Review: Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat

              Everyone knows that the latest craze when it comes to nails is crackle nailpolish but while OPI came out with the first of its kind, every brand of nail color seems to be coming out with its own version. However, with all of the choices it's hard to know which brand delivers so I decided to take matters into my own hands...or onto my hands I should say. After testing multiple brands I concluded that my favorite was Sally Hansen's Crackle Overcoat which can be found in most drugstores. Here's why I chose it...

Pros: 8 shades to choose from, easy to use (even for inexperienced nailpolish users), decent price, available at drugstores, it works like promised, quick dry time, looks gorgeous after sealed with a shiny top coat

Cons: it takes a little practice to get the hang of it (maybe after one or two fingers and it's easier to do it on yourself than on others)

      Like I said in my "Pros" section, there are 8 different crackle shades to choose from. That might not seem like too many but you always have to use a base color and your choices are endless there so you never have to have the same look twice! It comes in a hot pink, denim blue, black, gold (a very tasteful shade), violet, white, red, and silver. The price for mine was about $6. 50 and I would say that it's a good price considering the popularity of the product. While the OPI brand is only available at specific beauty stores...this polish is sold at Walmart, Walgreens, etc. so it might be easier (and cheaper) to purchase for some. For me, this crackle polish dried in about a minute and it was extremely easy to apply once I got the hang of it (only took me two fingers to get it perfect, which is a lot less than some other brands). Also, it looks absolutely fabulous if you paint on a shiny top coat to seal it (which you should always do but it looks especially good) because it really brings out the colors and makes it a lot bolder.

My Final Decision: If you're into the new "crackle nails" trend then I definitely recommend getting Sally Hansen's Crackle Overcoat. It works well, looks great, and is easily your ticket to fun and gorgeous nails.

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

Tips For Using Liquid Eyeliner and Emergency Substitutions (Requested by Livvie J.)

       Liquid liner can do wonders, but it's not always easy to use. Especially for beginners, using the liner can get messy, sloppy, and frustrating. While you can use a stick liner to add emphasis to your eyes, liquid is just more smooth, versatile, and faster (once you get the hang of it). You can go natural or bold with it and with a precision point brush to provide you with the best control possible, it will be simple to master once you learn the basic tricks. If you're looking for a colorful, bold look, why not go for a sparkly pink, purple, or even green liner? Who says classic is always best? Liquid eyeliner is also commonly used for popular looks such as the cat-eye/winged look. But whatever color, style, or brand you choose, make sure to not use waterproof to practice first. It'll come off easier and you can use water (instead of eye make-up remover) to get it completely off.

Tip #1: When you apply liquid eyeliner, don't close your eyes. It makes the lines uneven because when you open your eyes, they're different from when you close them. If you're not comfortable doing that, then squint.

Tip #2: Use your pinkie finger as support. When you're applying liner and your hands are shaky or you just want extra control, lay your pinkie on your nose or cheek for support. It'll help stable your hands.

Tip #3: If you have trouble making a straight line, make three dashes - one at the inner corner, one in the middle, and one at the outer corner (change to dots when you get better and then none at all) - and just connect them afterwards. This trick can also be used (and is suggested) for swirls, intricate details, etc.

Tip #4: If you run out of liquid liner, just dip an angled brush in water, shake once, and then run it across black eyeshadow and apply to eyes. You may also use mascara, but it's a lot thicker so it might be harder if you're not comfortable using liquid eyeliner.

Tip #5: If you want to look natural, but still define your eyes, then take a normal eyeliner stick and apply it to your lashline. NOT above or on your waterline, but right where your lashes are growing. You just want to fill in the spots where your eyelashes aren't and it will make your lashes look incredibly thick and it will definitely make your eyes pop but still have a natural feel (and look) to them.

Tip #6: Practice. It's not a hard skill to learn, but you do need to practice doing it for it to look good. Use an old one that ran out, a plain eye-liner brush, or even that one in the shade of blue that you don't like but keep locked up in your cabinet.

But whether you're an eyeliner enthusiast or a beginner, I hope that my tips helped you and thank you for reading my blog.

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

At Home Facial for Beautifully Glowing Skin (Tutorials for Natural Exfoliator + Mask Included)

        Blemish-free, glowing skin can be hard to achieve, especially for active, acne-prone teenagers. But having healthy and beautiful skin doesn't have to be a hassle. You also don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on products that "may" work or load up on concealer which might even make your condition worse. Making your own face exfoliators and masks at home are a cheap alternative to store bought products that are packed with glow dulling chemicals and residue. It's all natural, quick, and fun to do! Treat yourself to a facial without the bill that comes with it! Do it with friends or do it yourself...either way, you deserve some time to relax and make yourself even more gorgeous!

*Please remember that washing your face 2 - 3 times daily is key (at least once with a cleanser); doing this facial alone will not get rid of all your blemishes. Also, do not do this more than once a week. Constant exfoliation is not healthy for you skin for it may cause irritation. Please be extra cautious if you have sensitive skin.

 

Step 1 - Cleansing

• Cleanse  you face with your ordinary cleanser to rid your skin of the grime, dirt, and oil. I use Go Clean 360 Anti-Breakout Cleanser with the little scrublet.(orange bottle).
• Wash off with warm water to open up pores.
• Pat your face dry. You do not want to irritate it any more than you have to.

Step 2 - Exfoliation

Citrus Sugar-Rose Exfoliator

• 1 lime/lemon
• Granulated sugar
• Rose water

1. Take one lime or lemon and squeeze about 1/2 teaspoon of juice into a small bowl.
2. Start by adding one tablespoon of sugar. Use real granulated sugar. Keep adding more until it is slightly watery, but you can feel resistence while stirring. It should be a little bit thinner than a paste.
3. Add one more teaspoon of sugar.
4. Add 5 drops of rose water to the mixture. Stir well.

• After you are done patting your face dry, take the exfoliating face scrub into your hands and apply to face. Do not be rough with skin, it may cause irritation.
• Add more if needed. Rub skin GENTLY for at least 1 minute.
• Rinse off with warm water. Do not try to rub it off. Let the water wash it away instead.
• Pat face dry.

Step 3 - Face Mask

Pumpkin-Avocado Face Mask

• 1/2 can pumpkin puree
• 1 avocado
• 2 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• 5 drops rose water

1. Mix them all together and gently apply to your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
2. You may use an eye mask, but I don't recommend it because it has strings that would get in the way. I suggest going the old-fashioned way with cucumber slices for your eyes. (optional)
3. Relax for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with warm water and pat your face dry.

Step 4 - Moisturize

Normal/Dry Skin: Use your regular moisturizer to soften skin as the last step.

Oily Skin: To moisturize your face but keep it from getting oily, use a cotton ball to blot on rose water all over your face. It does wonders and smells great!

Step 5 - Enjoy your clean, smooth skin!
I hoped you liked this tutorial and saw it as something helpful. Thank you for reading and have fun!


xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

New Posts Coming Soon!

      I apologize for not updating in a while, but I've been studying for my AP exams and finals. Worry not, though....I have many new posts coming soon. Reviews, tips, and tutorials - the whole package. Once again, thank you for you patience and purse your lips and bat your lashes cuz you're in for one sweet treat with what's coming soon. ;)

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

Bohemian-Chic Hair and Makeup Tutorial

This totally fun and super easy Boho-chic look will definitely go with a flowy dress or cute sandals like these!

      
           So I came up with this look on a bored Saturday morning. I was planning on going to the mall later that day and decided that my normal makeup routine was just too...well, routine. I wanted to try something new, but still cute and not super bold. I wanted a fun look that I could easily rock any day. So the hair that I did was basically a side braid...with a special twist. And the makeup is a beautiful cinnamon gold color lined with a splash of aqua! So simple, yet so eye-catching!

The materials that you need for the hair are:

• 1 inch curling iron (optional)
• heat protectant
• anti-frizz serem (I recommend Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-frizz Serem)
• clear elastics (can be found at the dollar store)
• hairspray

The materials needed for the makeup are:

• Covergirl Eye Enhancers Eyeshadow in Aqua Paradise, Snow Blossom
• Bronzer (optional)
• Your normal concealer/foundation products (if you don't use them then it's fine)
• Eye primer (optional)
• Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in #275 Kiss or Covergirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm in #265 Sandstone (or a nude color, if you prefer) (optional)
• Any kind of clear gloss (optional)
• Maybelline Eyeshadow in Cinnamon Spice (High-Pearl)
• angled brush
• a little bit of water
• Mascara (any kind)

Hair:

TIP: If your hair is already wavy, curly, etc. or you just don't want to curl it, then just skip the curling part of this look. I like to curl my hair so that the braid doesn't look too "perfect" and so that the loose pieces that come out are wavy and frame my face, but this is YOUR look, so you decide what you want to do.

1. Spray heat protectant evenly and brush out your hair to distribute the product throughout all of your hair. Take your curling iron and curl your hair (do not spray hairspray, leave it until the end). It doesn't have to be neat or even going the right way, as long as your result is curly or wavy.

2. Leave the curls alone so that they can set and fall out a bit.

3. After about 5 minutes, lean your head back and shake out the curls so that they're slightly messy.

4. Pull all of your hair to one side. Leave out what you want (I usually leave some strands out to frame my face).

5. Make two loose side braids. Make sure that one is bigger than the other (it doesn't matter which). Just make sure that the braids fall on top of each other, not next to each other. Secure with elastics.

6. Twist the two braids together tightly (because they will untwist slightly) and secure the bottom with an elastic.

7. Loosen up the braids (slightly pull out some strands, make it messier) until you have the look that you want.

8. Take your serem and apply some to your braid for shine and control.

9. Hairspray and enjoy!

Makeup:

1. Apply your concealer, foundation, and bronzer if you wish.

2. Apply the eye primer to your whole lid (if you are using it).

3. Take your cinnamon spice eyeshadow and apply it all over your lid.

4. Take your angled brush and dip it in water. Shake the brush once so that any excess water comes off. Gently glide the brush over the aqua eyeshadow so that it becomes a liquid liner and line your top lid. Line it as thick or thin as you wish.

5. Wipe of the angled brush and repeat it with the cinnamon spice eyeshadow on your bottom lid, as a normal eyeliner.

6. Using your finger, blot on a little of the snow blossom eyeshadow onto the inner corner of your eyes to brighten them.

7. Apply your mascara and lipstick with gloss.

8. Enjoy your beautiful new look!

xoxo,

TrinaD. <3



Make Your Own Colored Clip-in Hair Extensions!!! by monroemisfitmakeup

    

         Colored clip-in hair extensions are a great way to express yourself without having to make a permanent commitment (or if you just can't wait for you hair to grow out). Avril Lavigne, Jade from the show Victorious, and even Katy Perry have been seen rocking the color streaked hair trend. However, buying them online or from stores can get expensive and I'm all about thrifty beauty products that look amazing! Many people think that clip-in extensions are all crazy colors and patterns, but with this video, you can make your own that are any shade you want. Dye it the same shade as your own hair if you just want length, or go for something bold like blue! It's your choice. So I found this video on Youtube by monroemisfitmakeup (she has many other amazing videos as well! please check them out) and decided that I just HAD to show it to you guys. So here's the tutorial and I hope you enjoy. ;)

xoxo,

TrinaD. <3

Blend Lipsticks and Glosses to Create Your Perfect Shade!



         Although the cosmetic aisle is home to hundreds of colorful lip products, finding the right shade for yourself can be challenging, especially since you can't try it out and see how it works for you before buying it. Sometimes a certain color is good, but it's just too orange, nude, red, or frosty. So of course, you can layer on the products and hope that it comes out evenly, or, you can blend them to create the perfect shade that you had in mind. It's quick, easy, and you can add certain things to personalize it. Make it a lip plumper or even add a sparkle of glitter. It's your call.

Materials:

• Vaseline (or you can use beeswax if you prefer something natural)
• Container (to store the lipgloss)
• Any lipglosses or lipsticks that you want to blend (I always recommend at least one lipstick - preferably frosty - because it's creamier and the color doesn't dull after time)
• Rosewater (optional - to soothe lips - do not use if you want to make a lip plumper)
• Clear glitter gloss (optional - I like to use it to add some sparkle if my other glosses don't have any already)
• Cinnamon Leaf Oil (optional - used to plump lips naturally)
• Stirring stick (I use an orange stick for nails)
• A dropper (if you are using rosewater or cinnamon oil)

TIP: To find YOUR perfect shade, gently pull your lower lip down and the color inside is what you should try to make your gloss similar to. It goes well with your skin tone and will enhance your natural beauty, however, if you are interested in making a bold colored gloss, then simply reach this tone and darken, lighten, or make it frostier.

1. Take your container and put in as much vaseline as you can. Fill it completely but do not overflow it. Also, leave some room to mix and add rosewater or cinnamon leaf oil if you wish.

TIP: Always add the lipsticks first since the colors tend to be more prominent in the end product. Although it does depend on the kind of lipstick. Also, I always use a spare lipstick for this since you'll be breaking sections off of it. Your normal lipgloss is fine, it will not get damaged.

2. Take your lipstick, and using the slanted end of the orange stick or using a plastic knife, carefully break off a small (you can add more later) chunk of lipstick and crush it in your container of vaseline before mixing it. Be sure the the mixture is smooth before adding anything else. If it is too light or maybe to dark, I would wait until you're done to add more lipstick or add more vaseline since the lipglosses will alter the color.

3. Add any lipglosses (any amount that you feel necessary) to the mixture. Be sure to stir in between each lipgloss. When you are finished, add more lipstick or lipgloss if it is too light or add more vaseline if it is too vivid. Add your clear glitter gloss to add sparkle if you haven't already.

4. This last step is optional: Add either 2-3 drops of cinnamon leaf oil to plump lips or 7 - 10 drops of rose water to soothe lips. Stir until gloss is well-blended. 

5. Test it out to see how it looks on your lips. If necessary, make changes.

6. Enjoy your new lipgloss that's in your perfect shade!

xoxo,

TrinaD. <3

Review: Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Treatment System



          Split ends are a common problem among people of all ages, however, until now, there has never been a hair system specially targetted at treating and preventing split ends. But then there are also the rumors that everyone hears so many times that they just assume that they're truths...like the only way to get rid of your split ends is to trim it off. Well, not anymore. And plus, who has the time, money, or length to go get their hair trimmed every few weeks? Certainly not everyone with split ends...

         So the first time I saw the ad on TV, I was like, "Yeahh, whatever. Just another product that says it's going to do something and when you use it...poof. Nothing happens." I was kinda sold after seeing the strand of hair get pieced together in the ad though, so after reading a boat load of reviews and deep consideration, I decided to give it a try. I didn't want to switch my shampoo or conditioner, so I only used the daily leave-in cream and overnight treatment cream. Here's what I came up with!

Pros: It actually works, makes my hair a LOT softer and smoother, it helps my hair not get as tangled, makes my hair stronger, and prevents static

Cons: The fragrance (now, this one is debatable. I have read reviews where people have LOVED it, but me, personally? Not my favorite...it's like coconut with some sort of flower or something and I have never been a big fan of coconut, but then again...it's a small thing to deal with), once you stop using it...your split ends come back with a vengeance, sometimes makes hair crunchy (but easily fixed), the price

        Like I said in my "pros" section, it really does work. You might not see it right away, but have patience and you will get the results that you want. I started to see an improvement after about a week...but I guess it depends on each person and how damaged your hair is. It also made my hair extremely soft and smooth, but of course, along with the sleekiness comes the detangling elements. It made brushing my hair a lot easier so that I didn't get more split ends and it also made my hair stronger so that if my hair ever gets stuck in anything (which happens a lot due to the length) or I'm a little rough with it, it can still stay healthy and not break. Also, I don't know how, but my hair didn't get staticy anymore. The fragrance is not my favorite, as I have said, but who knows...maybe you'll love it! Also, when I stopped using it for a while, my split ends came back...and they showed no mercy! It happened so quickly and there seemed to be more...but once I started using it again, things got better. And I apply it when my hair is damp (the daily leave-in one) but when it dries, sometimes a few strands get a little crunchy, but just brush it through with a fine toothed comb and you'll be all fine! However, the price is a little high....but I don't usually use that much and I have a LOT of hair so I really don't think that it's a rip off or anything...definitely worth it.

My Final Decision: If your split ends is something that you are sick of dealing with and want to get rid of it, I say buy these products! The results were great for me and while the price and fragrance are not that amazing...it was worth it. It might take a few weeks, but I didn't use the shampoo or conditioner (I only used the daily leave-in treatment cream and overnight treatment cream) so the results might be better and faster if you use the whole system. But overall, really good products!

xoxo,

TrinaD. <3

More Coming Soon!

          So, I realize that I don't have that many things posted yet, but I just started this blog, so I'll try my hardest to update often. Also, thank you for your support...I really appreciate it! But purse your lips and bat your lashes cuz you're in for a sweet treat with what's coming soon. ;P

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

Watermelon Nails



The finished look. I apologize for the poor camera quality.

Materials:

• Rimmel London 60 Seconds in #830 Camouflage
• Covergirl NailSlicks in #170 Rose Quartz (you can use any kind of pink that resembles a watermelon)
• Any brand of black nail polish.
• Kiss Nail Art brush (sold in packs of 3) in Beach Green
• Kiss Nail Art brush (sold in packs of 3) in White
• Dotting tool (if you don't have one, just make one out of an open bobby pin. Use the ends as a dotting tool.)
• Base coat (instead of using a base coat, I use a nail hardener)
• Top coat (matte or shine)

1. Apply base coat. Wait until dry to proceed.

2. Using Rimmel's Camouflage, paint an even line around the edge of your nail. Remember, don't make it too thick since there will be more to the rind than just this.

3. Taking your nail art polish in green, draw an even stripe just above the one you just made.

4. Repeat with the white nail art polish.

5. Take your green nail art polish again and draw vertical strips from the edge of your nail, where the dark green is, up into the white so that it looks more natural and realistic. Wait until dry to proceed.

6. Taking your pink polish, fill in the rest of your nail. Be sure to leave the rind untouched, including the white area. If you must, tape the skin around your nail to prevent the nail polish from sticking onto it (less work later). Let dry completely.

7. Take your black nail polish and put a drop of it on a piece of paper. Take your dotting tool and carefully make a small dot, but without lifting, gently pull it upwards to create a teardrop shape to replicate the seeds. Make as many as you please.

8. Repeat steps for all nails.

9. Apply a top coat.

Now, even though this was the way I did it, I would recommend customizing it so that it looks how you want it to. Make the rind bigger if you want to, add less seeds, or do whatever you want, because when you do nail art, you're not just showing off your nails, you're showing off your personality too! So I hope you enjoyed this and have fun doing it!

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

Review: 1,000 Lashes: Fiberized Weave Mascara by Hard Candy

       As I was walking down the cosmetic aisle at my local Walmart (I'm all for cheap and effective products!), a certain item caught my eye...

Now, I have to admit, the Hard Candy section is hard to miss with its array of colors and edgy/glam packaging, but with the name "1,000 Lashes: Fiberized Weave Mascara" who could resist, right? Well, I probably should have.

Pros: It's cheap, pretty packaging (however, it cannot stand on its own), adds length, very nice traditional bristle brush (not the rubber or plastic kind that most have), easy to apply, comes in many colors

Cons: Fiber pieces fall into my eyes, smears quite easily, not good for sensitive eyes, flakes & fades away easily, weighs lashes down (a little bit, not as much as some other ones do), not a lot of volume

       So like I mentioned in my "Pros" list, the price is not that high compared to other kinds. It's retailed at $6.00 where I bought it, but prices may vary. The packaging is also really pretty, it almost reminds me of a tube of lip gloss, except my only problem with it is that it cannot stand on its own, since I tend to put the bottle down while I apply mascara. It does add quite a bit of length, but contrary to the name, it does little for the volume of my lashes. The brush is also high quality and applies the product evenly and quickly and the mascara comes in colors ranging from black to blue to pink, etc.

     However, the "fiber" pieces kept flaking and falling into my eyes, causing it to get bloodshot and feel uncomfortable. It also smears very easily so be careful!! Now, I have never really considered my eyes to be "sensitive," but even when the flakes didn't fall in my eyes, the mascara somehow caused an annoying sense of pain or discomfort in my eyes. It's also a little heavy and does not add volume like promised.


My Final Decision: So, considering everything I said, I would recommend it if you are going out for a little errand or for a short amount of time, but be sure to go over it with another brand of mascara to keep the flaking to a minimum. If you plan on using it for a long period of time then I'm sure that there are many other brands that you can go with that will deliver what its supposed to...without the pain.

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

Total Salon Blowout...At Home! The Sleekest Look for Your Locks Using a Roundbrush.

          I have always had naturally straight hair, however, along with the length, comes the tangles, frizz, and unruliness. So instead of spending money and time at the salon, give yourself a celebrity-style blowout in the comfort of your own home for gorgeously smooth, soft, shiny, and straight hair. It might take a little more time than straightening it, but trust me, the results are BEYOND worth it!

To get the look yourself, all you need are:

• A roundbrush (smaller for more volume or shorter hair; bigger for longer and thicker hair)
• Heat protectant spray (always guard your hair against damaging heat)
• Hairdryer (for the fastest blowout, use the highest setting but be careful not to burn your hair!!!)
• Spray bottle of water (if you are using dry hair)

1. Brush your hair thoroughly to get rid of all the tangles and kinks in your hair. Use the roundbrush (preferably with boar bristles) to distribute the natural oils in your hair evenly. Do not apply hairspray or smoothing serem before you blow-dry.

2. Spray the heat protectant spray evenly, concentrating on the ends of your hair. Brush your locks again with the roundbrush to evenly distribute the spray.

3. For the fastest and easiest blowout, divide your hair in half at the back (so that your hair lays in two sections on each side of your shoulders) and divide each half into as many 1 1/2 to 2 inch (depending on how thick your hair is) sections as you need. Use elastics to keep the sections seperate.

4. If you are using dry hair, take one section and spray it with water until it is completely damp, not wet. If your hair is already damp, skip this step.

5. Take the roundbrush and brush through that section once. Then position the brush as close to your head as possible, so that you get the roots of your hair. Turn on your hairdryer and holding the brush there still, dry the top section completely (for more volume, push the brush up so that your hair poufs). Then, without lifting the brush, hold the hairdryer about 1/2 inch away from the brush as you glide down SLOWLY so that your hair becomes dry and smooth. Depending on how thick your hair is or how fast it dries, how slowly you glide down may differ.

6. Repeat the steps for all sections of hair, bending in or out at the ends if you wish.

7. Blast your hair with your blowdryer on cold air for the shinest results.

8. Apply anti-frizz serem (I recommend Garnier Fructis Shine & Sleek Anti-frizz Serem) or hairspray if you wish!

9. Enjoy your beautiful hair! =)

So I hope you liked this tutorial on how to do a salon blowout at home and please leave me comments, send me requests, or if you wish, send a picture of the results! Thank you!

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3