Review & Tutorial: Julep's Party's Over Glitter Gel Nail Polish Remover

Hello!!! I'm baaaacccck.... (maybe...?)
I'm back with a review of Julep's Party's Over Glitter (Gel) Nail Polish Removal Kit ($28 or $22.40 as Julep Maven, or I believe $19.99 as an monthly add-on).  If you are clueless as to what I'm talking about, I'll discuss down below.

I had gel nail polish on so I thought it'd be the perfect time to put these in to use and show you guys how it's done.  It really caught my eye because most of glitter and gel removal involves aluminum foil.  I've tried that in the nail salons and at home and I just don't dig it.  And these look so much cooler!

It comes with 10 finger nail caps which seems to be made of rubber/foam?  5 packets of nail polish remover infused pads (10 each).

So here are my gel nails before my removal.

The instructions in the back.  You open the packets and place each of the nail polish remover infused pads and cap it with the caps.

But first, you should file away some of your gel polish so the nail polish will remove the gel or glitter faster.

Then put the polish remover infused pads on your finger.
Tip:  You may need to kind of wrap it around your finger to keep it in place.  And put the cap on your finger.  There are two big ones for your thumbs.

You can tell the thumb is a little bigger.  Now keep it on for few minutes...

Check to see if the polish has separated from your nail bed.  If it has not, DO NOT force it off your nail bed.  It can take a layer off your nail bed.  Instead file more and put the pad and the cap back on.

If it has separated, it should like below.  Take a wedger or cuticle pusher and push the polish away from your hands and it should pop right off very easily.

And Voila!

My thoughts on the nail caps: I liked the nail caps a lot.  It saves me from using and cutting up foil and trying to wrap it back on to your hands after you check to see if your gel polish is coming off.  And the nail caps are totally reusable and washable.  Only bad thing is, I'm kind of SOL if I lose one. :(  I have to make sure to keep all of them in a bag.

Acetone, aloe-vera infused pads:  These suckers are definitely not strong enough for gel nail polish remover.  You definitely need something stronger like 100 % acetone.  I ended up soaking the pads in acetone for more efficient removal.  I have tried it with regular glitter polish and it worked a lot better, but I still prefer my good 'ol 100% cotton and acetone.  I still have 2 packets left, but I'll probably save those for when I'm traveling.

Pricing:  It is a little pricey.  But considering there aren't anything out there that looks like this, you are basically paying for the idea.  I have to give it to Julep tho.  They do come up with really cool ideas (like the Plie wands that are coming out in May!)

Overall:  I paid $19.99 as a monthly add-on.  I think it's totally worth it at low $20 something price.  Especially if you do a lot of glitter or gel polish AT HOME.  If you get them done professionally, then you won't need them.  For me it's worth it.  And I dig it!

If you are not a Julep Maven (which basically means you signed up as a member of Julep monthly program), you have to pay the full $28.00.  But if you want to sign up, you can sign up and get the first box FREE.  You can cancel at any time, but if you are just signing up, then you can only skip the monthly boxes every six month.  Before this change, you were able to skip at anytime.  I signed up early on when Julep just launched, so I can skip whenever I want.  But if you want this as your monthly add-on, it may be worth it to sign up and cancel later.  Monthly boxes are $19.99 with free shipping.  You get nail polishes to eye shadows, scrubs, lip gloss, eye liners, etc... And are all created by Julep!  It's a pretty cool program.  Go check it out.  Also I get referral points, so please use my referral link if you'd like.  No pressure! :)  And who wouldn't want to get a box for free right? Also I should add, since Julep is sold at Sephora Stores, maybe there's a chance it may hit the stores directly?  We shall find out.....

Referral link:  http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/22710/

And if you follow me on instagram, you probably saw my Marc Jacobs Daisy inspired nails.  Here's a close up!  I used the Nicole by Opi- Carrie Underwood collection in Carrie'd Away.  Super glittery and beautiful shade of gold.  It almost mimicks a gold gel polish!

GLOSSYBOX (January 2013) The man repeller Box

It's a little late but here is the January 2013 Glossybox.  This was a special box because these were items the blogger, the man repeller picked out.  There were some exciting full size items in this box!  Even the box was different from the usual pink glossybox.

Cute note from Leandra (the man repeller)

Items in the box

There were two full size items.  Tarte natural cheek tint (available March 2013) and OPI Liquid Sand from Mariah Carey Collection.

I was mostly excited about the Tarte natural cheek tint.  In the winter I use cream blushes a lot and I've been really loving Tarte products!  I haven't really tried out this product yet, but this product is very shiny and it feels rough when I swatched it.  :(  Hope it works out better when I try it out.  It's really a pretty color though.

OPI Liquid Sand from Mariah Carey Collection.  I was really glad I got this because I was really contemplating buying this but I figured these are one of those gimmicks or a trendy phase, so I didn't bother.  But perfect way to try it.  It's supposed to be glitter bomb with a matte finish.

Sebastian Potion 9 Styling Treatment.  Deluxe size perfect for traveling.

Rest of the smaller sample size.  I know the Le Metier De Beaute is expensive, but I hate little packet samples. bleh... but the remainder of the items were good travel size.  I haven't tried Estee Lauder mascaras in awhile, so that should be fun. 

Can't wait for my next box.  I hear the theme is international style.  If you haven't signed up for Glossybox and you want to try it, please use my referral link if you wouldn't mind. :)  Also don't forget to purchase it through ebates.com where it gives you instant rebate for your online purchases including glossybox.  I have already got $145.00 back from online purchase since September! Why not save while shopping? :)

Review: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

I always prefer putting on my nail polishes rather than these new nail polish strips that have been quite popular lately.  The upside to the nail polish strips is that there is absolutely no drying time and that you get to wear funky nail designs that you wouldn't be able to draw on your nails yourself.

When Sephora was having sales on older nail polish stickers/strips I was able to pick couple of them up for $3 each.  And when I tried those, they were actual stickers and my nails felt weird and restricted.  And the stickers were quite thick so it kept snagging on my hair, and sweaters.  I absolutely hated them and ended up taking them off after 2 or 3 days.

But I never tried the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips.  And I was thinking they have to be the same as the Sephora ones.  Also they retail for $8.99 to $10.99 each for 16 strips and I didn't want to spend that much on them.  I was browsing through TJ Maxx during Thanksgiving and I actually found a nice design for $3.99, so I thought I give them a try.

I found the design I Love Lacey which is a red background with black laces as the design.  I thought it was hott and worth trying for $3.99.

It comes with:
- 2 packs of 8 strips in each.  One pack is for each side of your hands.
- wooden stick to push back your cuticles
- small nail file
- and instructions

When you open the package there is a strong chemical nail polish smell.  Once you open these, you cannot store them away to use later.  You should find the size that fits your nails, take the clear plastic off the top and white sticker from the back and place them on your nails.  You are going to find that none of them will fit your nails perfectly, but thats okay!  I suggest using bigger size rather than a smaller size.  Then I used the cuticle stick to get it to adhere and take off the excess.  That way your nails are completely covered.  Also what I noticed about these nail polish strips were that they were much much thinner than the Sephora ones.  They are thin, stretchy and much more moldable.  After the application, you fold down the excess at the ends and you can file them off.  Then you are done!  If you are not use to putting these on, it can take as much time as applying regular nail polish and waiting for them to dry.

The best part was that the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips did not snag on my hair, clothes or anything!  They lasted over a week without any of them wearing off except the ends of the nails.  I actually took them off before it was ruined.  And you can remove them with regular nail polish remover.

All in all, I actually really liked these.  They have variety of designs, and they lasted well and they weren't annoying like the Sephora ones.  I'm really glad I gave them a try and I will definitely be trying them again.  I highly recommend these!!!!

For some tips, if you wanted to get multiple use of these, then try alternating on some of the nails with one package and applying regular nail polish to the ones you did not apply the nail strips.  Then save the other pack UNOPENED for later use.

Also as I mentioned above, apply the strips that are bigger rather than smaller for your nails.  Personally I don't like my nail bed showing.  And these were thin enough to just cleaning them up with the cuticle pusher.

Have you tried nail strips?

How to create Summery Striped Nails

Yesterday I posted a picture on my facebook page about my pink and white striped nails.  So as promised this is how to create that look.  Please excuse my dry cuticles and not so perfect lines. 

This is the skirt I inspired me to do this design.  Very summery... I like it.

Here's what you need: Base Coat, Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, two color of your choice, tape, or guideline stickers.

1. Before you begin, prepare your tapes.  I had straight guide stickers (similar to french tip guide stickers), so I cut those in half. 
2. Apply base coat.
3. Apply the less opaque nail polish color first.  Choose the color you know you have to apply twice.  Apply two coats.  For me it was the white color.
4. Apply Dry Fast Top Coat.  You need to make sure this first color is completely dried so you don't mess it up when you apply the tape.
5. Apply the tapes as you wish like below.  And light coat of the second color.  For me this was pink.  This color was quite opaque.  (this guide stickers weren't so good. it kept on moving around. I may have to use regular tape next time) 

6. Let it dry, and carefully remove the tape.
7. Apply generous amount of Dry Fast Top Coat. 
Voila done!!!

Happy Easter Nails!

Have a great Easter everyone!
Try fun Easter nails! Instead of drawing on your eggs, try it on your nails! ^_^

April 2012 Julep Box

My April 2012 Julep Box has arrived!  This time it arrived with Easter theme with chocolate eggs!!! So cute!

If you are unfamiliar with the Julep Box, please see my initial post ---->here<---- It's still not too late to get your Julep box for a Penny! One Cent!!!!

It came with Best Pedi Creme ever, which is a pedi creme with exfoliants, 2 nail polishes and a pedicure foam...

I'm usually a classic with a twist, but this time I wasn't in love with the colors, so I switched it to Boho Glam and I got these two colors.  Molly- beautiful cherry red and Alyson- almond nude.

I'll be doing my nails tonight, so I'll be swatching it on my nails soon!

NOTD: How to - Black and White Polk a Dot Nails

Looking at my nails make me think it's gonna be a crazy Monday! Doesn't it look a little crazy? But I love it!

My left hand....

My right hand....

To achieve this look:

First you need the following tools.  Dotting tool (if you don't have one, use toothpick, pencil or a pen), little piece of paper, plastic tray, anything you can put your nail polish on. Black and White Nail Polish, or whatever color you want to use. And most important, grab your Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat!

1. Apply base coat: I used Seche Vite Base Coat.
2. I painted black first by using Rimmel Last Finishing Pro in Black. I randomly painted by leaving two fingers for the White on each hand.
3. I painted Seche Vite Top Coat on the Black Nails.  So it can fully dry before I put my polk a dots.
4. I painted the remaining fingers with the White Nail Polish and Seche Vite Top Coat.
5. I poured some White Nail Polish on a plastic tray.  (I used my eyelash box lid)
6. Take your dotting tool, whatever you have chosen, dip slightly and apply gently on your nails.  With one slight dip, you should be able to dot twice or three times.
7. Repeat process with Black Nail Polish for your White Nails. 
8. Another layer of your Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat and you are set!

Try alternating your nail colors or have fun with different colors!  It's really making my nails pop and totally lovin it! ♥

Julep Box for a PENNY!!! Yes a PENNY!

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I found out about this great deal on Julep Nail Polishes.  Just like a lot of the website out there like Jewelmint, Shoedazzle, etc... you take a personal test, and Julep will recommend the colors you might like or may suit you.  You may have seen it on Magazines like Instyle, Allure, Vogue...

Membership is $19.99, you can cancel at anytime or skip the month, or purchase anything else that was not recommended to you.  How awesome is that?!?!  And every nail polish you buy, they donate to organizations that support Women through "Powered by Girlfriends" Program.  Also, you are receiving retail value of $40.00 for $19.99.

THE BEST PART.... DRUM ROLL PLEASE.... I was able to get my first box for a PENNY!!! And that's including shipping!

Please use my referral link here---> Julep and take the test, enter e-mail and create log-in.
When you check out, it'll say $19.99.  In the promotional code, enter: COLOR2012.  Check the state you are shipping to, pick MAVEN ONLY for shipping, and it should come out to a $0.01 Penny. (it may differ for tax reasons if you are shipping to Washington)

First I'll let you see what I received....  I ordered on Monday afternoon, and I received this Thursday.  They are shipped from Washington.

I received two nail polishes that fit my style... of course there was a pink nail polish!!! Pink one is called Jennifer and the Purple glitter is called Brooke.  Gorgeous!  I haven't tried it on my nails yet, but I'll swatch it on my nails soon!  The packaging is so pretty.  Looks like lipgloss... so chic!

This is what it looks like on white paper.  The purple one is super duper shiny!

And a full size Glycolic Hand Scrub

I may keep my membership for another month.  Even if I pay $19.99 for the next month, I'm still getting $80 worth of stuff for only $20.00.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

It's almost the weekend~~~~ woo hoooo~~~~

xoxo

Miloberry~ ♥

NOTD: The New French Tip

Last week, I posted a picture on the Miloberry Facebook Page of a nail I did that was inspired by what's been seen in London and New York Fashion Week. 

I didn't do the greatest job, and I actually meant to do a thinner french tip... (better do a better job next time) :)

This is the look I was going for, but kinda failed... and actually J.Lo rocked this type of french tip at the Oscars on Sunday.

Anyhow, to achieve this look, I started by cleaning my nails and cuticles....

And I put two coats of white nail polish to ensure that my nude nail polish will show it's true color.  I used China Glaze, Moonlight (#622).

Then I applied one thick coat of the OPI - Hopeless in Love.



Then for the french tip, I used the Sally Hansen nail art pen in black. And lined and filled in the tips.  I started the french tip thin then it got thicker and thicker as I tried to perfect the line.... Oops

This nail art pen has a small tip to make the nail art precise and easier....  but the formula that they use isn't that great.

Then I let it dry and applied my favorite top coat- Seche Vite to finish off the look. 

But overall, I liked how it turned out....  I know I'll do a better job next time. :) 

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