March 22, 2015

At home nail necessities (revisited) and tracking down a dupe for Essie's Mint Candy Apple

March 22, 2015/ Nicole McIntyre

Recently I've gotten myself in bit of a financial pickle by dropping a small fortune at the dentist. To halt teeth grinding I now wear an eye-poppingly expensive night guard (sans Swarovski crystals, and platinum). To help recoup my fun fund I've nixed frivolous expenses for the next few months -- salon manis/pedis are now done at home, eyebrow threading and tinting will have to wait, and the ends of my hair must keep their crap together a few weeks longer than usual. Please?

The struggle is real.

Snaggle nail is non-negotiable, so I'm putting my French Pink mental notes to the test by dusting off the nail artillery for battle.

If you're ever in a pinch and need to get polished nails fast, CND's Vinylux fully sets in eight minutes (curing lamp not required), evenly covers nails in two coats, and can last up to ten days. I realise I sound like a broken record here, but this nail polish is too legit to quit.

Time to serve up the best nail polish sandwich out there. While I do love Essie's protein base coat, and Seche Vite's top coat, Orly has dropped the ultimate Blimpie. Bonder leaves behind a slightly tacky base to keep polish on the nail, while Polished gives any hue a high shine, finally Flash Dry speeds up the drying process. *Ding* Order's up!

Keep things hydrated with Essie's Apricot Cuticle Oil, and Provence Sante's Hand Cream -- two decadent treats I always keep on hand in order to relive the French Pink experience. Shea Butter, calendula, sweet almond oil, and apricot send me to my happy place, and even quells the noxious scent of acetone.

Yesterday I went hunting for a cheaper dupe of Essie's Mint Candy Apple thanks in part to my pastel nail obsession of late. When most of the options on hand at Priceline just wouldn't do (too dark, shimmery, or not minty enough), my gaze locked on a lone bottle of L'Oreal's Perle de Jade.

Slight gripe, dipping the brush in for second, and third helpings grew awkward whenever errant bristles lagged behind. Despite this L'Oreal still gets props for the low price point, colour selection, and contoured brush head.

July 19, 2014

Dreaming of summer

July 19, 2014/ Nicole McIntyre

It's cold out, but not enough to permit snow and for that I am thankful; I just wish it'd warm up already. My New England blood has thinned and I can't take this dreary Melbourne winter anymore.

Here's a round up of some of my favourite things I've been eyeing off on the Interwebs.

Ok, we get it Kate Upton, you can stop rubbing it in our faces. Bronze-y glow, check. Sun-kissed cheeks, check. Seashell pink lips, check. Totally envious and I'd switch places with her in a heartbeat. Bobbi Brown's Surf Eye Palette and Beach Rollerball fragrance might just tide me over.

Mmm. NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow you look good enough to eat, particularly Desdemona. I'll take one in every colour. Thankyouverymuch.

For day Balenciaga's Tube Round M Bag will help me get to and from work, no problem. And for those nights when I don't want to fuss about with a large purse, Alexander Wang's Chastity Clutch ups the ante sans bulk.

Pink toes and pink lips. Easy done.

A chic one piece that keeps me both covered and comfortable. It'd look super sweet layered under jean shorts or a skirt and paired with blinding white Keds.

Capping off the life aquatic, the Gap's mix-cable sweater features a gill-like texture. While I love it in white, it manages to look a tad too schlumpy on the model for my liking.

Ok, let's get our bags packed and head to Hawaii now.

K, bye!