College Polished

Monday, August 19, 2013

Guest Post: The Lacquerologist Ikat Dotticure!

Hi dolls! I officially fail as a blogger. I'm moving (yes, again) but more permanently this time and my boyfriend and I are getting ready to go on our first out of state vacay together (!!!!!) so I've been a frazzled mess. I hope to get back to regularly scheduled blogging just as soon as we've settled into our new place and our vacation finishes but for now check out some GORGEOUS nail art from the lovely Emily at The Lacquerologist. A fellow nail tech & inspiration of mine (which you know if you read my post on her blog here), Emily never disappoints with her eye for color combos and fantastic art! Enjoy!

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Hello readers! This is Emily from The Lacquerologist, and I am so excited to guest post for Kim today! I think Kim is one of the sweetest girls I have met in the blogging community, and I love that she has followed her passion to become a nail tech! =) I decided to do a skittle manicure featuring dots and ikat for my guest post...I hope you enjoy it!

I used Wet N Wild Wild Shine Teal Slowly And See from the Pop Art Craze Collection. My accent nails were done in Wet N Wild Wild Shine French White and Wet N Wild Wild Shine Black Creme, as well as It's So Easy StripeRite in black and white. I sealed everything in with Glisten & Glow HK Girl, and I was just so impressed that my dots didn't smear (and I only let them dry for about three minutes)! This manicure is simple and easy, but I think it's really fun!

Thank you so much to Kim for having me here today on College Polished! It's an honor! If you like what you see, make sure to check out my blog [here] and my Facebook page [here]! You can also follow me on twitter and Instagram @lacquerologist!

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GORGEOUS!!! I've never tried the ikat design but now it's at the top of my to-do list! Thank you again Emily!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

MAYkover Ulta Gift Card Giveaway!

Hi dolls! Hope your week is shaping up well! This morning I've got a great giveaway for you lovelies to get (more) beautiful for the summer!

Tish from Cosmetish was asking bloggers if they wanted to join, and of course I couldn't say no! Here's an easy entry Rafflecopter giveaway for a $95 Ulta Giftcard!

Enter the widget below and may the odds be ever in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 6, 2013

Beauty Blogger Q & A! Get to know College Polished

Hi dolls! Happy Monday! Hope everyone's week is starting well! In order to keep my blogging momentum going (lol) I have something fun for you today! I was tagged by the lovely Heidi over at My Vanity Basics to do a Beauty Blogger Q&A to get to know some of your favorite bloggers better! Let jump right in!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight? My hair is naturally RIDICULOUSLY curly but because I've gotten so many relaxers/straightening treatments it won't hold a curl. I'm hoping the big cut I just did will help! But at the moment, it's straight.

2. What is your natural hair color? Dark brown.

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon? It all depends really. When I still lived with my parents, my mom and I would go to the salon together, but when I moved to college I started doing it myself to save $$. My sister in law does hair so she'll do it for me sometimes and I also work in a hair/nail salon so I'll get it done there!

4. How often do you wash your hair? Every 3 days. I was blessed with pretty great hair, but if I wash it every day or even two, it gets extremely dry and starts breaking badly. But if its been extra hot or I used a lot of product I will do 2.

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it? I just recently chopped all my hair off so lately it's been pretty new lol. I've been wearing it straight mostly but only because I'm still playing with curling short hair. I've never had short hair!

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon? Certified nail tech right here y'all!! NOBODY touches my finger nails except me I just can't allow it and typically ill do my own pedicures just because its faster. But every now and then I like to go to a salon for the relaxation part of it.

7. How often to you change your nail polish? Multiple times a week but it can be a ton if I'm having a swatch fest!

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?
Basically living on the beach in Florida means that my toes and feet have to be pampered year round. I don't think there's a day that goes by where my toes aren't painted.

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup? My regular everyday routine takes about 15-20 but if I'm going out for date night or to an event it can be 30+ minutes!

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes? Always my face.

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it? My name is Kim and I am a complete makeup and polish hoarder and I have no shame LMAO! Ever since I started wearing makeup I've had a ton of it lol

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes? I never have and probably only would if it was a super special set or something. I don't know, the feeling of something on my eye gives me the willies lol

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day? My everyday makeup consists of foundation/bb cream, bronzed, eyeliner, mascara and lip balm. I don't wear shadow or lipstick EVERY day but I usually do.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)? Nope

15. Will you leave the house without makeup? It depends on how I feel about my skin that day. If I haven't slept enough or I'm just looking puffy then no. But if I just have to run to the gas station quickly I just throw on a pair of sunnies and call it a day!

16. How many high end products do you have? I don't know the exact number but I've got quite a few high end brands mixed in with my stash but I don't show favoritism! Drugstore brands need love too!

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes? Man I'm terrible about this. I'd end up buying new ones lmao! But I actually did just wash them about a week ago and now that I'm saving for a house (!!) I'll be doing it more often.

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed? HA. I change at least 3-4 times before leaving the house no matter what day/time/place. I'm so indecisive.

19. How often do you change your handbags? I have one everyday bag, a gorgeous nude Steve Madden. But I've got a ton of other purses and clutches for going out and what not! I'll usually switch purses after like 2 months though I get bored.

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep? My boyfriend has to be up early for work everyday - 6 am. And my evil loving cats don't let me go back to sleep. Then we're usually up anywhere from 9-11 just depends.

21. How often & when do you workout? Everyday! I'm currently doing a squat challenge with two of my blog loves! I lost 45lbs since last October and I'm not goin back!!

22. Left-handed or Right-handed? Right.

23. How tall are you? 5'7''

24. Do you speak a foreign language? None fluently, a little French.

25. How many pets do you have? I have 2 cats, Noodle and Rosie. Then a dog at my moms house.

26. How often are you on Blogger? Every day!

27. Do you read the comments posted blogs? Absolutely! Reading the comments is one of the best parts about blogging!

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts? Yes! I keep a list on my phone that's starting to get waaaaaay too long.

29. How did you come up with your blog name? When I started my blog I was still in college with a huge love affair with polish. I wanted to blog about how you can afford to stay beautiful and polished even on budget. Now that I'm out of college, I've considered renaming but I decided agains it because I really love it :)

30. What kind of camera do you use? My iPhone 4S lmao but I just bought a macro lens I've been hearing rave reviews about so stay time for macro pics!

31. How often do you clean your house? It stays clean. I pick up as I go. I do a nice deep cleaning once a week on Sundays.

32. What is your favorite color? Pink and mint!

33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine? Tooooooo many. Cosmo, Allure, Vogue, People StyleWatch, Elle, Glamour. The list goes on.

34. Do you swear? Too much, never professionally though.

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day? It's my other sister in laws birthday so I'm going to surprise her at work with lunch and get a few shirts while I'm there then come home and make dinner for my honey and get ready for the work week tomorrow!

Hope you all enjoyed reading this and maybe know me a little bit better now! I really love doing tags like this it reminds me of those old Myspace surveys LOL!

I tag 365 Days of Color,Peace Love Lacquer, and Dipped in Lacquer!

That's all for today loves! Stick around for a review of Pomegranate lacquer + Cellaris giveaway, a multi blogger giveaway and a guest post tutorial from me coming your way soon!

Sunday, May 5, 2013

365 Days of Color Maybe Baby Swatch + Review

*Press Sample*

Hi dolls! Long time no talk, I officially fail as a blogger (again). Life has just been a barreling train of awesome and I appreciate all those who've bared with me through all my absences. Also, to all those I owe a review never fret I'm working diligently through my pile and hope to have those up soon!

Today I've got what might literally be the prettiest and most aesthetically pleasing polish I own! Sunny from 365 Days of Color is at it again with her 12 Months of Color shade for May -- Maybe Baby. I've got a gel builder on my nails due to work and them all breaking, so I apologize in advance if my nails look odd!

Maybe Baby is a gorgeous glitter topper filled with holographic silver and gold glitters in varying sizes and shapes, amazing pink, teal and blue holo DOT glitter (!!) and silver holo hearts. Shut the front door. I don't know if you're jaw has dropped yet but get ready.

I used two coats of Maybe Baby over one coat of Color Club Status Update and just about fell over. I didn't have too much trouble getting the dots out, but the hearts were a different story. I did grab one for a naked nail shot!

However, I was sent a mini bottle for review and Sunny admits they are much easier to retrieve in the full size bottles! Overall, no trouble with placement or thickness. Another winner from Sunny in my book!

Shade shot! DAT GLITTER!

Due to a rigorous school schedule right now, Sunny is open the first and third weekend of the month, Friday-Sunday so grab one tonight!! She also has an amazing Mother's Day special where you can get two full-sized polishes and a 1oz hand product for only $17!

Be sure to check out 365 Days of Color store here and the 365 Days of Color Facebook for all the latest updates!

Maybe Baby is available in mini for $4.50 or full size for $8.00! Be sure to check out her sugar scrubs and balms while you're there!

*product sent for review. All opinions are 100% my own. I was not compensated for this review.*

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Pedi-Sox Gets Rid of Cold Feet! (Review)

*Press Sample*

Pedi-Sox? What's that? Guys. I'm in love. Pedi-Sox are these super cute toe-less socks that you can wear while giving yourself a pedicure while keeping your feet warm and clean! When I received these for review the weather was juuuust changing (typical Florida, late) so it was the perfect opportunity to check them out!

Here are some quick facts I pulled from the Pedi-Sox website:

What Are Pedi-Sox?

Pedi-Sox® are unique one-of-a-kind toeless pedicure sock.

Designed to provide solutions to pedicure dilemmas, Pedi-Sox® luxuriate & prolong the pleasure of the pedicure experience - year-round.

What Are The Benefits?

• Feet Stay Comfy & Cozy... those tile floors can be so cold in the winter.

• Sox Aid Moisturizer Absorption ...for softer smoother feet.

• Feet Stay Clean ...freshly pedicured feet are magnets to dust & small hair clippings.

• Toenails Dry Flawless ...just what every girl wants.

• Repair Heels...Pedi-Sox® are essential to repair dry cracked skin.

• Lock-In Benefits....of healing serums, creams and treatments.

• Callus Elimination...Pedi-Sox® help soften & fade calluses.

• Now you can do Pedicures Year Round.....even in the coldest winter months.

• Simply..... skin will look and feel healthier.

• Fun & Fashionable ...all this & more!

I received three pairs to review, the Original Pedi-Sox in Pink Stripes, the Lite Pedi-Sox in Black & White Polka Dots, and the Ultra Pedi-Sox in Baby Leopard (!!!). All you have to do is slip a pair of these on after you apply lotion or callus remover and BEFORE you paint your toes (obv) and you'll be rewarded with soft feet.

These are absolutely wonderful! They fit perfectly and weren't too tight or too loose and my feet have never felt more moisturized. The Original Pedi-Sox were a little thick and warm for Florida but are perfect for cool, late night pedis or maybe if you're just running out to the store quickly. It was really a pampering feeling and would be perfect for those ladies who are up North where the weather is still a bit nippy. Boots by day, throw a pair of these in your bag and some flip flops for a pedi after work and you're set!

The Pedi-Sox brand also carries moisturizing treatments as well as luxury softening scrubs!

**WARNING: FEET PICTURE!!!!** But I really do love my pedi... The joys of being a nail tech and being able to play at work ;)

Overall, I think Pedi-Sox are perfect for those who like to keep their heels soft and feet warm after a nice, relaxing pedi and perfect for the college or working girl on the go! They're convenient and ultimately pretty affordable. Also, I washed mine with no problems with shrinkage or anything :)

The Original Pedi-Sox retails for $9.00, the Lite Pedi-Sox for $7.00 and the Ultra Pedi-Sox in Baby Leopard for $11.00. They've got a bunch of really cute designs so be sure to check them out HERE. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter

*Products in this post received for review. All opinions are 100% my own*

Monday, March 25, 2013

Beauty Box 5 Review

*Products received for consideration*

Hi dolls! Today I've got something a little different and new to College Polished -- a beauty subscription review! A little while back I recieved a box to review from Beauty Box 5 that I'm going to share with you today.

BB5 is a monthly subscription serivce that delivers a sample box of all things beauty. For a small monthly fee of $12, you'll receive 4-5 samples of makeup, skin care, fragrance and everything in between! Best of all, these samples are delivered right to your door with beauty tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your samples." This is my one of two beauty subscriptions I've tried and this was pretty great!, so let's get started!

First up, we've got Pūr~lisse pūr~delicate, a gently soy dleanser and makeup Remover. This was a lot more moisturizing then any other makeup remover or cleanser I've used, but at the same time very light and clean. I'm always wary about using new products around my eyes, but this was gentle enough that it didn't irritate me! To use, simply dampen skin to remove impurities and makeup then rinse with warm water. I might splurge on this once or twice.

Full size price: $36.00 for 5.6 oz

Sample Price: 1.7 oz for ~ $11.00

Next up we've got Bodyography Foundation Primer. I've always been pretty basic when it comes to my makeup routine despite my growing stash of makeup. Mascara, eyeliner, lip balm and go. Lately though, I've been branching out and using more foundations and eye products so I was happy to see this in the box! Living in Florida I need something to help my makeup stay all day and this is it. It smells like a light aloe vera and didn't leave an oily residue on my face. A little bit goes a loooooong way and I love that about products! Most likely would repurchase!

Full size price: $30.00 for 1.0 oz

Sample Price: .53 oz ~ $13.00

Now that our face is taken care of, it's time to move on to the eyes! Blinc Mascara in black is a new to me type of mascara. They're claim to fame is to stop painting your lashes and tube them. The water-resistant, smudge and clump proof formula provides decent coverage and volume. Instead of using makeup remover to remove it, you pull at your lashes with your nails and warm water. I can't. I just have a thing with pulling my eyelashes that gives me the willies. It's an interesting concept though because you can see the little tubes when you pull them out. Due to the removal, I do not see myself repurchasing this item.

Full Size Price: $26.00 for 0.21 oz

Sample Price: 0.02 oz for ~ $5

Rounding out the eye products is a pair of Lash Cards, a small curved piece of cardboard that slides behind the lashes to prevent smudging and clumping while applying. I orgiainally though these would be amazing for me because I ALWAYS get mascara on my eyelids and have to clean up with a Q-tip and help with touch-ups during the day. Wrong. These were so difficult to use and its awkward to hold it while holding your mascara wand and then you have to put the bottle down. Too much work, ain't nobody got time for dat. I can see these working for others, maybe it's just me and I'm too clumsy I don't know. Would not repurchase.

Full Size Price: $6.99 for a pack of 10

Sample Price: 1 pack for ~ $0.69

Last but certainly not least, we've got a great product for lips -- City Lips Collagen Enhanching Lip Treatment. "Advanced formula uses the most powereful combination of collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid. Together [they] are proven to be the most effective for instant and long lasting results." This chick here already has big lips, but I'll never say no to a little boost! City Lips has a really great formula that isn't too sticky with a slightly sweet smell that really does provide noticeable results. The brush applicator makes for easy application and no mess even with it being very sticky.

Full Size Price: $35.00 for 5 mL

Sample Price: 1.5 mL for ~$16.00

The total of the items sent was $45.69 compared to the $12 a month price so all in all a great selection of products well over the price of the box! You can sign up for your monthly box here and you must sign up for the 14th of the month to get the current month's box and can cancel at any time. Currently shipping to US and Canada only, sorry international ladies!

What do you think? Will you be signing up for next months box? Let me know!

*All products sent for my review and consideration. All opinions are 100% my own.*

Thursday, March 21, 2013

College Polished Gets a Makeover!

Hi dolls! I know, I know. I officially fail as a blogger. Unfortunately life has been insanely hectic and blogging fell to the wayside once again. Now that I've found a steady job (YAY!!! BREAK OUT THE WINE) at a cute little salon I've got a solid schedule where I can fit in some blogging!

In other AMAZING news, as you might be able to tell College Polished got a little bit of a makeover. Part of my reasoning for slumping along in blogging is because I just felt the blog was so... meh. But now?!?! To die for! One of my besties, the lovely and talented Kelly from Peace Love Lacquer was kind enough to make me the gorgeous banner you see above and on Facebook, as well as the ADORABLE little social media icons to the right! She also made me a button that you lovely readers can grab and post on your blogs! I seriously couldn't be happier and am so thankful to have such an amazing friend :D

Be sure to stick check out the social media buttons and follow College Polished on Instagram, Pinterest and Bloglovin'! Also stay tuned tomorrow for two very different reviews -- a beauty subscription box and a skin care review!

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