{beauty board} wet-look locks

Looking for a new hair trend to try for spring-into-summer? Look no further than wet-look locks. It's a super attainable look that has a nostalgic 80s feel mixed with that always-enviable surf girl style. The best part? It requires minimal products, and works on any and all hair types {be it Brazilian Hair, Virgin Hair, Lace Closure, or anything else}. Peep the products {and steps} below to score this runway-inspired look for yourself!

1} Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer {$28.00} After creating a side-part in hair, spritz a primer all over dry hair {yes, dry hair!} to prep for styling.

2} IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel {$27.00} To achieve that super slick, high level of shine, work a gel from root to ends through hair with a fine-tooth comb {I like FROMM's Diane Ionic Anti-Static Styling Comb, but any you find at your local Hair Store will work too}.

3} IGK Beach Club Texture Spray {$29.00} To enhance the mussed / bedhead texture of the hair, apply a beach spray, scrunching hair with your hands as you go along.

4} ALTERNA Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging® Perfect Texture Finishing Spray {$28.00} To complete the look, add a hair flip for volume, then apply a finishing spray for hold.


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{fashion folio} heat wave

Top: Rebecca Taylor Off-The-Shoulder Gauze Top in PEACH | Earrings: NORDSTROM Thick Medium Hoop Earrings in GOLD | Nails: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored - Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer Collector’s Edition in PEARL JAM | Shoes: Marc Fisher LTD Annie Perforated Espadrille Platform Wedge in MUSHROOM SUEDE | Shorts: One Teaspoon Blue Buoy Bandit Shorts in BLUE BUOY | Bracelet: BaubleBar Gold Mary Links Bracelet | Lips/Cheeks: Benefit Cosmetics Posietint Cheek & Lip Stain in POSIETINT | Necklace: BaubleBar Abbie Y-Choker | Hair: SULTRA The Bombshell Oval Curling Iron

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China Glaze Spring Cuties 6-Piece Mini Set Swatches + Review

Somehow I missed China Glaze's holiday 2016 collection {still not sure how that happened!}, so I have been waiting with bated breath for their Spring Cuties 6PC Mini Set to hit stores and fiiiinally it. is. here. Not gonna lie babes, this six-piece has a couple of misses; but is overall full of sizzling hits that you'll love to add to your collection for spring into summer. Swatch time!

Too Much Of A Good Fling is a Mint Creme. For a time I wore nothing but mint cremes, but it has been well over a year since I last rocked a similar shade and Too Much Of A Good Fling is seriously making me question why I waited so long. You guys, this color is so good! Chances are you own at least five polishes similar to this bad boy, but guess what? You need to add this one to your stash because the formula is user-friendly and quick to reach opacity; not to mention that it's full of natural shine. This may just be my fave from the collection! This is 2 coats.

Life Is Suite is a Nude Matte. You know those misses I mentioned in the intro? This one right here is numero uno. Though Life Is Suite doesn't look bad on the nail if you like that mannequin hands feel; the formula is...somewhat of a nightmare. As a matte finish it dries too quickly, so you can never really level it out, giving it a lumpy, uneven look. Formula aside, I have to be truthful and say this color is blech to me - I cannot stand it; it literally makes me feel as if I'm dead, and I'm 99.9% positive that you shouldn't feel that way when you paint your nails. This is 3 coats.

Crushin' On Blue is a Marine Blue with a Pearl Finish. Ermagersh ladies how pretty is this one?! Crushin' On Blue is the thing summer dreams are made of - it has that crystal clear waters feel to it that makes it ideal for vacay, without being your basic bright pink or orange. The formula here is thin and patchy; however, it's a breeze to work with, leaving an ultra-shiny finish and brilliant color in its wake! BTW: this baby doesn't stain. Huzzah! This is 3 coats.

Kiss My Sherbet Lips is a Fuchsia Creme with Blue Microshimmer. Darker than your typical summer shade, yes; but there's something about Kiss My Sherbet Lips that I straight. up. adore. The blue microshimmer throughout is insanely blink-and-you'll-miss-it subtle, but it's there and adds a fun, summer-y feel to the shade. Despite being dark, this one does require more coats than I expected; but it's super easy to work with, so def not a dealbreaker. This is one of my top 3 fave shades from this collection. This is 3 coats.

I Just Cant-Aloupe is a Peachy-Melon Creme. I have a tendency to gravitate towards peach-meets-coral-meets-melon shades when the temps rise, so I Just Cant-Aloupe quickly caught my eye. In the bottle it reads more pale peachy melon; however, on the nail I find that it feels more orange-based. Either way it's a gorgeous shade for hitting the beach; with a bomb formula that makes it easy breezy to swipe and go! This is 2 coats.

Beach It Up is a Rose Gold and Champagne Hexagonal Glitter with Holographic Bar Glitter. Color-wise, I think I could have really loved this one for summer, but the glitter on glitter really creates a hot mess of an effect that I'm just not feeling. I think that if there was a way to eliminate all of the lumpiness of the glitter and just keep Beach It Up's base color, I would repeat-wear it all summer; but barring that, this one is a big no. Formula was good though; and removal was a breeze - even though the chunky glitter would have you think otherwise. This is 3 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ULTA.

PRICE: $15.00 for the 6PC Mini Set; or $7.50 per each full-size bottle.


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{what to pack} for spring break!

one | two {$14.00!} | three | four | five | six | seven | eight {under $25!} | nine {under $20!} | ten
Whether you're planning on spring breakin' it this year, or are just prepping for a sizzling staycation, these warm weather essentials will add a little heat to your spring-through-summer wardrobe, without leaving you broke because guess what? Everything you see here is under $70!

I just ordered these sunnies and am obsessed {they look designer!}. And can we all just take a moment to agree that Target's swimsuit game is fire this year?! I may actually have to buy this bikini top {I can't get over the off the shoulder aesthetic!}.

Are you headed somewhere sunny for Spring Break?

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NOTD: 2B Colours Jeans Look Nail Polish in Blue

Two coats of 2B Colours Jeans Look Nail Polish in Blue. Navy Blue Texture.

You guys I have no words to describe my level of love for this polish rn! The color the formula, the staying power - it is bomb, bomb, and more bomb.

I was completely unaware of the fact that this polish was textured {think OPI Liquid Sand} when I purchased it, and since I'm not really feeling textures at the moment, I used one swipe of top coat to give it shine, and it is just brilliant!

Given the fact that this is a textured polish, the formula was slightly denser than a typical creme, making errors virtually impossible. And that color! Seriously though, this is one of my new favorite shades. If you dig a dark nail you need this one pronto!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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mint julep

Free People Mint Julep Tee in WHITE {also available in Cobalt and Black}.

So nice I bought it twice {in the White and Cobalt colors}. Contemplating buying the Black next.

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gothic

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Morgan Taylor Beauty and the Beast 4PC Mini Set Swatches + Review

Beauty and the Beast's Belle has held a special place in my heart since I was an itty bitty baby {or something along those lines}, due to her incredible love of books {which mirrors my own}; and while I'm still not sure if I'll be seeing the film {though it does look perfect for date night}}, you know I had to pick up the Morgan Taylor Beauty and the Beast 4PC Mini Set. As with all {and I do mean all} Morgan Taylor nail collections, this one is spectacular and actually allows for the creation of 7 nail looks due to the inclusion of a transforming top coat that is so much fun to play with. Peep all the pretty {err...Beauty} below!

The Last Petal is a Red Pearl. Ooh ladies, this color gives me all of the feels! If you love a good red, then this pearlized crimson with burgundy undertones needs to make its way into your polish collection pronto! The Last Petal applies brilliantly, creating a rich mani with depth in just one coat! To the top left + lower right: 1 Coat of The Last Petal. To the top right + lower left: 1 Coat of The Last Petal topped with 1 Coat of Enchanted Patina.

Potts Of Tea is an Alabaster Iridescent. In the bottle, Potts Of Tea looks like a v pale gray; once applied, you see that it's actually a milky alabaster with pink and blue microshimmer that makes the shade read as an icy pale blue. It's a v Cinderella-esque shade that is lush for winter, but not one I see myself repeat-wearing. The formula here is good - it's milky but not sheer, and builds opacity quickly; Mrs. Potts would be proud. To the top left + lower right: 3 Coats of Potts Of Tea. To the top right + lower left: 1 Coat of The Last Petal topped with 1 Coat of Enchanted Patina.

Plumette With Excitement is a Light Pink Creme. As somewhat of a baby pink polish connoisseur {seriously}, I would say that Plumette With Excitement reads more as a pastel peach creme, and that is more than okay because it makes it more unique in my personal collection, and I love that. This one has a v thin consistency that never tries to mingle with your cuticles {huzzah!}, but does require multiple coats to reach opacity. Preeetty sure this is the perfect shade for spring! To the top left + lower right: 3 Coats of Plumette With Excitement. To the top right + lower left: 1 Coat of The Last Petal topped with 1 Coat of Enchanted Patina.

Enchanted Patina is an Antique Duochrome Overlay. While I can't say that I was craaazy over using this baby as a top coat {it was interesting but not something I would repeat}, as a color used on its own, I'm really feeling it. If you dig a neutral nail with a bit of pizzazz, you need to get your hands on Enchanted Patina pronto. It's perfect for spring, what with its duochrome shift from pink to peridot to gold, without being OTT. The formula here was perfection - a duo of coats for complete opacity with little tipwear over the course of one week of wearing. Definitely a standout! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ULTA.

PRICE: $14.95 for the 4PC Mini Set; or $9.00 per each full-size bottle.


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{fashion folio} neutral palette

Cardigan: BOOHOO Grace Distressed Hem Cardigan in BEIGE | Earrings: Karen London Large Hoop Earrings in GOLD | Tank: TOPSHOP Rouleau Swing Camisole in WHITE | Eyes: Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye Con No 7 Plush Eyeshadow Palette in THE TEASE 202 | Shorts: BOOHOO Hetty High Rise Distressed Denim Mom Shorts in BLUE | Necklace: BaubleBar Semelle Pendant | Shoes: Vince Camuto Kensa Peep Toe Bootie in ALMOND BEIGE NUBUCK LEATHER | Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Signature Tote in BROWN | Lips: LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick in GODDESS

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{beauty board} summer glow

Don't let yourself be swept up in the #TeamBlush vs. #TeamBronzer scuffle. For an ultra-luminous glow, the key is to pair a killer coral blush with a brilliant bronzer for skin that is radiant and oh-so ready for summer!

1} e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder in ST. LUCIA {$3.99} The shimmer in the blush adds luminosity. NOTE: if shimmer's not your style {who are you even?!}, try the shade FIJI, which gives you a matte finish.

2} Kevyn Aucoin The Neo Bronzer in SIENA {$58.00} Sweep your brush across the palette from right to left then apply directly to the apples of cheeks/cheekbones; or dip your brush into each individual item {bronzer, blush, and highlight} to create a perfectly sunkissed glow!

3} JULEP Skip the Brush Crème-To-Powder Blush Stick in GOLDEN GUAVA {$24.00} and Too Faced Sweethearts Bronzer in SWEET TEA {$30.00} This is my personal daily beauty duo: I first apply Sweet Tea to my cheekbones, forehead, nose, and chin; then I swipe Golden Guava onto the apples of my cheeks, blending it into my skin with a blush brush to make it look more natural. I alwaysalwaysalways get compliments on my skin with this duo, as the golden particles in both the blush and the bronzer make me super glowy!

4} JULEP Skip the Brush Crème-To-Powder Blush Stick in WARM BRONZE {$24.00} and Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Blush in DIM INFUSION {$38.00} A cream bronzer allows you to control the intensity of your color {buff it out with a brush}, and adds dewiness to the skin.

5} Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Multi-Palette {$50.00} If you want a palette that makes you look as if you've spent loads of time at the beach, this one's for you - each shade works in combination to create a subtle, yet noticeable, healthy sheen that is incredibly natural!


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currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Last week I was still feeling #sweaterweather, and this week I'm ready to show off a little leg and welcome the warmer months. I just ordered the beautiful sandals you see above {under $60!}, and cannot wait to start pairing them with denim cutoffs; and luminous skin? You know it's one of my favorite things. Cheers to a new week {and new weather}!

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NOTD: JULEP Nail Color in Linda

Two coats of JULEP Nail Color in Linda. Flint Grey Creme.

For some reason, I was under the impression that Linda was a putty creme, so imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a medium gray with lilac undertones. Don't get me wrong, I love me some gray polish, but it was a surprise nonetheless.

Linda is one of those classic, staple shades that works for any situation, setting, or season. Is it groundbreaking? Definitely not. But the formula and application is good.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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off the shoulder

Forever 21 Off-The-Shoulder Sweatshirt in CREAM/RED.

Couldn't resist ordering this sassy striped piece from Forever 21 last week - it will be perfect paired with white denim and wedges once warmer weather arrives. Did I mention it's under $16?!

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nothin' but net

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february 2017 empties!

I actually spotted Marina Rumppe wearing Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in BUTTERSCOTCH {$16.00} last summer, and immediately purchased it in the hopes that it would work as well with my fair skin as it does her golden complexion, and it did! Ladies, this bad boy holds holy grail honors in my lip collection - being the first lip product I grab whenever I leave the house. Butterscotch is a neutral peachy beige with hella shine that would look bomb on all skintones. It lasts for hours without requiring touch-ups {even if you're eating and drinking}; but, it does have a tendency to lean orange-y if you reapply it more than twice a day - at least from my experience. DEFINITE RE-BUY {I'm already on my second tube!}.

Ooh ladies if you love a neutral shadow that makes your eyes look huge and couples well with sleek, feline-esque liner then ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in PUPPY LOVE {$5.00} is one shade that you need to sink your claws into! I rarely hit pan on cream/powder products, but this one became such a mainstay in my shadow collection that I did. Puppy Love is a cream/powder hybrid that reads beige/pink on the eye with a strong golden sheen that adds a kick to your basic neutral. With primer it lasts all day with no creasing or fallout. BONUS: All proceeds from the sale of Puppy Love are donated to Best Friends Animal Society's NKLA Save Them All initiative. DEFINITE RE-BUY {I'm on my second pan}.

Deluxe samples are my kryptonite, so when I scored one of MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Plexi-Gloss in 202 SWEET PINK {$19.00} from Sephora back in December, you know I was excited. Cutting to the chase: I have a love/hate relationship with this product. I lovelovelove the shade Sweet Pink on my skintone {compliments galore y'all}; I adore the tacky touch which makes it last. for. daaaays {for real}; and the shine effect seriously slays. What I hate, or rather, what took me forever and a day to adjust to is the smell. Battery acid. I haven't seen anyone else mention this in reviews, so maybe it's my super senses at work, or I simply got a funky tube, but I found the smell to be intense for the first handful of uses - after that it dissipated, and wasn't noticeable. POSSIBLE RE-BUY.

You know when you're just a few dollars short of free shipping so you look for anything to toss in your cart to hit that magic number? Well, that is precisely how NIVEA A Kiss Of Care & Color in SHEER PINK {$4.99} came into my life, and honestly, it's as if the heavens were shining down on me that day because it has become an HG product in my beauty wardrobe. The Sheer Pink shade is perfect if you like a hint of color to prettify your pucker; but what kills me is the amount of moisture, hydration, and shine this bad boy provides. I apply it at night, and it is still just as glossy when I wake up in the morning, and my lips are insanely smooth. Whether you're using it to protect against harsh weather, as a colored balm, or layering it underneath lipstick this is a miracle worker! DEFINITE RE-BUY.

Have you tried any of these products before? Thoughts?


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currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
Feelin' flashes of pink and a whole lot of sparkle and glow this week!

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{what's in my} ipsy february 2017 glam bag!

So my ipsy February Glam Bag arrived waaay late, but I ain't mad about it because the contents are fire!

I live for nail polish and highlighter, so the fact that this month's bag contained both {in full-size!} literally made. my. day. The LAW Beauty Essentials Nail Polish in LEAVE A TEXT is a great winter-to-spring transitional shade; and the Luna By Luna Cosmetics Highlighter in CALYPSO is just gawgeous for a year-round glow!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with ipsy, it is a beauty subscription service that costs $10 per month {awesome deal IMO}, and consists of a collectible makeup bag {can also double as a clutch} along with 5 beauty samples that are customized to your personal beauty profile {which you can change/update at anytime}. I love getting subscription boxes, but don't have a ton of extra cash to spare, so I find ipsy to be the best value as each month's bags are adorable, the products are of fantastic quality, and their stylists are top-notch {and some of my fave beauty bloggers}. That being said, let's get to the bag!

February's theme was MUCH LOVE {such a cute not to the month of lurve!}. Inside my bag was a Sheet Mask Do that included Soo Ae Purifying Black Charcoal Mask, and Soo AE Nature Green Tea Collagen Essence Mask; a full size Luna By Luna Cosmetics Highlighter in CALYPSO {this retails for $23.00!}, full size LAW Beauty Essentials Nail Polish in LEAVE A TEXT {retail $9.00!}, sample size Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer, and a Luxie Beauty Luxie Rose Gold Blush Brush 514.

I have received a lot of nail polish from ipsy in the...2 years {???} that I've been subscribing, but I think that LAW Beauty Essentials Nail Polish in LEAVE A TEXT may be my all. time. fave. Ladies, this color is just exquisite - a rich, concrete grey creme that stands out in the sea of gray polishes available due to its formula, and depth. This one is perfect in terms of application - it applies seamlessly and evenly with a brush reminiscent of the one seen in the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure bottles; plus it has built-in shine that makes it stand out on your tips. Loves it!

Thanks to ipsy I have amassed such a stunning collection of Luxie Beauty brushes, but I'm so not complaining because they are truly brilliant! I love a good fluffy brush, and the Luxie Rose Gold Blush Brush 514 does not disappoint. I personally prefer this brush more for powder highlighter than blush as the slightly domed tip really works well for picking up and applying a perfect all-over glow; but I'm excited to try it with a bronzer as well. Keep the brushes coming because I L-O-V-E them - especially when they're as pretty as this baby!

When I first popped open the Luna By Luna Cosmetics Highlighter in CALYPSO I had no idea what to expect because it looked super lilac/silver which I haven't used on my skin before, but I loved it! I've been using more natural-looking highlighters lately because a lot of them had been making my glow look orange, and this one gives my fair skin the most gorgeous I woke up like this glow that I have ever seen! Though it looks super shimmery in the pan, Calypso is v finely milled, so it adheres to the skin in a way that looks incredibly natural and bright. I've even been applying it to my shoulder when I wear off the shoulder tops for an all-over glow and I dig it. Obsessed!

My sister is the mask girl of the fam, but I'm always willing to give one a whirl when it comes my way, so when this sheet mask duo popped up in my bag, of course I took them both for a spin. First up was the Soo Ae Purifying Black Charcoal Mask. Of the two, this one was my fave, and the one that I would re-buy and gift! This one was for unclogging pores and fully detoxing the skin. I thought it did both beautifully, and made my skin softer. The second was the Soo AE Nature Green Tea Collagen Essence Mask. This one's main purpose is adding elasticity and preventing signs of anti-aging. I thought it left my skin brighter, but disliked how wet this one was. Both left behind a sticky feeling; but nothing too intolerable.

First things first, I lovelovelove bronzing products - especially during the warmer months, so I was super excited to receive Elizabeth Mott's Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer in my February bag. My qualm was the size. As a bronzer, you need to dip a larger brush into the product, and the size of this sample was only able to accommodate an eyeshadow brush or small face brush. Ultimately, it was v hard to apply, but I was able to work with it, and basically fell in love. This bronzer is perfect for fair-skinned girls - it has no orange undertones, and really blends into the skin beautifully to create a natural-looking sunkissed glow. I'm using the rest of this product as a crease color for my eyes, but would love to snag the full-size in the future!

What was in your February 2017 ipsy Glam Bag? Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here!


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{fashion folio} spring fling

Top: James Perse Cotton Jersey T-Shirt | Jeans: FRAME Le Skinny de Jeanne Distressed Mid-Rise Jeans | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Leather Crossbody Bag in MUSHROOM/LIGHT GOLD HARDWARE | Nails: China Glaze Nail Lacquer in BLANC OUT | Shoes: Kristin Cavallari Laurel Peep Toe Bootie in HARBOR GREY | Sunnies: BP. 65mm Oversize Aviator Sunglasses in GOLD/PINK {$14!} | Lips: L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Lip Color in SAUCY MAUVE 560 | Hair: HOT TOOLS NanoCeramic 1 1/4" Salon Tapered Iron - Extended Barrel

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NOTD: OPI Infinite Shine 2 Icons Nail Lacquer in You Don't Know Jacques!

PRESS SAMPLE

Two coats of OPI Infinite Shine 2 Icons Nail Lacquer in You Don't Know Jacques!. Milk Chocolate Taupe Creme.

I was super excited to see this shade released in the OPI Infinite Shine 2 Icons Nail Lacquer Collection because it had been retired {yes, they actually retire nail polish}, and I could. not. find. it. anywhere.

You guys! The formula here is magical. Creamy, opaque, and always on its best behavior. I love it almost as much as the color - which feels perfect for year-round wear and is ultra-chic!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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coffee date

Windsor Coffee Date Sweater in BROWN.

Dying to pair this bad boy with a lacy bralette!

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mood

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{glossies made me do it} Morgan Taylor Beauty and the Beast Nail Lacquer Collection

Back at it again with the beauty inspo! For those of you who don't remember, Glossies Made Me Do It is a monthly feature I partake in with Lauren of Shooting Stars Mag and Ashley of Happy. Pretty. Sweet. wherein each one of us selects something {a recipe, a book, a hairstyle...} from a monthly magazine {glossy}, and try it for ourselves {made me do it}. Find out what glossies made me do for March; and visit both Lauren and Ashley today to see what glossies made them do!

I am so not a Disney Princess girl, but I've always resonated with Belle of Beauty and the Beast given her love of books, so when I learned about the Morgan Taylor Beauty and the Beast Nail Lacquer Collection in the Beauty Newsfeed section of the March/April 2017 issue of Seventeen Magazine {page 72}, I knew I had to make it mine, so off to Ulta I went!

The collection boasts 7 shades {including a transformer top coat}, which retail for $9.00 a bottle). While I would have loved to snag the blue creme {Gaston On and On and On}, I wanted the chance to try out a few shades from the collection {plus, never have I ever finished a full-size bottle of polish}, so I opted for the 4PC Mini Set, which only set me back $14.95, and places more than half of the collection in your hands.

The 4PC Mini Set includes the shades: The Last Petal {red pearl}, Potts Of Tea {alabaster iridescent}, Plumette With Excitement {light pink creme}, and Enchanted Patina {antique overlay that can be worn alone, or over another shade to transform the color}. I lovelovelove the fact that Enchanted Patina is included, because with its magic, it transforms this 4 piece collection into a 7 piece!

The downside? This collection only just arrived in my mailbox, so I haven't had a chance to swatch the shades yet; but I'm prepping for a big reveal closer to the March 17 release of the Beauty and the Beast film starring Emma Watson. I will say that Morgan Taylor has never let me down in the formula department, so I'm expecting amazing things from this magical quartet!

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