Fall Beauty at Target (TONS of in-store events!)

Hello, my friends! The leaves are changing, all things pumpkin are everywhere, and it finally isn't 100 degrees. Fall is officially here!

Whenever the seasons change beauty trends change too. I'm fairly certain you all know by now that I am an extreme Target addict and was stoked to find out that they are hosting a bunch of fall beauty events! These fun "TargetU" events will be held every weekend, and are being put on by some of my very favorite brands (Maybelline, L'Oreal, Essie, and Carol's Daughter) and will feature live in-store demonstrations, and beauty hacks to teach you some fun, fall looks! Where do I sign up??!

For my local ladies, you can find these in-store events here:

(If you aren't local check www.target.com/beautyevents for a full list of what's going on!)

There are different events every weekend (starting this Saturday) and going through November. BeautyU is free, and on a first come, first serve basis so get there early! (All events are being held 11:00am - 3:00pm) 

Here's what's happening every weekend: 

Which event(s) are you going to try and hit up?? They all sound amazing, but I especially want to see the in-store Halloween makeup demos! Be sure to let me know if you go to any! 

Met Ball 2015

I am a bit addicted to watching red carpet shows, and I love award season (for more than anything) the fashion. Once award season is over all of those red carpet events fizzle out, until we get to the Met Gala/Met Ball. This event is one of my favorites for checking out what the celebs are wearing because they often times cut loose and go a little crazy! The Met Ball always has a theme, and most people dress according to it. This year's Met Ball theme was China: Through the Looking Glass. But what's the Met Ball, you ask? Here's what the internet has to say: "The Met Gala, formally called the Costume Institute Gala and also known as the Met Ball, is an annual fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City. It marks the grand opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit." 

Here are some of my favorite looks from this year's event!

 Olivia Munn in a hand-painted J. Mendel couture gown:

I also love how her nails tied in perfectly with her outfit! And I really need to get a matte top coat!

Lilly Aldridge in Carolina Herrera:

Emma Roberts in Ralph Lauren:

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture:

Kate Hudson in Michael Kors:

Dakota Johnson in Chanel:

I know it's a bit hard to see against her gorgeous, reflective mirror dress, but Deborah Lippmann gave her a manicure with the super shiny, deep black creme nail polish "Fade to Black"  Just as exciting for a beauty junkie like myself is seeing what some of the most fashionable women in the world are wearing on the nails, what their makeup is looking like and how their hair is! 

While I did have quite a few looks I didn't love (Olivia Wilde, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Anne Hathaway just to name a few...)  I'm just going to leave you with this picture of my very least favorite look:

SJP is quite the fashionista, and has worn some crazy getups, but this head piece is just too much for me.

What do you think?? Have you checked out any of the fun, crazy and interesting ensembles from this year's Met Ball?? What were some of your favorites, and which fell short for you? Let me know!

Pinterest Nail Inspiration Link Up

The time has come, my friends!! Link up your Pinterest nail art board(s) here! The only rule is that if you link up, you must follow at least one of the linked up boards. Together let's all find some new inspiration, and maybe next week we can all link up something we saw pinned for Mani Monday! Happy linking!

Fall 2012 Nail Colors by Glitter and Gloss

1. Gangsta's Paradise by Pams and Kin. This is a gorgeous brass holographic glitter with black. Goes with anything and everything and is a great everyday color!

2. La Moss by Butter London. This is a deep, rich oxblood shade and perfect when you want to go a bit dramatic.

3. Gunta by Trina Turk for Julep. A beautiful, vibrant blue. So pretty for fingers or toes.

4. Styleconomics by Essie. Emerald is huge for Fall 2012, and what better way to sport the trend than on your fingers?

5. Purity by Illamasqua. Think of this as a palette refresher for your fingers. This perfect peach is lovely when  you don't want your nails to be screaming for attention.

Click on any of the icons below to shop my picks.

Honorable mentions.....

1. Suzi and the 7 Dusseldorfs by OPI. This is a rich, deep (but still surprisingly bright) purple and is just gorgeous!

2. Only Ashes by Pams & Kin is the perfect dove gray.

3. Classic Mint by Mint Polish is a gorgeous, refreshing minty green.

Click below to shop any of my picks.

What are your favorite nail colors for the upcoming season? Are you already wearing them, or are you holding onto the summer brights for as long as you can?? 

*some of the colors mentioned were provided by the companies for my consideration, though it in no way influenced my "top five" and "honorable mention" choices.

Summer Trends with guest blogger Audrey of Spilled Milk Style

Summer Trends Any Mom Can Pull Off


I am super excited to be guest posting for Heather on one of my favorite mom blogs, Glitter and Gloss! I’m Audrey, a fellow mom and creator of Spilled Milk Style, a blog for stylish moms despite all the spilled milk! Spilled Milk Style is a fashion, style and lifestyle inspiration blog for moms.

Today I’m discussing 5 hot summer trends that any mom (or any Glitter and Gloss reader) may easily incorporate in their everyday style.

Here’s a little secret, moms can be trendy! I know it’s hot outside and the last thing you want to do in the morning when your toddler is screaming “PANCAKES” in your face is plan a trendy outfit. So here are 5 summer trend items that can be easily incorporated in any daily wardrobe.

The first is the neon trend. A pop of color will brighten any mom’s day! Pair an easy neon t-shirt (Gap or Target) with your favorite shorts or capris or add a skinny neon belt for instant on trend chic. Here I am with a neon yellow belt from Target and a wrap bracelet from Free People.



Cross Body bags are a very useful trend item for moms. My two year old son asks “hold you” when he wants to be picked up. The cross body bag makes this so much easier than trying to balance him and and a diaper bag. There are so many different styles, colors and price points to choose from. Here I am with 3 cross body bags:

This is my Chanel Flap bag in the large size. I’ve had this for almost 4 years and never wore it this cross body way until I had Conrad.


Here I am showing two trends in one with this neon cross body bag by Cambridge Satchel and Co.


And last is my latest investment bag, The Celine Nano Luggage in Vermillion.



Loafers or “Smoking Slipper” have been dubbed as the next big flat since last spring. They’re still going strong and will be so into Fall/Winter. Loafers are the perfect alternative to the ballet flat and will give your outfit a definite on trend look. I was a little hesitant about pulling these off but also felt the same way when the ballet flat was first trendy years ago. I found the perfect velvet blue loafers by Del Toro. They go with so much and are super comfortable (after I added a heel grip, which I normally have to do with flats.) I can chase around my busy two year old, Conrad, no problem! Plus because they’re velvet I can definitely rock them in the Fall. I recommend wearing with shorts or capris now and skinny ankle jeans in the Fall. Here I am in my Del Toros:




Bracelet stacks are a trendy way to easily display your favorite bracelets. For moms I suggest to keep it more simple than the teens. Don’t overdo it and limit 3 to 5 depending on size and I usually add a watch. For those with crafty children making friendship or beaded bracelets is great DIY project to do together. Plus a very special way to display your child’s craft talent! Great DIY friendship bracelet tutorial here. Here are a few of my bracelet stacks:







The last trend is fun nailpolish color. I know I don’t need to say much about this trend to Glitter and Gloss readers as you guys are experts! But for anyone hesitant I suggest to try a solid color first. I find blues actually work as a great neutral. Once you get your feet wet be bold and try for yellow, or bolder and try a great pattern like Heather rocks!

Here’s Essie Turquoise and Caicos on my toes.


And here’s Essie Lapiz of Luxury on my nails. This is my favorite colored neutral.


Thanks so much to Heather for allowing me to be a guest on Glitter and Gloss. Hope you all enjoyed my top 5 mom style summer trends!

Best,
Audrey, Spilled Milk Style

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spring 2012 nail colors

5. Pay Attention To Me - Sephora by OPI. This is a beautiful, bright tangerine. Afterall, Tangerine Tango *is* the color of the year.

4. It Color by OPI. A gorgeous, bright yellow. I'm kinda loving the neon trend. Nail polish is a way to dip your pinky toe into the super bright world.

3. Jessica by Julep. Such a pretty, creamy, pale blue. Pastels are always in for Spring and this one is as pretty as can be!

2. Navigate Her by Essie. I guess this can best be described as a creamy pistachio. I love Essie's formulas. I have this color, and it wears beautifully.

1. Alicia by Julep. This picture is pretty when you're looking at it on a computer screen, but it is GORGEOUS  in person!! It is the perfect coral shade, in fact it may be the most perfect nail polish shade ever. I'm in love.

So, those are my picks. What are your favorite nail colors this season? Are you sporting any fun nail art?  Don't forget that the Mani Monday hosted by myself and Just Lovely Things is open all week, and a new one starts every Monday!

xo!!

Top 5 Nail Polishes for Winter + P320 Winner

In the winter I tend to prefer dark polishes for my nails. Dark polishes look amazing, but it is so important to use a good base coat with them to avoid any possible nail staining, especially with blue or green colors. My favorite base coat is Stickey by CND and my all time favorite top coat (to make your nails shiny, and to help them dry quickly!) is Seche Vite.  If you do have any yellowing, Yellow Buster is a fabulous colors. Now onto the colors....

5. Codie by Zoya. This is a dark, creamy chocolate brown.

4. Across the Universe by Deborah Lippmann.  Various shades and sizes of dark blue and dark green glitters in a blue base. This color is gorgeous, just be sure to use a top coat to avoid any nail staining.

3. Midnight Kiss by China Glaze. This soft, shimmery gold is festive enough to wear everyday!

2. British Racing Green by Butter London. Butter London has such a gorgeous variety of nail colors. I picked this particular color up during a rare buy one get one free sale at Ulta, and I'm in love with it. British Racing Green is a beautiful hunter green. Make sure to wear a base coat to avoid nail staining.

1. Brooklyn by Julep.  You guys are probably sick of hearing me brag about Julep, but I am obsessed with their nail lacquers. The formulas are amazing - they go on smooth, don't bubble and don't chip. Brooklyn is a sparkly ruby red - think Dorothy's slippers.  This color would be great to try doing some festive nail art with - maybe candy cane nails using Brooklyn and Snow White by Zoya?

So, what do you think of my top five nail polishes for Winter?? Do you agree or disagree? Own any of them? Plan on buying any of them? I'd love to know what you're thinking!

Psst - the winner of my Project 320 bundle is T Hardin.  Congrats!! Please email me within 48 hours (angelfacedesigns AT gmail DOT com)  Thank you to all who donated and entered!

Top 5 Nail Polishes for Holiday Parties

Warning: If you're not a fan of glitter or sparkle turn away now. Personally I like sparkle 365 days a year, but during the holidays I think you have the perfect excuse to pile it on!

5. Milani Jewel FX in gold, silver or gems.  These colors are awesome and CHEAP!! You'll need three or four coats to get full coverage, but I prefer to use them over another color. The Milani Gold FX looks awesome over China Glaze Midnight Kiss!

4. Dorothy, Who? by China Glaze. Um....so I found this on Amazon for a quarter. A quarter! You basically only pay shipping. You can also get it at Sally Beauty Supply. This is a medium-dark blue packed with sparkles. Loves!!

3. Stairway to Heaven by Deborah Lippmann.  This color is an icy white base with white and iridescent white chunks of glitter. You can get good coverage by putting on four coats, but I prefer two coats over Snow White.

2. Leighton by Julep, with Vanessa layered on top of an accent nail. You can buy them individually, but why not pay a little more and get them in the Silver Belles pack* along with another awesome color? Leighton is a shiny silver, and Vanessa is a gorgeous top coat packed with silver and white sparkles. I wore it on my ring fingers as "accent nails" So festive and pretty!

1. Misletoe Kisses by China Glaze. This is a medium green base filled with dark green glitters. Two coats gives you extra coverage, just be sure to use a base coat to avoid possible nail yellowing.


Now, glitter polish is a huge pain to take off, but here's what works for me:  I soak my nails in pure acetone for about five minutes. The glitter comes off pretty easily after that. I make sure to wash my hands really well, and then use cuticle oil and hand cream so that the acetone doesn't dry me out.


Come back next week for my Top 5 Nail Polishes for Winter!

*I received the silver belles set from Julep for consideration. All opinions are 100% my own - these truly are some of the best nail polishes I have ever found!

Manicure of the Week: Rina by Zoya + A Winner!!

 My manicure of the week (last week, actually) is Rina by Zoya.  I'm a huge fan of Zoya. All of their nail polishes are vegan and completely free of any harsh chemicals. They have about a zillion different colors and finishes to choose from, and so far I can't find one single thing bad to say about them.

They released their holiday collection of nail polishes a few weeks ago and I picked up Rina, Kissy and Twila. (Can you tell I like things that sparkle?)  Rina is a dark green glitter base with green bar glitters packed in.  It only takes two coats to be completely opaque and I love it.

Here's a super close up so you can see the pretty glitters:

Hmm. Thumbs that close are weird looking, but it gives you an idea of the awesome glitters. The bars are holographic, so they almost have a blue look to them.

What do you think of this color? Yay or nay? I was fully waiting until December to wear  it, but clearly I have no will power.

PS - congrats to Michaela, who won the 500 follower giveaway!!

Michaela@Life With the Crazies said...74

FB Fan :)

Shoot me an email, Michaela!

Julep Maven review

For the last week or so I have been {impatiently} waiting for my first Julep Maven box.  I mentioned it before, but Julep is a monthly subscription service where for $20 you get hand-picked nail polish and nail care items delivered to your door. BUT if you use the code ANGELFACEDESIGNS you can get your first month for only $9.99 - Amazing deal. One of the things I like about being a Julep Maven is you can skip a month at any time, which is nice for months that money is a bit tight. But anyways, onto the box.....

Here is what I got:

A full-sized glycolic hand scrub (or as they refer to it - a facial for hands.) This full-sized product is a $32 value, and once I run out it is something I will gladly buy again. It had the perfect amount of grit to exfoliate my hands, without hurting and they felt so incredibly soft for days (no joke) after using it.  I'm now keeping it in my shower and will probably use it two or three times a week. It is fabulous.

I also got a sample of their age defying hand brightener and their spf 30 hand cream. I was a big fan of both, but especially the hand cream. I love that they have sunscreen built right into it. For years I've been putting sunscreen on the tops of my hands (have you ever seen someone who's face looks forty, but their hands like eighty? I don't want that to be me - use sunscreen everywhere, people!)

Onto the fun stuff - the nail polish colors! When you first sign up to become a Julep Maven you take a fun little quiz to determine what kinds of colors will be picked for you. My answers said I was an "Classic With a Twist" and the colors they sent me were Lindsay - a deep, dark burgundy. This is a gorgeous color and as someone who doesn't usually go for these colors I like it, and am excited to try it out.  I also got Shania - a pearly, silver-champagne.  Honestly, I'm not a fan of this color. Not really a fan of anything pearly. I did this color on Leila's toes, and the application is beautiful. It's been a few days now and there isn't one single chip which is saying a ton, since Leila's nails tend to chip almost immediately!

How pretty is their packaging? I just love the tall, slim bottles. SO unique and won't take up to much room in your polish stash!  I am loving being a Julep Maven and think you will love being one too. Don't forget if you sign up to use the code ANGELFACEDESIGNS to get your first month for only $9.99 (how can you resist?!)  Have a happy day, friends!

Crazy amazing deal for you!!

Hey, fellow nail polish lovers - have I got a deal for you! Have you ever heard of Julep?  I hadn't until just recently. It's a monthly subscription service for nail polishes, accessories, hand creams, etc. It's $19.99 a month for at least $40 worth of goodies. You can skip any month, which I like just in case money happens to be tight that month.  What I'm especially loving is right now you can sign up, and get $40 worth of goodies for only $5 with the code INTRO5.  Obviously I just signed up. Make sure to sign up soon to get the deal!! If you do, let me know so that we can compare what goodies we get in our first box!!

xoxoxox!

Nails!

For you nail polished obsessed chicks, like myself. Here are some recent manicures I've done.....

Over-the-top Halloween manicure.  These looked better when it was just the nail stickers. Then I decided to add some glittery moon top coat.  Then some jewels. Like I said, over the top.

Blue sparkles!! This is Gone, Gonzo from the Muppets for OPI collection. The whole collection is amazing!

White with gold sparkles. The white is Zoya's "Snow White" and the gold sparkles are "Only Gold for Me" by Sephora for OPI. This is one of my absolute favorite polishes - can't recommend it enough!

What's currently on your nails and toes!?