Budget Beauty

On Friday, I received my OPI Alice In Wonderland Mini Nail Lacquer Set which I had purchased from amazon.com for a grant total of $10.74. My first thought when I opened the Disney-branded box was, "Am I too old for this?" But then I quickly reassured myself that women of all ages can enjoy nail polish inspired by a timeless, whimsical tale that was intended to be read by adults as much as children. And the soon-to-be-released movie is directed by Tim Burton and stars Johnny Depp, clearly adult entertainment!

Continue reading "Beauty Review: OPI Alice In ... »

Take home an exclusive Milly for Clinique cosmetics bag filled with the best of spring beauty, yours free with any Clinique purchase of $25 or more. Valued at $75, this gift includes:

• Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder with Brush
  
• High Impact Mascara in Black
  
• Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20
  
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
  
• Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent
  
• Clinique Foldover Mirror
  
• Clinique Key Chain with Long Last Lipstick Mini in A Different Grape and Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Clearly Pink

This offer is available now through February 21st only at participating Bloomingdale's stores and is not available in Chicago. Quantities are limited. One bonus to a client per event while supplies last.

Find out more.

Here's me wearing two coats of polish on an overcast day, photographed outdoors without the flash.

Chanel's new spring nail colors—specifically Chanel Particuliere Le Vernis Nail Colour—has everyone scrambling to find the perfect mushroom, taupe or putty nail polish for less, which led me to test out Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Commander in Chic by Sally Hansen ($7.99 at Ulta.com). I purchased mine for $6.99 at Target.

I definitely agree with readers who tried this polish before me—the brush is fantastic because it's a little wider and flatter than most brushes, allowing for smooth, even and easy application. But the color is rather sheer, so three coats are required for full coverage. I get really impatient with nail polish, so I just applied 2 coats (3 on my thumbs, haha).

The subtle, sophisticated color is flattering and looks best on shorter nails. It looks different in different lighting situations, of course, but overall it has that slightly purplish-grey-taupe look I was going for. I would like to try something that's a little less glossy, and a little more creamy, though shine is good for hiding imperfections. I feel like I have to be super careful when applying matte colors as these tend to show every flaw.

Here are some more Chanel-inspired colors to choose from, recommended by your fellow readers!

Perfect Putty Polish Colors for Spring 2010

• OPI Fiji Weejee Fawn
  
• Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel in Steel Grey
  
• OPI The Classics You Don't Know Jacques!
  
• SEPHORA by OPI Matte Nail Colour Matte Metro Chic
  
• essie Chinchilly
  
• SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour Under My Trench Coat
  
• Opi Brights Over the Taupe
  
• butter LONDON Fash Pack (saw this in the ASOS e-newsletter)
  

Photographed with camera flash OFF, indoors

Photographed with camera flash ON

Chanel has three new coveted nail colors out for spring 2010, including Chanel Particuliere Le Vernis Nail Colour, a color that can be described at "mushroom," "taupe" or "putty." This affordable luxury (oxymoron intended) can be yours for $23 a bottle at uma.chanel.com.


If you want to try this color for less, People StyleWatch offers a great dupe in the February 2010 issue: It's the Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Commander in Chic by Sally Hansen, $7.99 at Ulta.com (or look for it in drugstores). Maybe I'm just smitten by this color because Chanel says it's chic, but I definitely can't wait to get my hands on a creamy putty polish for Spring! If anyone has any suggestions for a similar color, I'm all ears.