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 :)

Total Beauty: cult-classic beauty products

what beauty product could you absolutely not live without? you'd flip at the mere rumor of its discontinuation, break into a letter-writing frenzy, building websites with petitions to stop the horrible event...??!

ok, you get my drift...

so, which product would it be? Essie Ballet Slippers nail polish? L'Oreal Elnett hairspray? for me, it would be my beloved Seche Vite, MAC Blotting Powder and Lancome Hypnose mascara.

no, my picks didn't make the following list, but i am a fan of the products that did! check it out for yourself and tell me if you agree...

8 Classic Beauty Products That Deserve Their Own Fan Clubs

No new products can get between these classics and their diehard devotees. Which one is your fave?

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Certain books, movies and TV shows are deemed "cult classics" due to their diehard fans and devoted following. We probably don't even have to tell you that beauty products are no exception to this phenomenon. In a world where new palettes and lipsticks are released every 10 seconds, today's mascara will quickly become a forgotten thing of the past. However, there are a select few beauty products that will likely live on forever. We've rounded up the cult classics that hold a special place in many women's hearts and makeup bags. Which one is your favorite? See classics

Beauty Must-Have: L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base

if you're looking for a new makeup primer that won't break the bank, i suggest you try L'Oreal's new Magic Perfecting Base, part of the new Studio Secrets Professionalline. it gives skin a beautiful finish and smooths out any rough appearance your skin may have.

while a little bit on the pricey side for a drugstore product (yes, i bought this myself), i think Magic Perfecting Base is completely worth it. it can be worn alone to give skin a better-than-bare look, and of course, under makeup. i love how the mousse-like consistency makes my foundation look so much better and last longer. i also notice that it controls shine with its matte finish-- such a fab thing if you have oily skin!



the only thing i'm not really a fan of is the fact that it's in a jar. it would be great if they would switch it over to have a tube instead (so much more sanitary, and if you're a germ-a-phobe, you probably agree).

other than that, based on results, i think it's a beauty must-have. next time you're at your favorite drug or mass retailer, grab it. i've noticed it's been sold out more than a handful of times, and for good reason! :)

visit lorealparisusa.com for more info.

xo
pics taken by me :)

On My Holiday Wish List: Mia Tote by Big Buddha

it was the huge ruched flower that caught my attention, but i love that this Mia tote bag by Big Buddha is simple in its overall structure. it also has an embossed print on the faux leather that gives it a special look. factor in a very wallet friendly price tag and it's a perfect pick for my holiday wishlist. :)

xo

What I'm Loving For Summer 2009

once again the editors at StyleBakery.com have created their top 10 lists of what they're loving for the season (remember my picks for spring '09 and fall '08?).

this time we are loving a lot! from tv shows to concert tours as well as items to keep you ready for the beach, we're loving some great stuff this summer!

one thing i love about summer is the show, So you think You Can Dance. seriously, who doesn't like this show? the dancing is exciting, heartbreaking and everything in between. it's so fun to watch. i'm also loving a pair of gladiator-style sandals by Carlos Santana (pictured above)-- they're metallic, fabulous and will work well beyond summer.

check out my picks for summer

xo

Summer 2009 Must-Have Accessory: Convertible Bag

the convertible bag is a multi-tasking bag that can be both a roomy tote or a fabulous oversized clutch! to put it another way, it can be folded over to go from a tote that holds everything you need to carry around in your everyday life, to a clutch that is fabulous for nights out. it's a must-have because a bag like this can be worn with anything and is, in my opinion, one of the new timeless pieces.







xo

My Top 10 Must Buys For Spring 2009

making lists of items you want to buy each season is a great way to ensure you'll remember what it was you were really craving to add your wardrobe or accessory collection. with all that goes on my life everyday (taking care of my kids, house and hubby; running errands, responding to emails, making phone calls, editing, etc.), i could easily forget that i really want to purchase a metallic bag for the spring/summer season. well, i don't have to worry because i've made a list! and thankfully have had it published on StyleBakery.com.

as you may know, i am the contributing beauty editor at StyleBakeryBeauty.com, and this is my second contribution to their style site. i had to narrow my stylish picks down to 10, but i managed to come up with a list of items that represent what i feel would be good to add to any spring wardrobe (and i kept everything under $100 each!).

take a look at my picks!

xo

my fall must-haves!

fall is the most fabulous time of year for me. the weather cools off, the trees' leaves change colors (i love the bright reds and oranges), and of course, there is an excuse to shop for new pieces!

if you're curious to find out what's on my list of must-haves for fall, head over to StyleBakery.com to find out! all of the editors have compiled their lists, so be sure to check those out too!

p.s. dont forget to check out my posts on StyleBakeryBeauty.com as well!

xo