L'ORÉAL Energizing Dry Shampoo

I wanted to share with you my newest hair obsession, L'ORÉAL's Energizing Dry Shampoo.  This talc-free formula provides an all day refresh style with a matte texture.  Dry shampoo should offer a great scent and extend the time between shampoos, allowing you to style your hair as if you just washed it.  I have tried several dry shampoos and while some have smelled great, they did a poor job of absorbing oil.  I believe Oscar Blandi's dry shampoo smells great (like sweetened lemons) however, for the price point it does not do as good of a job at absorbing oil.  I bought L'ORÉAL's new EverStyle because I heard it smelled great.  Well, it not only smells amazing, but it's the best dry shampoo at absorbing oil.

L'ORÉAL Energizing Dry Shampoo, $7.

L'ORÉAL Energizing Dry Shampoo (Front Label Description), $7.

L'ORÉAL's new EverStyle keeps hair looking refreshed and full of volume.  The purple can is easy to work with and after a few shakes, it sprays the dry shampoo evenly.  The smell is fresh and sweet leaving my thick hair look as if I had just washed it.  Sometimes second day hair can fall flat with the wight of the styling products, and instead, this adds volume to the roots making my second day hair look even better than the first day. 

L'ORÉAL Energizing Dry Shampoo (Back Label Description), $7.

L'ORÉAL's EverStyle is 100% vegan, talc-free, uses no silicones, and has no synthetic dyes.  As the bottle says, the EverStyle Dry Shampoo cleanses and refreshes hair for ease of styling.  The talc-free formula has micronized minerals, and renews hair by instantly absorbing excess oil and helps neutralize odor, extending the life of any style.  Directions say to shake well and hold the can 6-8 inches from hair.  Spray lightly throughout dry hair concentrating at the roots.  Re-apply as needed.  Brush out, then style as usual.

I love that this dry shampoo is vegan and the formula is not tested on animals with no animal byproducts.  It's good on all hair types and hair colors.  The matte finish blends in well, and does not leave any white residue.  Overall, this product has saved me time and money styling my hair, leaving it volumized and smooth.  Have you had a chance to try L'ORÉAL Energizing Dry Shampoo?  Do you have any dry shampoos that you prefer?  I'd love to hear what you've tried and what has worked best for you.  Leave your comments below.

XOXO,

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the L'ORÉAL brand or L'ORÉAL products. 

Essie Nail Polish Collections

I am someone constantly changing my nail color, and maybe like you, I don't like to wait longer than a week before applying a new nail color.  I have definitely experimented lately with the stiletto nails, nail designs, and multiple nail colors on the same hand.  With Essie's most recent nail polish collections, I am thrilled to say the colors and nail treatments do not disappoint.  I recently purchased two different base coats and a top coat.  

Essie Grow Faster, First Base, and No Chips Ahead, $8.

First up- (the most important part of polishing your nails) the base coat.  I refuse to polish my nails without using a base coat.  I just believe that a little goes a long way in preventing a darker polish from staining my nails, and in preventing chips and cracks from happening.  When I ran out of my Deborah Lippmann base coat, I was hesitant to give the Essie Grow Faster and the Essie First Base a try. 

Essie Grow Faster, $8.

Essie Grow Faster Bottle, $8.

I recently switched from acrylic stiletto nails to my natural less attention-grabbing nails.  Since we all know that acrylics can severely thin and damage your nails, I felt that I needed to give the Essie Grow Faster a try.  In using a thicker than normal base coat which promotes nail growth, my intentions were to grow my natural nails back to their full thickness.  The Essie Grow Faster base coat does exactly that!  It is a much thicker base coat than I am used to wearing and every nail polish coat that follows should be thin, in order for every coat to dry completely.  As the bottle instructs, apply one coat as a base.  Follow with two coats of Essie color and one coat of Essie top coat.

When using Essie Grow Faster Base Coat, I recommend waiting until each nail polish coat dries prior to applying the next layer.  Overall, I should have my naturally strong nails back in no time with the help of this base coat!

Essie First Base, $8.

Essie First Base (Packaging and actual bottle), $8.

When my nails finally do return to their original pre-acrylic condition, I plan to switch back to this less adhessive base coat- Essie First Base.  The color transfer is sheer and light, and promotes lasting nail color, no nail staining, and less chips.  This is amazing at drying quickly with a sheer layer, allowing for your nail color to apply smoothly and last longer.  The Essie First Base packaging promises to help protect from damage, helps prevent breakage, and provides a smooth surface for ideal color application.

Essie No Chips Ahead, $8.

Essie No Chips Ahead (Packaging and Actual Bottle), $8.

Essie's No Chips Ahead is the final coat that gives all your hard work a lasting finish.  This glossy top coat seals the nail color and prevents chipping throughout the week.  I would recommend using this top coat for touch-ups if you notice any wear, so you can have more shine until it's time to change your nail color again.  This top coat packaging claims to resist chipping and peeling while extending the manicure for days.  Personally, I love that it dries quickly too.

Essie Nail Polishes (From Top Left to Right) Bottle Service, The More The Merrier, In The Cabana, First Timer, DJ Play That Song, and Sunday Funday, $8.

With the summer season in full swing, Essie's newest nail collection bring all the excitement with their clever names and bold colors!  Personally I can't help but look at the range of new colors and feel like I'm appropriately set for a shaded cabana on the beach.  Wherever your plans are to visit this summer, you are sure to find a color to fit the mood within the newest collections consisting of Summer 2013, Neons 2013 and Resort 2013.

Essie Nail Polishes (From Top Left to Right) Bottle Service, The More The Merrier, In the cabana, First Timer, DJ Play That Song, and Sunday Funday, $8.

Look at how bold and beautiful they are!  My personal favorite is The More The Merrier and In The Cabana.

Essie Apricot (Cuticle Oil), $8.

Essie Apricot (Cuticle Oil), $8.

Once all of the nails coats are dried and sealed, I love to carry my new Essie Apricot in my purse for cuticle touch-ups.  This easy to apply cuticle oil smells delicious and is sure to last.  It is recommended for use twice a day to refresh and nourish the cuticles with moisture.  You can massage the oil in just a little too in order to get staying results.  I love that the bottle resembles that of the nail polishes, since it fits perfectly with the rest of my Essie nail polish collection.

My Essie Nail Collection

My Essie Nail Collection

Do not judge, I have been using Essie nail polishes for years!  I love the color pigmentation and the consistency of the polish.  The colors and names are creative and with each new collection released, I am always bound to find a color worth trying.  Do you have an impressive nail polish collection?  Is there a nail polish brand you love as well?  I would love to hear about your favorite top coats.  Please comment below!

XOXO, 

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the Essie brand or Essie nail products. 

MAC's Temperature Rising Is Sure to Bring the Heat

The temperature has risen and with MAC's gorgeous new shades, I could not even shy away from the deep bronzers and shimmery tones.  On maccosmetics.com, Temperature Rising Bronzing is described as a sensual collection of rich, golden bronzers sure to make temperatures rise.  MAC Bronzing Powder illuminates with gorgeous highlights, while Bronzing Oil's botanical blend lavishes skin with moisture.  Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder provides a stunning sheen all evening long, and Strobe Liquid flashes a sexy afterglow.

MAC, Temperature Rising

Above are some of the items I recently purchased from the line.  The packaging on the boxes are a luxurious chocolate color.  In addition, the compacts' and lipsticks' exteriors are a smooth, velvety bronze tone, making for a perfect addition to the many MAC collections that are simply beautiful to look at- even lying at the bottom of your make-up bag.  As a side note, the chocolate brown reminds me of the the rich brown tones that you find in a Luis Vuitton bag or Henri Bendal tote.

MAC, Temperature Rising Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Sun Dipped, $30.

This long wearing bronzer in Sun Dipped has been a popular bronzer in the collection, offering a natural shade that is easy to blend and build the color.  There is a subtle shimmer to the shade, however the color transfer is more transparent allowing the shade to build with more applications.  This appears to be a universally flattering shade with soft red/orange undertones.

MAC, Temperature Rising Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Nude on Board, $30.

Nude on Board is a favorite of mine, as I have purchased this before in another MAC limited edition collection.  Although Nude on Board is a limited edition, I wanted to purchase another compact since I use this everyday to build up my contour.  This is a more obvious bronze tone and when applied to my skin it offers a smooth transfer, which I find unusual for most bronzers.

MAC, Temperature Rising Lipstick in Caliente (Dazzle), $16.50.

MAC, Temperature Rising Lipstick in Caliente (Dazzle), $16.50.

I simply died over this lipstick and had to purchase two!  It has a range of shades, depending on the angle that you look at the tube.  There are small sparkles to the lipstick, however the consistency is smooth on your lips and does not feel the least bit grainy or rough.  I was able to wear this shade all day with no drying or color fading.  Overall, this was an unexpected find but another universally flattering shade!

MAC, Temperature Rising Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Life's Luxury, $21.

My final indulgence in this MAC collection was the Powerchrome Eye Pencil.  The color transparency is great and the color can be used as a shimmery base to any eye shadow, as a eye liner, or used to blend a smokey eye.

MAC, Temperature Rising Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Life's Luxury, $21.

One swatch on my wrist and the color did not come off easily.  The Powerchome blends well, but offers a dry pencil that is more of a stain compared to other kohl pencils that blend to a cream.  MAC's Temperature Rising is a perfect collection for Summer and is sure to bring the heat with flattering sexy shades of gold, bronze and shimmer.  One tip: be sure to keep cool drinks nearby as this collection is sure to raise the temperature.

Have you purchased anything from MAC lately, maybe even from this collection?  What are your thoughts on Temperature Rising as it offers bronzing Pro Longwear Powders and perfect jewels tones? If you have tried any of the eyeshadow quads, I would love to hear your thoughts on this too!

XOXO,

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the MAC brand or Temperature Rising products. 

Jergens Natural Glow DAILY MOISTURIZER

I live in southern California so when the weather warms up, many of us want to look tan as it only seems fit for the sunny season.  If you don't live in California, you may still want to look like you just came back from a nice vacation- possibly to California.

Well, as most of us know, tanning can cause premature signs of aging and skin cancer.  Since skin cancer runs in my family and most of us DO NOT want to look older faster, I have opted to try Jergens Natural Glow DAILY MOISTURIZER to create a medium, yet gradual look of color.  I purchased the Medium to Tan tube in comparison to to the Light to Medium tube, and I am extremely satisfied with the color payoff.

Jergens Natural Glow DAILY MOISTURIZER, $12.

The packaging has a small pink sticker that reads, "Finally!  Great color without the odor!"  There is a very minimal odor to the moisturizer and it is a "revitalizing formula with vitamins and antioxidants".

When first beginning use with the Jergens Natural Glow, you will notice a slight color as it gradually begins to tan your skin.  As the picture above shows, the starting point will be light as it then builds to a medium tan after several days.  With regular use, you should reach a darker shade after one week.  Personally, I like to minimally add the moisturizer so the color build-up does not occur too quickly.  I do not use the moisturizer every day, but rather every other day or every two days.

It is very important when using any self-tanner to completely exfoliate and shave prior to adding more on each time.  This will prevent any dry skin from absorbing too much of the product, and it will also prevent any rough patches from flaking off and causing an uneven tanning result.

As the directions say: For best results, use daily as your body lotion.  Smooth on evenly and completely.  Use sparingly on knees, elbows and ankles.  Allow several minutes to dry prior to dressing.  Wash your hands after application.  You will begin to see a subtle development of color within several days.  If color change is not as noticeable as desired, apply more frequently.

Jergens has also created the Jergens Natural Glow FACE DAILY MOISTURIZER SUNSCREEN to complete your all-over glow, which I am excited to try next!  Have any of you tried a self-tanner?  What are your favorite self-tanning brands?

XOXO,

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the Jergens brand or products. 

Recent Necklace and Bracelet Purchases!

Have I told you lately how obsessed with jewelry I am?  Well, I am.  I have to give my grandmother credit for my taste in jewelry because as far back as I can remember she would always have an arrangement of cocktail rings on her fingers to match her shiny bracelets.  She notice my admiration for jewelry early on and has gifted me several of her pieces.  To this day I am so grateful for her sense of style as she will always be an inspiration to me.

More recently, I have come across two different jewelry designers who sell their items online.  These pieces are classic in style and great to pair with simple clothing collar lines as they can completely transform an outfit.  My first purchase was from ellandemm.com.  Ellandemm offers both necklaces and bracelets on their website.  My two most recent purchases are shown below.

From left to right, Emmie Rose Gold and Pink $43.50 and Sophia Collar Necklace, $44.50.

Alone, the necklaces makes quite the statement, or you may style them as I have, and layer the necklace for a bold look.

Audrey Classic, $39.50.

Another purchase I made at ellandemm.com was the Audrey Classic Necklace shown above.  This screams classic Hollywood glamour as it ties with two black felt ribbons.  This necklace may also be purchased in silver or silver smoked (a darker grey tone jewel).

Reva- Grey Crystal Rock Double Chain Necklace, $68.

Christy creates the most gorgeous necklaces and bracelets sold on her etsy.com shop, Butter & Scotch.  I purchased this necklace above to add a little rocker edge to my collection.  There are two chains of copper and silver with Swarovski crystals dangling in the center of the copper chain.  The entire necklace fastens with a lobster clasp closure.

Coco, Super Chunky Bracelet, $18.

Third from the left, The Harlow Bracelet, $65.

Also from Butter and Scotch I purchased the two bracelets shown in gold and platinum.  These are the perfect everyday bracelet to be worn alone, or stacked as I have.  Both are chunky enough to make a statement and offer great versatility in mixing with different styles.

Do you have favorite jewelry pieces that you resort to for an everyday look?  Is there a brand or look that you prefer?  I would love to know where you buy your jewelry and how you style it!  Please leave your comments below!

XOXO,

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the ellandemm or Butter and Scotch brand or products.  All of the items shown I have purchased for myself.

Nivea Lip Butter and Creme

I cannot resist buying new lip products.  And when a new line comes in such colorful packaging, it's even harder for me to pass up the opportunity to add a new lip butter to my collection.  Nivea has created an array of small circular tins containing a soft, buttery-like lip creme.  I stopped myself at buying just two of the four new flavors of lip butters.  The two flavors that I have purchased are the Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss and Raspberry Rosé Kiss.  The two additional flavors that can be purchased are the Nivea Lip Butter in Smooth Kiss and the Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Creme Kiss.  

Similar in container, yet in a solid blue tin (great for stashing on-the-go) is also the Nivea Creme to be used all over, and as the packaging says, it is "the original skin moisturizing creme, helps your skin stay soft and supple.  Ideal for daily use for all intensive moisturizing needs."  I had to purchase this as well to add to my Nivea Lip Butter purchases.

From left to right, top to bottom: Nivea Creme, Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rosé Kiss, and Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss, open lip butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss.

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rosé Kiss, $4.

Whenever a lip balm, butter, or other lip product is in a tin, I usually dislike sticking my fingers inside the same tin over and over again, and therefore pass on purchasing the product.  With this small, shallow tin, I am actually able to apply the butter directly on my lips without dipping my fingers into the tin.  Yay!!  And the Raspberry Rosé Kiss flavor smell so delicious, with a slight pink color to the balm.  The pink transfers sheer onto the lips, but offers a great scent while it moisturizes.

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss, $4.

If you opt for a more subtle flavor, the Macadamia adds a warm scent to the balm, reminding a little of something I would love to wear in the fall.  It too is sheer in shade, but smells great alone, or worn underneath a lipstick.

Nivea Creme, $4.

This Creme has a more whipped-like consistency, almost that of lotion in a tin.  I think this concept is great for a multipurpose type of use, similar to my earlier post on the Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream.  It's great for travel and transporting in a small clutch, purse or make-up bag.

Overall, I am very satisfied with Nivea's small tins, as they all offer a great scent and a compact, sweet packaging.  Maybe I will be purchasing the other two flavors in the Lip Butters!

What do you think of these Lip Butters?  Do they remind you of any products you have tried before?  Have you ever used a Nivea product before, and if so, what is your favorite?  I would love to read about your opinions on these stylish tins and delicious flavors! 

XOXO,

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the Nivea brand or products.

URBAN DECAY Naked Flushed

The URBAN DECAY NAKED collection of eyeshadow palettes has led me to my most recent URBAN DECAY Naked Flushed purchase consisting of three shades of blush.  With the success of the NAKED line, how could I resist, right?!  This travel ready compact is great for on-the-go touch-ups, and although I was nervous to stray away from my current favorite highlighter, I am not disappointed.  The pay-off is great, and there is a slight silky finish to the bronzer, highlighter, and blush.  The bronzer has buildable coverage- great for contouring and the blush is a great rose pink shade for summer tans.  I was most curious to try the highlighter and voila!  The shimmer particles are small in size, yet reflect light perfectly.

 According to Sephora.com, Naked Flushed is a silky bronzer, highlighter, and blush in a sleek, travel-ready compact.  The bronzer is a medium bronze satin; the highlighter is a soft pink champagne shimmer; the blush is a dusty rose satin with a hint of shimmer; and they are all full-sized.  It all comes in a sleek case with an easy-open magnetic closure and a big mirror that is compact enough for travel or mid-date touch-ups.

Urban Decay, Naked Flushed, $30.

The rectangular compact comes with a mirror and appears to be perfect for my Spring and Summer travels.  Suddenly looking at this bronze and rose gold packaging has me yearning for a day at the beach.

Swatches from left to right: bronze color, highlight color and pink color.

What do you lovlies think of this blush palette?  Do you have a favorite Urban Decay product or palette?  I would love to hear your opinions, please comment below.

XOXO,

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the URBAN DECAY brand or products.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Create the perfect light for your face and complexion.  Hourglass has created six flattering Ambient Lighting Powders for your face allowing for the perfect reflection of light, and radiance.  This universally flattering range of powders allows you to choose between lighter shades of highlight, to a more warm contour.  Both the Ethereal Light and Diffused Light powders can be used as a shine eliminator.  With the power of contouring to shape and define our faces becoming more popular, Hourglass' Lighting Powder help show the contrast between the contour and the highlight while giving an overall radiant glow.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, $45 each.

Choose between the following six shades of powder:

Ethereal Light: A soft white powder used to mimic a moonlit glow

Diffused Light: A soft yellow used to counteract redness and to use under the eyes for a brighter lift

Dim Light: A soft beige, ranging in the neutral shade to blur harsh lines

Mood Light: A soft pink to brighten dark circles under the eyes, and give an overall light flush

Luminous Light: A soft pink with pearl tones to mimic a candlelight during day and night

Radiant Light: A warmer tone of bronzing with subtle golden tones

Optional Ambient Powder Brush Sold Separately, $35.

Ambient Lighting Powder in Radient Light, $45.

Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light, $45.

Diffused Light

Radient Light

I chose to purchase both the Diffused Light and Radient Light while swatching the range of colors at Sephora.  I pictured using the Diffused Light all over my face to catch light and cancel out any redness. I can also choose to concentrate the color on the lighter shades on my face after highlighting and contouring.  With the Radient Light shade, I love the way it adds structure to my cheekbones and  reflects with the softer bronze hue.

To shop any of the Hourglass products, please shop Hourglass Cosmetics.

What do you think about this collection?  Let me know your thoughts on how you use the range of colors with your everyday look.  I would love to read your comments below.

XOXO, 

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the Hourglass Cosmetics brand or products.

Victor & Rolf: Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose

Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray is a floral jolt of romantic and glamourous notes.  The original Flowerbomb contains notes of sambic jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid and patchouli.  The new, limited edition release of Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose has the same seduction powers of the original. 

Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose, $80.

With notes of Tangerine, Bergamot, Tea, Pink Pepper, Lily of the Valley, Freesia, Centifolia Rose, Amber and Patchouli, this scent is more refreshing with a similar floral scent.  Reviewers have compared this to Prada's Candy Eau de Parfum.  Overall, the bottle is similar in shape holding a lighter, more citric scent.

Although many may be sad this is a limited edition fragrance, it is definitely suitable for Spring and Summer.  With the original Flowerbomb two squirts went a long way, however my only gripe thus far about this new edition is that it does not have the same staying power.  Four squirts my get you through lunch time.  Even though I bought this perfume from Sephora.com without having ever smelled it, and purchased this based on the original, I have been very happy with the lighter scent to get me through Summer and being able to wear it to the office.  Plus, I still get compliments on this version of Flowerbomb.

To shop Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose, visit Sephora.com.

What is your favorite perfume and did they make multiple versions or limited editions of it too?  Please comment below, I would love to hear your opinions!

XOXO,

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the Victor & Rolf brand or products.

Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil Review: Argan Infinity Cream & Argan Balm

Josie Maran's Argan Infinity Cream and Josie Maran's Argan Balm are both from Josie Maran's beauty line inspired by natural and cruelty free products.  The Argan Infinity Cream and the Argan Balm both exceed their purpose of hydrating the skin.  The Argan Balm is infused with Argan Oil and contains a source of antioxidants and vitamin E.  Both boxes are labeled as their contents being organic, natural, cruelty free, paraben free and toxin free.

According to the Argan Infinity packaging, the Creme does all of the following: 

Deeply moisturize dry areas of the face

Soothe irritated skin caused by rosacea, wind, or sunburn

Soften elbows, heels, and other rough patches

Keep stray eyebrows in place

Smooth flyaways

Use as a nighttime moisturizer

Prevent razor burn and irritation

Prevent skin dehydration during airline travel

Apply as a lip conditioner before lipstick

Apply over lip stain for a silky finish

Lightly dab on eyelids before applying eye shadow

Apply before or after using cheek stain to improve blendability

Transform powder eye shadow or pigment into a cream by mixing with Infinity Cream

Mix with a powder luminizer to create a light, shimmery lip balm

Tap and smooth to hydrate the delicate skin, under the eyes or revive concealer

Use as a subtle face highlighter to illuminate cheekbones, lips and brow bones

Mix with powder blush to create a silky cream blush or colored lip balm

Hydrate and plump dry, swollen undereyes

Apply to fingertips and toes to hydrate and soften cuticles

Quench skin post-sunburn

Argan Infinity Cream, $28.

There is a very light scent to both products, as it reminds me of a soft lemon fragrance.  Personally, I love the Argan balm to stash in my clutch or purse as an alternative to chapstick, lip balm, or for multi-purpose use as a cuticle oil or to maintain flyaways.  The Argan Infinity Cream tube is useful near by bedside nightstand to moisturize any dry areas on my skin before going to sleep.

Argan Balm, $42.

To shop any of the Josie Maran products, please visit Josie Maran Cosmetics.

Thanks for reading, and I would love to hear if you've thought about trying or have tried any of the Josie Maran products.

XOXO,

Nicole Veronica

All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the Josie Maran brand or products.