Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Earlier this week I opened this lovely package from Neutrogena.  

Inside were a pair of fingerless mitten/gloves, three gold midi rings and Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.

"Nuetorgena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream was originally developed in Norway for Arctic fishermen who needed to protect their own hands from some of the coldest, harshest weather on earth.  Clinical testing proves that Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is unsurpassed at healing dry skin and providing lasting relief.  When it comes to protecting hands from the rigors of daily use, it's a favorite among fishermen and manicurists alike."

Neutrogena claims that this Norwegian Formula Hand Cream will improve the look for your hands and nails by protecting against peeling nails, dry cuticles, dryness, chapping, cracking, scaliness and roughness.  Perfect to combat against this winters cold and dryness.

To test out Neutrogenas Norwegian Formula I am taking part in the 7-day challenge! To take part:

*Pick up a bottle of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

*Create a beautiful manicure or get your nails done at your favorite salon

*Smooth Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream on daily

*Show how Nutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is helping make your mani last by uploading daily photos using the hashtag #NTG7DayChallenge on Instagram, Twitter and FB

My readers who take part in the challenge could be chosen by Neutrogena to win a prize! So, if you partake let me know!  I can let Neutrogena know your my follower and best bud.

For my day 1 manicure I created snowflake nails using Essie Lots of Lux and hand painting each snowflake.  Each one is individual and inspired by lace patterns.

Now for the hand cream!  Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is less creamy and more of an oily consistency.  I have the unscented formula which is fine by me.  Initially spreading it on is a little thick but it sinks into the skin pretty quickly.

Day 2 of my nails are looking perfect! My nails are still lasting and no chipping!  I love these gloves that Neutrogena sent to me.  They go pretty far down my wrist to keep me warm, the fingerless gloves are great to snow off my nails and if I get cold I can flip up the mittens.  The best thing about these gloves, which I've never seen before are little slits in the thumb finger.  It allows you to slip your thumb out for texting!  After your done, slip your thumb back in to keep them warm and toasty.

Day 3 of my manicure!  Here are the cute midi rings included in my package.  My nails look great and a hang nail I had is starting to disappear!  The bottom two rings fit really well but the top one is a little clunky....maybe they're not meant to be midi rings and I just have fat fingers. :D

Day 4, I decided to make a little Vine video.  My nails still look great!  They are growing out a little so your starting to see more of my nail between the polish and nail bed.  No chips and my skin is soft and smooth!
I've got three days left doing the #NTG7DayChallenge.  You can follow my progress on Instagram @DullLikeGlitter or come back to this post as I update with pictures until the seven days are complete.  Let me know if you are taking part so I can see how you are doing and let Neutrogena know.  <3

Influenster Jolly Vox Box 2013

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas  and Happy Holidaysss! *N'sync dance off*

Well, being half Jewish I celebrate Christmakkuh  myself but there is still something magical about the holidays!  Making my holiday season even brighter is my Influenster Jolly Vox Box.  I received this box from Influenser for testing purposes.

This seasons box included Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates, Puffs Ultra Soft and Strong to Go Tissue Pack in Plus Lotion, a Duck Tape Ducklings Mini Roll, New York Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow and Rimmel London's New Show Off Lip Lacquer.  

I had so much fun unpacking this box...because it unpacked itself via Vine!  You can find and follow me there @DullLikeGlitter.

Skinny Cow Candy in Divine Filled Chocolates Delicious Peanut Butter Creme: $3.99

"TA DA! Presenting almost too good to be true Skinny Cow Candy! Unbelievably chocolaty.  Melt-in-your-mouth madness.  Perfectly yummy portions.  Skinny Cow's line of candy weighs in at 110 to 130 calories.  So if you've been avoiding the candy aisle, welcome back.  You're gonna feel like a kid in a candy store."

I can't really keep my hands....well teeth off of sugar, ever.  Chocolate and peanut butter are one of my favorite combinations.  

Each box contains six pouches that are about the size of a full size candy bar.  Upon opening they contain three chocolate goodies inside. 

These chocolates are absolutely delicious.  I don't know what they put in this stuff but, I couldn't tell it was reduced calorie at all.  To put this into perspective a regular sized Hershey's bar is 210 calories.  These three candies equaling about the same size are only 130!  Have your cake and eat it too.

Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong To Go Tissue Pack: $0.49 per pack

"Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong To Go is still our best non-lotion facial tissue to use in the car, for on-the-go, wherever you go!"

These little tissue packs are always great to have in the winter.  When I walk to work in NYC I always get runny nose and end up wipping at myself, this will help me not rub all my makeup off. Even if it isn't I find it helpful to carry them with me in case I have a smear of eyeliner that has wandered out of place.  Puffs Plus Lotion are super smooth and gentle as well!

Ducktape Ducklings Mini Rolls: $2-3

"Excellent for repair, crafting and imaginative projects.  High performance strength and adhesion characteristics.  Tears easily by hand without curling and conforms to uneven surfaces.  Ducklings are perfect for small repairs, trimming out projects or for when you just need a little tape!"

These little mini tape rolls are adorable.  I seem to have an infatuation with things that are smaller than normal; puppies, mini chocolate chips and those little one egg frying pans found at the super market.  

The design on my Duckling is splatter paint.  I can't wait to get crafty with this.  Over the summer while I was an art instructor at a local camp I worked at I ran a whole week long lesson on duct tape crafts!  We made wallets, flower pens, bows and bracelets.  Any suggestions as to what I should turn this into?

Rimmel London NEW Show Off Lip Lacquer: $5.49-$5.99

"It's the end of colour as you know it!  The intense rich colour of a lipstick combined with an invincibly smooth lacquer shine.  Available in 14 shades."

I received Rimmel Londons Show Off Lip Lacquer in Stargazer, a frosty gold.  I don't know why I've been getting so many gold lip products lately but gold is not my shade.  I'm too pale for it.  However, Stargazer can be applied thinly over more pale-friendly rosy shades for a pop of holiday cheer.  Side note, check out how cool the top is on these!  It looks like a crystal or those new Starbucks tumbler tops with the faceted tops.

NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow in Long Beach Sands: $2.99

"HD Color Trio Eye Shadow delivers high intensity color with a silky soft texture.  This lightweight formula blends effortlessly for the ultimate smoky eye look."

NYC is one of my favorite affordable brands.  You can find it everywhere, it won't put a dent in your wallet and the products are pretty good!  

First of all I absolutely love the quilted pattern on this palette.  I love quilted!  You can find my 3D Quilted Nail Tutorial here.  Also super cute, the teeny tiny eyeshadow sponge included with the little NYC stamp on it!  ...I told you I love tiny!

  

I was surprised by how great the pigment was on these shadow and how smoothly they applied!  The crease color matched my skin tone so it's a little hard to see but all three shades have a bright shimmer.

Overall I was quite happy with this box!  I will be using the eyeshadow, lip lacquer as a topper, tape for crafts and eating all the Skinny Cow chocolates.  The Puffs will probably sit in my bag for awhile until I need them but, it is always useful to have when needed.  Thanks for the stellar box Influentser!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Happy Holidays!  Today's nails are inspired by holiday music.  I like the story that this scene tells.  Who wouldn't want to happen upon a decorated tree in the middle of a snowy forest at twilight? 

For this look I created a three color gradient using Essence I'm the Boss, Zoya Blu and Revlon Charming.  The trees are hand painted!  

I'd like to complete a few other nail art designs before Christmas.  Any suggestions?

Influenster Violet Voxbox 2013

It's been awhile since I've received a Voxbox but, it looks like it's that time again!  Influenster sent me their winter Violet Voxbox to review!

This Violet Voxbox included a Goody Athletique Hairband, Goody Quikstyle Paddle Brush, Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Color and a SoyJoy Cranberry Bar.

Goody QuikStyle Hair Brush: $13.00

"Good QuikStyle lets you go from wet to beautifully styled hair faster than ever!  Super absorbent microfiber bristles remove water as you style.  It's like a towel and a brush in one."

Funny story, I have actually received the Goody QuikStyle Hair Brush in a previous Voxbox!  As with the previous one, I found that my hair did dry faster using this and when combined with a hair dryer cut down my dry time as well.  

Goody Athletique Adjustable Yoga Wicking Headband: $6.00

"Goody Athletique provides hold and comfort so you can be physically active and strong in body and mind."

This headband is very wide and made for movement.  The cloth is moisture wicking to keep your face dry and then base clasp is velcro which is adjustable to any size.   

I workout frequently so I've been trying this out.  I do like the material it is made of, but I'm starting to hate the velcro.  Some of the velcro always ends up snatching up sections of my hair and it can be a pain to remove.  

SoyJoy bar in Cranberry: $0.99

"SOYJOY is an all-natural, gluten free snack bar made with non-GMO soybeans and real fruit pieces.  Between 130-140 calories, SOYJOY is a great on-the-go snack or it can be enjoyed warm (unwrap and microwave for 8-10 seconds for a "fresh-baked" experience!) with coffee or tea."

I'm not really a big soy fan.  I loved drinking chocolate soymilk in college and when I go out for sushi I'll get edemamae as an appetizer but that's the extent of my soy experience.  

The bar really doesn't look anything like the one on the package!  The berries appeared almost black, not pink and rosy like in the picture. It is also really itty bitty.  I don't think I've ever had a snack bar that has been this small since Kudos bars when I was a kid. Honestly, this was my least favorite item in this VoxBox.  It was very dry and tasteless in my mouth. I took two bites and didn't want anymore.  I can't imagine ever choosing this as a snack in the future. Next!

Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Reef-Raf : $4.99

"New Triple Shine Nail Color!  Daily defense from water and wear.  Get ready for the shiniest nails ever!  Water to workout, day in and day out, nothing will dull these nails.  Available in 30 shades."

Sally Hansen's Triple Shine is hands down my favorite product in this box...and not just because I"m a nail junkie.  The formula was beautiful and opaque, the brush was easy to use and the color is super glossy.  I'm not usually a pink girl but with this shade and easy of application I don't mind!  I'm excited to hear there are 30 shades, I am going to head to my closest CVS to find some more.  

Overall this box was half hit, half miss.  The Goody Brush and Sally Hansen polish were fantastic!  The Goody Hairband did a great job but I had issues with the velcro tangling with my hair and the SoyJoy bar was just not for me.  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  If you'd like an invite to Influenster I have a few spaces left so leave a comment below letting me know!

December Julep Maven 2013

Better late than never, I always say.  Because I'm a pretty big procrastinator.  It's true.  Well I received my Julep Maven December box on the 2nd and I'm just getting to posting it now.  I switched from my Bombshell profile to Boho Glam this month.

This months extra are these great little yoga hair ties.  Yoga hair ties differ from regular hair ties in that they wont leave a kink in your hair when you take it down.  I've been getting a lot of these lately in different subscription bags.  These come in a deep purple and a shimmery silver.  

This months product is Juleps Sweep Eyeshadow Palette in neutrals.  The packaging was a little deceptive as it looked much larger!  

Inside are five shades ranging from a light gold to a deep mahogany.  The shade from left to right are Tiramisue a nude satin, Glow a golden shimmer, Dusk a mauve satin, Toffee and bronze shimmer and Cocoa a chocolate brown with golden shimmer.  I love these colors since I have blue eyes.  Browns tend to set off blue eyes and make them pop!  I also highly suggest this palette if you are a darker skintone since these colors can match for a natural nude.

The shadows were soft and easily applied.  Fallout was not much of an issue so I'm truly pleased with these colors!

This months shades are Julep Misti and Julep Joelle.

Julep Misti is a smoky blue grey creme.  Coverage was fantastic and had a very glossy finish.  This is right in there with my favorite color so I'm happy to add this to my collection.

Julep Joelle is perfect for the holidays.  This is a silver holo glitter.  It wasn't quite full coverage with three coats, but it would make a gorgeous topper over any color.  Here you can see Joelle in natural indoor light.

In sunlight the holo effect is brighter and much more beautiful!

I really enjoyed my Julep Maven box this month!  I love the eyeshadows and all the polish shades.  I can't wait to see what January brings! 

Want a free Julep box of your own? Just click here and take the Julep style quiz.  They will send you a box of Julep polish for free when you use the code FREEBOX at checkout!  You will be getting a great deal.  After that Julep will continue to send you boxes each month for $19.99 or you can just cancel your subscription and keep your free box with no penalty.  Who doesn't love free stuff?

Giveaway!

It's time to celebrate!

This month my blog hit the 100,000 view mark!  I'm so happy to have amazing readers that come here for nail art, tutorials and reviews.  It's time to give back.

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the Julep Maven launch party for their NYC pop up shop.  At the event I got to scope out the store and see everything that they had available.  The pop up shop is only open until December 22nd.  You can read about my experience at the launch party here.

While there I picked up some goodies to share.  The prizes will include brand new:

Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment

Julep Empire

Julep Alice

Julep Toiletry Bag

Altogether over $45 worth of goodies!  Not to mention that Julep Empire is an exclusive shade only being sold at the NYC pop up shop.

To enter all you need to do is comment on any of my blog posts here.  Leave your email in the comment so I know you are part of the contest and I can contact you if you win! 

The winner will be drawn this Wednesday, December 25th.  Anyone can enter from anywhere in the world.  

Best of luck!

Rebecca Minkoff/Covet Fashion Event

Yesterday I was able to attend the Rebecca Minkoff and Covet Fashion event in New York City!  Rebecca Minkoff, like many fashion and beauty brands, has set up a pop up shop for the holiday season located at 427 West 14th Street and is open from November 25th – December 22nd, 2013.

Covet Fashion is an app where you can bring out your inner stylist.  Create outfits from major fashion brand collections to fit themes and have other users rate your look to win credits towards more clothes.  At the event they handed out cards with 10,000 free points to use in app.

At this event each half hour a Rebecca Minkoff bag was given away!     
          

The prizes were: a black Cory Pouch with the quote "Life of the party!" emblazoned in gold, a hologram Marisa Studded Wallet, a red Mini Affair Diamond Quilt Bag and and last but not least a red Amorous Satchel.  

This pop up shop is definitely centered on bags.  They're hanging from all the walls and you can see them everywhere!  No complains from me.  Also available are racks of beautiful Rebecca Minkoff clothing, shoes and a TRESemme hair bar!

The event had little glasses of champagne and treats like pretzels and even pink popcorn!  It tasted like regular popcorn, the pink punch was just adorable.  They really thought out their event very well.  The staff was very welcoming and helped address any questions or concerns for the attendees.  

When the first prize was called for the Cory Pouch I was so surprised to hear my name!  

This textured pouch is made of leather and is the perfect size to hold cash and cards.  This pouch comes in black or red.  There is a divider in the middle making two separate pockets.  

The inside is a beautiful blue leopard print with a Rebecca Minkoff leather signature stitched inside.  

One side has a small Rebecca Minkoff gold name plate, on the other 'Life of the Party' is imprinted in gold.  I can't wait to use this on nights I go out to hold my cards, cash and other little necessities like lip gloss!

For the majority of the event, my +1 Michelle and I checked out all of the amazing fashion and made Christmas lists.  Can you blame us?  At the very end of the night they called the very last prize, a red Amorous Satchel worth $325!  My friend Michelle was called!  She was in total disbelief.  

The Amorous Satchel is made of saffiano leather with stitching detail and an exposed zipper on the edges.  This is the perfect hand or shoulder bag. 

It can be used with the handles or a shoulder strap.  The craftsmanship is beautiful.  Just looking at it an holding it you can tell how well made it is.  I can't believe my +1 won this and I'm so fake happy for her. Just kidding, I'm genuinely really glad she won this.  She's promised she'll let me borrow it. ;)

As we left we were given a few more goodies.  With purchase you can get this Rebecca Minkoff polish in Lust as a gift.

Lust is an almost jelly like maroon shade.  One coat gave me a light red streaky coat with darker streaks.  Once I layered it to three I got an opaque full color that appears plum or maroon.  Because it does have a slight transparency to it in the light the polish appears brighter and lighter while indoors it stays moody and dark.  

It's super shiny too! Final verdict: I like it!

The other little extra was TRESemme's Platinum Strength shampoo and conditioner from the TRESemme Hair Bar.  These little samples will go to good use in my shower and hopefully fix a lot of damage (up to 2 years worth of it) as the packaging claims. 

If you're in the New York City area and want to stop by the pop shop I would really suggest it! There are some beautiful high fashion items you can check out and add to your own holiday wish lists.  Looking for a great look for your hair?  Stop by and the TRESemme hair stylists will take care of you but, hurry!  Rebecca Minkoff and TRESemme won't be there for long.

December Ipsy Glam Bag 2013

It's mid-month December.  That means it's time for the last Glam Bag of the year!  My Ipsy bag arrived yesterday in this cute quilted, front zipper bag.  This months theme is celebration.

It may look sleek and sophisticated on the outside, but inside is a party with a pop of red fabric.

Inside my bag this month I was quite pleased with all the goodies!  I got a Beauty Blender with a mini Beauty Blender Cleanser, a Be A Bombshell The One Stick, Ardell Natural Lash False Eyelashes, a NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick, and a Nicka K New York Nail Nail Color.  Any bag that has polish included is an instant win for me.

Beauty Blender and Cleanser: $20.00 sponge full size, cleanser travel size (3oz)

This is an extra add on for the month using my saved up Ipsy points.  You can earn Ipsy points if you are in Ipster by referring friends, reviewing products or sharing products on your facebook.  I was so excited this month Ipsy was offering a Beauty Blender because I have heard so many amazing things about this sponge.  I have used it briefly to blend in some concealer and actually found I did like it a bit better than my Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush!  That was hard for me to say....

Be a Bombshell The One Stick in Girl Crush: $16 full size

This The One Stick is quite a versatile little product.  The stick is rather large and is intended for multiple use.  I tested it out as a blush but it can also be used on lips and eyes.  Girl Crush is a shimmery light pink that goes very well with my fair skin tone.  

The shimmer in this product gives a dewy effect for a youthful shade.  I can't see myself using it on my eyes but it is very nice to have a product that can be used for matching lips and cheeks.  These come in seven shades and remind me a lot of Nars The Multiple sticks which have the same premise.  

Pop Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eyeshadow Trio in Smokin Hot: $7.20 three of ten pans

This Pop Beauty palette includes three full size pans from a ten pan palette.  I love silvers and anything that will help me create a more defined smokey eye so I am very pleased with these colors.  

The colors in the palette are named white, grey and black (I hate when names are boring). White and grey both include shimmer but the black appears matte. 

In the palette picture it appears slightly shimmery but there was some fallout in shipping, I promise it's very matte, see.

Ardell Natural Lash in 120 Demi Black: $3.99 

I enjoy using false lashes for special occasions or big parties so this set is a nice inclusion.  Adhesive is included so I'll most likely hold onto these until I have an event coming up!  I don't specifically have a favorite lash brand since I don't use them that frequently, but I look forward to trying them out more extensively.  

NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Celene: $4 full size

Upon first glance I was a bit intimidated by this shade.  It is an orangey-gold full of shimmer.  I could see this shade working on someone with a tan or deeper skin tone but on my fairness I don't see it working out.

After applying I was very pleased with the moisture and creaminess of this lipstick.  However, I still can't get past the shade.  I'd have to be going for theatrical to pull it off!  I'd love to try out other shades of NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick so I may take advantage of this months Ipster discounts for it.

Nicka K New York Nail Color in Classic Taupe: $4.99 full size

This Nicka K Nail Color applied beautifully.  One coat gave me full coverage.  I used two just for funsies.  The handle is nice and long which was perfect for controlled application.  The color dried a bit darker than shown in the bottle.  The only issue I had with this polish was the brush.  The ends were slightly frayed which made application a bit difficult when I was trying to get nice neat edges by the nail bed.  Aside from that I am looking forward to trying more Nicka K Nail Polishes in the future.

Overall this Ipsy bag was quite a score!  I got a value of over $50 for this little $10 a month bag.  Everything was full size except for the trio of Pop Beauty eye shadows.  Signing up for your own monthly Ipsy bag is easy!  Just head here and take the Ipsy Glam Bag style quiz.  Ipsy will match you with five products each month and deliver them right to your door.  

Are you an Ipster?  Were you please with your bag this month?