Are You Ready for the Glam Finale?!

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It's December, which means it's time for holiday partying, and all the glitter and glam that goes along with it. The new Glam Finale collection from China Glaze has a great mix of colors and finishes, and a few colors you'll want to wear all year long; they'll see from from Deck the Halls to Auld Lang Syne and everything (and party) in between! Hit the jump to see swatches and pick out your favorites!

Santa Shops in Summerlin!

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Do you ever wonder how Santa always finds the perfect gifts every year? I'm convinced that he must shop at Downtown Summerlin, because I found quite a few things to add to my wishlist during an awesome event with some of Las Vegas' top bloggers that was hosted by the fabulous Christie Moeller! Hit the jump to check out all the awesome stops on our Downtown Summerlin journey, and to see some of my picks (and purchases!) for gifts this year!

Holiday Gift Guide for Beauty Lovers with Neiman Marcus!

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Wondering what to get me for Christmas? This post will have all sorts of hints for what this ginger wouldn't mind seeing under her tree this year. (If we get one! Not sure a Bulldog and a Christmas tree will mix well! Haha) I suppose these gift ideas will be good for any beauty lover in your life if you've already found that perfect gift for me though. :D

Saks Fifth Avenue & the Secrets of Holiday Shopping

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So Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and Christmas decorations have been out since before the first piece of candy was doled out the wandering ghosts and goblins, but guys, it's crunch time. We only have a little over a month left until Christmas...and if you're anything like me, you're a procrastinator. Luckily, Saks and the Fashion Show Mall here in Las Vegas has us late shoppers covered!

Read on to see some fun gift ideas for the beauty and fashion lover in your life, and tips and secrets on how to make your shopping experience at Fashion Show a painless and productive one!

Costumes and Cuisine!

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Stephanie of Allthingsbeautifulxo.com as a mermaid, and me as a flapper! :)

Halloween is over, but I keep thinking back to the recent blogger get-together at a relatively new restaurant in downtown Las Vegas called 7th and Carson. Costume? Check. My girls? Check. Delicious brunch menu? Check. Hand-crafter cocktails? Check. Handsome chef? Double check. Read on to hear all about the amazing brunch menu at this cool new restaurant and about our skincare event sponsors!

Sally Hansen Salon Chrome Review

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Crazy for chrome? Itching to get that mirror-like finish on your tips, but don't want to deal with LED-cured gel? Well, Sally Hansen just came out with a new kit that allows you to bring that shiny salon effect home! The new Salon Chrome sets aim to give you the reflective chrome finish on a regular polish–no light curing needed! This kit comes in 4 reflective colors: Peacock, Mermaid, Gunmetal, and Rose Gold, and retail for $15.99. Each kit contains the special effect topcoat, the chrome powder, and a sponge-tipped applicator. In addition to the kit, you'll need the corresponding Sally Hansen Miracle Gel color, as well as the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel topcoat. I was sent the kit in Peacock and Rose Gold to try out for this post– hit the jump to see what I thought!

Following the instructions for the kits, I applied two thin coats of the Miracle Gel polish in Frill Seeker for the Rose Gold kit, and Blacky O for the Peacock kit. I then allowed it to dry until tacky, about 2-3 minutes. This is tricky. Too short, and you smudge everything and have to start over...too long, and the powder doesn't stick very well. Once the polish is tacky, but doesn't leave a mark when you lightly touch it, dip the applicator in the powder and GENTLY rub onto the surface of the nail. GENTLE is the key. I actually found (after testing multiple times) that if I applied the powder and let it sit for a sec, and then massaged into the nail with my fingertip, I got better coverage and a better 'chrome' effect.

Next, apply a super thin coat of the Special Effects topcoat and let it dry for 5 minutes. Be careful with this, if it's too thick, even after 5 minutes, when you apply the Miracle Gel topcoat, it will drag and smear the special effects topcoat and make the surface look all lumpy.

Seal everything with the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel topcoat and let dry. To remove all the excess powder from the surrounding skin, I simply washed my hands! :) Easy peasy.

Now, for my thoughts. 

While this is a great alternative for those who are reluctant to use light-cured gel, it doesn't really give the exact same effect. While this product DOES look fairly reflective and duochrome-y from an arm's length, up close, it's more like a sparkly duochrome. Of the two I tried, the Peacock was much more chrome-like, but I was very surprised by how much I liked the Rose Gold kit, considering I'm not much of a pink gal. It has a warm, coppery reflect to it, which I totally dig. I also noticed that the chrome effect was far more prominent before adding the Miracle Gel topcoat, which made it more sparkly than solid. Still super pretty though, and I got lots of compliments!

The kit did take a little bit of trial and error to figure out, but once I got the hang of the timing, it's actually fairly easy, and my fingertip worked way better for the application of the powder than the sponge applicator. Now for the photos:

Rose Gold:




Peacock:




4 different combinations (I tried the suggested pairing, and then switched the effects and used them over the opposite base colors as well) Shown from index-pinky: Peacock over Blacky O, Rose Gold over Blacky O, Peacock over Frill Seeker, and Rose Gold over Frill Seeker:




What do you think? Will you swap out your light-cured gel next time you are seeking that shiny chrome-like finish, or are you unconvinced? Tell me in the comments!


Disclosure: Products in this post were sent to me by the manufacturer for review. All opinions are my own.

Mega Beauty Blog Hop Giveaway!

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Who doesn't love a giveaway?! I know I do! (I never win, but that's because I'm unlucky! :D) Today, as part of a THIRTY-FIVE blogger super mega ultra giveaway, I'm giving away my newest obsession...the Too Faced Just Peachy mattes palette! It's recently become an absolute staple in my makeup routine, because the shadows are so pigmented, and they are surprisingly velvety! I've been wearing this nearly every day since I got it, and I think I've finally used every color, lol! My favorites are Peach Tea, Peach Punch, Peach Sangria, and Peach Tart, since they go well with my blue eyes and gingery hair! :D

Below is your chance to win this awesome palette (valued at $45!) ----AND $350 cash if you enter every blogger's giveaway! WHHHHHHAAAATTTT!??!!  Score.

See more information about the cash giveaway and find out all the other bloggers and prizes in the information after the jump.

Girl's Night Outback!

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Thunder From Down Under flatlay

That accent...those abs...those nails?! Wait. How do those things go together? Well, the Vegas Lifestyle Influencers had one heck of a Girls Night Outback at the Thunder From Down Under show at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, and OF COURSE I had to do nails to match! I mean, obviously, right?! I've made it no secret that I'm a sucker for a nice smile and killer set of abs, but add an accent on to that beautiful package and I'm 100% sold. In today's post we're going to focus on not only the nails, but I'm going to share a little about the show with you, too!

Thunder From Down Under, flags Australian, nail art

The nails:

To commemorate the night, I decided to do some nail art inspired by the homeland of these musclebound hunks, so I painted my nails with the Australian flag, which is a royal blue flag with the Union Jack in the upper left corner, a 7-pointed star in the lower left (known as the Commonwealth Star), and the Southern Cross, a constellation containing four 7-pointed stars and one small 5-pointed star on the right half of the flag. Man. Those 7-pointed stars are something else to paint, and there are SO MANY OF THEM. I hope those boys liked 'em! :D

I used Londontown Lakur in Paddington Blue, Londontown Lakue Double the Deck, and white acrylic paint for this design, and it took for damn ever. :-D Totally worth it for the photo op below alllll by itself. Hahaha.

Thunder From Down Under, flags Australian, nail art
Photo taken by Stephanie of AllThingsBeautifulXO.com

OK, now for the show. If you don't want to see some butt action, and some other skin (nothing too bad), I wouldn't recommend hitting the jump. :)

****WARNING: PARTIAL NUDITY AND SEVERAL SEXUAL INNUENDOS AHEAD ðŸ˜‚ ****

Red Carpet Manicure Color Dip Nail Dip Powder Review

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When I dip, you dip, we dip. We Color Dip, that is.

Good luck getting that one out of your head. Just sayin.

Red Carpet Manicure, dip powder, Color dip, nail powder


Gelish Matadora 2017 Collection Swatches

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Matadora, Spanish inspired, Morgan Taylor, Gelish

Now that Summer has officially started, I am 100% ready for fall. Fall has always been my favorite season...I love the colors, the smells, and most of all, the temperature. We're positively melting here in Vegas–on Tuesday it was 118º, so it's no wonder that I am looking forward to fall! I'm not sure why I chose Las Vegas as my home, I've always hated the heat, and this place is B-R-U-T-A-L.

In hopes of speeding autumn my way, I have the Gelish Matadora collection for fall to show you today! This collection will be available in August, and you're definitely going to want to pick up this Spanish inspired color set! Hit the jump for swatches!

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab American Gods Swatches and Review

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What comes to mind when you think of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab? For me, it's vials of potions and scents that are completely unique. I have a few of their scents, one of which was made for the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, and it has notes of old books (my fav!), leather, balsam, and raw vanilla. As soon as I read the description, I knew that I had to have it. But, I digress, we're not here to talk about fragrances today, we're here to talk about the amazing new American Gods nail polish collection that is amazing from the candy pink crelly of Easter to the chartreuse and gold glitter of Coin Trick. Come with me, and we'll travel the world of Neil Gaiman's American Gods after the jump!

Are you Satisfied With Your Care?

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Isn't it weird how one minute you're doing something, and the next, something worms its way so firmly in your brain that you have no choice but to drop what you're doing?

Hit the jump for more!

Donald J Pliner Forum Shops & Dopamind Boxing Fundraiser Event!

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Donald J Pliner, event, Dopamind, boxing

SHOES. They're my one TRUE love...sorry Chris, if you're reading this. They've always been there for me, and even through pain, and sometimes blisters, my love is unconditional. I love them all, heels and flats, wedges (even though I suck at walking in them) and platforms, even stilettos. The only shoe that I just can't get behind is the kitten heel. I just don't understand it, but I digress.

Last night there was an event that really was a perfect fit for me. It was at the Donald J Pliner store here in Las Vegas, so it satisfied my love of shoes, but it was also paired with something that tugged my heartstrings–an organization that works with people who have Parkinson's disease, and having a close family member afflicted by it, I was SO happy to be able to be a part of it.

Please hit the jump to read more about the event, the shoes, and the amazing organization!

#CincodeColor Event at COLOR Salon by Michael Boychuck

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It's the 5th of May, what's a girl to do? Does she find the nearest taco truck (I'm game!), does she find the closest sombrero (NOPE!), or does she hang out at one of the 100 best salons in the country (as voted by Elle magazine) and indulge in festive margaritas with multi-colored sugary rims and glittery lips to match?! I think you know where this is going. Mmmm, tequila.

Hit the jump for photos and more about the event!

Geometric Vibes with Cácee Timeless Lacquer

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Today I have a new to me brand, Cácee (pronounced [kah•shay]), and I'm delighted to show it to you! I got to try out 10 colors and their base and top coats, and I have to say, I'm pretty darn impressed! I got to try a variety of finishes, from foil to glitter to creme and back, and they were all great!

To better showcase the colors I received, I'm going to split them up over a couple of posts and show off some nail art featuring them as well as the swatches! Today I am featuring Gray as You Go, Far & Oasis, and Bright Summers with some geometric nail art! I had the idea to use the colors to create radiating vibrations from the geometric shapes. It kind of reminds me of wifi or something. Good goooood good good vibrations!

Hit the jump for swatches and more!

Jesse's Girl Julie G Spring 3-Pack - Set 3 Swatches


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It's tax day...April 18th. You know what that means? It means that I officially filed my taxes late last night. :D Nothing like procrastinating, right?! However, if you're more of a procrastinator than I am, you still officially have 3 hours and 36 minutes (according to my clock) to get those bad boys filed.

You wanna know what you can do with your return? You can totally invest in the last Jesse's Girl Julie G Spring trio, I mean, it's only $10 little dollars...practically free, and well worth it! For being neons, these are quite pigmented, and all covered in two coats without undies! :)


The third and final trio of Spring polishes includes Oh Em Gee, Cabana Boy, and Fierce & Fab, and just as a reminder, you can purchase your very own trio at www.JessesGirlCosmetics.com.

Hit the jump for swatches!

Jesse's Girl Julie G Spring 3-Pack - Set 2 Swatches

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The Daily Nail, Jesse's Girl, Julie G, Spring Trio

Today was toasty here in Vegas...it was reminiscent of Midwest summers, with a higher than usual humidity mixing with the heat to make a breezy sauna in the Vegas valley. The only bad things about today was that I had to do my damn taxes. The absolute worst. I've had my full-time job income portion done on my taxes, but had to do my other income, which totally f**king sucked. Why did I wait until the day before Tax Day, you ask? Good question...it's because I'm dumb. :D

Anyway, I've got some more swatches and simple nail art comin' at you!

Today I have the second trio from Jesse's Girl Cosmetics, which includes Santorini, Rio De Janeiro, and Julie's Fave.


Jesse's Girl Julie G Spring 3-Pack - Set 1 Swatches

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The Daily Nail, Jesse's Girl, Julie G, Swatches


It was 90° here in Vegas today... for most of you that are reading this, that might mean SUMMER!!!, but here in Vegas, that simply means that Spring is upon us. The breezes were breezing, the sun was sunning, the birds were birding, and my nails were on point. Why? Because I was wearing the Jesse's Girl Julie G Spring polishes from the first trio!

Out of the three trios, which are only $10 at www.JessesGirlCosmetics.com, by the way, SPRING1 is my favorite, and includes Dream in Pretty, Bikini, and Tropical! Since these are sold in threes, I wanted to showcase some simple nail art that you can do using only the colors in the trio!

Open Sesame!

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sesame seed, nail art, cheeseburger


I like my slightly weird and not normal nail art. You guys know this. I've had this idea rollin around in my brain for a bit, and figured it was about time I tried it. I have other similar ideas for an unofficial series, but you'll have to wait... hopefully refreshing the page eagerly. I miss you guys. I know I suck, and life gets in the way of me posting regularly lately. I try to consistently post on IG, but I'm going to make an extra effort to do so here as well.

Also, plan to see more beauty world and fashion posts, because those are things I'm super passionate about too! (especially shoes- drooooool)

Anyway, hopefully this mani plants the (sesame) seeds of a blog coming back to life and growing into what it was before, and much, much more. I miss my interactions with you guys... ReaderRita, Lainie, and you... yeah you....you still there? I sure hope so...if not, come back, I miss ya! (tell your friends!)

I used:

NARS Pierre Hardy Easy Walking (Right)
Zoya Tatum
KIKO Brown
Glisten & Glow HK Girl topcoat







My chat with Blair Patterson, Estée Lauder's Director of Global Makeup Artistry

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Every once in a while, an opportunity comes along that you just can't pass up. This past Wednesday was one of those opportunities. I mean, it's not every day that you're given the opportunity to not only chat with such a talented makeup artist, but get your makeup done by him too? Heaven.

Hit the jump to read more!