My Pinterest-Inspired Nails

Like I said before... I fell in love with the black + leopard nails I found on Pinterest

I am not talented enough to do the leopard myself. So I cheated. I used these Maybelline Color Show Nail Stickers. They're limited edition, so get 'em soon! I got mine at Rite Aid for about $9. I've always been intimidated by the many nail decal/stickers out there. They always look pretty, but I never wanted to shell out the money (~$6-$12 depending on the brand) in case they were hard to use, or didn't last long. But when I saw the mirrored leopard ones, I had to pick them up.

I was kind of surprised at how easy they are to apply. I just found the correct size for my finger, pressed, folded it over at the end, and then filed the end off, like the instructions said. I didn't realize until after I had them on, that they actually came with their own nail file and cuticle stick. So I'll be sure to use those next time! As for the length of time they stay on, I'll have to update you in a few days. But for now, I accomplished the look I was going for, and they're super cute, so I'm happy! Here's the finished product...

(black nail polish is "Black Expressions" by Finger Paints) 

So what do you think? Good interpretation of one of my favorite fall nail trends? Comment below!
-K



Update: It has been 3 days and I currently have one nail decal hanging on strong, and the other didn't make it. I was about to write an update explaining that while I love the concept and the look of the nail decals, they're better for a night out or a certain event, and not for long-term wear; however, then I remembered what I did wrong. I applied a base coat to every finger on my left hand, when I remembered that the instructions said to apply to clean, bare nails. So I used nail polish remover on the finger I wanted to apply the decal and removed the polish so that the nail was clean. I wasn't thinking and made the same mistake on my right hand, and didn't remember the base coat until after the decal was applied. So on my left hand, the decal was applied to a clean, bare nail and has lasted through 3 showers, dish-washing, typing blog posts, and every day life. The decal on my right hand was applied (accidentally) over a  base coat, and after 3 days, it started peeling off at the top. I kept pressing it down and trying to get it to stay, but I finally got tired of it, and peeled it off. So, so far the left hand is still sticking and looks great, because I followed the instructions and applied it exactly how I was supposed to. The base coat on the right hand really did make a difference, so be sure to follow the instructions, and you should have a long-lasting decal. Have a great day, hope this helped! 

Best Drugstore Beauty Buys

A few years ago, my idea of 'high-end makeup' was the Mary Kay concealer my mom would buy me every Christmas. Everything I owned was from the drugstore. Since then, I've added some more expensive products into my collection, but I will never stop shopping for makeup at the drugstore. Some of my favorite makeup products are 'drugstore products' (CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target) and I repurchase them over and over. Here is my list of absolute favorite drugstore buys.

1. Foundation: Revlon Colorstay
Retail Price - $11-$13

This was sort of tied with my other favorite foundation by the same line, Revlon Colorstay Whipped. I actually tried that foundation first. But once I tried the regular Revlon Colorstay, I was hooked. Its the perfect medium coverage, every-day foundation. It lasts forever even through heat and humidity. I buy the Combination/Oily skin formula, and it never makes my face greasy. The price is reasonable and it is worth every dollar.

2. Under Eye Concealer: Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Roller

Retail Price - $11-$13

Between allergies and genetics, I really struggle with dark circles. This product is probably one of my absolute must-haves. Even if I don't wear any other makeup at all, I have to put on my dark circle roller. I use the one with a light tint to it. Its sort of a 2-in-1 because it has all of the ingredients of a dark circle eraser- caffeine and all that good stuff- plus, the roller ball 'rejuvenates', and it also has a good light-to-medium coverage that is extremely blendable. It may be considered a tiny bit pricey for a concealer, but its totally worth it!

3. Setting Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Retail Price - $4-5

I have tried a couple of other setting powders, and I keep going back to this one. I use it every single day. Its the perfect complement to my foundation, and I also use it to set my undereye concealer. Super inexpensive, and much better than any other I've tried. If you have problems with oily skin I would definitely try this setting powder.

4. Eyeliner: CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus

Retail Price - $4-$6

I talked about this eyeliner in my beauty favorites post, and like I said then, I have been using this eyeliner since I first started wearing makeup, over 10 years ago. It goes on so smooth and thin and doesn't smudge at all. It somehow stays on all day, yet comes off really easily with any makeup remover. I haven't heard much about this eyeliner in the beauty community, but I would say it is definitely worth trying. 

5. Mascara: Maybelline Falsies

Retail Price - $6-$8

I like this mascara because its natural, yet dramatic, if that makes any sense. It doesn't make my eyelashes look clumpy or spidery. They just look wispy, fluffy, long, and voluminous, all while looking natural at the same time. The flexible wand has a slight curve to it, which plumps and builds volume without clumping. 

6. Brush(es): Eco Tools

Retail Price - $8-$10

I own some expensive brushes, but Eco Tools brushes continue to be some of my favorites, and you can find them at any WalMart, Ulta, or drugstore. They are the softest, fluffiest brushes I've ever come across. I use their blending brush for my eyeshadow, a blush brush for my setting powder, and another for my bronzer. I have yet to find a softer brush, at any price point!


So that's it! You may notice that I didn't include blush or bronzer. I am not a huge fan of blush, and the only one I have ever found that works for my skin tone, is a high end blush. As far as bronzer, my absolute favorite drugstore bronzer was discontinued. :( It was a matte bronzer by Milani, and the name completely chipped off of it so I've never been able to find it online because I don't have the name. So those two are off my list. But I hope you pick up the products listed above, and give them a try. They are all so inexpensive, so its always worth it!