Bomb or Bust: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation

Bomb or Bust: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation
Price: $16.99
You can buy this at: Ulta, Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod13441004

The L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation is a liquid foundatioin that is saturated in a cushion. When I originally heard of this foundation, I didn't know what the difference was going to be between the True Match Lumi and the True Match Lumi Cushion. After using this new foundation for a couple of weeks, I have figured out that there are some significant differences between the two.

To start off, the True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation is different from the other L'Oreal True Match foundations because it is in a compact form with a cushion inside that soaks up the product to keep it in place. The packaging is a round rose gold and white circular compact that is opened from the front. When you initially open the foundation, it has a sponge that fits in the top compartment that you can use to apply the foundation. Personally, I do not use the sponge that it comes with because those type of sponges never give me the coverage that I am looking for. I think that this would have been better if L'Oreal had left the sponge out and gave you more of the foundation. When you open the compartment that contains the sponge, you will see the foundation soaked in the cushion. At first, it doesn't seem like you get a lot of product or that a limited amound of foundation will come out of the cushion onto your sponge or brush, but to my pleasant surpise you do get a decent amount of foundation. I like to use a Real Techniques Complexion Sponge to apply the True Match Lumi Foundation because I think that it gives me the best amount of coverage and doesn't soak up unnecessary amounts of product. I take the sponge and tap it lightly once in the foundation then apply it to the areas of my face that I am working on. This foundation gives a dewy, luminious look to the skin and is very buildable. You can wear it as sheer or as heavy coverage as you want. If you have any oil to your skin, I would suggest using a powder to set the foundation to prevent it from moving around throughout the day. After setting the True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation with a powder, I have found that it lasts me all day without breaking apart.

All in all, I would say that the L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation is bomb! Try it out!

Note: At my fairest, I am the shade W2.

All Photos By: Becky Schutten

Drugstore vs High-End: Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and the Beauty Blender

Drugstore vs High-End: Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and the Beauty Blender

Many people love using a sponge to apply their makeup, and I am one of them! Sponges are a great tool to use for a natural finish. In particular, using a sponge is a great way to make your makeup look less powdery. There are many different types of sponges on the market, but two of the more popular sponges are the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and the Beauty Blender. These sponges are similar, but they do have their differences. Which is worth buying? The drugstore version? Or the high-end version?

Real Techniques Complexion Sponge
Price: $6.00
You can buy this at: Ulta, Kohl's, Walgreens, and realtechniques.com
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5960824

The Real Techniques Complexion Sponge is an orange sponge that has a rounded point at one end and a flat edge side on the other end. The sponge can be used wet or dry, but I would recommend using it wet because it gives you a more flawless coverage and appearance. The pointed side of the sponge is great for getting in the creases and edges around the face, as well as blending concealer under the eyes. I like to use the flat egde of the sponge to to apply my foundation and to blend in my contour, blush, and highlighter. When you wet the sponge, it becomes larger and softer which makes it easier to work with and manipulate it to the contours of your face. Also, you can use it dry to apply powder under your eyes to set your concealer or to bake your contour. This is a great sponge and is only around $6 depending on where you buy it.

The Beauty Blender
Price: $20.00
You can buy this at: Sephora, Macy's, and beautyblender.com
http://www.sephora.com/beautyblender-P228913?skuId=1151869&om_mmc=ppc-MSN&mkwid=jmvNOGUB&pcrid=11604382683&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en

Note: Even though this the Beauty Blender is clean, it is permanently stained from foundation.

The Beauty Blender is a hot pink sponge that is completely round on one side and comes to a rounded point on the other end. You can use the Beauty Blender wet or dry, but like the Real Techiques Complexion Sponge I prefer to use it wet because of the finish it gives. I like to use the pointed end of the sponge for concealer under my eyes, as well as covering any blemishes or problem areas. Also, I like to use the rounded end to apply my foundation and to set my makeup with powder. The Beauty Blender comes in many different colors and sizes such as smaller ones that were made to apply concealer and blend makeup in the smaller contours of the face. The Beauty Blender is a great sponge to apply your makeup for a flawless look.

I have used both of these sponges many times and if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge. Even though I really do like the Beauty Blender, the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge is a fourth of the price. It does the exact same thing as the Beauty Blender, but works even better. The Real Techniques Complexion Sponge is a bit more dense than the Beauty Blender so I feel like it soaks up less product. Also, I have found that the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge is a lot easier to clean anddoes not stain like the Beauty Blender does.

All in all, I would choose the drugstore option... the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge.

All Photos by Becky Schutten

Bomb or Bust: Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquids

Bomb or Bust: Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquids

Cost: $6.99
You can buy this at: Ulta, Tartget, Walgreens and Walmart
http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-color-sensational-vivid-matte-liquid-lipcolor/-/A-49098564

When I was at the grocery store the other day, the new Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquids caught my eye. I had to pick up a few and try them out. Nothing is better than a lip product that lasts all day so you don't have to touch it up when you are on the go, and I usually find that liquid lipsticks last the longest on me. So naturally I had to pick up a few of my favorite colors to try out this new Maybelline formula.

To my delight, I really love them! No need to spend a ton of money on expensive liquid lipsticks when you get can these for under ten bucks (unless you are a makeup junkie like myself then you try to justify the purchase of everything you can get your hands on.) The Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquids are a thin cream-like texture and are super opaque. All you need is a light layer across the lips to create a full coverage effect. This is great because you are using less product which in turn will make the product last longer. The liquid lipstick has a flatter doe foot applicator which makes the application easier for creating a smooth lipline with the side of the brush. I have worn the Vivid Matte Liquids a couple of times and they have lasted up to six hours without coming off or bleeding. Even though this liquid lipstick is more on the creamy side, it does not feel thick on the lips and is not drying at all. It is very comfortable to wear throughout the day.

The Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquids come in ten different colors ranging from nudes to pinks to reds to purples. There is a good color for everyone with every skintone no matter what you lipstick preference is. I only bought three colors to test out the formula, but I definitely want to go back for more. The colors consist of: Nude Thrill, Nude Flush, Pink Charge, Electric Pink, Fuchsia Ecstasy, Orange Shot, Rebel Red, Berry Boost, Vivid Violet, and Possessed Plum.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a lightweight long-wearing liquid lipstick!

Nude Thrill (5)

 

Nude Flush (10)

 

 

Rebel Red (35)

 

 

Photo Credits: Becky Schutten

#motd

Makeup of the Day!

 

 

Primer

- Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation Primer

 

Foundation

- L'Oreal True Match Lumi in Porcelain/Light Ivory (W1-2)

 

Concealer

- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Fair

- MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Radiant Rose

 

Powder

- Rimmel Stay Matte in Natural (003)

 

Bronzer/Contour

- Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette (Shadowplay and Subconscious)

 

Blush

- Milani Romantic Rose Powder Blush (01)

 

Highlight

- Becca Moonstone

 

Eye Primer

- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC15

 

Eye Shadow: Crease, Bottom Lash Line, and Brow Highlight

- Morphe Brushes Eye Shadow Palette in 35N

 

Eye Shadow: Lid and Inner Corner

- Nars Dual-Intensity Eye Shadow in Callisto

 

Eye Liner

- Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Blackest Black

- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion

 

Mascara

- L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black

- Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless in Extreme Black

 

Eyebrows

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown

 

Lips

- MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl

- Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid in Nude Flush (10)

 

Setting Spray

- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

 

Photos by: Becky Schutten

Bomb or Bust: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Bomb or Bust: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Price: $6.97
You can buy this at: Walmart, Walgreens, Ulta
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garnier-SkinActive-Micellar-Cleansing-Water-13.5-fl-oz/47176167

After seeing the commercials on the TV about the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, I thought this was going to be another gimmick that wasn't going to work. While at Ulta, I saw it sitting on one of the end caps that holds all of the new products so I decided to give it a try. I did not have high hopes that this cleanser would be anything special. However, when I got home that day and used it to take my makeup off, I was pleasantly surprised. It actually took all my makeup off and left my skin feeling super smooth and supple. I wanted to test it out some more before talking about it, so I used it a couple days later to take off a full-on face of makeup. Again, I was shocked to see that it took all of my makeup off without a ton of effort!

The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is supposed to be a multi-purpose cleanser that removes makeup, cleanses the face while refreshing the skin at the same time. Garnier claims that this cleanser is a no rinse formula which I can agree with since it does not leave your skin feeling dry or like there is a film on top of it. However, I always suggest using water to wash off any excess when you have the time or water availability. You do not have to rub hard to get any of your makeup or dirt off of you face. It takes everything off with the lightest touch, even stubborn mascara. Garnier also says that it is safe for the eye area, which I usually have trouble with in a lot of products because my eyes can be very sensitive. I was apprehensive to use this to take my eye makeup off since I have had troubles in the past, but I sucked it up and tried it, and to my pleasant surprise, it did not hurt or burn at all. This was a huge plus for me! There is nothing like removing your eye makeup without a struggle and have your eyes feel refreshed afterward. This cleanser is also good for all skin types because it is so light and gentle on the skin. It does not dry your skin out, nor does it leave you feeling greasy or dirty. You wipe your face down, and you instantly feel refreshed and clean.

This Garnier cleanser is great when you are in a rush or on the go because you only need to use one product to get your skin prepped for moisturizer. I love to use this on my lazy days when I don't want to full out wash my face, or when I want to freshen up throughout the day when I'm not wearing any makeup. This cleanser is also good to use to wipe your makeup off easily prior to washing your with your liquid or bar cleansers. The way I use this product to clean my face is by saturating a cotton round with the product and gently rubbing it over my face. After, my face can be a little wet so I like to dab it with a clean towel before I apply my moisturizer.

All in all, I would definitely say that the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a bomb product and worth checking out!

Note: Garnier states that this product does not have oil, alcohol, or fragrance.

Photo Credits: Becky Schutten

Makeup Brush Storage

Makeup Brush Storage

I have used so many different containers to hold my makeup brushes, but my brush collection has gotten bigger and bigger throughout the years so finding one container that could hold all of my brushes with easy accessabilty was difficult. After searching many different stores and websites, I finally found an amazing storage container to hold all of my brushes in one place.

The storage container I found is called the Spinning Tool Organizer from Hobby Lobby which is originally made to hold artist tools and brushes. When I was browsing Hobby Lobby and ran into this storage container, I thought it would be the perfect organizer to hold all of my brushes, beauty sponges and small hair supplies such as small clips, hair ties, and bobby pins. This organizer has twelve cubbies to hold brushes, and six drawers to hold little beauty items. The middle cubbie has a removable slot to make the center a bigger cubby if you desire. The storage unit is made of wood and comes in a varity of colors. The wood is easy to wipe down in case it gets dirty, and it sits on a spinning axle so you can turn the organizer to see every drawer or cubby.

I personally have the white organzier and I removed the middle wood plate to create a bigger cubby to hold my bigger brushes so they were not all crammed together. I like to use the bigger sections for larger brushes or brushes that have bigger bases, and I use the smaller sections for brushes that are smaller or more delicate. I love using the six drawers to store things like my smaller hair clips, bobby pins, hair ties, beauty sponges, and eyebrow tools such as scissors and tweezers. To stablize the smaller brushes, I put clear marbles to hold them in place and prevent them from falling over. If I need to clean my makeup brush organizer, I use a makeup removing wipe and wipe it down then dry it off with a towel. It is very important that you store all of your makeup brushes with the bristles facing upward to prevent them from being ruined. Taking care of your brushes is the only way to make sure that they last as long as possible.

Spinning Tool Organizer: $49.99
You can buy this at: Hobby Lobby, Michaels, any craft store
http://www.hobbylobby.com/search/?text=Spinning+Tool+Organizer&quickview=20511

Note: Hobby Lobby usually has coupons for 40% off one regular priced item.

All Photos By: Becky Schutten

Favorite Foundations

Favorite Foundations

Choosing the right foundation for your skin is super important so you want to consider what you are looking for in a foundation. A natural look? Full coverage? Dewy? Matte? Liquid? Powder? Cream? After you figure out what you want in a foundation, you want to look at the undertone of your skin. Are you a cool, neutral, or warm? To determine what skin tone you have you can look at your vein color on your inner wrist. If you have a bluish vein, you are more likely a cool tone. If you have a greenish vein, you are most likely a warm tone. And if you have can't tell or if it looks like a mixture of the two, you probably have a neutral tone. With most foundations, the cooler toned foundations are on the pinker side while the warmer toned foundations are on the yellower side. Neutral foundations land in the middle of the spectrum. After you determine the tone of your skin, you want to figure out the depth. This means matching how light or dark your skin is compared to the foundation you are looking to buy. If you are an experienced foundation consumer, you may be able to look at a foundation and be able to guess what depth and color you are. If you are not, you should always have someone color match your foundation to your skin (if you have this option.) However, if you are shopping at the drugstore, you don't always have this option. In that case, you will want to hold up the foundation container to your chest and try to pick the color or depth that looks the closest to your skin. You do not want to match the foundation to your face especially if you tan or self-tan. The reason you do not want to match foundation to your face is because we tend to wash or exfloiate our faces more than the rest of our bodies so the face tends to be lighter. If you matched the foundation to your face only, you may end up having a lighter face than the rest of your body which can make you look a little sickly. I highly suggest doing research on the foundation you are considering buying, so to help you with your search, I am going to list and tell you about my favorite foundations for different skin types and preferences.

One of my favorite sheer foundations is the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. This is a moisturizer with foundation added to it to create a light coverage to make your skin look extra healthy. I love that this tinted moisturizer has an SPF of 20 because I don't have to add another step to my morning routine by applying a seperate sunscreen. This has a sheer coverage that can be built up to medium coverage if desired. This foundation is great for someone who is looking for a natural dewy look to their skin. If you have even the slightest amount of oil to your skin, I suggest that you set the foundation with a powder to prevent it from moving around throughout the day.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: $44.00
You can buy this from: Macy's, Nordstrom
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/laura-mercier-tinted-moisturizer-broad-spectrum-spf-20-sunscreen-1.7-oz?ID=328985&CategoryID=30077#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D7%26slotId%3D2%26kws%3Dlaura%20mercier%20tinted%20moisturizer%26searchType%3Dac%26ackws%3Dlaura+mercier+

The next sheer foundation that I love is MAC Cosmetics Face and Body. Face and Body is a a water-based liquid foundation that has a sheer but buildable coverage. Before applying this foundation, you want to shake the bottle since the base of it is water. This means that the pigment and the liquid in the foundation bottle can seperate. This is a great foundation for building up coverage because you can continue to add layer upon layer and it will never become too heavy on the face. You can apply this with your hands or a brush for desired coverage. If you are a makeup artist or do any kind of photography, Face and Body should definitely be in your kit because you can not only use it on the face but also can be used on the body for a nautral yet flawless finish. This foundation does set by itself after a few mintues but for a long lasting effect or if you are on the more oily side, you can always set it with a powder.

MAC Face and Body: $27.00
You can buy this from: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstrom
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/mac-studio-face-body-foundation?ID=731659&CategoryID=30077#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D4%26slotId%3D1%26kws%3Dmac%20face%20and%20body

The next foundation is a beautiful medium coverage foundation called Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation with SPF 15. Again, it is great that this foundation has an SPF already in the formula to cut out a step that you would have to take in your morning routine. Skin Foundation is one of the most beautiful foundations that provides a decent coverage while allowing your skin to look like skin. This foundation has a natural matte finish in my opinion. It does not look dewy but it also is not too matte. It literally looks your skin but better. This is by far one of my favorite foundations for everyday use as well as for events because it pictures so well. Skin Foundation also has last a good amount of hours without having to touch up or creating an separation.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation: $50.00
You can buy this from: Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/bobbi-brown-skin-foundation-spf-15-1-oz?ID=393197&CategoryID=30077#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D5%26slotId%3D4%26kws%3Dbobbi%20brown%20skin%20foundation

The next medium coverage foundation that I constantly use is the L'Oreal True Match Lumi foundation. This is a dewy medium coverage foundation that is great for people who want their skin to look dewy and glowing. I would not recommend this foundation for someone who is super oily, but if you are normal or combination this would look very nice, and could be set with a powder to increase the longevity. This foundation is on the medium to fuller coverage depending on how much product you use. Since this foundation is on the dewy side, it can break up when the face becomes
oily throughout the day. My favorite way to wear the True Match Lumi is to mix it with a pump or two of the MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer and blend it in with a Beauty Blender. This ensures that the foundation will last all day and create a beautiful finish to the skin.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi: $12.99
You can buy this from: Walmart, Walgreens, Target, Ulta
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4480167&skuId=2246798&CPMID=CSBING&CAWELAID=330000200000021389

A great drugstore natural matte foundation is NYX HD Foundation. This foundation has a natural matte finish which means that it is a natural looking foundation with a slighty more matte look to it. This is a great foundation for talking pictures because covers imperfections while  still appearing to look natural and fresh. NYX HD Foundation is long lasting and stays looking good after a couple hours. When I wear this foundation, I barely even need to touch up and I have never experience it seperating or becoming blotchy on the face. I would reccommend this foundation for people who are looking for a drugstore priced foundation that creates a flawless semi-matte finish.

NYX HD Foundation: $17.99
You can buy this from: Ulta, Target (Note: They have changed the packaging to a black container.)
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12011169

A beautiful full coverage foundation that has long wearing properties is the Chanel Perfection Lumiere. This is one of my all time favorite foundations hands down! Yes, it is on the more pricey side, but it is worth it! The Perfection Lumiere gives you a full coverage without looking heavy. It literally creates a flawless canvas to your makeup look. This foundation is slightly matte without appearing to be powdery or heavy looking. It is one of the longest lasting foundations that I have ever tried, and I have never had a problem with it seperating or creasing. I have normal to dry skin so I don't even have to set this foundation with a powder. The only people that would have to set this foundation with a powder is someone who is super oily. If you have acne prone skin, the Perfection Lumiere would be a great choice because the coverage is so good and it does not sit on the skin so it will not emphasize any texture on the face which I know can be a concern of people with any kind of texture.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere: $58.00
You can buy this from: Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/chanel-perfection-lumiere-long-wear-flawless-fluid-sunscreen-makeup-broad-spectrum-spf-10?ID=606372&CategoryID=62588#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D25%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D%26kws%3Dchanel%20perfection%20lumiere

Another foundation that I would recommend that is on the matte end of the spectrum is L'Oreal True Match. This is the original formula of the L'Oreal True Match. This is a heavier coverage foundation that is good for people who have oily skin. You can definitely get away with wearing this foundation if you have normal to dry skin, I would just suggest adding a moisturizer or hydrating primer to it to make it look less matte on drier skin. I have found that this foundation can tend to crease and seperate throughout the day so using a primer is a good idea to help avoid this problem. Touching up this foundation during the day is going to help it from seperating as well. I would suggest this foundation to a person who has oily skin that is looking for something that is going to mattify them.

L'Oreal True Match: $9.99
You can buy this from: Walmart, Walgreens, Target, Ulta
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=fs1017872#reviews

If you do not like liquid foundations, a great cream foundation is the MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Cream Foundation with SPF 20. Again, this foundation is great because you already have the SPF inside it. I like to apply cream foundation with a flat foundation brush or a beauty sponge. I feel that this method is the best way to apply an even and good coverage application. This foundation's name speaks for itself! It is very long wearing! The Pro Longwear Foudation is a great choice if you plan on having a long day and don't have much time to touch up throughout the day. It is a natural matte
finish that provides a good amount of coverage without using too much product. I would recommend this foundation for a person who is looking for a foundation that is going to be on the low maintenence side and is going to look good all day long.


MAC Pro Longwear Cream: $33.00
You can buy this at: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstrom
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/mac-pro-longwear-spf-20-compact-foundation?ID=1419348&CategoryID=30077#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D2%26slotId%3D1%26kws%3Dmac%20pro%20longwear%20cream%20foundation

If neither a liquid nor a cream foundation is what you are looking for, you can always go for a powder founation. You can also use a powder foundation to set your liquid or cream foundation to add more coverage. A powder foundation that I love is the Kat Von Dee Lock It Tattoo Powder Foundation. This powder foundation is a full coverage powder that does not have a heavy apperance. The texture is almost a creamy powder if that makes sense. This is a pressed powder so it is easy to throw in your bag and take with you for touch ups. I would reccommend this foundation for people who are looking for something that is going to give a good coverage but is low maintenance.

Kat Von Dee Lock It Tattoo Powder Foundation: $35.00
You can buy this at: Sephora
http://www.sephora.com/lock-it-powder-foundation-P380835?skuId=1710938

Another great powder foundation is the Bare Minerals Original Foundation with SPF 15. I think it is really great that they added a SPF to this powder foundation because powder foundations can tend to stick to a sunscreen and become patchy. However, this does not happen since the SPF is built into the
foundation. The Bare Minerals Original Powder Foundation is a loose powder so if you are looking for convinence or something that you can take with you, I would suggest going with a different powder. However, if you are looking for a powder that is extremely natural looking while giving you coverage, this is the foundation for you. The great thing about this powder foundation is that it does not look powdery at all on the skin. It is very natural and creates a beautiful looking texture to the skin.

Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Foundation: $28.50
You can find this at: Ulta, Sephora
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=VP11362

All photos by Becky Schutten.

Winter Nail Polish

Winter Nail Polish

Nail polish is a great accessory that you can use to express your individuality. People like to use specific colors during particular times of the year. For example, people like to use pastels for the spring/summer or red for the holidays. Personally, I paint my nails whatever color I feel like wearing
during any time of the year. To me, beauty is another way to express yourself and set yourself apart from everyone else. After going thru my nail polish collection, I have selected eight nail polishes that are my favorite for this winter season.

When applying nail polish, you want to make sure that you use two thin coats of polish to avoid early breakage. When you apply thicker coats or too many coats of polish, the chances of your nails chipping increase. A good way to tell if you have purchased a good quality nail polish is to see how
many coats of polish it takes you to achieve a flawless nail application. Again, the average amount of coats you want to use is around two. Using a bottom and top coat will help the longevity of your nail polish as well. The best bottom and top coats I have found are the OPI bottom and top coat as well as the Sally Hansen Gel Shine 3D Top Coat. The only drawback I have found with the Sally Hansen top coat is that it can take a little longer to dry. To help with this, I love using the OPI Rapidry Nail Polish Dryer Spray. After painting your nails and applying a top coat, you can spray your nails with the OPI Rapidry spray and it will help speed up the drying process.

The first nail polish I want to talk about is Essie Blanc (10). This is an opaque white nail polish. It has a bit of shine to it without it being shimmery or glittery. Essie Blanc takes about two coats of polish for it to be a nice finish. If you add any more layers than two or three, Essie polishes tend to chip more easily than others so I would be consious for this when applying. White nail polish is a great color to wear because it does with every outfit and every look. I would consider white more of a neutral color, but it is still gives you a pop against your skin especially if you have any kind of tan.

Essie Blanc: $8.50
Where can you buy this: Ulta, Target, essie.com
http://www.essie.com/Colors/Sheers/blanc.aspx

The next nail polish I want to talk about is Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Sweet Talker (340). Sweet Talker is a beautiful peachy nude polish that is slightly on the sheer side. It definitely gives enough color pay off but is not too opaque. I absolutely love the Sally Hansen Complete Salon
Manicure nail polishes. The longevity of the nail polish is amazing and the color pay off is always great. They are a little expensive for a drug store nail polish, but Ulta usually has some kind of deal or a $3.50 off coupon you can use. A nude nail polish is always a great choice and one of my favorite
colors for all year because like the white color, it goes with eveything. The trick is finding the nude color that suits your skintone the best.

Sally Hansen Sweet Talker: $7.99
Where can you buy this: CVS, Ulta, Walgreens, Walmart
http://www.cvs.com/shop/beauty/makeup/nails/sally-hansen-complete-salon-manicure-nail-color-sweet-talker-skuid-901518

The next polish I am loving right now is MAC Cosmetic Quick Million. This is a gorgeous glittery gold polish with baby pink sparkles in it. MAC Cosmetic nail polishes can tend to chip quickly so using a good top coat is super important when wearing a MAC polish. However, I think this color is well worth the chipping just for the color. It is so unique and can even be used as a nail polish topper with one thin coat over another polish. This is one of the few nail polishes I would recommend using three coat (but no more than that.) Since the formula is so sheer, you will need to use about three coats to get a good color payoff. Glittery nail polish is usually a big trend during the holidays, but I love glitter all year because who doesn't want a little sparkle in your life.

MAC Cosmetic Quick Million: $12.00
Where can you buy this: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstom
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13855/31461/Products/Makeup/Nails/Lacquer/MAC-Studio-Nail-Lacquer#/shade/Quick_Million

Another MAC Cosmetics nail polish that I have really been enjoying lately is Girl Trouble. Girl Trouble is an extremely light lilac color with shimmer running through it. Again, MAC nail polishes tend to chip more easily so you will want to top it off with your favorite top coat. This nail polish is
a great color when you are looking for a shimmery nail polish that does not have chunks of glitter in it. Also, I have been loving the light lilac color because it gives you some color without drawing too much attention to your nails.

MAC Cosmetics Girl Trouble: $12.00
Where can you find this: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstrom
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13855/31461/Products/Makeup/Nails/Lacquer/MAC-Studio-Nail-Lacquer#/shade/Girl_Trouble

If you don't mind drawing some attention to your nails, L'Oreal Violet Vixen (500) would be a great color choice. I would consider Violet Vixen to be a deep violet/magenta shade. This is such a beautiful deep nail polish for winter while still adding a bit of brightness. I am in love with the L'Oreal nail polishes! They are so well made and are not too expensive. This is one of the few nail polish brands (especially in the drugstore) that barely ever chip. I have applied two thin coats of the L'Oreal nail polish and it has lasted a week and a half without chipping. That's amazing! The formula is consistent with almost all of the colors.

L'Oreal Violet Vixen: $5.99
Where can you buy this at: Walmart, Walgreens, Target
http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/nail-color/nail-polish/colour-riche-nail.aspx?shade=AfterHours

You can never go wrong with a classic red. One of my favorite reds is OPI I'm Not Really A Waitress. This is a classic deep red with shimmer. The color red always reminds me of the winter, but wearing a red nail is so classic and feminine that you can never go wrong. When I can't figure out a good nail polish to wear, I usually go from a red or a nude. Red adds a pop of color, yet has become a staple nail polish color for most people so it doesn't come off as too much. OPI is also one of my favorite nail polish brands. Being on the more expensive side, you are paying for what you get. OPI polishes tend to be one of the few brands that last a long time without chipping. Again, you can find OPI at Ulta and use one of their coupons to get money off your purchase. Even with the price, I think they are well worth it!

OPI I'm Not Really A Waitress: $9.50
Where can you buy this: Ulta, OPI.com
http://opi.com/color/im-not-really-waitress-2#JlxgX3sYSkrCKpqF.97

If you want to add a true pop of color to your collection, I suggest getting Julie G nail polish in Kickin' It. This is a metallic electric blue color. It is truly a vibrant pop of color that goes with all skintones. You cannot go wrong with purchasing Julie G nail polish because they are so cheap! You can buy multiple polishes for the price of one top nail polish brand. I have a bunch of the Julie G polishes and I have found that they are very pigmented and a good quality formula. Blue is one of my favorite pops of color to wear on my nails because it is so unusual, so if you are looking for a metallic blue, you should definitley check out Kickin' It by Jule G.

Julie G Kickin' It: $3.99
Where can you buy it: jessiegirlcosmetics.com
https://www.jessesgirlcosmetics.com/product/julieg-nail-color-2012/kickin-it-341

Lastly, I love going for dark colors during the winter time. One of my favorite dark colors is L'Oreal Stroke of Midnight. Again, L'Oreal is one of my favorite nail polish brands and this color in particular is one of my favorite from the brand. It is such a beautiful deep gunmetal grey with a slight shimmer. If you do not like to wear black nail polish, but you want the same effect, you should try this polish out. It gives the vibe of a dark blackish grey but it has the shimmer running through it so it doesn't appear flat like some blacks can.

L'Oreal Storke of Midnight: $5.99
Where can you buy this: Walmart, Walgreens, Target
http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/nail-color/nail-polish/colour-riche-nail.aspx?shade=AfterHours

All Photo Credits to: Becky Schutten