OCM: the only cure, more makeup

OPI Fall 2011: Touring America

Release Date: August 3, 2011

Not too impressed with the warmer shades, but great darker shades (I’m a sucker for vampy nails).  Just picked up Honk If You Love OPI, Get In The Espresso Lane, and Uh-Oh Roll Down The Window.  I really liked Suzi Takes the Wheel and French Quarter For Your Thoughts too.

Any shades you wanna pick up?

XOXO, Alyson

P.S. If you’re in San Jose, you have to go to US Nail Supply! I paid $4.25 for each OPI nail polish and they even have Seche Vite, my favorite top coat for only $4!  Makes me sad how long I’ve been paying full retail for nail polish…

Images via: http://mylipsbutbetter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/fall2011-OPI-Touring-America-e1300990954401.jpg, http://mylipsbutbetter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/fall2011-OPI-Touring-America-1-e1300990980497.jpg

Update 8/17: For my SD readers, try Vyvy’s Hair and Nail Supply and Viet Nail Supply for cheap OPI nail polishes!

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opi touring america opi nail polish opi uh oh roll down the window opi honk if you love opi opi a taupe the space needle opi french quarter for your thoughts opi get in the espresso lane opi road house blues opi suzi takes the wheel opi i brake for manicures opi are we there yet? opi color to dine for opi i eat mainly lobster opi my address is hollywood fall 2011

Have you tried…

Glitter nail polish?

Ever since I saw Catalina Su (E! Makeup Artist) wear OPI Bring On the Bling, I’ve been OBSESSED. Whenever I need a serious dose of glam in my life, I turn to my glitter collection and voila, I instantly feel like J Lo!

These polishes are NOT the cheapy, thin, lackluster glitter nail polish that you’ll find at drugstores…they’re so jam-packed with glitter that it only requires two coats for some serious sparkle!

So far in my nail polish collection, I have:

Bring On The Bling from the OPI Holiday 2010 Burlesque Collection (the very left nail polish). A swatch can be found here.

Show It And Glow It from the OPI Holiday 2010 Burlesque Collection (the middle polish). Swatch.

Gift Of Gold from the OPI Ulta Holiday 2010 Collection.  Sorry I couldn’t find a PR image…here’s another swatch. This polish is much more yellow-toned than Bring On The Bling.

Crown Me Already from the OPI Miss Universe Collection. The silver glitter is so multi-dimensional on the nails! Here’s a pic of how gorgeous it looks.

All of these polishes are limited edition, so if you can’t find them anymore, Deborah Lippmann makes some great glitter polishes too! Kinda loving this Sparkle Mini Set for $30.

My only complaint? It’s seriously a bitch to take off…but sooo worth it. Can’t even tell you the amount of glimmer and shine these polishes give me when I’m out with my girls. 

XOXO, Alyson

images via: http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/Bec_688/opis_1b.jpg,http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y8vP2okMcN0/TRutN14tsPI/AAAAAAAABOw/8jixo3pwsLk/s400/OPI+-+ULTA+-+GIFT+OF+GOLD+-+001.JPG,  http://polishedpampered.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/opi-crown-me-already.jpg?w=200, http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/Bec_688/opis_2b.jpg

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Midday beauty pick-me-up

Shot of my glittered nails from this past weekend when I was out with my girls.  The shine is amazing, right?!

XOXO, Alyson

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My weekend in pictures

1. Perfectly wrapped packages from JewelMint. Stay tuned for my review and a special coupon code!  If you absolutely can’t wait, here’s my invite.

2. Love that binds bracelet.

3. Astoria necklace.

1. A goodie bag from my girl Rachel at Sephora.  Can’t wait to try all these products and do a review!! I got a Nars Makeup Primer with SPF, Sephora by OPI Chic Prints in Gold and Black Geometric, a sample of Philosophy Inner Grace shower gel, and another sample of Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil. Thanks Rachel!! <3

2. Late night girl talk with my bff.

3. Gave myself a relaxing manicure using Honk if you love OPI. It looks black in the picture, but it’s a deep grape.  I thought it was similar to Lincoln Park After Dark, but it’s not as black. I hope that makes sense haha.  My favorite vamp shade at the moment! :)

How was your weekend?  I know it’s only Monday, but I seriously can’t wait for the long weekend.  I have a special guest coming up for Labor Day, which is THE perfect opportunity to show you the makeup products I use when I go out with my girls! ;)

XOXO, Alyson

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Weekend Snaps

CW: 3 malls later, found a dress and belt for the wedding the day before.  Chilean Sea Bass that was delish! Playtime with my girl Charissa.

CW: Sunday funday at Yardhouse while watching some football games. Found this BCBG ring that I initially saw in Vegas and have been frantically searching for since then (I’m wearing Honk If You Love OPI).  Drinks at an outdoor Mexican restaurant enjoying the summer weather.

Back on the grind…until next weekend! :)

XOXO, Alyson

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Always in search for the perfect…

Nude Nail Polish!

CW: Essie Madamoiselle, OPI Barefoot In Barcelona, OPI Samoan Sand, OPI San Tan-tonio

The two biggest problems I have with nude polishes are the shades and textures. I can never find the perfect nude shade to compliment my tanner skin tone without it looking like mannequin hands or white out. Then, if I do find a nude shade I like, it’s always too sheer! So for now, these nail polishes will have to do.

What’s your perfect nude nail polish? I’m open to all suggestions!

XOXO, Alyson

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OPI The Muppets Collection Holiday 2011

L-R: Animal-istic, Meep-Meep-Meep, Wocka Wocka!, Pepe’s Purple Paassion, Designer…de Better!, Warm & Fozzie, Rainbow Connection, Excuse Moi!, Gone Gonzo!, Fresh Frog of Bel Air, Divine Swine, Gettin’ Miss Piggy With it!

You know how much I love my glitters!!! LOVE Animal-listic, Designer…de Better!, Meep-Meep-Meep, Pepe’s Purple Passion, Gettin’ Miss Piggy With It, and Wocka Wocka!.

SO. IN. LOVE.

XOXO, Alyson

Swatches here.  Available now!

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My Classic Manicure Tutorial

My friends often ask me how I do my nails and TRUST ME, it’s easier than you think!! I don’t mind giving myself manicures every week. In fact, it’s so relaxing to me and takes no time at all!

SUPPLIES:
Pure acetone nail polish remover (if you have weak nails, switch to something gentler)
Cuticle softner
Nail file
Buffer
Cotton balls
Nail cutter
Base Coat (My fav is L’Oreal Colour Riche One Stop Base Coat)
Nail polish of choice (OPI Vodka and Caviar pictured)
Top coat (I highly recommend Seche Vite)
Hand cream

STEP 1:
Cut nails and file to a rounded square shape. Buff edges of nails where you filed your nails to prevent snagging.

STEP 2:
Apply cuticle softener.  Wait a couple minutes and gently push your cuticles back using a towel (or use a metal pusher if you have one).

STEP 3:
Soak a cotton ball with nail polish remover to get rid of any residue/oil on your nails to help the base coat adhere to your nail properly.

STEP 4:
Apply a thin layer of base coat (so necessary!). Base coat helps your nail polish last longer and protects your nails. If using a nail polish that stains your nails easily (such as red), apply another layer.

STEP 5:
Using your favorite nail polish, apply two thin coats.  I paint slowly to get a precise line and to prevent polish on my skin. Don’t forget to paint your tips to help keep the chipping at a minimum!

STEP 6:
Apply a layer of top coat.  My absolute favorite is Seche Vite—my nails dry in about 5 minutes! Use a q-tip soaked in nail polish remover to clean up any necessary mistakes. Moisturize your hands and then you’re out the door!

Voila!  My manicure lasts for about a week and I almost never get any chips.  Hope you enjoy my tutorial! :)

XOXO, Alyson

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