Giveaway!

I haven't done a giveaway in quite some time, so I figured why not start out the year new right, right?  I received these polishes as part of the Julep Maven program, but knew I was never going to use them.  So now you get a chance to enjoy them!

You will receive a pot of silver glitter, Julep Jennifer, and Julep Demi.  All you need to do is follow on Bloglovin' or Google Connect and leave me a comment with your email address.  I'll end the contest the following Monday, January 9th. Good luck to you all!*

*My apologies, but this giveaway will be limited to US residents due to high international shipping charges.

10-Step Manicure

I love getting manicures, but for least at $15 each time, it adds up.  These days, I have been doing a lot of manis at home to save money and make sure I get exactly what I want.  Here are my steps:

1. Remove your polish.  I use store brand acetone remover and cotton pads.
2. Cut & trim your nails.  I have a Bath & Body Works manicure set.  Remove any jewelry you may be wearing.
3. Soak your nails in warm water.  You can add bath salts along with a liquid soap to soften the nails.  It's good to grab a hand towel and paper towel at this time.
4. Add lotion to soften the cuticle.  I use Eco. Vitamin E. flower serum.
5. Push your cuticles back.  If you feel comfortable, you can cut them, but definitely take caution.
6. Exfoliate with a body scrub. Mine is homemade with olive oil and raw sugar.
7. Moisturize your hands. I use Manor Hall 100% shea butter.
8. Add a base coat. (I actually cheat and use a top coat as my base.)  I use Sally Hansen UV top coat.
9. Polish with your choice of color. I'm using Veronica by Jason Wu for CND.
10. Add a top coat and you're done!

My own treats.

I have to admit. I've been going a little bit (read: a lot) crazy lately with two dogs in my house.  It's been a little too much puppy treats and not enough Lindsay treats.  On my way home the other day, I made it a point to stop and get a little treat for myself, if only to have a small pleasure.

I even had to through in some macaron inspired nails to make it complete.  And for your NYers, Macaron Cafe is on 36th Street between 6th & 7th Avenue.  They're so French and uber-yummy.

Flavors: Pumpkin Cinnamon, Honey Lavender, Rose, Wedding Almond, Blueberry, Earl Grey.

Fashion Nails

I got a package in the mail yesterday.  What was it?

Jason Wu Miss Wu by CND

Let me start by saying THANK YOU to CND.  I had never tried the products before, but had heard rave reviews from industry professionals.  I would like to pronounce that these are the best nail polishes that I've used in my life.  No joke. The brush is just the right size and the color goes on smoothly.  You know what else is amazing? One coat will do it.  Yep.  It's completely opaque and beautiful on the first go round.  Lastly, one of the best traits is indeed the colors.  They are fashion forward, without being obnoxious.  I could see wearing these colors 5 or 10 years from now.  Pick out your favorite color below!

Veronica

Say hello to Veronica. Just like the name, she is foxy, bold, and completely gorgeous.

Sophia

Meet Sophia. She is sophisticated in slate. (This one will be a fall staple for sure!)

Brigitte

Bonjour, Brigitte.  This is a mauve masterpiece and perfect for our favorite French actress (and all of us regular folks too).

Miss Wu

Ni hao ma, Miss Wu? (Side Note: Look at my good Mandarin skills!) This one is sporty, fun, modern, and trendy. (Another side note: Ignore my crooked pinkie, please!)

Anna

This is Anna.  She is a trickster.  Not really, it's just hard to see in the photo that she creates a really cool "feathering" effect.  Anna is layered over Sophia.  Basically, it's a sheer coat that gives a cool crystallized, textured effect.

Make sure to check out CND here!