fashionCHICsta

Time for the Winter 2014  +Nordstrom  Beauty Trend Show. With  +Franci  by my side, we sat front row enjoying an unobstructed view of the latest work, play and holiday fashion as well as makeup and skincare specialties from the beauty department. We're always treated to a shopping tote of varying kind with water, juice, coffee and mini muffins and fruit to satisfy early morning hunger.

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

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.

A shade that summons the beaches of Summer's past, it is perfect for a Fall fling, too... just make sure you're ok with one night stands because this shade chipped the very next day. About 12 hours to be exact. I applied 1 coat of basecoat but did not finish my nails with a topcoat. Sunbaker offers the rare 1 coat coverage but I preferred the second coat for a richer look. The shade is an amazing rusted orange shimmer. Not glitter, a fine golden shimmer. Because of the significant chipping, I rate Sunbaker 3.5 stars. It's not the first shade that I would grab if I were painting my nails the night before an event. xoxo •Nancy-Lee

Do you follow any freebie trends? Last year was the first year that I took advantage of the deals and boy did I score. So this year on Earth Day, March 22, my goal was to exchange: • 5 plastic bags for 1 Disney reusable bag • 1 empty beauty vessel for 1 Origins Moisturizer at Origins • 1 empty beauty vessel for 1 Origins Moisturizer at Sephora • 1 empty beauty vessel for 1 Kiehl's LipBalm And score 1 Target reusable bag, no purchase/exchange necessary.

  I look over the well-picked-through polishes and discover one I must call my own: The Black Knight.  The black base holds black, pink, blue and silver glitter. I take time with my DIY manicure, it's been a while since my hands have had some TLC and it shows.  Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat goes on quick and dries matte.  The back of the bottle says it looks great worn alone and I have to agree - I would totally wear this base coat on it's own; It's a cool look.