Tag Archives: OPI

Sassy’s April Six

1 May

imageCan you be serious…. April is over? It’s MAY? I am the first to say that I have been waiting patiently for longer days and warmer temps for a while now. But wow, April sure flew by. I guess when you are stuck inside during cold, cruddy, wet weather, time flies. At least that’s what I’m trying to tell myself. Work with me.

Even with April flying by, I was still able to find my six monthly gotta-love-’em items. Some came in right under the wire too! So what did Sassy fall in love with last month? Lets take a look:

image1. Kate Spade’s “Live Colorfully” – Samples sell, people…samples sell. This was a scratch and sniff flap sample in one of my glam mags last month. I probably would have purchased a full sized bottle I liked it so much, but I’ve been falling for so many scents with this new season upon us so I decided to get the rollerball. This worked out perfect too because I can just throw it in my purse when I have a long day out of the house. With top notes of mandarin & pink water lily, a heart of golden gardenia & coconut water and nice lingering notes of sheer amber & tahitian vanilla, this light perfume stays with me all day. kate spade nailed this new scent for the season, in a bright crystal bottle with a light, refreshing scent. It combines fun, sexy, flirty and seductive all in one easy-to-wear, easy-to-carry scent. A Nordstrom exclusive! ($24.00)

image2. OPI’s Nail Lacquer in “Pussy Galore” – Go ahead, get the giggles out now. Heck, I did it too. Done? Okay. OPI created a fabulous collection based on fab girls from the James Bond movies. What’s so cool about this line is it is known as “liquid sand”. The polish, when dry, actually feels like you painted your nails then rolled them in…umm…sand! It’s different, it’s funky, and that’s what we love about OPI. The color “Pussy Galore” is a shimmery, sparkly baby pink. It is THE perfect polish if your nails are at an in between stage like mine are now. I broke a few so I had to cut them all down and start over. This color is muted enough to not stand out and scream, “My nails look like baahh!” but gives it enough color AND texture to still look neat. Right now I’m REALLY impressed that I’ve had it on for four days and do not have one chip. I might have to look further into the other colors in this collection! (Available at select beauty stores, $8.50)

image3. Lancôme Paris CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base – Primers are not just hot sellers, but are becoming almost requirements to get the look you want with your makeup, plus get it to stay fresh looking all day. A sweetheart of a girl who works the fragrance counter at my local Macy’s is gorgeous, and one of her best features is her eyes. I asked her what exactly did she used and she showed me. Although I was familiar with the Hypnolash mascara she wore, I wasn’t familiar with this mascara primer. It’s really easy to use…basically goes on with a white base using a regular mascara brush. This pre-lengthens and pre-plumps your lashes, prepping them for whatever mascara you use, helping it to give your mascara its full potential. To combine it with Lancôme’s Hypnose Star Mascara gives you long, lush, full, fluffy lashes that STAY just like the instant you put it on and keeps going ALL DAY. Am I thrilled with adding another step to my routine?…not completely. But the fact that the Super-Enhancing Mascara Base mascara gives my eyes the look of wearing false lashes is totally FAB! Totally worth it—thanks, girlfriend! (Macy’s, $24.00)

image4. Yes To Blueberries Age Refresh Overnight Hydrating Cream – I’ve always been a fan of the Yes To brand. It targets specific concerns while keeping true to its promise of a natural, cruelty-free products. I am a big fan of the Yes To Cucumbers makeup remover wipes, so when I won this night cream from a website drawing, I was excited. I won’t lie: I have a nighttime serum that I use faithfully to help cell turnover, exposing younger firmer skin. But it’s a serum and serums target problem areas you want to fix. No matter whether it be day or night, you need a serum to do the dirty work, but you still need a daytime moisturizer with an SPF and a night cream that hydrates and combats aging. I have a lot of moisturizers that I’ve collected over the years, but nothing specifically for night. Yes To Blueberries Overnight Hydrating Cream was exactly what I needed. It is 97% natural, hydrates my skin without making it feel greasy, refreshing scent, and keeps my face smooth. Now the bad news–this specific YTB night cream is no longer available to the public. (*sniff sniff*-tissue please). But the good news it has been replaced by Yes To Blueberries Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. This product is 99% natural and works hard to fight deep wrinkles as well as to hydrate skin. You actually get more benefits with the newer product! I can personally say I have noticed a BIG difference in my skin with this cream. Plus the quantity for the price is AH-MA-ZING! Keeping me looking young is what I want and that is what YTB Night Cream does for for me. (Retail outlets & drug stores, $13.99)

image5. Nuance Cucumber & Rosewater Dual Phase Makeup Remover – Ever since I can remember, I’ve only used two eye makeup removers. After all these years, I now have a conundrum: one of them has gone up in price significantly and the other has been discontinued. Figures. I was given a sample of a high-end solution which I absolutely loved, but the price was really steep. So I headed to CVS to check out other options since they were having a fab skin care sale this week. I happened to stumble upon Salma Hayek’s Makeup Remover. It caught my eye instantly because it had the dual layer formula which is very important when removing waterproof makeup. I did a bit of online research and everyone who had tried it gave it five stars. Good testimonial right there. The regular price for a 4.3 oz. bottle is $7.99, but this week it was BOGO half price. AND I had a $1.50 off coupon. The deal was made. And I’m glad… because its awesome! It’s not greasy at all, has no scent, is very lightweight, and gets off even the toughest waterproof makeup (with glitter too!) I grabbed two bottles which should last for some time. I may even have to check out Salma Hayek’s other beauty items when I go back to the store! (CVS, $7.99)

image6. GUESS Kate Skinny Black Jeans with Side Lace Up – Okay, I’m sure the description alone sounds like something out of a Harley Biker Wear catalog. But it’s not. In fact, these jeans scream “Rockstar!” Low rise, true black denim pants with a crisis-cross lace design down on each outer side. They look hot, they make you feel sexy, they fit in all the right places and they are to die for. Nothing cutting, creasing, or wedging in the wrong places. I swear these jeans were made for me! In fact, so did Ian, my sales associate at GUESS! I’d LOVE for you to see an actual picture of them but they are SO NEW that they haven’t made it to the advertising phase yet. (I love being the new girl on the block.) The picture shown is the same pants in brown faux suede, so you get an idea. I have to say, without a smile, that these were the most expensive pair of jeans I have ever bought. And if I didn’t think they’d get worn or didn’t fit that good, I would not have bought them. But oh baby….. I WILL get my money’s worth and then some. And then some more! (GUESS retail stores, $148)

I have to say, I was worried early in the month. I wasn’t buying a lot of things and was pretty content with what I was using. Plus the weather is getting warmer so digging out the Spring clothes was like getting a whole new wardrobe! But these fab six managed to make their way into my life, and for that I’m thankful. As always, I encourage you to try one or more of these great products if you are looking for something specific or if you just want to try something new. Sassy likes them. I hope you do too! And of course, if you do?… LET ME KNOW!!

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I’m A Slug In The Spring……

15 May

Maybe I should have wrote in my blog sometime at the end of April that I’m not a big fan of May. As a fashion follower, you would think I would be. The styles are changing, colors are exploding everywhere, shoes are beyond your average drool. The fact is, it has nothing to do with the weather or the season. It has to do with a history of bad events happening in May during my life. I probably could change the string of bad luck if I just put my mind to it and barreled through, but as soon as May 1st gets here, I feel like I’m getting sucked into a black hole where I’ll be stuck for a whole month. Today, I looked at the calendar and realized it was the middle of May and I had been in a writing funk for over a month. Not good….. not good at all. But on the positive side, the month is half over. Wait… is that positive???

Well, I didn’t want my loyal followers to think I had been wearing old t-shirts given away at the latest vodka promo at the local bar and the same pair of jeans for an entire week. I’ve been checking out spring fashions, been slowly putting away my heavy winter attire, digging out my favorite summer sandals, looking for new styles that pique my interest. Although I’m finding some things that catch my eye, the way out of the rut is a slow one.

There have been a few things that have given me a glimmer of hope, however, that I’m getting back to my sassy glamourista self. Sometimes I over think it–honestly, it doesn’t take much! But I’m sure I’m not alone. If you’ve been in a seasonal rut, try these things like I have. Maybe they too will get you out of your fashion funk:

1) Jazz up those nails! – Pick a color that SCREAMS warm weather and “Notice Me”! Hot neons, bright pinks and flashy corals are the perfect nail pick-me-up. And don’t forget those toes! Seeing those bright colors will lift your mood right up! Sassy’s Pick: “Go With The Flow-er” by OPI

2) Change up your scent! – Still smell like the perfume your Aunt Helen gave you for Christmas? Well, it might be time to grab something new. This is the perfect time of year to find a nice body mist in a light, refreshing scent. Go all out and get the matching shower gel, body lotion and even the shimmer spray for those sleeveless shirt days. Awaken the senses and you’ll awaken the fashionista within! Sassy’s Pick: Bath and Body Works “Pink Chiffon” in shower gel, body lotion, fine fragrance mist, and shimmer body creme.

3) Wear some color! – Finding it hard to get out of the black sweater/blue jean rut? Man, I am. Of course, the weather hasn’t helped, but I’ve stopped waiting for Mother Nature to tell me when it is time to start looking spring stylish. One of the hottest trends this spring is going to be colored denims (especially skinny jeans) so I took a leap of faith and got myself a pair. Let me just say, wearing them took me FAR outside my comfort zone. And I survived! Now they are my go-to “lift my mood” pants. Think I may have to add a few other colors now too! I’m having way too much fun “creating” with these bottom hues! Sassy’s Pick: dELiAs low-rise skinny jeans in purple.

Okay, followers, I’m making a promise to myself: each day I will get up, put on something weather-appropriate, but fashionable. And I am also promising myself that I will take the TJ Maxx gift card that I got for Mother’s Day and get myself something that will be fun, refreshing, and WAY out of my comfort-zone. How about you? What do YOU plan on doing to get yourself snazzy this spring?????

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Sometimes Nails DO Need A Break….

11 Apr

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been going really bright with my nails. I wanted a little oomph to my manicure and I thought some out-there colors and eye-catching hues would not just look good on my hands but also boost my mood during the “blah” weather trend we are having. It was a nice change to see my nails all decked out in flamboyant shades such as “Red Red” by Wet n Wild, “Go With The Flow-er” by OPI, and “Bling-tastic” Gem Crush Nail Color by Sally Hansen. Although the color makes my hands look fantastic, the minute I’d get a chip, the niceness all goes away. And once the chipping starts, it’s all over. There’s no saving it.

Because I have had bright, dark colors on for awhile, I noticed when I took my polish off today that my nails were looking a little dry and stained. Yucky. They needed a little love and attention. And rest. So I grabbed myself a natural-colored polish but not before I got my nails in good shape by giving them a quick, mini-mani:

 

  1. Remove all polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover. (TRICK!: Use lotion-infused tissues to help keep your hands and nail from getting extra dry!)
  2. Rub a good oil into your hands playing special attention to your cuticles, ridges and sides of your nails. Sweet almond oil works the best, but if you don’t have that, coconut oil, grapeseed oil or even olive oil will work just as good.
  3. Take a Chorlox Bleach Stick and with the brush end, give your nails a quick going over, avoiding the skin as much as possible. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  4. With a nail brush (or an old toothbrush), brush off all the bleach using a few drops of your favorite fragranced soap or bath gel. Scrub lightly, underneath the nails as well. Rinse.
  5. Add a nice rich hand cream to keep them soft and silky. (My favorite? Tree Hut Shea Body Butter! Rich, moisturizing and smells good!)
  6. Give your hands about 30 minutes to absorb the moisturizer, then wipe each nail off with a paper towel, so any remaining oils won’t interfere with the nail polish. Then give them a couple of coats of your favorite light, neutral polish to keep them strong, protected and looking classic-ly neat!

 

So what are my go-to favorite neutral shades?

 

 

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color in “Brilliant Blush”

 

 

 

MODE Nail Enamel in “Shade #118” (Sheer Mother of Pearl Pink) – I got this at my local grocery store on clearance for 75 cents!!

 

 


 

Revlon Nail Enamel in “Pure Pearl”

 

 

 

Plain nails don’t have to look boring. In fact they can look simply classy! Not only does it give you a simple, elegant look but it also gives your nails a rest from heavy dyes that can stain and dry out your nails. Not to mention, it won’t look like a puzzle missing a piece when the shade starts to chip. It will keep your nails on the down-low when only you know they aren’t completely up to par!

Okay, Fashionistas…. share on! What is YOUR favorite nail polish shade right now??

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Click, Click, Click….

20 Mar

Okay, fun quiz: What makes you think of the above noise?

Louboutins in a tile floor?…..yes, but no.
Pushing my retractable pen as I write fashion notes?….ah, no.
The fan belt on my car?…..oh please good God no.
My CD ROM drive stuck with a disk inside?….better be a no.
The magnetic clasp on my Betsey Johnson purse opening & closing?….ahh, yes, but no.

Errrrr. Times up. Good try, good try.

Actually, today the click-click-click sound came thanks to a unusually beautiful day of bright, sunny, warm, 80 degree weather here on the first day of spring in Upstate NY. We don’t get temps like that in March around here. That’s obvious because we’ve broke three record highs in less than a week in our area. So maybe the clicking is a thermometer rising so fast? No, can’t say that it is. But they do go together.

Today, I had a blast click-click-clicking as I went through, sorted out, and shook up all my nail polishes. Those two or three little beads in each bottle flowing freely, hitting the edge of the bottle letting you know your favorite shades are primed and ready for your spring mani’s and pedi’s? THAT click-click-click! It’s sandal weather and it’s time to get all those nails into tip-top shape so they can look gorgeous for open-toe/sun worshiping season.

I decided I wanted a dark, shiny shade for my nails today. I think it’s a bit early for the bright oranges, yellows and hot pink glitters that scream warm weather. I wanted a color–especially for my toes–that would stand out in my lighter shade gladiator sandals. Which polish did I choose? Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Pronto Purple. I love the Sally Hansen brush, as it is rounded and covers the nails easily without much smudging along the cuticles. I love those kind of brushes. One coat of polish, one layer of top coat (that’s another post!) and I ready to rock my nails! Take a look!

Since this is the time of year when you’ll want to get your polishes out, you should do an inventory of colors you already have and make a note of ones you might want. Make sure you take each polish you own and give it a shake–a good shake. Do you hear the click-click-click? Are the mixing beads moving freely? If not you may need to thin out the polish a bit. Use an eye dropper (available at any drugstore) and put in five drops of nail polish remover. Recap and shake again. Still no clicking? Add five more drops. STILL no clicking? Then buh-bye…. I suggest you ditch that bottle and invest in a new one. That one is just too old or dried out. Yuck. Gack. And it won’t look good or stay on your nails.

Don’t forget, nice weather equals nice nails. Keep your manicure and pedicure goodies in one place. A dark, cool area is the best…keeps them from getting gooey. I keep mine in a large train case. (See pic?) Keep cotton balls and Q-tips with your polishes, use lotion tissues to remove old polish (it helps from drying out the nails), and keep the nail polish remover close by and closed tight! And don’t forget a good moisturizer when you’re all done and your nails are dry. Sassy’s fave? A couple of drops of pure, sweet almond oil is perfect for the job–and inexpensive too. And don’t forget those cuticles!

Click-click-click, ladies! Start shaking those polishes and show off those nails! Show me too! I’d love to see what your favorite shade is or newest discovery. It’s spring–we all need some new colors and styles!

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Great Finds In February…

6 Mar

Let’s face it—people are sick and tired of winter. Living in Upstate NY myself, I am so done with the cold air and the snow. Not that long ago, we actually saw temps in the 50’s which felt like a heat wave to us. The only bad thing about that is it melts only SOME of the snow, which runs into the roads, which splashes against the cars, which turns everything outside into a grey, dingy, dirty landscape. If the sun isn’t shining, it is “blah” at its best.

This starts to become the time during the season where we know spring is around the corner and we are getting antsy. Spring fashions are dribbling into stores, fresh fragrances are being introduced, and makeup colors are becoming brighter and fresher. Even though it is still way too early to break out the sandals and sundresses, it doesn’t mean we can’t add a few springtime teases to our lives. Here are a few things I picked up to get me in the mood:

“Carried Away” Select-A-Shimmer Body Lotion – Time to stimulate the senses! I have always been a big fan of body lotions. Not only do I get a light scent that isn’t too overpowering, but I also moisturize my skin at the same time. With key fragrance notes of red raspberries, white jasmine and whipped vanilla, Carried Away is a romantic fragrance with a playful side. Plus, the Select-A-Shimmer lotion allows me to add a little or a lot of sparkle to my skin when I get out of the shower just by a click of the cap. Add more glitz to your arms when wearing a cami, or maybe a little glow on your legs if you’re wearing a skirt. Nothing says fun more than a sweet scent with a little bit of shimmer! (Bath and Body Works retail stores & bathandbodyworks.com, $14)

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in “Tickled Pink” – When people think about spring, they usually think about the colors of the flowers that fight their way up towards the sun as the weather begins to warm. Tulips, lilacs and roses do not just put beautiful scents into the air, but also show us new colors to delight our eyes. Putting those colors into your makeup pallet can really give your look a lift and break you out of the winter blahs. “Tickled Pink” is a soft, elegant baby pink that works on almost everyone. Plus, the L’Oreal’s Colour Riche formula goes on smooth and creamy, keeping lips moist with conditioners like Vitamin E. A nice, long-wearing lip color that doesn’t just look luxurious but also won’t break the bank! (local retail stores, $9)

Katy Perry Nail Colours by OPI – Okay, fact is fact: advertising sells. When I first saw the ad for Katy’s new nail colors in my daughter’s teen magazine, I fell in love with them. They were bright, fun, whimsical and… well… oh, so Katy! And if you think this “29+” mom wanted to wear them, you should hear the teen girls talk about them. Especially my daughter! Twice when we went to the retail store that carried them, they were sold out. But then finally… we struck gold! My daughter purchased the “Teenage Dream” which is a true pink glitter polish with all the glitz and glimmer that a girl will love. I myself got “The One That Got Away” which is a deep, dark berry with lots of shimmer. There is also “Not Like The Movies” which is a rich silver with an edge, “Last Friday Night” is a bright blue with fierce glitter, and of course the uber-popular “Black Shatter”–a black top coat with a broken-glass effect which is so chic! Katy’s colors are hot, fresh and in demand by ladies of all ages! (select retail stores, from $5)

Ruched Sublimation Top by Body Central – An airy top with cool shades of mauves and pinks make this pullover easy to wear and a must-have in your closet. A deep v-necked front keeps it sexy, the long-waisted length keeps is practical. Finally, imagine the top being immersed in shimmery silver dots and you have this top that is great for day or nighttime wear. Still a little too cold outside to wear this short-sleeved top alone? Just throw on a lightweight cardigan without it losing its jazzy appeal! (bodyc.com, $19.80)

Believe it or not, the weatherman has predicted I will be getting 6-10” of snow for this evening. No… really. This is not going to deter me from thinking about the brighter days of spring on their way, however. My new scents, shades and fashions will look great when the pastel tulips and the green grass begin to show their weary heads. But until then… *sigh*… I will see what I can do to match up my new February finds with some winter-friendly boots and some warm and cozy gloves. Who knows–maybe I’ll even paint my snow shovel pink. With flowers.

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