fashionCHICsta

Honeydew with an orange hue. I present Honeydew , a new Fall 2014 shade from  +100% Pure's  Melons collection. With a gel-like texture during application, Honeydew is enriched with gold, pink and purple iridescent shimmer. I applied 3 coats for full opacity. Coats 1 and 2 dried quickly and each leveled evenly, coat 3 took a bit longer to both level and cure. I find this to be true with most 100% Pure  shades  but it is expected: this line is designed as a 2 coat product. I personally  like the richness of 3 coats and prefer the way it looks on 'film' for swatches.

With the biggest shopping week of the year right around the corner, I have made my list and checked it twice, of the products that I am hoping to score during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. This year, why not show your appreciation by shopping through your favourite blogger/vlogger's affiliate links? These links pay a small amount of commission to the blogger, which helps us continue to provide valuable content while maintaining and managing our platforms.

I was browsing a different  +Target  in town  looking through their selection of Pacifica when a rainbow caught my eye. That rainbow turned out to be the Body Oil Starter Set  by  + Weleda . For $14.99 I have the opportunity to try the complete body oil collection through these  .34 ounces  deluxe samples sized glass vials. Formulated with a variety of different oils and essential blends, these six products are quite different from one another, not only in scent but in weight and viscosity .

This is a hard hue to capture. Cherry Pop is a tart, plummy red creme nail polish from  + 100% Pure . This vegan lacquer covers opaquely with only 2 coats, levels evenly but this bottle has been taking a little longer than the other hues to fully dry. Once cured, I recommend sealing Cherry Pop with a high shine top coat to protect it from edging. This is a gorgeous shade for fall. It will look amazing with a gold leaf/fleck topper. xoxo •Nancy-Lee

It's no secret that I'm not one for liquid foundation, much preferring powder on my oily skin, so imagine my delight when I was treated to a full size pressed powder Sculpting Kit by  +MAKE UP FOR EVER OFFICIAL . This duo, along with highlighting brush #150 and a fabulous clear poly tote, was the gift at  +Westfield  Valley Fair's Makeup Mastery Instagram party. I added brush #408 to complete the set, giving me a specific brush for contouring, too. These brushes pick up and deposit sculpting powders with precisely where you intended for them to go. Plus they are incredibly soft, they feel very similar to my TooFaced Teddy Bear brushes. Click image to enlarge for detail. I feel like highlighting and contouring became more mainstream after pictures of  +Kim Kardashian  and her MUA sculpting her features surfaced on her Instagram page. Suddenly it wasn't so foreign, everyone was purchasing Ben Nye's Banana Powder and tutorials were popping up all over youtube on

Click image to enlarge for detail. This is the Fall in a bottle looks like. Show Off features a bronze to burgundy to gold multi chrome finish with a touch of holo added for sparkle. I applied 3 coats for full opacity and then locked it down with a high shine top coat. This lacquer reminds me of a 1996 Ford Mustang Cobra with Mystic paint; Complex and delicious. While the hue it self is mesmerizing, it's really the halo glitter that makes Show Off by Llarowe extra special. It an added and completely unexpected depth.  It dried quickly, leveled evenly. There are some mild brush strokes but it looks like that was the intention of this nail polish. I am in love and highly recommend you grab a few of these indie lacquers which retail for only $12 each 12ml bottle. xoxo •Nancy-Lee

Face and hair? I admit, I had my fears that this was going to be based with dimethicone like *most* hair oils and I am happy to report that it is NOT! It is formulated with Abyssinian Oil , Rejuveniqe 's exclusive ingredient, which is shown to improve the skin's complexion and hair's luster through Omega 6 fatty acids and antioxidants. Completing this non-GMO and 100% natural formulation are Meadowfoam, Carrot Seed, Camellia, Buriti, Baobab, Sunflower Seed, Tomato Seed, Moringa, Pequi and Monoli oils. This intensive oil protects, replenishes and balances which is great news for us oily skin types! Designed for daily use, I release 3 drops of oil into my finger tips, pat my left and right hands together and pat the oil on to my face in an upward motion.  Rejuveniqe absorbs quickly, is organic and features zero chemical additives, colors or synthetics. Best part, it is cruelty free!  Lightweight, Rejuveniqe features a smooth citrus scent which does not linger. My

Twist by Polish To Be Honest. Click to enlarge for detail. This was easy and fun, my favourite kind of mani!!  I was surprised by the amount of shimmer that  Coal Mine ,  by  +Mineral Fusion ,   delivered  to my nails. I  added 3 coats of  Coal Mine  for full opacity , waited for it to dry and topped my ring finger with 2 coats of  Twist  by  +Polish TBH .  These lacquers are slightly textured, I recommend a high shine top coat to protect the finish and prevent edging and chipping. Twist by Polish To Be Honest. Click to enlarge for detail. Perfectly simple. Simple gorgeous. This is not only perfect for Halloween this coming weekend, it is a gorgeous neutral series. Please note, Polish TBH will be taking the Winter off, stock up NOW before they close their eShop . I love these 2 shades together! A gift from  +Franci , you can score  Mineral Fusion  at  +Whole Foods Market . If you hurry, they are 2/$12 through Saturday! xoxo •Nancy-Lee

Click image to enlarge for detail. Did you celebrate Brook's birthday and save 20% off your  +Pacifica Perfume  purchase? Clearly, I couldn't resist. I was in the market for blue mascara so I selected  Aquarian Gaze  in Deep and I wanted a golden shimmer powder, leading  Golden Lotus  to find it's way into my cart, too. Made with coconut water, it will brighten and illuminate my face this winter.  However, I wasn't in the market for more lacquer but I added  Unicorn Horn nail polish  -  plus perfume for a friend - to score free shipping.

I was attracted to Lash + Lid Makeup Remover by  + Andalou Naturals  because of the use of fruit stem cells . Designed for normal and combination skin, this eye makeup remover is free of gluten, parabens, preservatives, sulfates and phthalates. Plus it's vegetarian, cruelty free, and made in the USA! Not to mention non-GMO verified! I'm shocked that this makeup remover can cut through my 'waterproof' formulas, too. I apply a little more than 1/2 a pump to a cotton round, fold it over to disperse the product and then apply a blotch of cream to each eye. Starting with the first eye, I gently work the non-diluted cream over my lid and brow and then hold the cotton round in place over my lash line for 10 seconds and sweep it down and away removing my mascara but not my lashes. I repeat the process on my other eye and once done, I fold the cotton round in half adding a small amount of water, I sweep it across both eyes removing any residue remover and makeup.

Click image to enlarge for detail. I Heart You , Juice and Dreamy . I'm always on the lookout for awesome vegan beauty products and I think I hit the nail polish jackpot. From 100% Pure , the Creamy Nail Polish collection features a 10-Free formula . With 2 coat coverage, the quick drying, fast leveling lacquer is available in a variety of hues and finishes; from nudes, pinks and reds to blue, green and plum, 100% Pure offers sheer, moderate and opaque coverage with creme, shimmer and glitter options. Today I'm bringing you swatches of  I Heart You (shimmer), Juice (creme) and Dreamy (shimmer). 

One of my friends has been drooling over my  +MAKE UP FOR EVER OFFICIAL  Artist Shadows so I took her to the  +Westfield  Valley Fair location. Where she managed to get in to as much trouble as I already was... She grabbed 3 shadows and one 3-pan palette. Me? ok, I admit it, I grabbed one more shadow, D-826, to complete my Limited Edition 4-Pan. Click image to enlarge for detail.

Good grooming requires a little know-how and a degree of commitment. the benefits of a good regime will help you look and feel your best and give you healthier smoother skin. Follow our simple guide and we guarantee you'll have a closer longer lasting and more comfortable shave.  Feel the direction in which your beard grows. As a general rule this is the direction you should always shave. We recommend a multi-blade razor as the improvement in performance is huge. To ensure it has a sharp cutting edge change every 4 to 5 uses. Moisten beard by splashing your face with several handfuls of the hottest water that you can comfortably stand. Use one shot of the Sensitive Shave Cream and rub vigorously over beard to help lift hairs away from your skin. Shave in the direction your hair grows using light, slow strokes to avoid grazing or nicking skin. Whilst shaving use your other hand to gently pull and stretch skin to create a flat surface for your razor blade to glide

Yep. It is the best designer topcoat.  Hardwear  dries quickly, provides high shine that lasts for days and does not craze or discolour. I appreciate the fact that I can use this on top of any brand of lacquer. The glass vessel is easy to hold as is the applicator and the bristles posses the right amount of firmness; they do not spread too far apart and provide a consistent application every time. I only need 1 coat of this awesome topcoat, I seal my edges and then top off my nails. I change my nail polish every 3 days so I use this often and I find that I am able to use about 3/4 of the product before I have to discard the rest. Ihighly recommend Hardwear and rate it a coveted 5 out of 5 stars.  xoxo •Nancy-Lee

Click image to enlarge for detail. This is what happens when you take the Eye Technique : Halo class at  + MAKE UP FOR EVER OFFICIAL   Valley Fair  +Westfield   . You know the story, glitter is my middle name, it's no wonder I grabbed 3 Star Powder diamond finishes. I liked this trio because the shades are part of my personal  'neutral palette' allowing me to wear them together or apart.

Click image to enlarge for detail. Meet Aqua Eyes by +MAKE UP FOR EVER OFFICIAL . These intense waterproof eyeliners feature a creamy texture that leads to an easy application as it never tugs at my delicate eye skin or skips across folds and wrinkles. Even on my oily eyelids, I never have to worry about transfer or disappearance. They stay put. 

I could not wait to get this lacquer on my nails. I was crazy for all of the glitter, it was very OH MY GOD.... SHINY! You know what I am talking about. Disneyland or Bust is a mix of neon glitter with black mouse heads and rainbow shimmer in a clear suspension base. I start with 3 coats of Fantom by LVX for pure opacity. I let it fully cure before I added Disneyland or Bust , I didn't want any pulling or sliding of the base colour. Click image to enlarge for detail. See my review of Fantom, here . I followed the instructions, roll the polish before use to distribute glitter, and I love the result. This is one of my favourite lacquers. 5-Free, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty free and hand made, Sweet Heart Polish is going to be my new go-to for lacquer bliss. Retailing for $9 on +Etsy by yours before it sells out. xoxo •Nancy-Lee

From my  +PHAMExpo  2014 haul, I present  +Tat2U Makeup  and the AWESOMESAUCE prezzie I won from their Instagram giveaway! Click here to see the whole haul. Rock Candy  from  tat2U 's   Matte Lipstick collection  has absolutely no slip. This lipstick is best applied with a brush as it is so extremely dry, you run the risk of breaking the lipstick during it's application. It is completely unforgiving to dry lips kin so make sure you exfoliate your lips first. This collection of cosmetics is designed to not budge and it lives up to its name. I've experienced very minimal transfer of  Rock Candy  to my cup. I must note, there's a noticeable odor that I am finding a bit distracting. It would prevent me from wearing or buying this formula again.

This was my first blog sale haul. It was completely unintentional. I was looking for blog sales to post on my other blog, Beauty Blogger Sales , and I came across Jules Darling . A sweet beauty blog with amazing reviews and an even more amazing blog sale! I couldn't believe the deals I scored on these 2 products.

Click image to enlarge for detail. How could I resist? This wasn't you typical product or collection launch, this was 200 brand new eyeshadows with 30 custom creations from the makeup artist team members. How cool is that?!!

How awesome is this set from 100% Pure ? It features a full size Nourishing Carrot Scrub and an awesome Makeup Bag ! See... I went in for the cosmetic clutch, as I need a makeup bag a little larger than the one I have now, but I was tempted by the extreme value of this set. For only $39, I purchased the $35 clutch and scored the scrub and reusable storage box for only $4 more!! Holla!! Click image to enlarge for detail. Measuring  8.5 in x 4.5 in, the Bunnies Chasing Carrots clutch is constructed from 100% cotton and has been  printed with non-toxic soy and vegetable inks. Bunnies on the outside with an occasional logo, and the inside reveals all of the carrots that those hungry bunnies have been chasing! This is perfect for traveling with my new Cream Foundation and sponge applicator. I appreciate the larger size and flexible design, but I do wish it had a different frame/closure than the kiss-lock so it was a little less like having a purse in my purse. Retailing for $35

Based off of the Hubble Space Telescope, this silver foil polish was created to mimic the outer shell of the Hubble. The polish is also filled with gold and black flakies, which represent the solar arrays and various sensors that cover the telescope. This is a metallic foil that reflects light beautifully and covers the nail in two coats. Hubble can be worn with or without a top coat, though wearing a top coat will prolong the life of the polish. It was impossible for me to capture the true look of Hubble : mixed into the silver chrome finish are flex of gold, barely detectable but they give this lacquer such an unexpected amount of depth. This is a textured lacquer that goes on a thick. I applied three coats to properly translate bottle to nail.

I love this slate gray. Riddled with holographic shimmer, After Hours  by  +Misfits on 8th  is a perfect Fall/Winter shade. A neutral in it's own right, I applied  3 coats of   After Hours  for full opacity and I do recommend  a high shine top coat to keep it from dulling or edging. Given to me at a Las Vegas press party, Misfits on 8th is known for their DIY personalized and customized kits. Head over to their site now and discover how easy it is to make that perfect shade. xoxo •Nancy-Lee

From  + Cosmoprof North America  comes KocoStar/Skinall , a Brand whose product line is centered around the benefits of paper masks, expanding to the market with Nail tip Therapy, Hair Therapy, and of course, Foot Therapy . This is the first in a trio that I am putting to the test. I open the package and discover a sealed, plastic, butterfly-shaped bag... it takes me a while to realize I need to cut the seam so I can separate the halves and put my feet in the wings, which are really booties.

If you are looking for a vegan version, or 1 half the cost of  +Benefit Cosmetics   BeneTint , let me introduce you to  Cherry Lip & Cheek Stain  by  100% Pure .  Housed in a lipgloss-style tube with a doe-foot applicator, this stain is very easy to apply to the lips. The thin formula glides on easily, drenching my pout in a vivid cherry hue. While I like the colour, I find it stays tacky and doesn't quite  stain , it gives you more of that pinched-cheek no makeup look. I have to reapply nearly as often as lipstick, especially if I eat or drink, so understand that stain does not mean indelible, it means no lipstick. Let's real talk for a minute, it's formulated with a blend of turmeric and aloe juice so  Cherry Lip & Cheek Stain  tastes quite bitter.  I love the hue but I won't purchase this because of the formula, as I like a creamy lipstick, and the bitter taste. If you're going to suggest that I top it with gloss, I tried and truth be told, I am not

Click to enlarge for detail. Pretty sure you've figured out my obsession with 100% Pure. Since I switched to a vegan diet, it only makes sense that I switch what I put on the outside of my body, too. Even though I am obsessed with their Water Foundation formula, there are times when I want a little more coverage than it provides.

From the very first swipe, I know it had to be mine. Described as sangria , Palais Royal by +NARS Cosmetics is the prefect glass of red wine. Purchased from +Nordstrom , it features a creamy, saturated satin finish. And I mean creamy. It is wonderfully lightweight but oh so creamy. This Lip Pencil is destined to be my Fall go-to lip shade, it is so flattering without competing for attention against my hair. Easy to apply and simple to sharpen, Palais Royal , named after a palace located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, will work beautifully on all skin tones. xoxo •Nancy-Lee No filter. Click to enlarge for detail.

Click to enlarge for detail. Stop Drooling. I know, it really is  that amazing. I Love You to the Blue and Back , by Glisten and Glow is divine. Thick like gel lacquer, it features a blue holographic base with a variety of glitter shapes, sizes and hues. Starting with a clean nail, it took a quick leveling 2 coats to achieve the opacity I prefer. I felt 3 would be overkill and actually take away from the beauty of this lacquer.

Click to enlarge for detail. I was the lucky +1 to +the Fashion Palate 's VIP invite at Fashion Rocks, hosted by  +Santana Row . We started with a cocktail at Straits and then we were treated to addition cocktails and hor dourves once inside the event space. Fashion and food... Yum! We sat at the end of the runway, giving our Instagram followers a chance to join in on the action. #SorryNotSorry for blowing up your feed!  The show was beautifully presented and the clothing plus accessories were perfectly picked. After the 90 minute catwalk, many of the participating boutiques were offering after parties; Cocktails, cupcakes and discounts. Yours truly, +Franci , and +Hasti. We headed to +TED BAKER first, followed by a mini shopping spree inside 100% Pure and a jaunt to +kate spade new york , where I scored the cutest pair of footie socks. Stay tuned for swatches and reviews... They're coming up later on in the week. And head over to The Fashion Palate to see Fra

Did you attend the +Victoria's Secret  panty party? This weekend only, score 3 stringy thingies from the Very Sexy collection, regularly priced at $16.50 for only $6 each and if you're an #AngelCard holder, you pay only $5 per panty! I was holding on to a $15 #AngelReward card so my haul was free! Holla!! xoxo •Nancy-Lee

I redeemed a gift card to Target for  +Pacifica Perfume  natural color quench Lip Tint in  Vanilla Hibiscus and Coconut Nectar . A sheer lip balm,  Vanilla Hibiscus  has a pink pearlescent finish while  Coconut Nectar  is  coppery . 

* Squee * I was given a $25 gift card to  +Whole Foods Market  for bunny sitting and I have been saving it for when a few of my body care faves are on sale. Kiss My Face Tattoo Shade is an SPF 30 formulated with green tea and carrot extract. Even if it is a marketing ploy, it worked. I'll use this to protect my tattoos. I received a sample of  +Weleda North America   Citrus Body Lotion in a  +Birchbox  and loooooved the fresh scent so imagine how happy I was when I found the Body Wash and it was 40% off! Holla!  Lastly, I added another  +Pacifica Perfume  product to my collection. This makes 4!! Lotus Garden natural soap  is a blend of lotus blossom, green violet leaf, olibanum and pink pepper with a kick of radiant citrus. It is going to be put to the test, tomorrow morning. I still have $9 left to spend.. what should I buy?! xoxo •Nancy-Lee

I opened the box and was not impressed. Brown? Boring.  Lesson learned, I'll STFU. I don't know how  +SquareHue  does it. Each collection seems to be better than the last but it's not. It's that each collection is brought with the same quality and sophistication. With another awesome stamp in our Passport Collection, September sweeps us away to Sydney. Featuring 2 micro shimmer shades and 1 creme, Join me on a journey down , Oxford, Crown, and   Kings Street. I applied 3 coats, each, for full opacity. I love the fall harvest reflecting off of my nails. It's simply scrumptious. 5-Free, the vegan formula is available through monthly subscription only, with nothing else to buy and no pressure to recruit. For $19.99 (including shipping) 3 full size bottles of lacquer are delivered to your door. xoxo •Nancy-Lee

The epitome of #ShopGenius, this $42 Spring 2014  + Michael Kors  lip and nail beauty set was priced to $14.97 at  + Nordstrom Rack . I'm such a sucker for great deals.

I met this 5-free, vegan, gluten-free and cruelty free brand at  +Cosmoprof North America , Las Vegas, 2014. Developed first as a collection of luxury nail and hand treatments,  +LondontownUSA  is now bringing luxury Lakur to those with food sensitivities.

The truth is, I used to live under a rock when it came to indie nail polish. I hadn't even heard of  +The Painted Nail  until I was invited to Katie's party, held after hours during Cosmoprof (CPNA) Las Vegas, 2014.  Shameful yet true.  That is all about to change!

Proof that all that glitters is gold. Meet  Alter Ego Nail Enamel , another  +Etsy  favourite of mine. Discovered at an indie nail polish party held during Cosmoprof (CPNA) Las Vegas , 2013, Alter Ego is hand mixed in small batches. Fort Knox Quality Control  looks shiny yet dries to a matte finish. I applied 3 coats for full opacity. I added a high shine top coat by Glisten and Glow to my middle and ring finger. This is a thicker nail lacquer though it dries level. I find the fewer strokes you use, the easier it levels.

I've been disappointed with Essie nail polish formulas as of late. They have been incredibly streaky, requiring more than usual coats to reach opacity. They are chipping within hours of wear, which might or might not be attributed to the 4-coat thickness on my nail and they have the dullness of 3-day old lacquer.

Described as a "Van Gogh" navy blue with a matte, textured, sparkling finish. I treated myself to this gorgeous shade of  +Zoya Nail Polish   PixieDust, Sunshine , after my  +Whole Foods Market  pedi appointment. Not a name that would typically associate with 'sunshine', this cobalt blue   nail polish provided 2 different looks: one coat exposed the glitter, giving a very silver, very beautiful finish. Two coats enriched the presence of the base hue rather than the glitter. Next time I apply this 5-free, textured matte nail polish, it will be a one-coater for sure. xoxo •Nancy-Lee

...Or as we call it, Friday eve. Trust Fund Beauty’s attitude towards life and fashion is that you should be unapologetically fabulous and that its ok to be edgy and have a sense of humor. The best part about this 5-Free lacquer Brand? You don't need a trust fund (or a sugar daddy) to buy this luxurious collection. Retailing for $15 each, these bottles of beauty are Made in the USA. Wearing Denim with Diamonds is your idea of casual

I am posting the July 2014 collection so you can see what you are missing out on: A fabulous trio of nail lacquers every month, delivered to your door for $19.99, including shipping. Passeig de Gràcia : A plummy nail polish with golden shimmer, it requires three codes for full opacity. Like all SquareHue lacquers it levels quickly and dries to a high shine. I adore this plum. It is going to be a Fall favourite, for sure. I love the colour purple, but I have the hardest time connecting with purple lacquer. This month, I fell in love with 2!

Looking for lacquer that's out of this world?  The name says it all: Different Dimension.   Fortunately for us,  Different Dimension  isn't in a far away galaxy, you can discover th is hand made nail polish brand on  +Etsy !    Cruelty free and 3-Free, Let's explore the wonders of the Cosmologically Speaking collection!