Sephora Collection The Painter Airbrush Sponge

Hi guys! Okay, so just ignore my brutal nails! I need a mani!! I needed a new beauty blender and decided to try out the one from Sephora's line, The Sephora Collection. I read mixed reviews online so I was really not sure of this product, I had to try it for myself! 

All of their airbrush sponges are $15, which is quite expensive for a "dupe". The real thing costs $26 and I have seen other knockoffs elsewhere anywhere from as low as $1, so I figured this must be a really close knockoff! The airbrush sponges come in a few different shapes, I chose "The Painter." This one has a flat side to "paint" on foundation, concealer etc and also has the contoured and flat sides for blending. It was also a really bright purple and I was super excited to come home and try it out! 

Here is what Sephora's site had to say about it, which kind of sold me: 

"What it is:

A makeup application sponge with a unique angle for contouring and precision. 

What it does:
The Painter Sponge helps you achieve a flawless-looking complexion. It features a slanted end for expert accuracy, helping you reach small areas of the face, and an improved ergonomic shape for optimal grip. The flat bottom is used for stippling effect to create a professional, streak-free, airbrushed finish. It helps to deliver sheer, buildable coverage with faster application than brushes or fingers. Washable and reusable, it works well with all makeup including creams, liquids, powders, and minerals, evenly applying formula for a stunning look. 

What else you need to know:
This product is latex-free."

However, I should probably note that the rating on the site is only 3 stars....⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

It is also available in orange.

The product was not bad, application wise. The blending ability was also mediocre. I only used it damp but I still found that it sucked up my product and actually wiped away some product from my face. I used this sponge once and then washed and left it to dry. I pressed it between my palms in order to squeeze out the water, I never once wrung it or twisted it. I followed the instructions on the box and in the little package. This is what it looked like after one use and a very, very light wash. 

As you can see, the bright flourecent purple has completely washed out (with water before cleanser) and there are cracks and tears all over the sponge! I have no idea how this even happens as the sponge dry still isn't hard to the touch!! I had read however, that this is apparently what this brand of sponge does. I read reviews saying it breaks off on their face, cracks in half after one use or dye runs all over their face or hands when they are washing it. At the same time there are a lot of positive reviews about this sponge as well. 

In my honest opinion, this was not worth my $15 and I will be purchasing a replacement Beauty Blender for $26. I didn't love the application or the blending and the quality was sub par to other knockoffs on the market. I am quite disappointed in Sephora for releasing this product. I should have heeded everyone else's warning of this product! After all it only had 3 stars on Sephora's own site! If you do still want to try this sponge for yourself you can find it here! ---> Sephora The Painter Airbush Sponge! Xx

Justfab Rochester (Pink)

Hi!!! So I just scored an awesome deal on one of the JustFab Fuzzies!!! I got Rochester in pink for $14.95!!! Yep, these are the faux UGGS I have written about before! You may have read my article Rochester White or Fuzzies which has pics of Rochester in white and black. I now finally have the pink!!  She is glorious!! She is a faux suede, faux fur super comfy mid calf boot with a tie on the side.

Now I know it is still hot out, but weather we like it or not, the colder months are already sneaking up on us! I figured I would start my fall/winter shopping early! This boot is perfect for tying in the end of summer to the beginning of the cold days! The boot is super bright pink and lined with an off-white fur. The fur, as I have raved about in previous articles, is heaven!! 

The boots can be worn either up or rolled down. They come in full sizes only and fit me true to size, tho they do stretch out once you have worn them for an entire season. They were really good in snow and didn't leak for a very long time. I probably started getting water in my white ones only when it was starting to become warmer in March! The white ones lasted all winter! They are also super comfortable!!! 

If you want a pair for yourself, hurry to Justfab USA/ Justfab CA and click on their sale section!! They also have already released new fuzzies for this years fall/winter collection so be sure to check them out!! You won't regret saving your $200 you would have spent on a real pair of Uggs! Xx

Jamberry Featuring Lace Noir

Hi guys!! It's Friday!!! So I was sponsored by a Jamberry Consultant, Joanne VanAcker! She sent me the above package and we are doing a giveaway (for a FULL sheet or YOUR choice) for you guys!!! (More details will be posted about our giveaway shortly so stay tuned!) 

I had a chance to test the product out and participate in the " 7 Day Chip Challenge." While I did receive these nail wraps at no charge, my opinion is unbiased and completely based on my own experience with the wraps I was sent.

Here is a close up of the samples I received! (Minus of course the one I tried, Lace Noir)

So what all is involved in the 7 Day Chip Challenge? Day One: Basically you use the wraps as an accent nail, applying the wrap (cut in half) to two fingers, one on each hand. Then you paint the rest of your fingers with your regular polish you would usually use. Take a photo of your new nails and upload to social media. Then on Day Seven you take another picture of your nails and upload to social media. Observe your results!!

Application Process

Okay so Jamberry has a mini heater which would make application soooo much easier but here is how I applied mine since I do not own the mini heater. First I used the little enclosed alcohol wipe and I cleaned my nails. You can also use nail polish remover. I used the cuticle stick and pushed back my cuticles and I let it dry. Then I painted the nails. Once dry I cleaned my pinky again with the alcohol wipe. I matched my pinky nail to the nail wrap that best fit and I cut the stip in half. I peeled off the nail wrap and I warmed it with my blow dryer until it was soft and flexible. Here is where I wish I had the mini heater because I used medium heat on my blow dryer (I have a professional one) for 3-5 seconds and it just wasn't working, I then had to turn it to maximum heat for it to do anything and I was heating for more than 5 seconds, burning my fingers! Ow! Once I got the wrap soft and flexible I then pressed the wrap onto my pinky nail. It was hard to get out the little bubbles and kinks at first (think phone or tablet screen protector issues) I applied firm pressure around the edges and this is what adheres the wrap to the nail. Then I used the cuticle pusher to seal the wrap around the base of the cuticle. Then I applied heat again (again, ow!) and added more pressure. Then I trimmed the top off and filed off the remaining wrap with the cute little file using a downward motion to remove the excess. I then applied heat one last time and added pressure again until it is fully bonded to the nail. The bubbles and wrinkles were better but around the sides weren't perfect, over time they eventually did flatten out. That's all! Overall the wraps maybe took me 10-15 mins but I could see it taking way less time once I got used to it or if I had the mini heater! 

I chose Jamberry Lace Noir, a black lace overlay on a clear nail wrap. I painted the rest (and base of my pinky) of my nails using CND Vinylux in the colour Limeade, Venique Holographic Confetti and JustFab PaintFab 2 in 1 top/base coat. Voila! 

Here are my results! 

Day One:

I LOVE them and I am super happy with them! A bit complicated with the blow dryer so I would probably advise getting a mini heater, especially since my blow dryer was so hot. At the same time I haven't tried the mini heater so I would expect it to take a bit longer than the so called 3-5 seconds for it to actually become soft and flexible. 

Day Seven: (okay so I should probably tell you guys again that I am a busy mom, so my hands in 7 days took quite a beating!) I did no repainting, reapplying, filing, nothing to my nails and these are my results. As you can see my polish has completely come off of my pointer finger, is peeling on the other pointer finger and is chipped on 3/4 nails on each hands. The Jamberry nail wraps however, have not lifted, peeled or chipped at all. I am impressed but I am going to continue to monitor them and see how long they will last until they start peeling or chipping and will update this post when that happens! 

**Update** Hi! So the wraps lasted a full two weeks before they started peeling a bit and then I started picking at them. Just the edges started at first and when that happens I always start to pick at them. Had I not picked at them when they started peeling I ink they would have probably lasted a lot longer. Also if I put them on my toes I think they would probably last longer than a month!! 

About Jamberry

So Jamberry is a fairly new company, they were launched in 2010 by three sisters who vowed to find a simpler, more cost effective way to keep their nails looking chic without having to go to the expensive nail salons. They now have over 300 designs and promise to cater to the needs of everyone, no matter their style. They sell the wraps, mini heater, nail prep wipes and application kit and they even have a new hand care line. They also have their own line of professional nail lacquer so you can perfectly match your polish with your wraps. Jamberry is a pending member of the Direct Selling Association. They are Made in the USA and are GLUTEN FREE and VEGAN. (I see some Picky Bitchez smiling :) ) 

Overall Jamberry seems like an amazing company and I cannot wait to try out more of their wraps. Their full size wraps are $15 USD / $17 CAD and has 18 wraps per sheet. This is approx. 3 applications. They also have a Jamberry Juniors line aimed at little girls around 8 and those sheets last approx. 6 applications. So you definitely get bang for your buck. They also usually have the promotion where you buy 3 full sheets and receive one full sheet free. (Some consultants have even better deals).

Check out their online site here=> Shop Jamberry with Joanne! And give her a like on her Facebook page=> Joanne VanAcker! I would love to hear your comments on what wraps you have tried and what wraps are on your wishlist!! Happy shopping!! Xx

*Stay Tuned for our Jamberry Givaway collab for a Free Full sheet of your choice!!* 

Justfab Marceliana (Blush)

Hi!! How is your summer going so far?? I got Marceliana in blush quite some time ago and finally got the chance to wear her out. She is from Justfab USA/ Justfab CA.  This shoe is just stunning and I could not wait to get her in person! 

*Sidenote* Let me just quickly say that I'm wearing denim by Justfab USA/ Justfab CA. I have quite a bit of their denim and I have to say I am a HUGE fan! They are the same price point as the shoes, 39.95 and come in a huge variety of colours! I actually got these on sale for $14.95 and just love them! They are the distressed signature skinny and are actually still in the clearance section for $14.95. I ordered a size up and it fits perfectly!! They are soft and comfy and have a bit of stretch ( I think 1% spandex) If you were thinking about getting these, do not hesitate! These are worth more than full price and to get them for under $15 is a steal!! 

Anyways, back to the shoes! 

Marceliana comes in black and blush in faux leather and in orange in faux suede. Here are the other colours:

And of course the stock pics of the blush aka the pics that sold me! 

This shoe is just divine! She is super chic and classy and so feminine but still a bit edgy with the straps and buckles. Marceliana is super open with 2 thin straps across the toes and two thin straps on the ankle. The straps are adjustable. The sides if the shoe are very low and sculpted with very sexy curves! She also has a zipper at the back which makes it super easy to get into and out of. The metal details on the zipper and the buckles are gold. The colour of the blush is creamy and closer to a nude colour. The faux leather feels amazing and doesn't feel "plastic-y". (if that's a word...ha!) Overall look wise I am in love with this sandal!! (And these jeans! ❤️😍🙌)

So these shoes were true to size for me. The length was just perfect but the width was a teensy bit snug. I did loosen the straps on the toes. Had I gone up a size tho, I think it would have been way too long. If you have wider feet you may have to size up by a half of a size if you can.  Same thing if you have longer toes. 

The shoe is quite high and is single soled (no platform) so to be honest she does feel quite steep. She isn't hard to walk in tho because the shoe molds right to my foot. She isn't super comfy for me tho and I do not think I would choose to wear these shoes out all day! 

At the end of the day I am obsessed with this shoe. I just love the versatility of Marceliana. I can wear her with a cute dress and she has that minimalistic, feminine quality to her. Or I can play up her edge side and wear her with jeans and a rocker tee, or even business casual with a nice suit! One of my fave Justfab USA/ Justfab CA shoes to date for sure! Go get her before she sells out! I might cave and get the black too! Xx