*CLOSED*Gloss and Sticks Nail Love Giveaway - Win Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish!

Good News! I have decided to continue paying it forward. To celebrate my infatuation with nail polish, I am hosting my second giveway. After thinking about my love for nail polish, I decided to bless some one with some highly coveted Deborah Lippmann nail polish.  

 One winner will win the following nail polishes:

• Deborah Lippman's Since I Fell For You shimmering wine (opaque shimmer)

• Deborah Lippman's Stardust platinum frost (metallic)
  
   

1. You must be a follower to Gloss and Sticks via Google Friend Connect.
2. You must like Gloss and Sticks facebook page. 
3. Please leave a comment below with your email address and state that you follow Gloss and Sticks via Google Friend Connect and that you liked the Gloss and Sticks facebook page.
4. Any entry that is not a follower of Gloss and Sticks via Google Friend Connect and has not liked Gloss and Sticks facebook page will not be included in the giveaway and comments will be deleted.
5. One winner will be chosen through a random number generator.
6. Contest officially ends 11:59PM EST, September 30, 2010.
7. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be chosen through a random number generator.

 

*US Entries Only*

Good Luck!

New Category on glossandsticks.com

Life has a funny way of reminding you of your past. I actually forgot that in the late 1980's before you could find nail shops on every corner, that I actually did my own nails. I was actually pretty good at it. During my college years, I was a bootleg nail tech(LOL!). I never did the acrylic thing, but if you wanted nail art I was your girl. Nail art  is no longer my thing, but I'm very interested in purchasing some Konad plates. Now that I have decided to save money by doing my own nails. I spend alot of my free time reading various nail blogs trying to find the newest nail color trends and techniques. This renewed infatuation has led to me not staying on budget. :( 

As a result of my new infatuation, I have started a nail love section on my blog. In this section, I hope to showcase various nail colors and trends.I would also like to have some guest posts in this section. If you are interested please do not hesitate to send me an email to glossandsticks@live.com.

Below you will find pictures of  the beginning of my growing nail polish collection since July.

 

My current polish wishlist:

• Chanel Paradoxal
• MAC Venomous Villains Collection Nail Laquers in Bad Fairy, Formidable, and Mean & Green
• Essie Chinchilly
• Orly Fx in Haley's Comet
• Deborah Lippmann Happy Birthday Glitter
• Deborah Lippmann Bad Romance
• Orly Fx Space Cadet
• China Glaze Ruby Pumps
• Ginger + Liz Blowin' Money Fast

 

My wishlist is a little short. I know it will  be growing in the near future thanks to all my fellow enablers, I mean nail bloggers (LOL!).

I'm in Nail Polish Heaven

Today, while I had a break between classes, I decided to visit my local Sally's. I went there on a mission and that was to find the Orly Cosmic Fx nail polishes. I've been wanting those polishes every since I saw them reviewed on All Lacquered Up, Temptalia, and Beautopia.

Upon entering the store, I was drawn to the China Glaze Retro Vixen collection. While checking out the CG colors, I see a Orly display. I instantly put down the CG nail polish and  hurriedly walked over to the display in hopes of finding some of the Cosmic Fx nail polishes. To my disappointment, there weren't any in the display. I went and found the sales girl to see if they have them somewhere else in the store. She knew exactly what I was talking about and stated that they were in the back. During our conversation she told me that they had just come in and that she is going to put them in the display tonight after the store closed. After requesting of her to bring me the colors I wanted, she begans to ring up my purchases. I could not believe my ears when she said they were 2 for $10.00 and tells me that they are currently on promotion. I could have turned flips, because they normally retail for $10.00 a pop. So I got Halley's Comet and Space Cadet. Can I say that these polishes are gorgeous? I swatched them both and the colors are very true to what they look like in the bottle. I think I am going to go back and buy Lunar Eclipse and Out Of This World.

If you get a chance to visit Sally's, all Orly polish is on sale(2 for $10.00).

Are you planning to purchase any of the Cosmic Fx polishes?

 

August Beauty Buys

The following are my August beauty buys. I know I said I was not going to purchase anything in August, but I could not pass up a bargain. There goes my budget. :(

Give Me Lip featuring Teyana Taylor at Atlanta Premiere of Takers(08/25/10)

I just love the red pout that Teyana Taylor aka "Miss Google Me" is rocking at the Atlanta Premiere of Takers. Very nice look on her.

Some lip colors that may give you the same look:

• MAC Ruby Woo ($14.50)
• Wet N Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Stoplight Red - 911D - (Less than $3.00) thanks to Krissy90220 from Addicted to All Things Pretty
• Revlon Matte Really Red (about $6.00)

*CLOSED - Paying It Forward - Gloss and Sticks First Giveaway! - CLOSED*

Recently, I have been fortunate to win a couple of giveaways. I thought it I would pay it forward by sponsoring my own giveaway. As a reader of my blog, you know that I am a lover of lip gloss and slowly reaquainting myself with my first love, "lipstick". So naturally, for my first giveaway I am going to gift someone with some gloss and sticks.

One winner will win the following products:

• L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in True Red
• L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Sea Fleur
• Black Radiance New Prismatic Color Illusions Lip Gloss in Rose Desire
• Black Radiance New Prismatic Color Illusions Lip Gloss in Posh Plum
• Lastly, my favorite new lip treatment, Neosporin Daily Hydration Therapy

 

Rules and Policies:

Only one entry per follower.

1. You must be a follower to Gloss and Sticks via Google Friend Connect.
2. You must tweet the following: " @glossandsticks is having her first giveaway! Enter to win at http://www.glossandsticks.com/Giveaway-10583492." (It can be retweeted. All tweets will be verified)
3. Please leave a comment below with your email address and that you follow Gloss and Sticks via Google Friend Connect.
4. Any entry that is not a follower of Gloss and Sticks via Google Friend Connect  will not be included in the giveaway and comments will be deleted.
5. One winner will be chosen through a random number generator.
6. Contest officially ends 11:59PM EST, September 17, 2010.
7. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be chosen through a random number generator.

 

*US Entries Only*

 Thanks for participating and good luck!

The Mane Issue - Freetress Lacefront Billy Wig

Originally Posted on March 24, 2010

Today was such a beautiful day. I just love spring. My favorite season in the year. Anyway, here is my  FOTD pic.

Wig:

Equal Freetress Lace Front Billy Wig in 1B/33.

Face:

MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC 45

Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural mineral Hues Pressed Powder in Brown Bronze1

MAC Blush in Sweet As Cocoa(I did get a little carried away with this blush. LOL! I lubbbbb this Blush!)

Eye Brows:

Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Brown

MAC Cork Shadow using MAC 266

Eyes:

L'Oreal De-Crease

MAC Expensive Pink

MAC Cork blended in crease

L'Oreal HIP Black Gel Liner

Urban Decay Liner in Zero

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Lips:

MAC Lipliner in Night Moth

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait

The Mane Issue - Freetress Equal Synthetic Futura Lace Front Sonya Wig

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FEBRUARY 21, 2010

I recently ordered the Freetress Equal Synthetic Futura Lace Front Sonya Wig. This is my second lace front wig. I wore this wig to my fraternity brother's 40th birthday party on Saturday. I received so many compliments on this wig. I really like the style. It is a nice chic bob with plenty of fullness. I ordered it in a 1B. The texture of the hair is really nice and soft. It is not too shiny. It is part of the futura line, which means it is safe to curl up to 400 degrees Farenheit. I have not tried to curl this unit. Some other futura reviewers suggest you use temperatures quite a bit lower than 400 degrees. Also, I must note that this unit has a much wider lace front and that the lace is from ear to ear. This unit has three combs in the front and one in the back, plus adjustable straps. No glue or tape is necessary. It is a snug fit.

I ordered this wig from Hairsisters.com. I paid $41.49. Hairsisters has a sale this weekend with 20% off of all of their wigs. The Sonya wig is currently on sale for $33.19.

I love this wig.

These pics was taken at the end of night. I tried the L'Oreal De-Crease Eyeshadow Base. I noticed some creasing and the color was not as vibrant by the end of the night.

The products I used for my face of the day are listed below.

Face:

 

MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation-#65

 

Cover Girl Queen Collection Bronzer- Brown Bronze

 

MAC Gingerly Blush

Eyes:

L'Oreal Paris DE-CREASE eyeshadow base

 

LA Colors 5 Metallic Eyeshadows in Tease(Fushia Pink Color)

NYX Eyeshadow in Black in outer V

MAC Cork blended in crease

 

Milani BROW FIX Eye Brow Powder Kit used as a highlight under brow

 

MAC Penultimate Eyeliner-Rapid Black
 

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Eye Brows:

 

Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Brown

Lips:
 

MAC Lip Pencil- Cork

MAC Lip Glass- Garden

 

The Mane Issue - Janet Collection Human Hair Mommy Wig

ORIGINALLY POSTED FEBRUARY 6, 2010

In order to give my hair a break, sometimes I wear wigs. I watched Ebony from ColouredBeautiful's You Tube Channel do a review on the wig in the picture below. Normally, I would have not given this wig a second look. However, Miss Ebony rocked this wig in her You Tube video. I just had to have this wig. I purchased it from Golden Mart Beauty Supply. It cost more than it cost Ebony but the site she bought her from went out of business. I have now found this wig on Hair Stop and Shop for $21.99. I love this wig. I just wish I can find it in a #1 or #1B.

Pictures of me wearing the Mommy Wig. Me likey!

I know I love to pose. LOL!

The products I used for my face of the day are listed below.

Face:

 

MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation-#65

Cover Girl Queen Collection Bronzer- Brown Bronze

Milani Bronzer in Sunset Shores-the orange side used as a highlight on cheeks

Eyes:

UDPP

NYX Rust on lid 

MAC Cork blended in crease

The Body Shop Copper Shimmer used as a highlight under brow

MAC Penultimate Eyeliner-Rapid Black

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Eye Brows:
Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Brown

Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil- Cork

MAC Lip Glass- Oh Baby(an old favorite)

NOTW - Zoya "Ibiza"

Zoya "Ibiza"

It has been a really hot summer in North Carolina. I am so ready for fall. To help me feel a small piece of fall, I decided to polish my nails with Zoya's Ibiza from the Truth or Dare Collection, Fall '09. I really like this polish. It is a Blackened Blue color with a subtle blue shimmer. Like most Zoya polishes, it is easy to apply and dries quickly. I am also wearing Seche Vite Crystal Clear base coat and Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat.

What are your Fall '10 polish picks? Please share.

Fall '10 Lipstick Trends- Plum & Wines

I'm now showcasing the wines and plums that I have in my stash.

     

(NYX Round Lipstick in Medusa, purchased from Cherry Culture for $1.99)

    

(NYX Round Lipstick in Pandora, purchased from Cherry Culture for $1.99)

   

(Maybelline Color Sensational lip Gloss in Wine All Mine Lip Gloss, purchased from CVS- I forgot how much I paid for it.)

Have you tried any of the lipsticks that I have showcased? What are some wine and plum lip colors are you planning on wearing this Fall? Please share.

Spectrum Cosmetics Ambrosia Lip Color

A couple of months ago, while I was on twitter I found a cosmetic company with a unique name - Spectrum Cosmetics. I click the link for the company's website, I found out why this was the company's name. The company's founder, Amber Rose, named her cosmetic company Spectrum because this is type of  autism her son has been diagnosed with. This company was founded for her son and as a way to raise funds to bring awareness to this disorder. After reading her About Us section, I could not pass up the opportunity to support a worthy cause.

I chose to purchase Spectrum Cosmetics Ambrosia Lip Colors in Blood Orange and Water Apple. After doing some online searches, I found that others compare them to OCC Lip Tars. I do not own any of the OCC lip Tars so I cannot make that claim for myself.

Blood Orange(top), Water Apple(bottom)

What the company states about the Ambrosia Lip Colors:

Spectrum Cosmetics Ambrosia Lip Color combines the smoothness of a lip gloss with the opaque coverage and staying power of the lipstick. A specialize nectar like lip color...never too sticky, never too runny. Ambrosia is a very slick glossy lip color that will never dry out your lips. A small amount of this glossy color goes a long way. You can apply right from the tube or with a lip brush. It can be worn alone or mixed with other lip colors.  

Ingredients: Mica; Hydrogenated Castor Oil;  Hydrogenated polyisobutene; Vitamin E; May contain (+/-) Peppermint Oil; Tin Oxide; Titanium Dioxide; Iron Oxides.

(source)

Price: $11.00.

My Take:

I really appreciate the peppermint oil found in this product. The Ambrosia Lip Colors are non-drying and I had no trouble removing them. Comparing them to the pics I have found online of the OCC Lip Tars, I think the Ambrosia Lip Colors are not as opaque. They are a little thin, so I applied them with a lip brush. They are cheaper than OCC Lip Tars - $11.00 for 10mL instead of $12.50 for 8mL.

Overall, I am really pleased with the Ambrosia Lip Colors and I plan on purchasing a few more.

Have any of you tried Spectrum Cosmetics Ambrosia Lip Colors. If, so please share. Let me know whatyou think.

Swatches:

Water Apple(top), Blood Orange(bottom)

 Water Apple

 Blood Orange

Website: http://www.sp3ctrum.com

Youtube: YOUTUBE.COM/SP3CTRUMCOSMETICS

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sp3ctrumdotcom

Fall '10 Lipstick Trends- Reds

While reading my September issues of Allure, Lucky, and Essence, I was glad that the lipstick trend for Fall, 2010 is all about color. I am really excited about this trend. I feel you cannot go wrong with your choices in lip products whether it be red, fuschia, or wine. I decided to shop my lip stash to highlight this season's trends.  First up, I will be showcasing the Reds.

 

(NYC Ultra Moist Lipstick in Ruby, purchased from Target - $0.94)

(NYX Round Lipstick in Electra, purchased from Cherry Culture - $1.99)

(Black Radiance Perfect Tone Lip Color in 5008A Cherry Pie, purchased from CVS - $4.99)

(MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, purchased from MAC - $14.00)

(Black Radiance Radiant Lip Gloss in 3201 Radiant Red, purchased from CVS - $3.99)

My pictures do not do the lip colors justice. They are most definitely distinct in their own right. If you would like me to post additional pictures to showcase the individual lipsticks, please email me with your request. Also, If there are any other red lipsticks that you have been eyeing and wanted to see what it look like, please email me your request. I will be happy to try it out.