some more ideas

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1. Bare Minerals Customizable Get Started Kit: I have been using this makeup for 2 years now. I've never been one to put on liquid foundation because I love my freckles. I also don't like the feeling of a lot of makeup. When I tried Bare Minerals, I fell in love! It was the perfect makeup for me, because it could give me coverage on things I don't like (my dark undereye- thanks allergies!) and let me still show what I do like. I prefer the customizable starter kit over their other starter kit. In their other kit, I think they give you 4 small samples of foundation so you can find your best shade. But if you buy it at ulta or another store, they can help you decide what color you need and then you can get 1 big foundation. So you aren't left with makeup that you can't use!

2. Clarisonic Mia 2- Sea Breeze: Now this is on my wishlist this year. I don't have one, nor have I ever used one. But I know a ton of people who do and I have heard nothing but good reviews! I have never had a problem with acne, but I do find that I could use a bit more exfoliating and help with blackheads so I want to give this a shot!

3. Herstyler Grande Curling Wand: This is probably my favorite beauty item! I bought this wand in the mall about 3 or 4 years ago and I had no idea that it would turn out to be such an amazing product. If I curl my hair with a traditional metal curling iron, it doesn't hold at all. Even with hairspray. With this wand, I don't have to use hairspray and the curls last for days. I don't know their secret, but it could have something to do with how hot this thing gets! They include a glove to wear while you use it, which is necessary in the beginning. But once you get the hang of it, you don't need the glove.

4. OPI You're Such A Budapest: This is just a really sweet color that I found this summer. Love it!

5. Moroccan Oil- Light: Everyone knows about this, but I wanted to include it because it's such a great item to get as a gift. It can be somewhat expensive, so it's nice when you don't have to pay for it! This product is so amazing. I have been using it for about 3 years now. My hair has grown so much with the help of this. Normally my hair starts to look very rough after I grow it to a certain length. Moroccan Oil keeps my hair hydrated and healthy. I use the light version since I have fine, blonde hair and I only use it from the neck down- not for your roots!

easy holiday manicure

Alright, I know with the holidays right around the corner, we are all trying to make that budget stretch. And of course, those holiday party invitations are stacking up. So I've come up with a really easy manicure to dress up your look.

Here's what you'll need:

• Gray Nail Polish, solid, no shimmer. I used Revlon's Mischievious.
• Gold/Bronze Nail Polish, metallic. I used Orly's Buried Treasure.
• Top Coat. I use Seche Vite, my all time favorite.
• mechanical pencil
• paper to protect table

Begin by painting 2 coats of the gray nail polish. Let dry. Then make a small puddle of the gold/bronze nail polish on the paper. Use the mechanical pencil to make dots. I made 3 dots in a column in the middle of my nail, but feel free to do your own design. Let dry. Finish with a generous coat of Seche Vite and you're good to go! Now, how easy was that?
 

nailed it

I love spending probably too much time on my nails. It is definitely a creative outlet, that also serves as a time to relax and have fun. I enjoy experimenting with different colors and patterns and this is where  Konad nail stamping kit comes in! I am in love with this product!

So you go online and pick out a stamping plate, or 5. You also need a stamper to transfer the design to your nail, a scraper that scrapes off the excess polish and Konad's "Special" polish. You do need to buy this. It is thicker than normal nail polish so you get an opaque design. I have tried to use regular nail polish and you would need more than one coat. I don't think I could line them up perfectly, so I splurge for the special polish.

For the image plates, I chose M57, M60 and S06. Each has a few designs that I love, as well as a few I don't. I especially love S06 because of the geometric designs.

These are 2 manicures that were achieved with the Konad stamping kit. The left used plate S06 and the right used M57. This process does take some time, but I think it's worth it in the end! :)

This little guy is a definite "must-have". Essie's Nail Corrector will quickly become your best friend, cleaning up all those inevitable mistakes.

I have also played around with the China Glaze Crackle Glaze. I LOVE IT!!

 It does take some practicing to figure out just how much crackle polish to apply. Too much and it doesn't crack, while too little and it's too thin.

So take a day off and pamper yourself- we both know you deserve it! Give some of these nail designs a try!

xo, Lark