NOTD: Im Green with Envy for that Party of Five

 I have no idea how to name a nail of the day post.
Hopefully Ill get better as I post more :D

Isn't this combo gorgeous!! 
Remember my recent nail polish Haul?
I used Sally Hansen's Green with Envy with Wet n Wild Party of Five glitters!

I started with two coats of Green with Envy, then two coats of WnW Part of Five glitters over it. FYI* I didn't use a top coat.

So far my mani has lasted almost 2 weeks
I have nooo idea why but anything that's Sally Hansen or WnW never comes off...which is a huge plus.

The two colors I used:

Thanks for reading :D

Nail Polish Haul: Wet n Wild & Sally Hansen

I decided to give in and buy some more Spring/Summer colors! All these bottles were from $2.99 from Zellers. For my Americans, Zellers is like a watered down Target..haha.

I know that these bottles usually retail for $1.99 in USA.

Lets me show you each bottle.. these pictures came out true to color :)
Just in case you fall in love here are the names:
Sally Hansen Blue Me Away
Sally Hansen Green with Envy
Wet n Wild Garden Hose
Wet n Wild Sunburst
Swatches:
L to R- Sally Hansen Blue Me Away, Sally Hansen Green with Envy, Wet n Wild Garden Hose & Wet n Wild Sunburst.

Gorgeous colors!

Which color is your favorite?

Winner: Crystal microdermabrasion and cold laser light therapy + extra prizes!

Winner of the crystal microdermabrasion and cold laser light therapy is:
Farah
Jenn you have NO idea how badly i need this im breaking out so bad from wedding stress :(

Also fresh beautiful:Studio Gave me the opportunity to pick 2 extra winners to get a CREDIT on preserve+nurture.
Your second prize winner will receive a $100 credit against one preserve+nurture treatment.
Your third prize winner will receive a $50 credit against one preserve+nurture treatment.

2nd place winner is:
Meredith
I was a dairy fiend up until the day after EASTER. Breaking out like WHOAH. Help me!


3rd place winner is:
 
StealMyHeartLove
Enter Me!

Please email me jenn (at) spicedbeauty (dot) com to redeem your giveaway prizes!!
 

My Favorite Pinky Nude Lipstick (WOC Friendly) + Lip Swatches- Clinque/Joe Fresh/ Revlon

I often get asked what colors are complementary for WOC. My answer is always "You need to try out brands to get the right fit for you". 

I know that trying out brands are costly but in this post I gave Low-Medium-High options for the perfect Picky Nude Lip.


L to R- Clinque Nude Blush, Joe Fresh Brick & Revlon Mink.


Clinque Butter Shine Lipstick in Nude Blush would be high-end costing around $16.50 CDN/ $14.50 USA.

Color: Soft Beige-y pearlized nude

Finish: Creamy and moisturizing



Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Brick would be Low/Medium-end costing around $6.00 CDN.

Color:  Soft reddish brown nude

Finish: Matte but moisturizing



Revlon Lipstick would be would be Low/Medium-end costing around $2.00 to $8.00 CDN.

Color: Pinky taupe nude

Finish: Sheer to moderate and moisturizing


If you want to see comparisons of the lipsticks side by side check out my youtube video below!


Which one is your favorite?

Win the book Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm? + $50 Sephora GC

The lovely ladies from www.thebeautybrains.com gave me the opportunity to read/review their new book Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm?
Paperback $16.95
This informative book cuts through the confusing, misleading, and sometimes false information that beauty companies bombard consumers with and provides scientific answers to hundreds of questions about cosmetics.

TEN TRUTHS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COSMETICS:

1. Curling Shampoos Don’t Work!

2. Wearing the right fragrance can actually make people think you have lost weight.

3. While brushing your hair does temporarily help distribute natural oils, in the long run brushing “100 strokes every night” strips layers of cuticle and weakens hair.

4. There is no proof that tourmaline flat irons perform any better than the less expensive non-ceramic versions.

5. Sunscreen is one of the best cosmetics you can use to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle-free.

6. Spit on a zit may not be an old wives’ tale after all!

7. There is a difference between antiperspirant and deodorant. Antiperspirant actually stops you from sweating, while deodorant just masks the odor.

8. No cosmetic will make your nails grow longer and stronger, but you can do things to improve their condition.

9. Urea is found in cosmetics, but it does not come from urine!

10. Multiple types of parabens are used in formulas to ensure that your personal care and cosmetic products are as free as possible from disease-causing microbes.


I enjoyed reading this book because the answers were clean and concise. Also good percent of the questions asked were ones that myself or you guys would have. I want to tell you more but you will just have to get the book at these stores:
Amazon
Indigo
Barnes & Noble
Borders
Books-A-Milllion
Indiebound
Walmart

************************
Guess what!!
The ladies at thebeautybrains.com is giving:
One (1) winner will receive a $50 Sephora Gift card and a copy of the book.

Rules:
Must be a follower of Spicedbeauty.com
Must be over 18
This is open to Canadian & USA followers

How to Enter:
Follow Spiced Beauty on facebook
 &
On twitter: JennMUA

TWEET THIS:
Win a copy of Can you get hooked on lipbalm?+ a $50 Sephora GC from @JennMUA  www.spicedbeauty.com
_______________________________________________________________ 

Must have Product: Cover Fx-Clean Fx Makeup Cleansing Mousse

You guys remember when I told you about my Coverfx: Drench the Skin You're In event experience last month. I want to share with you my must have product from CoverFX right now!

This alcohol- and oil-free facial cleanser removes long-wearing and water-resistant makeup thoroughly yet gently while hydrating, toning and softening the skin. The travel-friendly formula, ideal for sensitive skin, can be used with or without water for rinsing.
I have had cleansing milks, wipes and oil free cleansers in the past..but THIS... this is something beyond amazing. I could totally rant and rave but I think it's best if I show you what this mousse can do!

I applied waterproof pencil eyeliner to my arm and let it dry. Then I squirted a small amount of mousse on a cotton pad.

I applied the pad to my arm and let it soak in for about 20 to 30 seconds. Then I wiped the mousse off in ONE swipe. I did not wipe or wash my arm and there is absolutely no residue at all!
Here is cotton pad to show the residue of the waterproof pencil.
 I don't need I need to stress how great this product is! The pictures speak for themselves :D
Extra information:
What else you need to know: PETA approved. Dermatologist tested. Ph balanced. Free of soap, fragrance, and colorant.
You can purchase this product from Sephora, SDM, select The Bay, Murale, Coverfx.com, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser in the UK .

My Nail Polish Story- What's yours?

Let me explain to you all how my nail polish addiction started. I think it's playback for having naked nails for years! I remember my friends telling me "JENN!!! You should wear nail polish" or  "OMG! You're nails are so nice but you NEED to do something with them". I had the time but it just wasn't my thing. I know there is someone out there who feels my pain.

A couple months ago my bf took me to an amazing mani/pedi place and everything changed from then. After getting compliments on my nails, I started to do them on a regular. I also started to follow more nail blogs for color inspiration.

Here are a few of my favs:
BarryM Grey + E.L.F Black
E.L.F Black + Sally Hansen Strobe Light
BarryM Instant Nail Effects + Fuchsia is Funky Nails in Miss.Robinson+ The blue is  LA Color matte polish in  turquoise

I think I will start to share my nail hauls & favorite designs on my blog from now!

What's your nail story? Do you wear polish everyday?

I'm loving fish tail braids!

You would think after growing up with braids, I would hate them. Yes, in certain cases they may look elementary but it's the easiest way to glam up a look.

I became fascinated with Fish Tail Braids earlier this year when I seen Rihanna wear it on stage. This picture is actually from earlier this week... She wore a white Dolce & Gabbana dress which probably cost over $1,000!!! When you think about it she could have done a head full of curls,  intricate updo or fun beach waves... but she chose a fish tail braid.

What to learn how to do a Fish Tail Braid?? Follow these directions from MTV Style:

STEP 1: Divide the hair you want to braid into two equal sections.

STEP 2: Start the fishtail braid by holding the right section with your right hand. Then, using your left hand, pick up a small chunk of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section.

STEP 3: Repeat on the other side: Hold the left section in your left hand. Use your right hand to pick up a small chunk of hair from the outer right section and cross it over to the inside of the left section.

STEP 4: Continue picking up small sections and crossing them over until you reach the ends of your hair.

STEP 5: Secure with an elastic (like Sephora's Snag-Free Hair Elastics, $3.50), and spray the braid with a little shine spray like Smooth N' Shine Scalp & Breakage Miracle's Root to Tip Oil Sheen Spray ($3.99, drugstore.com) to seal in moisture and boost shine. And you're all set!


Do you like fish tail braids?

M·A·C SHOP TOGETHER

Want a new way to shop with your friends?


M∙A∙C Cosmetics is proud to announce the launch of a new and dynamic way to browse through our cult makeup must-haves, all without leaving your home. M·A·C Shop Together.
M∙A∙C Shop Together allows customers to share real-time, synchronized shopping sessions with friends all through the use of instant messaging. After simply creating a screen name, users have the power to chat with up to five friends, see the same products and shades all within the M∙A∙C e-commerce site, http://www.maccosmetics.com/.

My enablers! What do you think about this? Love it? Hate it?

Miracle product for smooth lips- Mary Kay Satin Lips® Lip Mask review

After a twitter talk about Mary Kay with Makeup by Kim Porter suggested that I try out Mary Kay Satin Lips® Lip Mask.   This my first non-diy lip mask, so I was skeptic.. my fear was that I would have a allergic reaction.Satin Lips® Lip Mask contains miniature buffing beads that gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells that cause lips to appear dull and lifeless.


 Lets start off with the appearance. The mask comes in a soft 3 oz tube. Having a product like this in a tube is beneficial for sanitary reasons.

You can:
A) squirt it on a metal plate and apply it with a lip brush or
B) use clean fingers to apply the product.



Product: 
White cream with mini buffing beads. I like the fact that didn't have a scent.
Directions:
Apply to lips for 1- 2 minutes, then remove.
I  know this is dumb but was surprised to see that the lip mask dried on my lips..lol.  I used a drop of water to exfoliate the using the mini beads.
Conclusion:
Ladies! I think we found a miracle product!! I didn't take a before picture because I was afraid someone would use it as blackmail LOL.. I can`t believe how quick and simple it was. With my DIY lip scrub, I made nothing but mess.

As you all can see from the picture below my lips are smooth and look moisturized. Without any gloss or balm.

This product would get a thumbs from me. I also thank Kim for the recommendation.

Price:
$15.00
Where can you find it:
Mary Kay

Spiced Beauty is now on facebook + Vote for Rai

After three years later I can scratch off making a Spiced Beauty facebook page off of my list. I personally like to use twitter to promote my blog but I'm cool with trying something new. Please like my page by clicking my icon below!

While you're on facebook please take the time to vote for my friend Rai who has entered a contest for the Target Beauty's Biggest Fans.

You can actually vote once per day!
  Voting Date: April 27th - May 17 11:59pm EDT

One of the prizes includes a Flip video camera, which she plans on giving away... I don't need a camera (one of my followers might :D)so if she stays in the top 20 its up for grabs.


Go here to vote: CLICK HERE


Shop my Clothing Stash: Fashion Deal- High-Waisted Skirt

I`m excited to start this new series. I noticed that my fashion post especially of outfits of the day receive a lot of comments. I wish I could keep up with the demands but I suck at full body shots..LOL.

I'm on a no buy...my current obsession is shopping my clothing stash..mixing..matching & falling in love with pieces that still have the tag on it!!
In this shop my clothing stash edition I want to highlight my high-wasited floral skirt I got from Stitches for $5.00.

This skirt is very casual but can easily be dressed up. In the summer I plan on wearing this with a white v-neck, no tights & brown gladiators.



For $5.00 this was a steal and I'm glad I bought it!

Is there any items you would like to see from my stash? 
I love the input and 9 times out of 10 I probably own it :D

April Empties- Burt`s Bees & The Body Shop

I have an announcement!! I haven't bought any make-up/beauty related product in almost a month. Yes.. yes.. I`m on a serious no buy.

If I could only show you the amount of products that I have not opened or used once.. you would all disown me.. LMAO. After reading several blog posts on empties..especially  Gaby's.  I decided it would be beneficial to start my own empties journey. I think ill start small and try to finish 4 or more products a month.

Here is some information on these products:
 The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Shower Gel (mini)
I love the different scents at The Body Shop! Never in a million years would I ever pick lemon.. but Sweet Lemon yes please.

Pros:
Soap free
Moisturizing
Lemon Oil & Vitamin C

Would I repurchase?
YES 
The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Scrub (mini)
This scrub came with the gel, along with a body butter and puff. I bought the gift pack just for the scrub! I like the scrub but I wish that it didn't crumble so easy. If I had to rate it out of 10,  i'd give it a 9. So basically it lost 1 point...no biggie.

Pros:
Lemon Peel & Organic Sugar
Soya Oil
Moisturizing 

Would I repurchase:
YES

Burt's Bees Anti-Blemish Purifying Gel Cleanser
All my good conversations start on twitter :) After talking to a few ladies on there... they recommended the natural Burt's Bees line for my break outs. The Cleanser was gentle & non-abrasive.

Pro:
Natural
Willow Bark Extract
Non-comedogenic

Would I repurchase?
YES

Burt's Bees Anti-Blemish Pore Refining Scrub 
I pretty much bought the whole line: Click here.
Pro:
Natural
Willow Bark Extract
Salicylic Acid

Con:
I felt a little oily than moisturized if I didn't use the cleanser above before.

Would I repurchase?
Maybe


Help! What is your favorite nail polish top coat?





I'm tired of my nails chipping!! Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.


Giveaway: Free session of crystal microdermabrasion and cold laser light therapy from fresh.beautiful: the skin studio

fresh.beautiful: the skin studio has given me the opportunity to give away (one) free 30-minute session of crystal microdermabrasion and cold laser light therapy at there Ajax location.
fresh.beautiful: the skin studio is about providing a natural and non-invasive approach to cleaner, healthier and brighter skin. We focus on understanding your personal skin issues and determining its needs. Our end goal is to develop a special skin therapy tailor-made just for you.
If you need more information check out my latest experience with fresh.beautiful HERE.  I would also recommend you do your research to get familiar with the procedure, so you won't have any surprises.
Rules:
Must be over 18 years old

How to enter:
Must be a Spicedbeauty.com follower
Must follow fresh.beautiful on twitter (if you don't have an account that's okay..just let me know below)

Once that is complete just reply below in the comments section with
Enter me
Giveaway ends:
May 5 at midnight