper Pot; (allow a few minutes in between coats for the polish to dry- NOTE: a thick coat polish takes twice as long to dry)  Once the polish is dry, carefully remove the nail design strip. 

For the next step, you will need the "Multi Art Brush". 

Using the Multi Art Brush carefully paint a think black line.  You can go over the black line twice if you need to.  

Allow the black polish to dry completely.

Using the same brush, now draw very thin vertical lines.  You can do them as short or long as you want the lines to be.

Make sure you allow the black polish to dry completely before applying the shiny clear top.  If the polish is not completely dry, you will end with smudge lines. 

and all done!!  How easy and fun is this design??  

DIY: Easy Halloween Nail Design

Only a few days left before Halloween and we are having a lot of fun with all the spooky colors available through Guise & Ghouls Glowing Masquerade by SinfulColor Professionals.

These polishes are still on sale at my local Walgreens, so make sure your visit your local store in order to take advantage of this great sale!

For this Halloween, I decided to show my love for this day by creating a few "spooky" nail designs that you can easily create by using very simple tools like nail guides, stickers and "glow in the dark" top coats.

For this Black on Orange style I used the following:

1.  SinfulColors Professional Nail Hardnerer as my base coat;

2. SinfulColors Professional #853 Cloud 9;

3. SinfulColors Professional #103 Black on Black;

4. Kiss "Chevron" Guide lines; and

5. SinfulColors Professional Top Shine Coat

On clean nails apply a coat of SinfulColor Professionals #901 Nail Hardener;

NOTE:  As a general rule, I always use (and recommend) a good base coat in order to protect my nails, specially when using very dark colors.  Lately I've been using SC Nail Hardener and has helped keep my nails long and strong.

Apply two coats of SinfulColor Professionals #853 Cloud 9.  

NOTE: Don't worry so much about the tip since you will be covering it with your second polish.

Allow the first color to dry completely before you apply the Design Guides around the tip of your nail. 

Place the Design Guide firmly onto the nail in the desired position.  

Apply #103 Black on Black polish to the tip of your nails. 

Once your tip color is somewhat dry, gently peel off the design guides to expose your design!

If you have any spooky stickers, gems or any other embellishments you would like to add to your design, this is the time to do it.

Apply your favorite Top Coat to seal the design, let it dry and YOU ARE NOW DONE!!

Review: Retinol Spa Treatment Mask

(Affiliate Links included)

Hello everyone!!

Today I am sharing my review on Retinol Spa Treatment Mask by Global Beauty Care.  This mask was included in my August Beauty Box 5.

Missed our last post which revealed all of the items in our Beauty Box 5?  Don't worry, you can see them all in our Subscription Review Post.

This is the very first time  I use a mask.  My night time facial routine consists of removing all my make up using Almond Oil by Now Solutions followed by  my homemade facial scrub and after my face is all nice and clear from all make up and dirt, I apply Tamanu Oil by Shea Terra Organics.  Thankfully this simple routine has proven to be my skin's life saver.

I've always been curious about masks and this was the perfect opportunity to try one!!  Let's be realistic, at my age, I have to make sure I drink plenty of water, I have to be very cautious of what I put in my mouth and I also need to make sure that my skin stays healthy.

This Retinol Spa Treatment Mask by Global Beauty Care contains star-ingredient retinol which reduces expression lines and wrinkles while boosting cell renewal.  

Their Claim: 

Global Beauty Care Retinol Spa Treatment Mask in an effective skincare therapy, designed to improve the health and appearance of your skin.  Our rich moisture  rich formula contains Retinol to help minimize the expression lines and wrinkles, boost cell renewal and delay the effects of skin aging.  Just one treatment will help repair, revitalize and restore your skin to a healthy and young looking complexion.

Their Ingredients: 

Aqua (water), Glycerin, Beta-Glucan, Collagen, Glycoproteins, Betaine, Sodium PCA, Hydroxyethyl, Vitamin A (Retinol), Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, DMDM Hydantoin, Parfum. 

To Use:  

Remove all make up, wash and dry your face.   Open the package and remove the pre-moistened mask and unfold carefully.  It's a bit tricky so make sure you take your time when unfolding the mask.  Carefully place the mask on your face.  Slowly smooth the mask with your fingertips to make sure the mask is spread evenly over your face, be careful that the serum doesn't enter your eyes or mouth.    Leave the mask on for at least twenty minutes before removing.  Gently massage remaining serum on skin until its completely absorbed.  

Don't forget to order your own by clicking the link: 

Retinol Spa Treatment Mask

Subscription Review: Beauty Box 5

(Affiliate links included)

Hello everyone and welcome back!!! 

We are starting this week by talking about something new.  "Beauty Box 5".

Beauty Box 5 is  a subscription based service that provides you with five (5) deluxe samples and some full size products to your door every month.  

 Beauty Box 5's goal is to introduce their monthly subscribers to new and great products while sharing tips on the best way to use them.  

Every month you will receive a mix of make up, beauty accessories, hair, skincare, fragrance, body and nail products.  

Beauty Box 5 offers free shipping on all their subscriptions (US ONLY). 

This month's Beauty Box 5 contained the following products:

(Travel Size) Rave 4X Mega Unscented Hairspray:  

This is an 1.5 oz bottle that is actually considered a "BONUS" item in this month's since it was not part of the "Five Item Description Card".  But travel size items are always welcome in my bag and in Bree's dance bag.  

I used it on my hair this morning and so far it has kept my hair free of any frizz.  Also, my hair did not get that "crunchy" or "sticky" feeling. 

Next, we have Olive Natural Beauty Elixir:  this is a 1 oz bottle.  (2 oz bottle retails for $37.00).   All natural essential oil that can be used together  with your daily skin lotion or you can apply it directly to your skin after a good cleansing.  

  

Now, VO5 Hot Oil Therapy Treatment really doesn't need any introduction or explanation... we all love a good hot oil treatment and I often use it on my son's hair (more than on Ms bree's hair).

My mother used it on my hair when was a little girl and now I use it on my kids.   

Nika Exfoliating Brush:  It's the cutest and softest brush I have every touched.  The retail price of this brush is $17.00 and you simply use it with you favorite face wash in a circular motion over your face and neck in order to achieve beautiful skin. 

This month's Beauty Box 5 can't be "Spa Day" theme without having Spa Day Hair Ties by Did Hair.  Let's be honest, there is no such thing as "enough hair bands".  These bands have no metal that can pull your hair and I just love the cute designs on them.  These ties retail price is $6.50.

And the last item in this month's Beauty Box 5 is Retinol Spa Treatment Mask (Retail price of $7.50).  The retinol is an ingredient that reduces expression lines and wrinkle while boosting cell renewal.  

Every item in this month's Beauty Box 5 will be used ... I don't anticipate any of them going to waste. The value of this month's box is approximately $51.59 and this price does not include the bonus item.  

Beauty Box 5 monthly subscription is only $12.00 (no shipping on all beauty boxes)!  Of course, they also offer other options like $30.00 for 3 months and $99.00 for 12 months.

Overall, I'm really impressed with these items! 

I will be reviewing each item separately so stay tuned for those reviews!!! 

Beauty Box 5 loves new subscribers, all new subscriber will receive FREE Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow with their first box!!  (This offer has been extended until the end of September 2016).   Click here to get your FREE EYESHADOW WITH YOUR FIRST BOX.