Orly Melrose 4PC Mini Kit Swatches + Review

While binge-buying spring and summer nail collections a few weeks back, I absolutely could not pass up Orly's Melrose 4PC Mini Kit. As a SoCal gal, the shade range just oozed walking in LA, palm tree, toes in the sand vibes {so apropos given the collection name}, and felt like such a necessary purchase. Bottom line: I dug the entire quartet, and am pretty confident you will too. Swatch time!

Window Shopping is a Blazing Magenta Creme. How fun is the name of this shade? It makes me think of day trips to Rodeo Drive. And the color itself? Lush! I plan on using Window Shopping as a pedi shade when the weather warms up; but for now, it's stunning on the tips. The berry undertones make it ultra-versatile across seasons; while the nearly-neon satin finish is straight-up posh! To give it a glossy look you def need to add top coat, which also works to brighten the shade. This was a surprise favorite for me, and my top pick from the quartet. This is 1 1/2 coats.

Feel The Funk is a Lilac Shimmer with Scattered Holographic Glitter. Ermagersh ladies this color is killing me! It just oozes thoughts of unicorns and rainbows and magic, amiright?! Feel The Funk applies semi-sheer, but builds to opacity lightning fast, making it a total breeze to work with! This is 2 coats.

Hip & Outlandish is an Electric Teal Creme. Shades like this make me go ooh - especially during the summer months; and what you're seeing isn't nearly as vibrant as it appears IRL, because Hip & Outlandish is a true prob to photograph. Nevertheless, it's one of my fave shades from this quartet, and a true stunner to work with. Like Window Shopping, Hip & Outlandish dries down to a dark, satin finish, so load up on the top coat to give it a glossy look. This is 2 coats.

Trendy is a Crystal-Flecked Neon Peach. Ladies, I am in complete and total L-O-V-E with this shade because it makes me look hella tan, and is the most perfect nod to summa summa summatime; but OMG it legit refuses to be photographed! Though Trendy looks, overall, like an eye-searing peach, in certain lights the crystal flecks are visible, giving it an extra kick of dimension. Formula here is not bad; though slightly patchy, it reaches opacity and levels nicely. Oddly enough, this one has a slightly textured finish, but a touch of top coat counteracts that. This is 2 1/2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Ulta

PRICE: $16.80 for the mini boxed quartet; $12.00 for each individual full-size bottle


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{beauty board} color corrector crash course

Curious about color correcting? It's the new necessary when it comes to makeup application - offsetting and concealing imperfections, while brightening and highlighting. Lavender neutralizes yellow tones; Orange neutralizes blue tones; Green neutralizes redness; Cream neutralizes purple tones and hides darkness; White brightens and highlights; Peach balances discoloration; Pink brightens; and Brown stabilizes ashiness in deeper skintones. Ready to try it for yourself? Here are 9 palette selections to help get you started!

1. tarte Rainforest of the Sea™ Wipeout Color-Correcting Palette {$45.00}

2. Makeup Revolution Ultra Base Corrector Palette {$10.00}

3. SEPHORA COLLECTION Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Correct + Conceal Palette {$49.00}

4. stila Correct & Perfect All-In-One Color Correcting Palette {$45.00}

5. Benefit Cosmetics Life's Little Correctors Color Correcting Kit {$20.00}

6. jane iredale Corrective Colors {$24.00}

7. e.l.f. Corrective Concealer in ERASE & CONCEAL {$3.00}

8. MAKE UP FOR EVER 5 Camouflage Cream Palette Color Correct & Concealer in No. 5 {$40.00}

9. NYX Cosmetics 3C Concealer Palette Medium {$11.99}


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{fashion folio} walking in la

Top: Topshop Bardot Stripe Top | Booties: Dolce Vita Heeley Bootie in BLACK LEATHER | Hat: BP. Rope Trim Floppy Felt Hat in BLACK | Shorts: MOTO Bleach Ripped Daisy Short | Belt: Topshop Double Western Belt | Ring: BaubleBar Galactica Ring | Necklace: Vanessa Mooney The Marion Choker Necklace in BRASS | Hair: Bumble and bumble Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry | Lips: NARS Lipstick in HONOLULU HONEY

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Game of Chromes

Two coats of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Game of Chromes. Molten Chrome.

You may remember this being one of the polishes in the Christmas Swap Box I received from my fave Couture Carrie. While I received this waaaaay back in December, I only just now got around to trying it out {so many polishes, so little time}, and all I can say is what took me so long?

Seriously you guys, I. Am. In. Love.

Game of Chromes, aside from having an epic name, is such a killer shade. It's constructed of hundreds of thousands of gold and silver particles that truly bubble majestically on the nail.

Formula here is flawless. Perfect density, perfect texture, no streaks, and brilliant opacity in moments. Get it girls!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

happy, happy easter!

Happy, Happy Easter, bunnies!

xx

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {march 24, 2016 edition}

A wise owl once shared, “nearly everybody gets twitterpated in the Springtime.” For those of you who have lived in regions that experience true cold, you know all too well the excitement that ensues on the first day of warm sunny weather. As a southern California girl, my first encounter was when I moved to New York City. Everyone seems to have broad smiles and an extra skip in their step on the first day those warm rays shine across the avenues; it brings an unforgettable energy to the city.

So, Spring has sprung and that’s all anyone wanted to talk about. From the trends like printed shorts, flowy pleated skirts, crop tops, scarf head wraps, and espadrilles—Sounds like IFB Bloggers are packing for a trip to the tropics—to beauty pointers on how to give your skin a Spring radiance. There is also fitness tips because there is no time like Spring to get ready for Summer, and lessons in wardrobe composition, sustainable fashion, and a DIY with ties to Gucci.

Thanks everyone for your contributions. I could just feel your warmth!

Links a la Mode, March 24

• Attire Club: How to Wear Three Patterns or Prints
• Black.White.Blonde: What to Wear | Espadrilles Under $150
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Beauty Board} Highlight on Fleek
• City Chic Living: Trend Update | Printed Shorts
• Elements of Ellis: White Lace-Up Sweater
• Everyday Starlet: Poor Man’s Khloe Kardashian Fitness Closet
• Fashavable: Gucci Inspired Fake Flower Necktie
• Female Jungle: 25 Crop Top Outfits to Rock Your Style This Spring & Summer
• I’m a Norbyah: Style Minute | Tying Vintage Scarves
• Joyfully Styled: 5 Top Bloggers Share Exclusive Spring Fashion Tips
• Les Assorties: Menswear Illustrated by miP
• Modavracha: 4 Steps To Your Perfect Korean Sheet Mask Experience
• MySelf Expressed: Inspiration Board | The White Shirt Redux
• Proceed with Style: 8 Stylish Raincoats for the Spring Rain
• Purushu Arie: Giorgio Armani’s Decision to go Fur-Free is a Setback to Sustainable Fashion
• Reasons to Dress: The Barber Shoppe and Transitioning to Spring
• Style Diary by Osy: How to Wear All Black in Spring
• Tales of Two: The Most Flattering Pleated Skirt For You
• This Season’s Gold: Architecture | White Blazer and Striped Peplum
• We Are Ready Made: I Love Miu

SPONSOR: Amazon's Shopbop Joie, alice + olivia Dresses, Soludos Flats, Taylor and Tessier, Kitsch Hair Accessories, Intropia, Off the Shoulder Crop Tops, High Waisted Flare Jeans, Collar Necklaces, Men's Stussy

{fashion folio} summer lovin'

Top: Topshop Stripe Smock Bardot Blouse | Booties: Sole Society FERRIS Block Heel Sandal in INK | Hat: Sole Society Wide Brim Straw Boater in NATURAL | Shorts: MOTO Vintage Rosa Shorts | Nails: OPI New Orleans Nail Lacquer Collection GOT MYSELF INTO A JAM-BALAYA | Mascara: The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder The Edgiest Up & Out Double Mascara | Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in BUTTERSCOTCH | Earrings: Sole Society Crystal Triangle Stud in GOLD

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OPI New Orleans 4PC Mini Set Swatches + Review

Cross my heart and hope to fly, I was seriously {seriously seriously} trying to resist buying any new nail colors for awhile, but I horribly failed. The bright colors were just calling to me, and I had to scoop up OPI's New Orleans 4PC Mini Set {among a few other collections - oops}. This quartet right here has become a fast favorite as it is the perfect blend of different finishes and shades that are truly brilliant for the warmer months. I think you'll love them too!

I'm Sooo Swamped! is a Grass Green Creme. Yaaasss! This color speaks to my soul! Not since Essie's Mojito Madness have I been so gaga over a green creme, but I'm Sooo Swamped! is it! The formula here is so unbelievably flawless, I can't even - it literally paints itself. This is a must-have color in your polish collection. Trust. This is 2 coats.

Got Myself Into A Jam-Balaya is a Warm Pink Creme. This is my choice for perfect pedi color of 2016 - it just screams toes in the sand vacay. I found the formula here to be a bit thin and patchy {thus the reason for multiple coats}, but otherwise completely easy breezy to work with. Pink isn't usually my fave, but the peachy undertones definitely make Got Myself Into A Jam-Balaya an easy favorite. This is 3 coats.

Show Us Your Tips! is a Periwinkle Shimmer-fest. OMG this color! Ladies, if unique is your flavor, Show Us Your Tips! needs to be added to your polish arsenal pronto! It is such an original shade, and an overall stunner. The formula is thin here {at one coat it could literally work as a topper to your favorite polishes}, but it builds to opacity beautifully. This is 3 1/2 coats.

Take A Right On Bourbon is a Platinum Metallic. Despite my not-so-secret aversion to metallic manis, I actually have a fondness for this particular shade {and not just because I like the name}. Take A Right On Bourbon, while a bit streaky, has an interesting vibe as it looks completely whitened-out silver in some lights, and almost rose gold in others. It's a nice versatility that makes it apropos for just about any season. Formula, again, is streaky and quite sheer, but builds up nicely. This is 3 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Ulta

PRICE: $14.50 for the mini boxed quartet; $10.00 for each individual full-size bottle


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{beauty board} highlight on fleek

Love a highlight on fleek face? Here are 7 illuminating palettes that will give you an insta-worthy glow in a flash!

1. NYX Cosmetics Strobe of Genius {$18.99}

2. tarte Rainforest of the Sea™ Skin Twinkle Lighting Palette {$42.00}

3. e.l.f. Illuminating Palette {$6.00}

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in THAT GLOW {$40.00}

5. Makeup Revolution Beyond Radiance Palette {$15.00}

6. Laura Mercier Candleglow Luminizing Palette {$58.00}

7. Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Palette {$62.00}


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Thanks to e.l.f. for Sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

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Clearly ready for a spring getaway!

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NOTD: Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Dangerous Affair

Three coats of Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Dangerous Affair. Burgundy Creme.

"She's a brickhouse..."

OMG ladies I l-o-v-e this shade. There's something about burgundy colors that just get me, ja feel?

For a dark hue, Dangerous Affair has a smooth, easy to apply formula that requires minimal muss and fuss; unfortunately, it does need three coats to achieve full opacity, as it is a bit patchy during application. Given how gorgeous the end result is, however, it's def. not a deal breaker. Highly recommend this lovely!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

sundays

Magazine: ELLE | Eyeshadow: ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in GAME FACE | Blush: JULEP Your Happy Look Glow Pore Minimizing Blush in ROSEWOOD | Lipstick: Ciaté London Liquid Velvet™ Moisturizing Matte Liquid Lipstick in WONDERLAND {c/o} | Eyeliner: Maybelline New York Eye Studio Master Drama Cream Pencil Liner in MIDNIGHT MASTER | Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

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Thanks to Ciate London for sponsoring this post!

fenty x puma fall 2016 by rihanna

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currently crushing...

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Warmer weather always brings back my affinity for bohemian styles so of course this dress {and the subsequent accessories and makeup} is currently the apple of my eye. Cheers to the weekend!

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jilly

Ramy Brook Jilly Romper in SILVER.

Basically swooning over that crocheted cutout neckline!

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{fashion folio} on the road

Chambray {worn as jacket}: J. Crew Always-Cotton Chambray Shirt | Booties: Vince Camuto Conley Buckle Open Toe Bootie in SMOKE CLOUD | Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Large East/West Crossbody in BROWN/GOLD | Tank: Topshop Double Strap V-Front Cami | Denim: MOTO Super Rip Jamie Jeans | Hat: Hinge Floppy Wool Felt Hat in GRAY | Nails: OPI New Orleans Nail Lacquer Collection in LET ME BAYOU A DRINK | Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in UNDRESSED | Necklace: BaubleBar Moon Pendant Necklace in BLUE | Necklace: BaubleBar Druzy Ball Chain Pendant Necklace in BLUE | Lashes: Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula in BLACK ONYX

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{beauty board} blue period

Prep your peepers for a spring fling with blue shadows and liners with the power to brighten your face and send you sailing into summer!

1. e.l.f. Flawless Eyeshadow in SEA ESCAPE {$2.00}

2. Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in PARANOID {$21.00}

3. Sephora Collection Long-Lasting 12HR Wear Eye Liner in 13 FANCY BLUE {$12.00}

4. M*A*C Eyeshadow in FRESHWATER {$16.00}


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NOTD: Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Check Mate

Two coats of Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Check Mate. Black and White Square Glitter in a Clear Base.

Fact: this shade just landed on my all-time favorite glitter top coat list.

If monochromes are your thing, Check Mate will be a fast favorite. The black and white square glitter pieces have a very mosaic-meets-floor-tile feel that would look brilliant over just about any shade. The slight downside is that it is very much a dab and pat top coat, meaning you really need to work at scoring those pretty glitter bits. Nevertheless, the end result is totes worth it!

Here I'm wearing it over China Glaze Nail Lacquer in In The Near Fuchsia, which is just the prettiest base ever!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

shoulder speak

Dion Lee Line II Sleeve Release Knit in BLUSH.

I've got a thing for shoulder cut-outs and this piece takes that sentiment above and beyond. The obsession is real ladies!

xx

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {march 10, 2016 edition}

We’re all rule breakers here. Right? Red is the new black. Stripes with florals. Navy with black. Shorts year round. Wedding dresses contrary to the Victorian custom. IFB Bloggers were thinking outside the box as usual this week. So much creativity with clothes using color, shape and texture to translate everyday looks into something a bit more pleasing to the eye and soul.

I, for one, broke the white wedding dress rule with a blush pink gown hand embroidered with colored ribbon. It’s not that I went looking to break this rule, but I was open to it. Open to the most flattering look for my frame and personality.

Links a la Mode, March 10

• Black.White.Blonde: What to Wear | 3 Trends You Can Wear to the Office
• The Blog | Martina Pinto: 90’s are Back, In or Out?
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Fashion Folio} Summer State of Mind
• DressCode:HighFashion: Trend Colour Green S/S 16
• The Fashionista Momma: White on White
• Female Jungle: The High Waisted Pencil Skirt | How to Wear it Everyday
• Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: 5 Things I Want from Target
• It’s Beyond My Control: 70’s Look
• Like To Wear It: Red is the New Black
• Modavracha: How to Create Collage with Photoshop
• MySelf Expressed: Inspiration Board | Gucci Geek
• Purushu Arie: Skinny Male Models are Defying Conventional Standards of Male Beauty
• Sassy Ethnic Bohemian: Floral, Pink and Rose Gold for Spring 2016
• Splash of Teal: Floral Dress and Breaking Outdated Fashion Rules
• Style in a Small Town: Getting More Wear Out of Your Black Leather Shorts
• Style Whimsical: Mini Lookbook
• Sweet Tea Salvage: Designer Spotlight | White Wedding Dresses are Overrated
• Urban Betsy: Brooklyn Bombshell | How to Look Chic with One Trick
• We Are Ready Made: Are We Having Fun?
• Wings for Liberty: Bow to Me

SPONSOR: Shopbop Ulla Johnson, AG Jeans, Chaser Tops, Little White Lies, KOPPER & ZINK, Warm, Printed Dresses, Tassel Earrings, Wallets, Men's HALO


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#makeupmess

Pencil Liner: RIMMEL Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in BLACK | Liquid Liner: L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eye Liner in CARBON BLACK | Lipgloss: Ciaté London Lip Lustre™ High Shine Balm in KISS ME {c/o} | Eyeshadow: JULEP Dial Up Your Glam Multidimensional Orbital Eyeshadow in ANDROMEDA | Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara | Brush: Luxie Beauty Luxie Rose Gold Flat Definer Brush 221 {via my ipsy February 2016 Glam Bag}

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Thanks to Rimmel London and Ciate London for sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
SoCal has been serving up 80-degree weather for the past few weeks leaving me in a totally tropical mood. I just ordered these sandals {they'll look so adorbs paired with rompers and cutoff denim shorts!}, and have been wearing this on my lips non-stop for the past week {it's the prettiest light pink shimmer-infused gloss eva!}. Spring Break cannot come soon enough!

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Thanks to Ciate for sponsoring this post!

{beauty board} sneaky ways to tanner skin!

Looking to deepen your complexion without grabbing for a messy bottle of self-tanner or baking in the harmful sun? Done! Here are five simple {and sun-free} steps to scoring that golden goddess glow - all with the help of your beauty drawer!

{1} Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in WHIP IT {$18.00}, Smith & Cult Nail Polish in SUBURBAN WARRIOR {$18.00}, Lauren B. Beauty Nail Polish in CATALINA CRUISE {$25.00}, and USLU Airlines Nail Polish in DSL {$16.00} Neon lacquers give your hands a color boost - and serve up a side of spring/summer perfectly!

{2} BECCA Mineral Blush in LANTANA {$32.00} topped with Benefit Cosmetics Dew The Hoola Matte Liquid Bronzer in UNIVERSAL SOFT MATTE BRONZE {$28.00} A red-based blush topped with a liquid, illuminating bronzer ups the sunkissed skin look.

{3} NYX COSMETICS Macaron Lippie in ROSE {$5.99} and NYX COSMETICS High Voltage Lipstick in PINK LADY {$5.99} Pastel pink and peach lippies {opt for one with white undertones} contrast deeply with your skin to make it appear darker!

{4} tarte Rainforest of the Sea™ Drink Of H2O Hydrating Boost {$39.00} Ditch the dehydrated look by moisturizing your skin right after you step out of the shower. Locking in hydration boosts radiance which instantly improves your skin's tone!

{5} MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in TURQUOISE 7L {$19.00} and MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara in 5 {$23.00} Brighten your gaze {while tanning your skin} by topping your trademark black lashes and liner with blue and turquoise tones. The colors are known for making skin look all the more sunkissed!


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{fashion folio} festival feels

Top: TOPSHOP Off-The-Shoulder Bardot Blouse in WHITE | Shoes: Sam Edelman Brylee Platform Sandal in GINGER SPICE {on sale!} | Earrings: Sole Society Delicate Leaf Crawler in GOLD | Skirt: MOTO Seam Button Through Skirt | Palette: tarte Showstopper Clay Palette | Lips: Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in MADEIRA | Nails: essie Nail Polish in HOT COCO | Necklace: BaubleBar Tassel Y-Chain Necklace | Lashes: NARS Audacious Mascara in BLACK MOON

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NOTD: JULEP Nail Color in Jade

Two coats of JULEP Nail Color in Jade. Frozen Forest Metallic.

I fell for this polish due to its likeness to a snow-flocked Christmas tree, so it's description as a frozen forest metallic is so on point, I can't even!

Jade is a shimmer-packed marvel that has a smoky look to it courtesy of the charcoal undertones. Though it looks totally like a standard metallic, when you look v close, you can see tiny emerald glitter particles throughout that are just yum!

My qualm with Jade is the formula. It looked like it had the potential to be a OCW because it's so pigmented, but the formula is so thick and gloppy, that you really have to thin it down by wiping excess off on the lip of the bottle before applying it to the nail. This results in the need for two coats. Pretty color, yes; but such a pain of a formula. Womp womp.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx