NOTD: OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls

After eyeing this colour for a couple weeks, I finally caved and bought it.

So worth it! The shade is creamy, lovely and so opaque! It's called My Boyfriend Scales Walls and is part of the Spiderman collection released months ago. Most of the nail polish is probably sold out (I found this in a sale bin at Lawtons) but if you can get your hands on this colour I would highly recommend it! :)

Thought I should include this fine example of the joys of self timer. On the plus side, you do get to see some of the detailing on my new Paige Denim Jacket!

September Favourites!

I am super excited about the products I am sharing this month! There are some weeks when I don't pay much attention to beauty products and feel less enthusiastic about monthly favourites-not this time!

For new readers (or anyone really)... I rotate between 'Favourites' and 'Empties'. For example: I will do an October Empties, November Favourites and eventually a December Empties but not two in one month. I find this way I have more products to share in each post and the extra 4 weeks gives me more time to use up products.

Alright, so this was September for me (beauty wise) in a nutshell..

Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion: This has been a skincare addition! I use it in conjunction with cetaphil cleanser. I heard kokolaroo talking about keeping her skin 'on it's toes' by using multiple products at once. I liked the idea and this cleansing lotion even more! It stings a bit so maybe not best for sensitive skin, but I find it does a superb job of removing makeup at the end of the day.

OPI Rapid Dry Spray: No polish this month. I've been using different colours every week, however this spray has been a constant! I scrolled through my blog and realized I'd never talked about it before. Basically you spray it on wet nails and it help them dry really quickly. Fantastic! Just a tad overpriced :P

Di Palamo Fig and Grape Body Set: Mentioned this in a haul and I've been loving it! Unfortunately this isn't available in Canada and I am nearly running out of each product :( The scent is rich, deep and delicious. The smell of the shower gel lingers on your skin.

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara: This has been a favourite for the past few months. Gives very dramatic results, is affordable and easy to remove. What could be better?

CARGO Cosmetics One base Concealer + Foundation In One: <- That name's a bit of a tongue twister! Regardless, the dofut (is that the right word?) applicator is handy, the coverage is perfect and it matches my pasty skin wonderfully. I've used it almost everyday since it was sent to me.

Gwdihw Orange Lemon Lip Balm: Don't be fooled-this lip saviour isn't just here for the adorable packaging. My lips have been in the best condition I remember thanks to this little pot of heaven. Full review here!

CARGO Beach Blush in Sunset Beach: Last time I posted about this, it received quite the applause in the comments. It warms up my skin with bronzey shades while still giving my cheeks a pink flush. And yes, I'm still mesmerized by the colours + shimmer! 

Have you done a monthly favourites post?

Please leave your information in the comments-I really want to check out some new blogs!

NOTD: OPI Flit a Bit

If you didn't notice my nails before, you do now!

Flit a Bit definitely requires being in the 'right mood'.This might be the colour's last hurrah until Spring. 
Mainly because when I'm wearing this and look down at my fingers, I think..kraft dinner..

Is this shade too neon for you, would you wear it?

On a completely unrelated topic-if you need to buy some pens I would highly recommend the Staples Comfort Stic. Seriously, these are amazing. Really smooth and work wonderfully :)

NOTD: OPI Italian Love Affair

Please don't mind the food stain on my sweater..thought I'd get dressed up for you guys ;)

This shade has a subtle, pearly finish. I find light pinks are really forgiving in general. If you are just starting out with nail polish or lack a steady hand this 'Italian Love Affair' might be good for you. Or maybe just buy the polish for it's cheeky name ^.^

Hope everyone is having a good week. I felt like rolling out of bed this morning-and it's only Tuesday!

Yesterday I rented the movie, Song of Lunch, with Allan Rickman and Emma Thompson. Think I'll probably watch it this weekend!

NOTD: Essie A Cut Above and OPI Lunch At the Delhi

I usually don't delve into the world of glitter polishes. I find removing them can be really abrasive and I can't help thinking 'my poor nails!'

But after strolling under the fluorescent lights of Lawtons, Essie's A Cut Above caught my eye. Although the glitter doesn't look as pink on the nails as it does in the bottle I still love it!

What are your thoughts on glitter polishes? 

NOTD: OPI I'm Not Really a Waitress & Sunglasses

Does anyone else think this is a dupe for OPI's Bogota Blackberry?

That is one of my all-time favourite shades (and the first nail polish I bought)! Whenever I swipe on I'm Not Really a Waitress, I am reminded of the same shiny, deep red colour.

This lasted abut 5 days before it started to chip, which I think is decent. I wore this to work and the cottage and thought it was appropriate for both ^.^

And I have to share this little find with you!

I know these sunglasses aren't everyone's cup of tea but I am so obsessed. I bought them at Sunglass Hut in July and haven't taken them off. They are definitely my most worn item this summer. They were a tad pricey (I think nearly $200 with tax) but worth it in my opinion. 

I'm still a little hazy with my justification, but bear with me.. :)

What is your most worn summer item?

Thanks for reading and keep an eye out for my next post!

*hint: it begins with august and ends with empties

NOTD: OPI Pink Flamenco

Just a little peek at a colour I've been loving this week! Hot pink, opaque (after one coat), and affordable in comparison to the lacquer by Dior, Nars and Chanel. I know most of my NOTD feature OPI but there is a reason for that. They are always coming out with new, fun, trendy, wearable colours, the brushes are perfection and on an even more shallow note...the names can be pretty cute!
What nail polish brand do you love? 

July Favourites!

1. Sephora Makeup Bag: I've been doing a lot of traveling back and forth from city to cottage this month. This makeup bag is the perfect size! It holds everything I need for a couple nights use and it looks cute too. ^.^
2. Urban Decay De-Slick: With all this hot and humid weather I've needed to use a little extra "umph" to get my makeup to stay in place. This works wonderfully. Just don't get it in your mouth, I had a bit left over on my lips and it did not taste good. I've done a full review of this product, if you want to read it click here. 
3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen: This is everything you want in a sunscreen-lightweight, great protection, no scent, not oily, absorbs quickly! I've been using it almost everyday since May. I even carry it in my purse incase I need to re-apply. One of the best features is the fact that it can be used either underneath or over makeup!
4. Makeup Forever HD Foundation: Not quite sure why, but I've been sticking to liquid foundation almost all year. I dip into a bunch of different foundations but I've been using this one consistently. I think since I travelled a lot in July it was easy for me to pack a no-fuss foundation that doesn't require sponges, brushes, setting powder or primer. Sure, you could use all those products to create better coverage, but personally I prefer to just use my fingers!
5. Nars Blush in Luster: This product warms up my face :) It has a bit of shimmer and creates a lightly bronzed effect. This blush also has the standard Nars packaging, you can never go wrong there. I did a review not too long ago... click here to read it!
6. Philosophy Full Thickening Mousse: I don't want to ramble too much so click here for a review. I will say that as someone who doesn't like to do much hair maintenance, this product effortlessly helps me get more volume and gives my hair more body!
7. OPI Red My Fortune Cookie: This colour has been on my toes for most of the summer. It is very bright and the formula gives an opaque and shiny finish.
8. Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Mask: I included this in a skin care haul and never updated you on it. Sorry >.< I've been using the mask about 1-2 times per week and LOVE it. It makes my skin feel reenergized while pulling out all grime left over from cleansing. I have never used of or even heard of this brand before. So if you have any experience with it, or want to recommend more products to me, please let me know in the comments.
9. Boscia Oil Free Daily Hydration: This has been part of my daily skincare routine since October, I don't know why I haven't featured it on the blog yet and if you are interested I can do a more extensive review:) This is a very no-frills product. Packaging, scent, texture, function...there are no gimmicks or false claims. This moisturizer does one thing well and that is hydrating oily skin. Sometimes people with oily skin think they don't need to moisturize. But they NEED to even more because their cells are producing more oil, by adding it yourself tells your skin "Okay, thanks for this excessive amount of moisture but you can ease up now" I wouldn't recommend this to people with dry skin but it has certainly worked beautifully for my combination skin. 

What have your favourites been this month?

If you have done a July Favourites post, please leave the URL in the comments below-I would love to check it out! :)

NOTD: Gargantuan Green Grape

Love this polish! I bought it at Lawtons (Canadian drugstore) last summer and wore it for the entire month of August. Maybe a bit much, but when somethings working might as well just go with it :) This shade is the perfect pastel green, it has a creamy formula and a smooth, shiny finish. I recently saw a video about this polish on youtube, where someone said it had a matte finish, but I strongly disagree. Sure, it doesn't have shimmer and isn't particularly glossy but Gargantuan Green Grape isn't a true matte. I used two coats...three would've been better, especially if you are want an opaque lacquered effect.

I am obsessed with raspberries and had to share ^.^

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Three Way Mirror

Hey everyone! I thought a NOTD post was overdue...

When I first saw this shade I thought it looked really dull, another boring shade of pink. It didn't particularly stand out or look pretty in the bottle. In fact, I don't even remember why I purchased it because I never wore it. It took months before I tried it out but when I did-I loved it!

Firstly, brownie points must be awarded to Sephora because the brush is perfect! It's long and narrow, getting into all the nooks and crannies of your nail. Very easy to use! :)

The colour is very muted, which is unusual. It doesn't shock you when you look down at your hand, there's no cringing or gasping at it's beauty. Instead the colour just looks plain and pretty. Every so often I am in the mood of a colour like this. I also need to mention that this shade is very complimentary on my pale skin.  I don't think it's part of the permanent line-but correct me if I'm wrong. Wouldn't be surprising if I was. :P

Have you bought any nail polishes that pleasantly surprised you? 
Actually, include the unpleasant ones too (those are always good stories)!  >:)

NOTD: More Red!

My last nail post was a red too...hmm a little trend is happening. Studies show that red is the colour people are most naturally drawn to and tend to desire. It's why red is the key component in logos such as Coca Cola, McDonalds, Skinnygirl and other companies. It's smart advertising!

This colour is called Red my Fortune Cookie from OPI's Hong Kong collection. Is there any new collections I need to check out? Clearly I need to switch it up a bit! :P I recently read a post featuring a sparkly green Deborah Lippman polish that looked amazing!

Hope you're having a good week!

xx Veronica

Shiny Dancer

Nail Polish of the Day

Alas, another dusty, muted colour. I am just going through one those phases where I MUST wear a stereotypical fall shade - and want to share it! This is my current colour. OPI's Parlez-Vous OPI?