Purple Privilege: Chanel Paradoxal Nail Vernis

I’ve actually heard of Chanel’s Paradoxal before seeing the actual bottle. Deliciously complex, and buildable, Paradoxal is a great approach to Fall color. A rich purple with muddled grey undertones, the depth in color lends itself to both those of ebony and alabaster without looking harsh or out of place. Similar to that of other Chanel polishes, the formula practically glides on, and works best with buffed beds + slick topcoat.

Snag your own bottle of Chanel Paradoxal at SaksFifthAvenue.com. ($23)

Do you switch your polish palette? What seasonal hues are you eyeing for Fall?

xx.

essie Knows Top Coats

This is Bo Jackson…**He loves essie too.

Just like Bo seemed to know sports, super cute nail line essie knows a thing or two about top coats. If you’ve read my post on DIY manis–you know that I’m a nail fiend that is all about finding that fab shortcut to re-create at home. To me, a top coat is a top coat. Whether it’s Sally Hansen or clear coats by Brucci, they all deliver the same results (sorry, but it’s true!).

My whole stance on the necessary-yet-replaceable top coat situation changed when I was treated to a mani from Bliss Spa. Bliss is cute in their own right, and the mani was definitely appreciated (if you only seen my cuticles–yikes!), but what completely changed my life was the introduction to essie’s good to go!. This ridiculously shiny top coat not only dried my nails in lightning speed (you may have seen my “I fail” tweets about me doing my nails 5 minutes before bed), but also provided such an amazing coverage, that it only needed one light coat to do the trick. This has seriously transformed my entire polish process, breathing life to some of my rather lackluster bargain finds (like the dull-as-a-doornob $.99 pink I just ‘HAD TO HAVE!’).

Snag your own bottle of essie’s good to go! for $10 by visiting essieshop.com

**This may or may not be a fictional image

xx.

Manual Mani

Call me a recessionista, a frugalista, or just plain cheap–I hardly EVER get salon manis. Why pay for something I can do myself? I often find myself murmuring (crotchety, I might add). Not only do I enjoy saving money (who doesn’t?), I actually like doing my nails at home. While most people view salon trips as a chance to be pampered, I see it as a chunk of time I could have spent watching Gossip Girl DVDs in my jammies (with a cupcake [or two] in tow). So as a [totally non-professional] professional, here’s my take at the DIY mani.

Nails so good, makes you say Oh-La-La!

When I was younger I was the total girly girl. Barbies, gloves–I even had the socks with the little frills on them. That may be a little nauseating, but it’s true! Now, I’m not all soft and pink anymore (I actually went into total tomboy mode during those awkward middle school years-weird huh?) but I do indulge in the little things. 

One of my addictions is getting my nails done, especially french manicures. While not completely revolutionary, I love the way it makes my nails look clean and perfectly polished. But for this recessionista, there’s no way I’m getting that weekly mani (even if my cuticles are practically BEGGING me to!) and my hands are so shaky that any DIY attempt make my tips look like they’ve been dipped in paint. 

I was in a total digital dilemma, so when I saw Nailene’s Hard & Healthy French Pen Kit I had to give it a second glance. The kit includes a neutral nail colour and a top coat, but the star of the pack is the little white pen. The pen acts as a goof-proof way to get the unattainable white line without the mess or the worry. The kit even includes little guiding stickers so you can get the look you want every time. Of course I couldn’t believe it could be that easy so I had to try it out. Guess what, It worked! My nails were frenching in no time and I haven’t looked back since. Tres magnifique!

What are your favorite beauty shortcuts?

 

 

xx