Nicole by OPI | NEW Kardashian Kolor Shades For CVS | Review + Swatches

Nicole by OPI recently announced seven new additions to the Kardashian Kolor collection! But what's extra special about these shades is that they are going to be exclusively sold at CVS! Yay ^_^ In case you missed my last review and swatches of the first shades from their collection, you can check that out here.

The newest shades from the Kardashian Kolor collection are richly-pigmented, fashion-forward hues which include crèmes in bright key lime, pinky peach, poppy red and fuchsia, as well as shimmers in light lilac and deep burgundy. Check out swatches and my full review below!

Paparazzi Don’t Preach

This pretty blush pink is doing just fine.

Strike a Pose

A totally camera red-y color.

Our Fuchsia’s Lookin’ Bright

This purple-y fuchsia has the world at her hands

Ladies in the Limelight

The most talked-about yellow-lime of our time!

One Big Happy Fame-ily

This lavender shimmer is the American dream. 

Back to Reality…TV

This pretty little periwinkle was made for TV.

Smile for the Glam-era

The paparazzi is all about this photogenic plum.

Glow: Dare I say it? I actually like these shades better than the original collection *gasp* I do, I really do. I love that the colors are the perfect transition from winter to spring, from warm to in-between, to colors that pop! My personal favorites are Paparazzi Don’t Preach which is a toned down light pink that has a nude flare. My second favorite is Back to Reality…TV, it's a gorgeous periwinkle with delightful hints of lavender shimmer. Another personal fave is Smile for the Glam-era, it's a a vampy, shimmery dark plum. 

Glare: I don't know what it is about pastel colors with shimmer when it comes to OPI but the formula seems to be a tad inconsistent than the others. In this case One Big Happy Fame-ily (the lavender shimmer); I had a difficult time getting even coats and it was also hard for it to become completely opaque :o( which kinda sucks because it's a super pretty color. 

Would I Recommend It? I definitely would, and honestly I'd probably recommend these shades before the original collection. I like that these will be sold at CVS, so convenient!

Where To Buy: I'm not sure of the exact date that these will be available but they are set to premiere this month at CVS so keep your eyes open!  They retail for $7.99 each and will be available at CVS locations nationwide and online at http://www.cvs.com. For more information please visit http://nicolebyopi.com/.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Pure Romance | "Coochy" Conditioning Shave Cream | The Closest Shave EVER! + Review

I'm pretty sure that we all have our individual preferences when it comes to feminine "maintenance" but I think there's still a common ground that many of us share when it comes to our skin. Personally, I always try to be conscious about the types of products that I use on my body because I have sensitive skin and the last thing I'd want to do is trigger some type of unwanted reaction. I'm definitely a girly-girl and I like to remove hair in places that I'd rather not see it. 

Over the years I've tried it all, shaving, waxing, hair removal creams and those God awful "as seen on tv" contraptions; and I've also had my share of ouch's and mishaps with each of them. Up until now I had been using VEET which is a great depilatory cream in which I've found the most success in. I'd vowed to stay away from shaving for awhile since I always ended up irritating my skin and nicking myself. Well, that was until I came across a product called "Coochy" while searching the web one day. I'd read really good things about it and really wanted to try it. 

The Coochy Conditioning Shave Cream is made by Pure Romance. If you're not familiar with them they are a supplier of adult themed products specifically made for women. They also carry a nice selection of beauty products including massage oils, bath necessities and even makeup. Their mission is to make women feel good throught empowerment, education and entertainment. Coochy has been one of Pure Romance's best sellers for over 17 years and is formulated for both women and men. The shave cream is designed to avoid those unsightly razor bumps from appearing in the bikini area, underarms and legs. It also has more than one use and doubles as a gentle moisturizing hair conditioner. So did it live up to my expectations and deliver what it claims? Check out my full review below to find out!

Glow: For starters I really like the name of this product, I think it's cute and eye-catching. It comes in a variety of scents, mine was pomegranate which smells absolutely delicious! While it says it's a cream, it's more like a really light gel and it lathers well as you apply it to your skin. I also like that it's pink and the same color of the tube, I'm not sure if every scent is that way or not but I would assume they are based on their type. What I loved most about this cream is that I could instantly tell a difference as I was shaving, it went on smooth and it was much easier to navigate the razor along my skin. I didn't cut myself!!!! Which is a shocker for me because I ALWAYS mange to cut myself lol. After shaving, my legs and other parts felt extremely soft and so touchable.

Glare: Some might think $12 (4oz) and $18(8oz) is a little steep for one tube of shaving cream especially when there are drugstore brands that are half or less than half that price. But, I've yet to try another brand that actually made my skin feel and look this good after using it.  I think it's definitely worth it's price. And look at it this way, it also doubles as a hair conditioner so you're getting multiple benefits all in one ^_^

Would I Recommend It? Yes, Yes and more Yes! This was honestly one of the closest shaves that I have EVER gotten and it's funny because after using this it made me realize that my problem wasn't with razors but the shaving products I had been using in the past (I used the same razor that I use all the time). The shave cream also packs a pretty good amount of moisture and didn't leave my skin feeling dry and I was free from irritation. If you're like me and have tried many products that just don't quite cut it, I definitely recommend giving Coochy a try. You won't be disappointed! After trying this cream i'm honestly considering not going back to other shaving creams, it's just that good!

Where To Buy: The Coochy Conditioning Shave Cream currently retails for $12 (4oz) and $18 (8oz) each. To purchase or to learn more please visit http://pureromance.com.

**P.S. Another thing that I wanted to mention is that Pure Romance also works with the Patty Brisben Foundation which promotes women's sexual health. It's one thing to sell pleasurable products but to also do their part in uplifting and educating women about their sexual well being is pretty awesome in my book! To learn more about the foundation and how Pure Romance is helping please visit http://pureromance.com/about-us/charitable-work/.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Bring Your Skin Back To Life | 6 Anti-Aging Skincare Tips For A Fresh Youthful Glow!

It feels surreal to even say it, but I'll be 30 next year. *cringes* While the years have seemed to flown by I've gotta admit that I'm kinda looking forward to beginning a new phase of my life. With this new journey one of my focuses is to maintain a healthy lifestyle from the inside out, starting with my skin.Your skin is your personal canvas to the world and is a reflection of how well we treat it. No matter how old you are; it is important to understand that it's never too late to get a healthy, glowing and more youthful complexion. Here are a few anti-aging tips to get your skincare routine back on track. 

1. Start with a Clean Slate

One of the most important things you can do to promote a youthful appearance is to make sure that your skin is properly cleansed. There are many techniques to accomplish this; you can start simple by using an organic or natural soap and plain water. Organic soaps are usually free from man-made fragrances and chemicals that can irritate your skin. Another great resource to clean, fresh skin is making your own cleanser.  Try warmed milk, a pinch of olive oil and honey; the combination of these simple ingredients help gently strip away impurities without drying out your skin like regular soap can. You can also try over the counter cleansing products, just make sure you look for products specific to your skin type. 

2. Exfoliate

Sometimes cleansing just isn't enough. Exfoliating your skin a few times a week removes dead skin cells and impurities, revealing a smoother surface. The good thing about exfoliants is that they aren't just for your face, you can lather up in the shower and literally scrub away the grime. You can also use an over the counter exfoliant or make your own. For a  simple at-home recipe try dry oatmeal, almond oil, sea salt and fresh mint. 

3. Hydrate and Moisturize 

Remember that your skin needs to be replenished just as much as you do. When our body is thirsty we drink water, think of your skin in the same way. When your skin is dry or dull it needs moisture in order to stay hydrated and looking radiant. A great moisturizer can prevent or repair aging factors such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne, flaky skin and even crows feet. Your skin needs something to penetrate deep into your pores in order to reveal a youthful complexion. You also want to choose a moisturizer that is specific for your skin type. I have oily skin and for the longest time I thought that by skipping the moisturizer I could prevent the oil from building up, but boy was I wrong! Your skin will only feel dehydrated and will overcompensate by producing more oil. (yikes!) The key to managing oily skin is to trick your skin into thinking it has enough moisture by using an oil free formula, there are even moisturizers that have a matte finish. No matter your skin type, there is a moisturizer just for you.   

4. Give The Makeup a Break

This may be a tough one to digest for some but when it comes to our face one of the key elements to a youthful appearance is to just let it breathe! Makeup can clog pores and cause acne. I personally don't wear it often but if you are one of those lovely people who just can't live without your foundation try this tip; instead of applying a full coverage foundation, use a tinted moisturizer or a bronzer. Both products are lightweight and leave your skin breathable and less vulnerable to breakouts. There are even foundations on the market that promote skin health and claim to fight blemishes! 

5. Read Ingredients

In this day in age being product savvy simply isn't enough. You have to know what's inside your products and how they work. Most over the counter products consist of ingredients that are hard to pronounce. A few ingredients that you should definitely stay away from or at least think carefully about putting onto your body are mineral oils and alcohols. Mineral Oils clog up your pores with excessive oils and toxins, which make it hard for the skin to get rid of it. Mineral oils tend to increase your chances of oily and acne prone skin. Alcohols you will find in a considerable amount of products and can leave your skin irritated and dry. The alcohol actually reduces the natural oils we all have in our skin, with extensive use of products with high levels can in some cases cause aging to the skin. Some of the alcohol products to pay close attention to are isopropyl, benzyl, and ethanol.

6. Reinforce a Healthy Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes are the most difficult things to incorporate in our lives. The goal to youthful skin can be as simple as changing the way you eat, exercise and reestablishing better sleeping habits. Believe it or not getting your beauty rest is not a myth. Stress hormones suppress the immune system and accelerate the aging process, so when our bodies don't get enough rest you could be indirectly increasing your chances of aged skin. While you sleep your body goes through a repairing process that stimulates cell turnover. As busy as our lives may be, a good 8 hours of rest can get your skin back to its natural glow!

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Nubar Nails | Jellybeans Spring 2012 Collection | Review + Swatches

This season Nubar brings the vibrant hues of the ultimate springtime confection to your tips and toes! Nubar's Jellybeans are eight exciting shades which vary from delicate to vivid with everything in between. No matter what your style, you'll find a Jellybean that's just right for you! 

Toasted Marshmellow

opaque light carmelized brown creme

Lemon

opaque bright yellow creme 

Kiwi

opaque pastel green creme

Blue Raspberry

semi-opaque light turquoise creme 

Strawberry

semi-opaque light modern pink creme 

Grape

semi-opaque medium modern purple creme 

Cherry

semi-opaque bright orange red creme 

Blueberry

opaque medium vibrant blue creme 

Glow: Nubar never fails to disappoint when it comes their vibrant colors. I think they did a great job with the selection of shades for this collection, they all go perfect with the Jellybeans theme -especially the pastels. My favorites are Kiwi, Blue Raspberry and Strawberry, each have a similar sheer and soft tone. The formula is also SUPER shiny! I didn't apply a top coat in any of the swatches, they are just naturally that glossy!

Glare: Not really a glare but some of the colors that are opaque or semi-opaque are actually more like jellies. They're very pigmented but also sheer so the majority of these needed about 2-3 coats for full coverage. Personally I can do without the red because I'm not a huge fan of bright reds. I would have actually loved to have seen maybe a more coral color instead of the red.

Would I Recommend It? Sure would ! Jellybeans is the perfect accessory for spring and summer!

Where To Buy: I'm not sure of the officially release date of these just yet but I'll be sure to update this post once I know! Nubar polishes retail for $8 each. To learn more about the collection, please visit www.bynubar.com.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Covergirl | "Intense ShadowBlast" Primer + Rich Shadow | Review + Swatches

Covergirl introduced the newest product to their Blast Collection a few months ago which is the Intense ShadowBlast liquid eye colors. I've been curious to see what these are all about for a while now and I've finally got a chance to check them out for myself. The Intense ShadowBlast comes in six vibrant shades; Platinum Pop, Blue Bomb, Extreme Green, Brown Bling, Beige Blaze and Forever Pink (the only one I don't have from the collection). 

Product Facts:

COVERGIRL Intense ShadowBlast

Is a liquid eye shadow that transforms into a smooth powdery finish! NEW crease-resistant Intense ShadowBlast  won't fade as you wear it for hours. 

- consists of a built-in-primer, which contains a long-wear waterproof polymer.

- glides on effortlessly as a liquid, but dries to a gorgeous powedry finish with color that stays

- has a felt tip applicator so that you can easily apply it for hours of fade proof, crease-resistant color. 

 Swatches
[L-R: Brown Bling, Beige Blaze, Extreme Green, Platinum Pop, Blue Bomb]

Glow: For starters I love that these shadows have a built-in primer! They can be worn as a base or worn alone. The Intense ShadowBlast definitely live up to their claims because once they dry and set they really don't move or fade. I literally was able to wear these for about 6 hours straight with no sign of fading or creasing.

Glare: A couple of the colors show up a little silvery against my complexion, so just be aware that depending on your skin-tone there might be a slight variation in the pigmentation of the shadows. Also once these shadows dry they don't budge, so make sure you blend well before they set!

Would I Recommend It? Yes! It's a great product especially being a drugstore brand. I also think these would go great used as a base with Covergirl's Smoky ShadowBlast Duo's, they would definitely intensify color and minimize creasing with those shades!

Where To Buy: Covergirl Intense ShadowBlast is currently available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide. They retail for $7.99 each. To purchase, learn more, or to locate a retailer near you please visit www.covergirl.com.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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