Nail Polish Organization & Essentials

Today's post is all about nail polish - how I organize my collection, and what I think are the essentials for a pretty at-home manicure. I've never been particularly obsessed with nail polish, but I do like to have painted nails.  

I like to keep everything I need in a shower caddy - it's portable and it keeps everything organized and easy to find. I like being able to take everything with me to the tv room or outside, or wherever I want to paint my nails. Also, I store the caddy in my closet to save space in my dressing table. The only negative is that it collects quite a bit of dust. But luckily, everything is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

My at-home manicure essentials:

1. Nail Polish Remover - an essential! I like to keep this medium-sized bottle in my caddy and refill it from a larger bottle I keep in the bathroom. I use the Target brand Strengthening Nail Polish Remover. Underneath the bottle, I keep a few cotton pads.
2. Nail Files & Cuticle Pushers - pretty self explanatory! 
3. Nail Clippers, Toe Separaters, and Cuticle Creme - again, these tools kind of explain themselves! 
4. Nail Polish - some of my favorite brands are Wet & Wild, Revlon, and Sally Hansen.
5. Manicure Ideas - I've pulled these little booklets out of magazines. They're great for inspiration when you're feeling bored with your polishes. 

And that's it! This organizing solution has worked for me for years. It's convenient to have everything in one place, and to have everything visible. 

How do you store/organize your nail polish collection? What are your manicure essentials?

XOXO

April Beauty Favorites

 

This April I didn't wear makeup very often, but when I did, I wanted to look fresh-faced with just a flush of color on the cheeks and lips. I have quite dry skin, so even as the temperatures rise I still need products that are going to moisturize and offer a dewy - not matte - finish. 

 

My sister kindly bought me this Tarte Maracuja Oil for my birthday, and I've been using it each night as a moisturizer. It really sinks into your skin, and instead of waking up greasy (like some moisturizers will do), you wake up with a hydrated glow. I also picked up this Rimmel Match Perfection foundation in 101 Classic Ivory, as I was needing a new base. I wanted something a little thicker than my tinted moisturizer, but lighter than some of the fuller coverage products I have. This is the perfect lightweight liquid. I love to mix it with the Maracuja Oil for a little added moisture and to prevent the foundation from clinging to my dryer patches. 

I purchased these two polishes in a set, for it was about 25% cheaper and I wanted to try them out! They're the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polishes in Sugar Fix (such a beautiful blue!) and the Top Coat. This is the only shade I have at the moment, but I am SO impressed with the formula that I definitely want to pick up more. This polish lasted two full weeks on my nails. There was a little chipping by that point, but I'm used to my polish chipping on day two, so this formula is definitely a winner! If you're going to try these polishes out, I would recommend waiting until the color is completely dry before adding the top coat or it will pull some of the color away. I'm not usually one to spend more than 3-4$ on a polish, but these are definitely worth the price! 

Oh blush... I think I'm still learning how to wear blush without looking like a clown, but this blush is practically fool-proof. It's Benefit's Hervana Blush and it's gorgeous! It is a very subtle cool toned blush with shimmer, so it's perfect for wearing on the cheekbones as a highlighter/blush combo. I may have bought it because it reminds me of Scooby Doo Push Pops (anyone?), but it really is a lovely shade to add just the slightest flush of color and a little highlight. 

What were your favorite products this April? What's your go-to Spring look?

XOXO

Spring 2015 Nail Polish Faves

Nail polish trends seem to shift as often as fashion trends these days. Each season, new colors, designs, and styles are seen on the runway and red carpet. I'm not one to follow trends blindly, but I do enjoy finding inspiration from the color palettes, textures, and trends of each new season.

This spring, I've noticed an interesting, mixed color palette of pastels and brights. Bright apple reds and periwinkle blues, or mint greens with hot pinks. Neutrals, like army green and camel (think 70s earth tones), are also big for the upcoming seasons. 

I love Revlon's "Flirt" (250), a gorgeous lilac shade that works with both neutrals and brights. I've been obsessed with this color since last summer! I also love Revlon's "Ravishing" (675), a classic red that sits perfectly between the deeper reds of fall/winter and the neon corals of summer. 

For a barely-there nail look, Sally Hansen's "Almost Almond" (310) is the perfect choice. The formula is opaque enough to avoid the streakiness that some other light polishes create. Just one to two coats and you have a beautiful mani that goes with everything! 

I also want to mention Essence's Express Dry Drops - they are seriously the best! They are super affordable and dry nail polish so quickly. I usually place 1-2 drops on each nail after I'm done applying color, and sometimes I skip top coat! The drops leave your nails smooth and shiny and your cuticles moisturized. 

What are your favorite polishes for spring? I'm always looking for new colors!

XOXO