The Low Down on Nail Polish Strips

I love having pretty nails.. what girl doesn't?  But I don't always have the time to paint my nails and let them dry properly.  98% of the time, I bump them on something and mess them up, and they never seem to look pretty after about 3 days.  They start chipping or peeling off, no matter how many different top coats/gel coats I have tried.. so I have ditched my trusty polishes for nail polish strips!

The Sally Hansen Salon Effects dry nail polish strips are to die for.  They come in multiple patterns and colors (my fave is Kitty, Kitty) and they're easy to use.  They last much longer than polish and you don't have to have a super steady hand to make them look good (no more bits of polish all over your fingers!).

Each box comes with a set of 16 strips, for ONE application.  You get two sealed pouches of strips, and once they are opened, after a few hours, they cannot be used again -- the adhesive will be no good.  You'll also get instructions, a dual sided nail file and a cuticle pusher stick.

The strips have two different shaped ends, which enables you to find the best fit for your nail/cuticle shape.  The packaging says to use one strip per nail.. but I never follow the directions, and I actually can cover two nails with one strip.

After shaping and cleaning your nails, hold different strips up to your nails to determine what size you will need, then peel off the clear backing.  Now you can carefully peel the strip off the paper backing and place it onto your nail.  The adhesive isn't very sticky, which allows you to move the strip around for perfect placement.  Once you get it where you want it, smooth it out with your finger or the cuticle stick. 

I stretch the strip out a bit over the tip of my nail and bend it downward to create a crease, then run my nail file over the edge to cut if off with a smooth edge.  I take the cut off portion of the strip and size it on another nail for placement (usually the same finger on the opposite hand). Of course, if you don't have another nail that it will fit on, then toss it in the trash. 

Voila, you're done!!  No drying time at all.. and that's the best part!  You can grab your favorite color or pattern at places like Target, Walmart or Walgreen's.  Although, I find that Walmart is the cheapest, at around $8.50. 

If you are more a visual person.. check out the link at the beginning of the post on the Sally Hansen website, or hit up trusty ole YouTube for a video tutorial on how to apply them.

Lots of love.
-- Kali @ The Pink Leopard

 

Killer Heels

Okay, so I wore some adorable peep toe heels to work yesterday and by 3pm, my feet were KILLIN'.. for real.  So, after work when browsing the isles at Walgreen's I decided to pick up a Band-Aid Friction Block stick.

Why didn't I discover this ages ago?!  This little baby really does the trick. You rub a little bit on the areas that rub inside your shoes most frequently and it instantly prevents the pain.  The product creates a barrier on the skin which protects it from those evil, but beautiful shoes.  It's not greasy at all, and you can put your shoes back on right away - no drying time! 

Since I am wearing peep-toe heels again today, I applied some on my toes because they rub really bad in these shoes.. and on my heels -- a world of difference!  Usually when I wear these shoes, my feet start hurting within 10-15 minutes, but so far, I've had zero rubbing.  It's a miracle! 

You can use it with any shoes that rub.. not just heels.  I would definitely recommend trying this out.  I never have been able to find it at Walmart, so check out Target or Walgreens.  I think it was around $7.

Lots of love.
-- Kali @ The Pink Leopard



Guilty Pleasures

As most of you already know.. I'm a Jersey Shore addict and a guidette at heart.  I snubbed them when their show first aired, but I caught an episode a few seasons ago, and was hooked.  Sure, tons of people are disgusted by them.. but seriously, I'd have no problem acting like an idiot if someone paid me tons of money too, so as the old saying goes,  "Don't hate the players, hate the game!"  This show is definitely my favorite guilty pleasure.

This summer, Chris and I actually went to the Jersey Shore and got to see the shore house, the 'Shore Store' where the cast works every summer (and Danny actually made our custom pants/shirts for us... so that was pretty cool), eat fried pickles with sexy sauce, walk along the beautiful boardwalk, and get bronzed on the beach.  Overall, I was totally impressed -- the boardwalk and beach were very clean and enjoyable.  We actually had to go to Jersey for Chris' work.. and on the weekend headed to the shore to play -- just incase you were wondering if I was crazy enough to travel there just because I liked the show. Although, we are planning to go back next summer to party!

When we got to the shore house, the MTV crew was actually there breaking down the set, because the cast had just wrapped up filming Season 5 and left the day before!!  Never know, Chris and I could've got our GTL on with MVP. :)

Anyway, the whole reason I am making this Jersey Shore post is because I wanted to share with you the two books Snooki has written.  Stop laughing, yes, I really bought, read and thoroughly enjoyed both of them!

Her first book A Shore Thing is a story about two girls, Gia and Bella (based on her and JWoww) and it's really cute and funny.  The second book, Confessions of a Guidette is all about Snooki's life as well as different beauty product suggestions and tips.  It also has a lot of pictures from Snooki now and when she was little.  I actually finished the book the same night I bought it.. because I couldn't make myself stop turning the pages!  Both of these books definitely satisfy my Jersey Shore addiction since the show isn't on air right now. :)

If any of you ladies need to indulge on your Jersey Shore guilty pleasures check these books out.  You can also view the past seasons online over on MTV's website. No, you probably won't gain much from them other than a few laughs, but isn't that the point?

Lots of love.
-- Kali @ The Pink Leopard

YouTube Addiction..

So, okay.. I got my camera equipment and lighting all set up on my vanity to start doing makeup tutorials, had some good ideas in mind, then never had the time to actually sit down and film & edit them.  Since I've spent countless hours scouring YouTube for different beauty videos, I figured I would just share all of my favorites with you guys, instead of trying to film my own.  Plus, I would just be restating what 123981273 other people have already said. :)

I will post new videos weekly -- makeup tutorials, hair tutorials, and product reviews.  I will also share my thoughts on any comparable products that can be found locally.

I hope you find these vids as helpful as I did.. and learn a new trick or two. To view the videos, just click their YouTube name below.

Gorgeous brows by MissLBailey. -- I came across this video last night, so I haven't tried her techniques yet, but it looks pretty easy.  I am almost out of my Smashbox Brow Tech To-Go, so next I'll try the eyeshadow filler. If you don't already have a small stiff angled brush.. you can get one at Target for like $2.  It's on the back wall in the cosmetics area -- same wall all the nail polishes are on.

How to contour and highlight your face by Petrilude.  Oddly enough, there are better makeup videos produced by guys than girls. Josh (Petrilude) is great to watch and thoroughly explains how to do everything.  To contour my face, I currently use Loreal True Match Powder in C7- Nut Brown (about $8) using a fluffy blush brush I nabbed at TJMaxx for dirt cheap. To highlight I use E.L.F Shimmer powder (about $3) with the small flat dense brush that comes with it.  I got both of these products from Target.

Check back later for more of my favorite videos!

Lots of love.
-- Kali @ The Pink Leopard

Exciting News!

Hey lovelies, TGIF!  I have some really exciting news to share with you!  In the next few weeks I will be kicking off my new mobile spray tanning service, AutoBronze. 

Spray tanning is the application of a micro-fine mist of tanning solution with an HVLP (high volume low pressure) machine. Unlike spray booths -aka- "Mystic Tans", HVLP spray tanning is applied by hand (with an HVLP machine, obviously) in half the time.  This provides you even coverage and a natural bronzy glow without the downsides associated with UV tanning such as skin damage, premature wrinkles, sagging and risk of skin cancer.

Even better, mobile spray tanning offers you personalized pampering in the privacy of your own home!  Don’t want to do it alone?  Grab some wine, invite over your girlfriends and let’s have a tanning party! Spray tanning is also great for special events, fitness competitions, or just a fun girl's night!  Depending on how you prepare and care for your tan will determine how long it lasts, but the typical timeframe is 1-2 weeks.

Most all sunless tanning products contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is where the color comes from. DHA, is derived from sugar cane, and interacts with the proteins in the outer layer of your skin to give you a natural, beautiful brown color. One key point I must make is not everyone has the same skin type/tone, which means not every spray tan will utilize the same amount of DHA. We’ve all seen those girls (and guys) who look orange, and it’s due to the use of too much DHA.  With my mobile spray tanning services you will receive custom color mixing based on your natural skin tone, which means even the most pale pretties won’t look ultra dark, orange or unnatural. You’ll be absolutely gorgeous with your new sunkissed look.

Not sure what skin type your considered? 

Type 1: Extremely sensitive to sun. Fair skinned with freckles, sunburns easily and not able to achieve a tan.

Type 2: Sensitive to sun. Fair skinned with lighter colored eyes, sunburns easily, but able to achieve a light tan.

Type 3: Most Caucasians fit into this category. Occasionally sunburns, but able to achieve a decent tan.

Type 4: Rarely sunburns and usually tans well.

A typical spray tan session will last about 15-20 minutes, give or take.  This includes preparation of the skin, the actual spray tan application, and drying time.  Can't remember all of this info? No worries, I'll be creating an entire section on this blog just for you bronzed beauties.

Still trying to figure out the exciting part?  In preparation to officially launch AutoBronze, I need a few volunteers for a FREE spray tan!

Ideally, I would like to spray all skin types and ages.  The contingency is, you be willing to be photographed pre and post tan, (day of and possibly a few days later) and provide me with a review of the whole process.  I will feature these photos on here, and potentially for some advertising.

Don’t worry..  I won’t be blasting you in your teeny bikini, if you aren’t comfortable with it.  You will be more than welcome to be photographed in a tanktop and shorts.. just enough skin that will show off your gorgeous tan!

If you are interested in getting a FREE spray tan, please email me, text me, or shoot me message on Facebook with your name, skin type, age and phone number.  I will take requests until Monday, November 7, 2011. I will draw names randomly and then contact you to schedule your spray tan and provide you with all the information you'll need to prepare for your tan.

Look forward to hearing from you.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Lots of love.
-- Kali @ The Pink Leopard