manicure must-have: Julep Ta-Da fast drying drops

 when it comes to manicures, i'm all about the DIY. this certainly wasn't always the case, but over the years it has become quite a relaxing practice and a simple, easy way for me to focus my attention on something when i become anxious.

at-home manis are also more wallet-friendly {i can't afford to pay someone to do my nails 2-3 times a week, LOL! not to mention it takes time driving back and forth, waiting for the nail tech, the actual manicure, etc., etc.}, so i'd rather spend that cash on polishes that i can keep and wear {or remove} when i want. also, i have multiple things on my to-do list daily, so sitting and waiting for my nails to dry, even if i'm at home, isn't always helpful.

yes, i have Seche Vite and other fast-drying top coats that help me in this department, but i'm compelled to make sure you know about a specific item from Julep that i have fallen in love with:

Julep Ta-Da Quick Drying Drops

this amazing liquid not only helps to reduce polish dry time, but the formula nourishes nails and cuticles with a blend of botanical oils and vitamin E. i j'adore this since my cuticles can get dry {thanks to the dry weather and the fact that i'm constantly using and washing my hands}; the relaxing lavender and yang yang scent gives them that "something special".

Ta-da! drops come in a bottle with an applicator in the form of a dropper. after about a minute from applying your last coat of polish, apply 1-2 drops over each nail to seal in the color; minutes later you can go on with your day ~ love it!

have you tried the new Julep Ta-Da Quick Drying Drops? head over to Julep.com and check them out! oh, and you might also want to check out their Maven program… :)

product featured was purchased by me and was included in my december Julep Maven subscription box; this post contains links to the website; if you decide to join i earn points toward a free box; pics taken by me :)

my holiday manicures...

bonjour, loves! 

so, how was your christmas?! 

for me it was a fun/busy/memorable/stressful/funny/irritating/blessed couple of days, but overall, i'm thankful. it was fabulous and many delightful memories were made.

i decided this year to do two different nail looks. both have a deep base with added sparkle, are  incredibly easy to do, and would definitely work in the post-holiday season...

for christmas eve {pictured at top} i wore three polishes: Julep Jillian as the base with OPI All Sparkly and Gold {from Mariah Carey Holiday} at the cuticle; Sephora by OPI in Only Gold for Me added mega chunky glitter to punch it up a bit.

for christmas day, i went with L'Oreal After Hours, a gorgeous deep blue hue, painting SinfulColors Top Me Off on the index finger of my left hand and on the ring finger on my right. i told you...super simple!

did you do a special manicure for your holiday? tweet at me or tag me on instagram to share!

letting my nails breathe with Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment

happy monday, beauties! 

i'm currently relishing a post-walk glow thanks to the day's crisp air and sunshine. it rained a couple of days ago, which always makes for the most fabulous clear days to follow. walking my pup later in the morning {rather than when it's dark and freezing} on these days is most enjoyable.

and there's nothing better than fresh air in your lungs...

speaking of fresh air, i gave my nails a breather over the weekend using Julep's Oxygen Nail Treatment, included in my february Maven box {along with some gorgeous new polish shades, of course, and also a new polymer topcoat i have yet to use, but will dish all about it when i do}. the formula is designed to be worn alone, and it certainly works well that way; like a no-makeup makeup look for your nails, it's a very pretty sheer pink. :) 

according to the brand, the oxygen technology forms a nonocclusive film on the nail, proving resistant to water penetration and improving the permeability to oxygen. results are nails that are structurally stronger, and less prone to breakage and splitting.

i have yet to use it long enough to fully weigh in on my thoughts regarding this, but it does cover well, and my nails were protected ~ i'm thankful Julep developed their Oxygen Nail Treatment to give my tips a refreshing break without sacrificing my need to have manicured nails! 

for more info, visit Julep.com 

pics taken by me:)

Julep Giveaway Winner!

hope you're enjoying a gorgeous day, beauties! my day has been splendid, but i don't want to leave you in suspense, so...

 congrats to Eva-Marie C.!

check you inbox, doll! your info has been forwarded to Julep and your chosen Maven box will be sent out to you soon ~ enjoy!

thank you so much to all of you who entered. i'm always so overwhelmed by the number of entries and wish i could have prizes sent to you all! thankfully, you can still become a Maven and enjoy a discount on your first order. head to julep.com, take the style quiz and and enter JULEPVIP at checkout.

have a fabulous week!

Julep Sasha & Toni + a giveaway! {closed}

two gorgeous colors, wouldn't you say? they're Toni {grey creme with a hint of purple} and Sasha {bright cantaloupe melon creme} from Julep, the nail brand making huge waves on the beauty scene and fast-growing in popularity among nail polish junkies lovers like me. these shades wear fabulously and have added that something extra to my fall ensembles. 

not only do i love the polishes, the other beauty-related products they've been producing have been quite impressive {including, but not limited to, nail polish remover, lip gloss, mascara and sunscreen}. their Best Pedi Creme Ever! says what just what it is quite perfectly. it leaves my feet feeling and looking fab, incredibly soft and it smells so good.

all of this said, i'm beyond excited because i have a giveaway to share with you! 

the marvelous folks at Julep want to send one of you an Intro Maven Box set to experience the brand for yourself. if you didn't already know, not only do they offer great nail products, but they also have a great monthly program that gives you the chance to own the latest and greatest from their ever-growing collection. i've been using these polishes for over a year now and there's nothing negative i can say about them...

well...i do admit i'm still waiting for them to produce a luscious deep pink creme shade with my name {wink, wink}...

in any case, part of their program includes taking a quiz to determine your personal style {though you can change it month to month if you like what another maven box has to offer}. for the giveaway, you can choose which set you'd like to receive.
so, which Maven are you? {Toni and Sasha are Boho Glam, by the way}
take a look...

It Girl: edgy, bold; your statement-making look exemplifies the modern rock 'n' roll chic. 

American Beauty: the grown up version of the all-american girl-next-door. 

Boho Glam:  eternal romantic you appreciate beauty on a deeper level

Bombshell: sexy, confident; abundant with playful prints, flirtatious cuts, and saturated hues.

Classic with a Twist: this timeless, iconic look is marked by beautiful yet simple cuts and colors.

to enter the giveaway, simply send me an email to bgmcontests@gmail.com with "Julep" in the subject line. include your full name, mailing address, and your Maven box choice. this contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only, please. deadline to enter is midnight, pacific time, november 12, 2012. winner will be announced on november 13, 2012**. easy, right?!

if you don't want to wait and you're ready to jump in with the Maven program, visit julep.com and enter the promo code JULEPVIP to receive a discount on an intro box {feel free to share with your friends and family!}. also, full disclosure: if you sign up for the Maven program, i'll receive credit toward a free Maven box.

thanks and good luck!

**read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name and email address to representatives of Julep for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. failure to include information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Julep. some restrictions apply. open to US and Canadian residents only. entries will be accepted through midnight 12 am PST on monday, november 12, 2012. winner will be announced tuesday, november 13 2012. thank you. :)

pampering your feet between pedicures...

sure, we're heading into the fall season, but that's no excuse to let the appearance of your feet go. it's easy for me since the weather is still quite warm where i live; shoes that leave feet exposed are still being worn in heavy rotation. to keep my feet {heels especially} in tip-top shape between pedicures, i've been using some products that can be used year-round, and i think you'll love them, too...

The Best Pedi Prep Ever! is made by Julep, and you guessed it, is a prep for smoothing away pesky calluses and rough spots thanks to the exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids and soothing chamomile it contains. after rolling on and letting Prep sit on my feet for a couple of minutes, i run the foot file over rough areas, rinse, and my skin is left perfectly smooth, ready for those sandals.

at night, i've been pampering my feet using NightCare's Heel Treatment Kit. included in the kit are a pair of Moisturizing Gel Heel Socks, lined with what the brand calls Viso-Gel, and a tube of vitamin-enriched Intensive Healing Foot Cream. it's such a treat to apply this before bed. any dryness is eliminated overnight. the gel socks work well alone and the lotion can be used solo, too, but as a team they are truly at their best.

i've also been using Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Runway Ready Foot Treatment. this yummy-feeling formula is infused ingredients that sooth, soften and energize feet. argan oil {anti-oxidant rich with vitamins A & E}, moisturizing shea butter, hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating AHAs and BHAs work together beautifully, and i've noticed a positive difference in my feet. i really enjoy the cooling sensation, perfect to pep up my feet before a run {and of course, give them a boost in moisture while i hit the road}.

how do you keep your feet looking fab between pedis?? let me know in the comments!

for more information, visit julep.com, nightcareproducts.com and dermelect.com

NightCare and Dermelect products sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

a fun manicure with essie, Julep, and butterLondon...

"your nails look like easter eggs."

this is what my husband said to me when he saw the manicure i gave myself the other day.

ha!

while not the look i was going for, i appreciate the reference to a time of year that is considered a fabulous excuse to paint nails in a candy-colored, glittery way.

for this nail look, i alternated butterLondon Trout Pout and essie Lilacism, then created a "french tip" using Julep Chelsea, a fun glitter polish.

this simple technique can be used with any of your favorite polishes. have fun, be creative...it's just nail polish!

pics taken by me :)

nail color of the week: 'Kate' by Julep

a couple of days ago i polished my tips in Kate, a very summer-friendly, soft white pearl.

pretty, oui?

this shade, by Julep, was in my july "Bombshell" Maven Box with other polishes, Chelsea and America, along with a fabulous lippy, called Zinnia {yep, Julep makes more than just great nail polish!}.

you can purchase this polish on its own and also get your own Maven box each month ~ visit julep.com for more info.

pics taken by me :)

nail color of the week: Julep Viola

happy thursday, beauties! this week i dressed my tips in the fabulous, deep purple Viola from the brand that is fast becoming a favorite in my nail polish wardrobe, Julep.

included in the february Maven Box, Viola, as i mentioned, is deep and so fabulous for this time of year. you'll also notice the box {pictured below} included a hair shine product, dark chocolate and glittering shade, Oscar, to celebrate the award season...

and while there are other colors in this award-season collection {Meryl, Glenn, for example}, i love that Julep put Oscar and Viola together ~ a bit of foreshadowing, perhaps? ;)

what nail polish are you currently wearing?

pics taken by me :)

5 fabulous winter skin soothers...

this time of year is my favorite when it comes to weather. in my neck of the southern california woods, the days are sunny, mild {low to mid 60s}, and sometimes warm {low 80s}, but complimented with a cool breeze {or high winds}. nights and early mornings are chilly {20s-30s} and i love it. it makes me so happy to layer up with scarves; i relish the opportunity to wear my coats and gloves, and i never complain over having a numb face after being out for an interval run or brisk walk with my dog in the early morning hours.

unfortunately, my favorite season of year is responsible for my dry skin, something i could complain about. thankfully, this beauty girl keeps an arsenal for parched skin, so i don't have to!

i love and often use olive and coconut oils , two of the best natural ways to bring soft, suppleness to any dry area of the body, but also turn to these fabulous goodies for dry skin relief...


for hands:

Atopalm Moisturizing Hand Treatment ~ suitable for sensitive skin, i was introduced to this product a couple of months ago; it's a fragrance-free formula and not only makes my rough hands feel instantly hydrated, but contains antioxidants to help keep hands looking young.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy ~ shea butter and restorative sea salts are key ingredients in this lovely gem of a moisturizer. i love the light fragrance, inspired by the sea air.

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream ~ this silky, lightweight skin savior gives my hands the moisture they need thanks to its richly soothing dead sea minerals.


for body:

Julep Body Creme ~ i've become quite smitten with this brand's line of nail polish and was thrilled when i discovered how fabulous their body cream is. scented in pomegranate, this formula {rich with shea butter, avocado and jojoba oils} is decadent and highly moisturizing, but not greasy in the slightest.


Upper Canada Soap Sweet Vanilla Fig Body Butter ~ talk about fabulous, this rich, hydrating blend of shea butter, cocoa, fig and vanilla fruit extracts leaves my skin feeling amazing and really locks in moisture. the natural ingredients make my eco/green girl side quite happy as well. :)


tell me: what products do you use to soothe your winter skin dryness??

Julep Maven Giveaway Winner!

happy friday, beauties!

as i type this i'm looking forward to a restful weekend, hanging out with my kiddos, visiting with friends, reading and changing my nail polish.

and speaking of nails...

the winner of the Julep Maven giveaway is...Lacey S.!


congrats, Lacey!!! an email has been sent to the company rep. they will contact you soon ~ be sure to check your email {and soon your mailbox!} for more details. enjoy! :)

thank you to all who entered ~ you're all fab! have a gorgeous weekend...

Julep Zoe and Samantha + a giveaway!!! {closed}

as my love for nail polish grows {really...it's only slightly out of control! *wink}, i love discovering new brands. like lipstick, gloss and mascara, nail lacquer is something that we gals can purchase as a way to treat ourselves without breaking the bank.

one brand i was recently introduced to, and have had the pleasure of using, is Julep. you may have heard of them by now since they recently started a fun program for nail polish lovers {more on that in a minute} and are being featured quite frequently in print and online.

Zoe is a fierce shade of metallic bronzy tangerine, just fabulous for fall and a shade i wouldn't have picked to wear had it not been sent to me. however, after wearing it, i'm an official fan.


the hot pink, Samantha, is characteristically more *me*, but since i'm in full autumn/winter mode, i've actually only worn only once.

i'm beyond thrilled with Julep's 4-free formula {that means it's free of formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP}; it applies smoothly and lasts with little wear {this is with regard to my personal i-don't-wear-a polish-longer-than-3-days, but i do plenty of handwashing, housework and everyday stuff, like typing, with my hands}.


the range also includes items for keeping hands and feet gorgeous. products like Facial for Hands Glycolic scrub {pictured, above} -- an amazing, simple way to pamper hands at the end of the day! -- spf 30 hand cream and a fun at-home spa pedicure set, just to name a few, is a perfect indication that the brand puts thought into their products when it comes to hand and nail care, but still keeps it fun ~ also makes me wish i lived closer to one of their salons!

another thing i love is that they have come up with, and so excited to share with you, is their Maven program. it allows polish-aholics to receive a set {called a sneak peek box} of their products each month, based on a fun style quiz you take via their website; from there, a selection of products are chosen for you {not-yet-released shades and products, as well as cult faves, plus a surprise}; if for some reason you don't like what is selected for you before the box is sent, you can request what they call a "shelf pull", and they'll select new shades for you. in addition, you'll have access to purchase products from their full line of goodies at 20% off.

each sneak peek box is worth over $40, but membership is less than half and ships for free! you choose when you want to receive your box, or you can skip the month {p.s. ~ if you like the box, but need a fabulous gift, you can opt to have it sent to your gal-pal-- it will arrive wrapped and pretty at her door!}.

sounds fab, right? needless to say, i love the polishes and am in love with this program. since i already belong to a few shoe clubs, and now style and beauty clubs, i figured this was clearly the next club to join! :)

would you like to join? what if i told you could have a 3-month membership for FREE?

you can...because i'm giving one away to one of you, compliments of Julep!!

{the crowd goes wild!} yay!!

i haven't run a contest in over a year, beauties, so i'm truly excited about this for you!

**entry is super simple -- here's how:

*email me, bgmcontests@gmail.com, with Julep in the subject line
*include your full name and mailing address and tell me what your favorite nail color is!
*next friday, december 9, 2011, i'll announce the winner {chosen at random}. u.s. entries only, please.

in the meantime, feel free to take advantage of this offer: enter code beautygirlmusings at checkout and your first sneak peek box will cost only $5! :)

be sure to follow Julep on twitter {@julepnailparlor} for fab tips and nail advice, and learn more about the brand and full range of products by visiting julep.com

good luck!!

*read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name and email address to representatives of Julep for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. failure to include information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Julep. some restrictions apply. open only to US residents only. entries will be accepted through 11:59 am PST on thursday, december 8. winner will be announced december 9, 2011. thank you. :)

nail color of the week: Nars Bad Influence

this week's mani was actually from last week, but in the hustle of the holiday week, my kids off from school {not to mention i was under the weather...}, blah, blah, blah....i completely forgot to share! thankfully, i did take pics, so i'm doing it now {*smile}.

as you may have already guessed, i dressed my nails in Bad Influence by Nars, a shade that made its debut around this time last year. i bought it just recently via Sephora's f&f {20% off sale and this beauty was also half price {woo-hoo!}!.

Bad Influence is a gorgeous smoky brown taupe, deep enough to make an impact, but still neutral for days you want to play it safe. :)


just to jazz it up a bit, i gave my mani a little accent with Butter London Wallis.

oh, btw, this week i'm rockin' a fun shade called Zoe by Julep {stay tuned~ a post about the brand along with pics of 2 gorgeous shades is coming later this week}.

so tell me, what are you wearing on your tips this week??