NOTD: Essie Stones n' Roses

Today's nail of the day is from a new polish from Essie in the color 'Stones n' Roses.' As the name suggests, this polish is a rosey peach color with a  bit of a gray undertone. I think its a rather flattering pink as we transition from Winter to Spring! This color was quite thick and pigmented and was easily opaque in 2 thin coats. The polish wore well for 3 days with no chipping before my pointer fingers started to chip at the edges.

I recommend this polish if you're looking for a neutral peach!

xxSJ

Sephora Sale Details and My Personal Wishlist!

It's that time of year again! Sephora's first of their two big sales of the year is happening this week so here is the lowdown for all you makeup junkies out there:

4/12-4/21: VIB Rouges get 15% off with code ROUGELOVE

4/16-4/21: VIBs get 15% off with code VIBLOVE

4/17-4/20: BIs get 10% off

You can use your coupon code more than one time during the time span of the sale! If 15% off doesn't seem like that great of a deal you can wait for their big sale in November where the discounts usually are 20% off for VIBs and Rouge members. Sephora also has sent out generous $20 off your $50 purchase coupons in the late Fall for all your Christmas shopping needs. 

If you're not already a Beauty Insider with Sephora, what are you waiting for? It is a membership service that does not require an attached credit card or minimum purchase every year or anything like that. The perks include earning points for every dollar you spend which are redeemable for deluxe sample, a free gift on your birthday (this year is NARS!), and discounts twice a year. 

Head over to www.sephora.com to sign up for the Beauty Insider program and start shoppin!

Here is my wishlist for this sale if you're looking for some inspiration! I probably won't be making any purchases this week since my grad school budget doesn't include spending oodles on makeup, but here is what I might buy for myself if my wallet allowed for it:

Happy Shopping!!

xxSJ

NOTD: Formula X for Sephora 'Alive'

    Formula X for Sephora has done it... they've given me the color I've been searching for for years. I've always loved peachy coral colored things and have been searching for the perfect peach for my nails. I've thought I'd come close before with Butter London's Trout Pout, or Essie's A Crewed Interest. Both of those colors were a little too orange for my taste and in certain indoor looking just looked... not cute.
   When I saw Formula X's 'Alive' in Sephora, I knew I'd found the one, and when I applied it to my nails, my thoughts were further confirmed. First of all, the formula of these polishes is PERFECT. Completely opaque with a creamy finish in two thin coats with a perfectly sized brush for easy application.  The color lasts a couple days chip free. I notice this polish tends to lift up on the corners and come off in large chips, not staining the nail underneath.
    I love this color so much and I think it will be a staple for Spring and Summer. I've been wearing it non-stop since I bought it and am so happy that I found my perfect Peach!

Formula X polishes are exclusive to Sephora and cost $10.50 a bottle. I think the acryclic and white plastic packaging is modern and beautiful and the formula is well worth the cost.

xxSJ

My Top Lip Products for Springtime

Time to wrap up my 'Picks for Springtime' series with my favorite post of them all: Springtime Lippies!!!! I love how in Spring, your tan is starting to develop, freckles are peeking through foundation, and lips are getting brighter and pinker! Here are my faves for the Spring, starting with glosses:

NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair is a bright blue-toned pink with no shimmer in it. It feels super luxurious and buttery on the lips! Full Review here!

MAC Lipglass in 'Nympette' is a bright pink with golden shimmer running through out. This is a super complex lipgloss and is a favorite of many for its gorgeous finish.

NARS lipgloss in 'Orgasm' is a cult favorite with a reason! This peachy gloss has a golden shimmer in it that gives a juicy, plumping effect and long lasting color. Full review here!

Now for hybrid lip products!

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Elusive is a matte, creamy lip crayon that is the most gorgeous bright pink. This neutral pink will make a statement and lasts through eating and drinking! Review!

Too Faced La Creme Drenched Color Lip Cream in 'Juicy Melons' is a creamy bright coral color that is such a pretty toned down coral. This is a great coral to rock if you're intimidated by bright colors. Full Review here!

Maybelline Color Whisper in 'Lust for Blush' is a dupe for MAC Angel lipstick--a light baby pink! Review here!

Finally, time for the lipsticks!

MAC Cremecup lipstick is a mauvey light pink. It gives a gorgeous neutral finish with out looking like you covered your lips in concealer.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose is a cult favorite. This is a baby pink lipstick that wears smoothly and is super comfortable!

MAC Peach Blossom lipstick is an easy everyday lipstick that I don't think gets enough love! Its a peachy natural color that works as a great 'this goes with everything so I'll slap this on' color. Review!

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick in 17 is a deeper peach color that runs slightly coraly-pink. It is a brighter neutral that is easy to wear. Review!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon is a deep coral pink that is certainly bright and spring-worthy. The wearability and finish of Revlon lipsticks is outstanding and why they are my favorite drugstore lipstick! Full review here!

Cremecup, Primrose, Peach Blossom, #17, Pink in the Afternoon

So there you have it! My Springtime lippy picks :) Let me know what your favorite lip products are for the Spring and keep an eye out for a Summer Picks series!

xxSJ