Product Review~Sally Hansen Insta Gel Nail Strips Manicure

Used silver snakeskin strip as accent on 2 Nails out of ten to start. One on each hand.

Right after finish

nail strip ripped so I patched it with leftover piece of red.

Recently I was asked to review the Sally Hansen Insta Gel Nail Strip Kit.  I was so very excited.  I had seen this kit at Walmart with a close to $30.00 price tag and decided against it.  Two weeks after I accepted the product trial I the UPS man delivered!  I received The Insta Gel Nail Strip kit with the mini uv lamp and even an extra box of Gel Strips In a lovely Snakeskin pattern.  Retail Value for the Kit  $29.99 and for the extra box of strips $13.97.  

I was rooting for this product, beside myself with giddiness.  I have limited use of my left hand and on top of that my hands tend to shake a bit.  This is why I didn't become a nurse or surgeon.  Would you want shaky hands giving you a shot?  Anyhow, I have an addiction to nail polish but must work really hard to apply it myself and make it look good.  This product promised Hard, Shiny Gel like finish that lasts up to 2 weeks in 2 easy steps!  A Miracle I say for people like me.  I was in contact with friends that work as nurses in hospitals asking if a gel manicure that isn't fast to remove (as the insert said I would have to soak cotton balls in acetone and foil for ten minutes to remove).  I thought gee this will be great for perhaps nursing home residents, teen girls and women recovering from illness or surgery etc.  Something to make them feel better with little maintenance.  Unfortunately this was not a miracle product.  I am familiar with nail strips, I have used them before and am good at putting them on.  These are slightly different than the regular kind.  I had trouble first finding strips that were wide enough to cover the whole nail.  Unlike the ads they do not go on with ease nor do they stretch.  I ended up applying the strips horizontally rather than vertically.  Also I need to say I have smaller hands and nails than the average woman.  I usually have to use the smallest glue on nails in the pack for my fingers.  After I tried it the way it said and it didn't cover my whole nail (the edges lacked coverage),  I applied the strip, rubbed it down, then filed away the excess, just like it said.  Some of the strips ripped in half as you stretched it over the end of nail, that is when I decided to go across the nail instead of up the nail.  After an hour to apply the strips to each finger, trying to clean it up the best I could, I went one finger at a time with the "GEL Polish",  I polished the finger then cleaned up any excess gel around the nail, then cured it under the mini UV light.  That process only took  20 minutes.  I was not very impressed with the way they looked or how the process went.  I had a big mess to clean up of strip scraps all over.  

After shower.  Notice pinky and forefinger came off and then noticeable thumb peeling. After 24 hours.

As you see I replaced the two that fell off day one with the silver strips. Funny thing is they fell off the same fingers as the other hand.  I also redid the ring finger.

Two hours later pointer on my left hand started peeling.  I smoothed it back down, applied another coat of the gel polish and cured again.  For good measure I applied another layer of the gel polish to each finger and cured once again.  The next day as I washed my hair three other nails lost their polish strips.   Other nails had chipped or just started coming up at the side.  As I slept that night a few more came off.  By day 4 I only had 3 fingers out of 10 still polished.  I was so dissapointed.  I went online to make sure I am not a complete idiot and and did it wrong, to discover many other reviews that had the same problem.  I found I got the same results from nail strips from the dollar store and they go on faster without the fuss, you want extra shine add a top coat or a instant gel top coat like Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat.  I know other companies are coming out with similar top coats without the novelty of the UV light.  I took pictures of my fingers right after and then after the first loss, at 24 hrs and 48 hours.  Now considering the removal process they described MUST be used to remove this product was not something I was looking forward too, This product that came off without me picking at it, just sitting, hair washing and sleeping, I am going to have to call this a total and complete FAIL and RIPOFF.  Save your money.  Go to the dollar store and buy the strips that are $2.99 and a top coat and wa la same product.  Same longevity.  I kind of get mad every time I see the commercial and hear about the ease of applying and 2 steps process my ass.  This wasn't so simple as the gals on tv make it look and it requires more than peel, apply, polish, light.  That in itself is 4 steps.  Then add filing the excess above the nail and around the cuticle, then clean up of the gel around skin,  It is faster to paint your nails with a good polish and cheaper too.  Until Next time.  Friends don't let friends buy crap!

Sample Box Wars March Birch Box

Birch Box for March 2013

I almost forgot to write about my March Birch Box and boy would you be sorry if I didn't.  I have ALOT to say.

Birch Box costs $10.00 a month and from what I hear is the Original Beauty Sample Box Subscription. Now every You Tube Guru has one and they review it and every month they say they are going to cancel but they never do.

The theme of the month is March Madness. Quite appropriate.

1.  Caldrea Body Lotion.  I got 3 count them 3 foil packets of lotion.  Tea Olive Lime, Aloe Water Apricot and Coconut Fig.  I'd love to tell you what they smell like but I don't want to open the packets until I am going to use them.  The reason I despise Foil Packets is you have to use it once you open it or it dries out or oozes out all over your other stuff.  Each Packet is .25oz and this product retails for $22.00.  Now the card they included does not tell me how big a full size is so I shall go on a web excursion for your convenience   According to Google Birchbox.com is the only place to find the BODY lotion.  However This company also specializes in Cleaning product.  Yaaay.  Now the birchbox price is $22.00 for 8oz.  Sample value $2.06 for all 3 packets.  SCORE!  And Double Score NO Formaldehyde   and it's vegan!  All vegetarians can eat this..Don't eat it though.  Now the package doesn't tell me whats in it.  It tells me what isn't.  So unless I have a molecular biology kit I cannot tell what is in it.  Just that there is no embalming fluid in it.

2.&3  In a nice White resealable baggie that says MAKE in big bold black letters I got 2 products.  First is Dual phase eye makeup remover.  Wow it's infused with H20 isn't that water?  How exciting an eye makeup remover INFUSED with water.  What a concept.  Anyhow there are supposedly three layers that you shake up and apply with cotton pad.  The layers are OIL, Chamomile and Cucumber infused H20.  Well now that the H20 is Cucumber infused that changes everything.  Full size is 4oz for $18.00.  I got a generous 1oz sample.  for a value of $4.50.  Eye Makeup Remover INFO

3.  From MAKE Lipstick.  $18.00 for .12oz.  The shade is taffy.  I don't have much to say about this except avon gives bigger lipstick samples for free.  I would be fine if this was the beauty extra...but come on.

4.  Okay here is the IT product that is all the rage!  DRY SHAMPOO...in a aerosol spray can.  Serge Normant.  Oooh what a swanky name.  Meta revitalizing Dry Shampoo spray WITH Cedar Bark.   2oz sample.  For second day hair.  Sure whatever.  Full size sells at Barneys New York for 25.00 at 4.5oz. I can buy my sample size at Barney's for $15.00!  How exciting.  I wonder if people will think I am rich if I carry this around.  Now I don't get the need for dry shampoo if you are mobile and can shower every other day.  It would have been handy when I had all those ear surgeries and couldn't wash my hair for a month.  But I read it was unhealthy to wash your hair everyday. But whatever people want to do.  I wouldn't waste my money on it unless I had surgery again.  Wait it may have a purpose after all.  You know how your teen boys lie about washing their hair with shampoo.  They wet it and forget it.  You can Assault them as they are running out the door with this spray shampoo so their teachers don't think you are neglectful and too poor to have water or shampoo.  Dylan prepare to be attacked.!

Last but not least my Beauty Extra.  It is a Emery board by Madwell in a cutesy floral print just for spring.  Everyone needs this whether you are obsessed with nail care or not.  This emery board comes with a nice plastic sleeve and it retails for $5.00.  I would never pay $5.00 for an emery board but that is just me.  I will definitely use this.  It does work well.  This is what I most liked in this box. lol

Now did anything in my Birch box make me squeal with delight.  Nope not really.  This month was a whatever....  I did get box envy when seeing other people's boxes.  I think I may redo my beauty profile.  My value of my box this month was apprx $29.56  I gave the lipstick a $3.00 value.  To me it is a Zero but to others...  Hope you enjoyed this months review.  Remember Friends don't let friends Buy Crap or look like crap.

Sample Box Wars - Nail Art Society March

Apparently Spring is upon us.  You wouldn't know it to look out my window with the fresh snow.  My first sample package I received this week was from Nail Art Society.  I paid $9.96 for this monthly subscription.  The website says $19.96 but if you look for coupon codes you will find one for $10.00 off for the lifetime of your subscription.  I saw bad reviews for this subscription and I thought I'd take a chance.  

This is my second package.  They have been on time and nothing has been open in my shipments.  The items come in a bubble mailer.  Apparently this is an issue amongst reviewers.  The reviews I saw were from before Christmas.  Sometimes it takes a company a bit to get their shit together.  

What I received this month:  The  Theme is 3D nail art.

Nail Fraud At home Dry Manicure strips, Nail Art Society threw in a emery board and orange stick to use with the strips.  These are in the design SHHH!..  This product retails for $10.30 online.  

Next I received a pkg of 10 little pink 3d flowers I am too glue onto my nail.  This is by a company named Stella.  I Googled and found a bunch of tutorials and Facebook pages from another country.  No big deal.  I don't care what company something is from nail crap is nail crap.

Next.  A container of 10 little orange slices (fake of coarse) to glue onto my nails,

A container FULL of orange opalescent domes that you glue onto your nails.





A Container FULL of orangish gold flowers to glue onto nail







A container Full of Hot Pink tiny beads that you would dip your nail into to cover nail.  Nail Caviar

Of coarse I can't put an exact value on the containers without brands etc.  But comparably I can put a value based on like items I found on the net.  From what I can tell is the items I got were from a kit.  It is like ones I saw from Cina.  The kit sells for 5-8.00.  I will put the value at $5.00 all the containers of items.  So total retail of the kit is $15.30.  Is it worth $20.00 Hell no.  Is it worth $10.00 perhaps.  Last month I got a polish, a nail dotting tool (nice one), nail lace, nail chain, love decals, and some other little things.  It is nice if you don't have alot to start your nail art with.  If you are way into Nail art, you will complain because you don't need more of this or that.  I am cancelling because  I can just go online to Amazon and type in Nail Art and buy tons of stuff for $10.00.  That way I know I will use what I buy.  I am guessing that is what they do or they buy lots off eBay and divide them up.   But if you don't have much and you like surprises, I see nothing wrong with the products.  Value is in the eye of the receiver as they may value not having to look around and match things up or leave their house.  It is pretty decent stuff.  They do have a Facebook page and they have contests for their subscribers.   www.nailartsociety.com

This is a list of the exact names of products as on their site

Nail Fraud
NAS Bee Bee Balls
NAS Fruit Nail Art -
NAS Fabric Flower Nail Art -
3D Ceramic Flowers -  

3D Bead Drops  

March Sample Box Wars-IPSY aka glambag

IPSY-Glambag

My Ipsy came this week.  I couldn't have been more excited, that is until I opened the bag.  The bag this month is a Nautical themed fabric bag with blue and white vertical stripes and pictures of anchors and ropes on it.  The inside is white and has a tag that says Ipsy beauty for you sewn in it.

Of coarse it came with the card that has discount codes for the products on it.  I wish Ipsy would take a lesson and put the products, their price and how to use them or a description on their cards like many of the other companies do.

Now this month there was 5 items in the bag.

First off was a 1oz bottle of Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist.  It is certified organic and I am guessing I spray on my face as it tones and hydrates.  It says that I should tone with a refreshing blend of Rosehip, ylang ylang, grapeseed oil and antioxidant rich juices.  Mist lightly throughout the day.  Will do.   $22.00 for 6.75 oz  Hydrating Spray  Click link to go to Juice Beauty Site.  I can smell the rose.  Honestly it smells like something I once sprayed in my grandma's bathroom when going thru all her stuff.  Not horrible but I don't see the value in it.   Sample Value $3.26.

Second, La Fresh travel lite Makeup Remover Wipes 8ct.  Everyone needs makeup wipes.  I will add this to my collection  Retail and Sample value $1.49. LA FRESH Travel Lite make up remover wipes

Third Glam Rx  magnetic palette   It is suppose to be reminiscent of a Z Palette   It looks like a mini first aid kit box.  It opens and is empty.  It is covered in vinyl and has a nice sized mirror in it.  You can put your depotted eye shadows in it or you can buy eye shadow pots.  I went to their website to investigate value and was shocked to see that this tiny "Palette" retails for $16.50 but that is with other products in it.  It didn't have the price without the touch up kit.  They describe it as as big as a credit card only thicker.  So should we say $12.00 value as the contents of the touch up kit aren't included.  You can view this kit at Glam Rx palette

The next two items were small eyeshadows   that go into the tiny palette.  Yaby So Vain and Yaby Sand Dune.  They retail for $3.15 each.  So sample value is $6.30  The shadows are the size of my fingertip.  I am surprised that this is full size.  Sand Dune doesn't throw off alot of color.  It is a taupe color and So Vain is a like a sea green, Aquamarine perhaps.They are smaller than a penny as shown in the second picture.  That is a dime in the top picture.

I am not impressed this month but that is okay, these products don't tickle my fancy but they might tickle yours.  All in all I paid $10.00 and got $23.00 worth of stuff.  Not too bad.  I love Ipsy.  I have gotten gel liner, lip gloss and lipsticks, nail polishes and more and not the cheap stuff either.  If you can't afford any other bag.  Get Ipsy.

March Sample Box Wars-Allure Sample Society by Beauty Bar

Allure Sample Society, Beauty Bar
This is the first box I subscribed too.  I like that Allure Magazine is attached to this box.  This box is $15.00 a month.  I am never disappointing   I have received at least one full sized product every month and my first box I got a $22.00 lipstick.  I wasn't aware lipstick can be that expensive but it can.  You also receive a $15.00 off a $50.00 purchase as long as you have a full size of a product your got in your box in your cart.  It doesn't have to be the exact product just from the line.  So lets say you loved the shampoo and want the conditioner or you got a full size nail polish and you want a different color.  I do trust the Beauty Bar website for shopping as they are linked to drugstore.com and diapers.com.  I had gotten a free full size can of formula from diapers.com when pregnant with Jordan.  Anyhow onto the fun part.  The box.

The box is black and has a lid that comes off, the lid is embossed with the Sample Society logo.  I love love love these boxes.  I use them for everything.  It has tissue paper around the items nestled on a bed of black crinkle shreds.

Products.  I save the best for last FYI.

1.  Murad essential c day moisturizer broad spectrum SPF 30/PA +++
Protect and revitalize your complexion all in one with Murad's vitamin C infused formula.  The sample size is .33oz 10ml  This is step 3.  Imagine my shock when I looked online and saw that the full size a mere 1.7 oz retails for $60.00.  Click on link to go to the site Murad Moisturizer  Sample value $11.00. (I rounded up).  Has a Citrus Scent.

2.  Lash Food eyelash Conditioner.  Conditioner for eyelashes.  See this is why one needs services like this.  I would have went my whole life without knowing about eyelash conditioner if not for sample society.  What or what would I have done?  What would become of my eyelashes.   0.5ml .02oz.  The tube boasts longer, thicker, stronger lashes.  Upon opening you'd expect a mascara type wand.  WRONG.  You get an eyeliner type brush.  I just choked on my cheesecurd as I saw the retail full sized item at  0.16oz for are you ready?  Are you sure.  Put down the food and beverage.  I can not be responsible for dirty screens or wet keyboards.  Full retail price as on many websites $80.00 This sample has a sample value of around $10.00  click the link to go to site to read more Lash Food eyelash conditioner

3.  Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Shampoo.  An Exclusive pro vitamin complex nourishes hair making it more resistant to daily damage.  Sample size 1oz.  This Shampoo smells like Lipton Ice Tea.  Yummo.  Full size 8.5 oz $18.00  Sample Value $2.11.  I used this shampoo before I went to the salon to get my hair cut and the stylist noticed I just washed my hair and asked what I used as it smelled good.  My hair looked very nice after using this and it lathers well.

4.  A Full Size product.  Hollywood secret no 13 Fashion Tape.  Stylists #1 choice.  Now I know I can go to a red carpet event.  I have double sided fashion tape to hold the dress on my breasts, or hem it or perhaps a quick facelift.  This pkg comes with 18 easy to use double sided strips.  This Allure Best of Beauty winner is made...wait for it.  Not in Hollywood like you would assume since it is called hollywood secrets and the company website is www.hollywoodfashionsecrets.com  Well who knows more about Hollywood secrets than the good folks of Minneapolis MN?  I mean Mn was the birthplace of Josh Hartnett.  And Jingle All The Way was shot there, not too mention Untamed Heart with Christian Slater, and Who can forget Mighty Ducks.  Yes movies get made in MN perhaps during production of these movies someone learned the secrets.  Anyhow the retail and sample value of this product is $9.25.

5.  Full size Butter London 3 Free Lacquer in Shade Cheeky Chops.  Yellow my friends yes the shade of spring is not only green but Yellow.  Extremely cheerful yellow, I am sure I had this color as bedroom paint at one time.  Honestly it looks and smells as if I busted open a yellow highlighter on my thumb thickly.   The retail price is $15.00.  Here is what I don't understand.  Expensive nail polish that goes on streaky and has a horrible brush.  WHY?  I mean for $15.00 get a good brush.  Wet N' Wild and NYC for 2.99 have good brushes.  After a few coats it is nice and opaque with no streaks.     I am not sure if I will keep it or trade it.

So total value of the box  $47.30.   I paid 15.00  So for the price of the Nail Polish I got everything else basically for free.  And don't forget I get $15.00 off of my purchase so I got the box for free.  If you wish to shop at Diapers.com and the other sites they have you can receive 20% off your first ORDER up to 160.00 if you use code HESH8597.  

Sample box wars-March Beauty Box 5

Beauty Box 5

I  love getting mail.  Yesterday I woke up to a box laying on my stomach.  I sat up and ripped it open.  In it I found 5 deluxe sized samples of beauty products.  The Approximate value of this box is $20.59. 

1.  La Fresh Nail Polish Remover Wipes  2 single packs.  One wipe does all ten nails.  I don't have much to say about these.  They are what they are.  I do like nail polish wipes. when I buy the Equate brand (Walmart generic) for 3.99 a box.  The La Fresh are 3.99 for 6 wipes.  Obviously not a high value sample but that is okay.  These will go into my purse or the living room for polish emergencies or  if I have a "I can't stand this color one more moment" moment.  Value of sample, Hang on for this a whopping $1.33.

2.  Brazen Cosmetics Eye shadow  in the color Suburbia.  The color is that of sparkly brown if you will.  This is an organic mineral eye-shadow that retails for $7.49.  for 0.18oz. Yes I know the camera makes it look like a Burnt Sienna but it comes out brown.  I am not sure how much is in my sample pot or if this is full size as it does not specify weight on the container.  This is a loose eye-shadow and goes on opaque.  Please use a light hand and make sure to tap your brush.  It blends out well.  I believe this is full size so the value is $7.49.



3.  Tree Hut Moisturizing lotion/Body Butter.  Scent Mango  Retails for $6.49 for 9oz.  The size I received is 2oz.  The Apprx. value is $2.67. The scent is very pungent and while it smells of citrus and mango, I find the scent a tad overpowering.  This is very moisturizing and absorbs into the skin easily.  A little goes a long way and it does last.  Pacifica's body butter lasts longer however.

4.  H20 Spa Sea Salt Body Wash.  Retails for 17.00 for 12.5 oz.  The sample I got is 1oz for a value of approximately $1.50.  it has Japanese Green Tea and Provitamin B.  It is to deeply nourish your skin in a light lather that cleans without drying.  Now when you first smell it it smells of vapor rub.  After it is rubbed into the skin it leaves a clean smell I can't put my finger on.

5.  H20 Plus Eye Lift Concentrate  Retails for $38.00 for .5 oz.  My sample size was .13 fl oz  approx $7.60
It is an all in one eye concentrate that lifts, firms, lightens and hydrates and repairs.  "It is like they bottled sleep"  their quote not mine.  So this lotion is white and not very thick and not too thin.  A little goes a long way.  My husband will be using this as my eyes are perfect and he has the bags and saggy under-eyes   Like a little basset hound.  He is so cute.  Anyhow.

There are some nice things but nothing that is totally exciting or must haves.  I did not find anything to put at treasure status this month.  But that is fine.  I will get use out of these items.  I will take this moment to express my interest in Why the lotions must always be citrus scented?  I can't wear them because Citrus smells make me ill.  Literally.  Well that is it for now.  Remember Friends don't let friends Buy crap or look like crap!

March 2013 Julep Maven Box Get your first box FREE!

If you want to get your first box for free click  Julep  and enter in FREEBOX as the coupon code.  Hint:  If you don't like the colors they show after you take the style quiz, take it again with different answers.  Read on for information about this months box and the company.

My favorite type of day is when I open my email to see a "your box has been shipped" notification with tracking number, then I go to the mail box and there it is.  I don't mind that at all.  Today I received My Julep Maven box for March 2013 along with my add-on polishes.  There were some pleasant surprises this month.

First Surprise the color you see is the color you get.  The colors Debra and Simone are a nice creamy pastel and I love love love them.  I can use these as a nail base for many other colors.  Remember I just recently blogged about needing that perfect shade of Pink and today I got it.  YAAY!

Second Surprise was the Extra this month was a Julep Strawberry mint lip balm.  It is very creamy and hydrating!  It tastes good too.  Not that i ate it but when you got product on your lips you will eventually taste it.  High Five to Julep for including this product as a free bonus.  I gather from Youtube Gurus that you can never have enough Lip Balm.  I have to say when I woke up my lips were all dry and gross and I put this on and it instantly softened my lips and the grossness went away with a gentle wipe of kleenex.  Then I applied again.  I applied at 4pm and it is 7:30 pm now and I still can taste it and feel the hydration.  I definitely recommend this product.

The third surprise.  A full size tube of Rock Star Hand Creme.  You know it is good stuff when they spell Cream; Creme.  Anyhow I have used this for  5 days now and from the first use I could tell it was very hydrating.  It has a light clean perfumed scent and the lid of the tube clicks as you turn it to get the product out.  Then you click it back to lock it.  I pressed down as hard as i could on the tube while it was in locked position and nothing came out.  I am sure it will be just fine in a suitcase even if things get squished or in your purse even if someone accidentally sits on it.  No more lotion soaked breath mints or what ever you keep in the bottom of your purse.  I do like this lotion way more than I like Avon Skin So Soft.  It lasts along time and the scent is lovely.  Now what would you pay for a fab lotion?  This Hand Creme is 3oz.  and Retail price is 16.00.  Since I recieved it as part of my box I got it for $6.33.  Here are the specs from the Julep Maven website.

Anti-aging, emollient blend of shea butter, glycerin, coconut oil, and vitamin E keeps hands hydrated, even after washing. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula will leave you cheering for an encore. Rock on.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-caprylate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Fructose, Urea, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Maltose, Sodium PCA, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Trehalose, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose Phenoxyethanol, Decylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Behenyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aminomethyl Propanol, Citric Acid, Fragrance.

Definitely Non Greasy and it is fast absorbing. 

Next I recieved Two nail colors.  The colors Simone and Debra.

Simone is a lovely shade of pastel pink.  Very creamy and the color does come out baby girl pink.  It is opaque.  You can purchase this color for $14.00 non maven subscriber or for $11.20 as a maven subscriber.  I can tell you how to get it cheaper.  Look below.

Debra is a Creamy Khaki beige-y tan color.   Very nice when you don't want alot of color or if you are wearing khaki's. They describe it as creamy taupe.

Now a little more about Julep  This is what their Site has to say.


What makes Julep Nail Color so great?
Julep Nail Color is “4-free” and does not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DBP. Their professional chip-resistant formulation is fast drying and highly pigmented. Julep nail color is a fun way to make the season’s latest shades accessible to everyone. And because we’ve tested our trend-setting toxin-free colors and products in over 100,000 manicures and pedicures in our parlors, we have a good idea of what works and what our clients love.
Powered By Girlfriends We donate a portion of the proceeds to organizations that support women through our Powered by Girlfriends program.

You are saying that is wonderful Heather or who ever you are but how can I get these polishes cheaper?  Honestly Join the Julep Maven program.  They offer 5 different Boxes.  You get to choose every month what you want.  You are NOT locked in.  Around the 20th of every month they will email you with that months selections.  You have the choice of going with your beauty profile box, any other box you like, or skipping the box all together.  The price is 19.99.  Now for three of the profiles you get 2 Nail colors and one full size beauty product.  The It girl profile you get Three nail colors and the Modern Beauty box you receive 2 full size beauty products every month.  You will always be able to preview EVERY box and choose which one you want before you are charged.  If you don't like any of them you can skip the month and you will not be charged.  The customer service is Excellent!   Now the best part is the rewards program.  You get points for accepting a box, referring people  and even signing up.  You can redeem your points for free products.  I am only 4 months in and have no referrals and I have enough to get my April box Free!  Also after you choose your box they offer you Add-ons.  Typically they will be the polishes in the other boxes and popular colors for only 4.99 each and you can spend your reward points on them and get them for free.  Julep loves to have Mystery Boxes and sales during the month as well.  Also every month you accept your box you are elgible to recieve the FULL collection.  Every month they randomly pick a subscriber to recieve one of every product they are sending out that month.  If you want it all anyway you can choose to pick the full collection box instead for $59.00 I think.  There are so many options and so many perks.  you can use your reward points to get the full collection box for free too.

Now you Nail polish connoisseurs are squirming in your seats ready to click out of here and check out the site.  Here is the link JULEP MAVEN    For your FREE first box type in FREEBOX in the coupon code section.  If you want to pay a penny type in PENNY.  Very easy codes to remember.  You can cancel anytime by calling their 800 number and they do answer or call back.  Try it and let me know how you like it.  If you need more go to youtube and type in Julep maven and any month (to narrow it down) and watch real people give their live reviews.  
If you go another time be sure to enter # 7111181 in the referral box.

Good Day my friends and remember Friends don't let friends buy crap!

Revlon "GIRLY" Nail Polish and other Fail pink polishes

I was in Walmart shopping.  I was in the kids section and all of the sudden on the shelf was this Beautiful shade of Nail Polish. It was as if the clouds parted and the angels sang with the harp music.   It looked like an pink speckled Easter egg candy.  It was  a bubble gum pink with purple , white and blue glitter specks in it.  I was so very excited.  It was like this nail polish was meant to be with me.  I was so excited.  Well as excited as one can get over a nail polish without being looney.  I get home and prep my nails for this color to permeate my nails and I apply a coat.  And what do you know it is barely a pink tint with glitter specks.  So I put on another coat and then another.  The pink color will not become opaque.

  I wish for once the pink that is in the bottle is the pink that shows up on my nails.  I have this problem with my Julep pink colors.  I suppose I will try it over a white polish or over my cotton candy NYC color.  But I'm disappointed because Revlon isn't cheap and I was so excited to finally get this wonderful pink color and it isn't the color that you get on your nail.  The search continues for that perfect shade of princess pink that actually works.  I will insert a picture of this polish and several other pinks that fell short of Opaqueness that one would hope for when looking at the color in the bottle.  If you know of the perfect Princess pink that actually shows the color on the nail with the max of 3 coats please let me know.  I wish I didn't have such high expectations of nail polish but Polishes such as Julep and Revlon and Opi etc I expect Opaqueness with minimal coats due to the price.  The higher the price the more I expect of it.  I am not unreasonable in that expectation.  Take Julep.  They retail for 14.00 a polish obviously I get it cheaper as I am a Maven and only pay out an average of 6.33 a bottle.  However I go by the retail value when doling out expectations.  Not the sale or special pricing.

Here are some other Fails in the Pink Shade Category.  None of these are the color on the nail that it is in the bottle.  Very translucent.