Mess No More! Liquid Nail Tape Review

Hey guys!  

Do you remember playing with Elmer’s glue as a kid, and spreading it on your hand so that when it dried you could pull it off and play with it?  Am I the only one?  Well, for today’s post I’m going to review a product that is sort of like the “grown up” version of that.   

Lately I’ve noticed “liquid tape for your nails” trending on Instagram.  Liquid tape is basically a fast-drying liquid latex in a bottle.  It’s designed to separate your nails from the cuticle skin around them, similar to the method of using scotch tape as a barrier -- only “chicer”.  

Though there are several companies that make products like this, the one I decided to try is called “Mess No More!” by a company called Mini Mani Moo.  I found it on a recent visit to Naimie’s Beauty Center, and it only costs $14.  Unfortunately, this product is not listed on their website, but Ulta Beauty carries the same exact one and you can buy it online (for $0.50 less!); you can also find it at Mini Mani Moo’s website.  I’ve also seen something similar at Sephora, called “Liquid Palisade” by a company called Kiesque, which comes with a brush applicator.  

The pink liquid tape comes in a 0.35 oz tube and is topped with a gold lid, adorned with evenly distributed clear rhinestones.  The scent reminds me of a cross between straight-up latex and nail polish remover; it is definitely not the best smelling product I’ve ever used, but it dissipates quickly and it’s not the end of the world.  The packaging resembles lip gloss or liquid lipstick, due to the doe foot applicator (the spongy-tipped wand) - which isn’t the easiest way of applying it.  

There are two main ways for applying this product:

1. Apply two coats of the product to the skin around your nails (apply the second coat while the first layer is still wet).  The liquid tape will have a light shade of pink while wet, and will turn a darker lavender color when it dries.  Once both layers have dried, you can paint your nails normally, or create fun nail art using sponges, water marbling or stamping.  To remove the dried product, use tweezers (or your unpolished nails of the opposite hand), grab one end and gently pull it away.  I suggest removing the tape before your polish has completely dried, because it will make a nice edge once peeled away.

2. Use the product as a base coat and spread it all over your nail evenly (using only one coat) and then apply your choice of nail polish- you can even use your intense glitter ones!  Use this method for when you know you’ll be changing up your nail polish soon.

Here’s what my results looked like using the first method:

All in all, the liquid tape is meant to reduce the usage of nail polish remover and harsh acetones when it’s time to clean around the edges, and I think it manages to do so.  It’s pretty easy to apply, just make sure you don’t get any on the nail if you’re not using it as a base coat, because otherwise it will leave you with “bald” spots.  I also noticed that if you dip the applicator inside the tube repeatedly, the next time you want to use it you might find a buildup of dry product on the inner lip of the cap.  It’s not a big deal to remove it, just carefully use your fingers or tweezers.  Other than that, if the scent doesn’t bother you too much (I was able to get over pretty quickly) then perhaps you should give this a try.  If you have tried this or any similar products please let me know what your thoughts are in the comment section below.  

XOXO,

Grace

The Vertical Way / T-Shirt Drawer Organization Technique

Hi everyone!

Have you ever opened that drawer in your dresser, looking to put on the perfect t-shirt for the day, but found that you can’t see anything other than those six or seven shirts which you just wore last week and always seem to find their way back to the top of the drawer?   So you just pull something randomly from the bottom of the pile, hoping it’s the one you want to wear today, but you end up pulling the wrong one, something you’re not in the mood for.  Where do you put that ‘wrong’ t-shirt – do you just add it to the top layer, or shove it back underneath the stack of shirts to the bottom of the drawer?  If you can relate to these questions, then this post is for you!  (And if you’re a neat and organized person looking for new ways to organize a dresser drawer—then this post is for you as well!)

Good news guys, I have the best technique that will allow you to store all of your t-shirts neatly in your drawers, and it’s easy, fast and fun!  Just follow these quick steps, and you’ll have the most organized and efficient dresser around.

Step #1: Empty the contents of your drawer.  The best way to get started is to wipe the slate clean.  Take out all of your t-shirts and lay them out on a clean surface (table, bed, etc…)

Step #2: Fold your shirts like me.  This is probably the most annoying step, but using this unique folding method is the key to organization, so you might as well take the time now to fold them this way.  Make sure every single t-shirt is folded in the following manner (don’t worry if the shirts are creased):

1. Lay the t-shirt flat on the surface, with the collar-side down.
2. Fold the right sleeve and side of the shirt inwards, creasing at the collar’s edge.
3. Fold the sleeve again, this time outwards, so that it layers over the previous fold.  Make sure the sleeve’s end does not stick out past the side of the shirt.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the left sleeve, creating a long, rectangular-shaped shirt.  Note that the folded sleeves do not need to match up completely on the sides; just as long as the shirt looks crisp, you should be fine.
5. Lift the bottom end of the shirt and fold it so that it touches the top, creating a square, condensed and neatly-folded t-shirt; flipping the shirt over will look like part 5 in the picture below.
6. Fold the shirt in half once more.  You’re left with the finished product-- a compact and crisply-folded t-shirt, featuring the shirt’s collar on one side (6a), and the front-center of the shirt displayed on the other (6b).

** Note that perhaps folding all of the T-shirts after they come out of the laundry (and you have to fold them anyway) would be the best solution if you think you might get lazy to fold every single one.

Step #3: Put the shirts back in the drawer.  Once all of the t-shirts have been folded, begin placing them back in the drawer vertically, as if alphabetizing manilla envelopes in a filing cabinet.  Insert the shirts parallel to the sides of the drawer, so that the folded side is facing upwards and the collar side is downwards.  In order to prevent shirts from falling over and getting crumpled (especially in the earlier stages, while the drawer is still mostly empty), neatly hold shirts in place as you add more to the drawer.

Pro tip: feel free to satisfy your OCD needs by color-coordinating the shirts in the drawer.  This obviously depends on the colors of your clothing, but just work with what you’ve got, even if you only have white, gray and black shirts.  I guarantee that a pleasant and well-planned arrangement will really yield the best results.

I must say, this organization technique really comes in handy!  A quick reorganization enabled me to maximize the space of a drawer.  (My husband’s drawer fits 31 shirts with plenty of room to spare, while my drawer easily holds over 40.)  Although results will vary depending on the size of your drawers, this method lets you see EVERY SINGLE SHIRT you own, and makes them all EASILY accessible.  If you have a difficult time with organization, then I’m sure that giving this a try will drastically improve your closet.  Not only does this technique allow you to neatly fold your shirts and prevent creasing, but seeing all of your shirts simultaneously will drastically speed up your process of getting ready and putting your outfit together- and also help you realize which ones you don’t wear anymore and should be added to your donation bag.

That’s it, guys.  I hope you found this post helpful and that you’ll give it a try.  By the way, if you know someone whose dresser might look like a tornado had gone through it, take initiative and show them this method, offer to help them organize it using this technique, or if you really love them- do it for them yourself ☺.  Feel free to post before and after pictures in the comment section so I can see the results you were able to achieve.  I’d love to see them!  

XOXO,

Grace

DIY Bear Cub-cakes

Hi all!

This past weekend, my father celebrated his birthday.  His name is Dov, which is Hebrew for “bear”, so I decided to make adorable bear cupcakes in his honor.  I thought it would be really fun to post a step-by-step guide showing you how I made them, so without further ado, here’s the recipe!

Ingredients:

2 12-cupcake pans

24 cupcake liners

1 cake mix box of your choice

1 tub of chocolate frosting

1 box Teeny Bits cookies or mini Oreos (any bite-sized chocolate cookie will do)

1 container of chocolate sprinkles

1 container of chocolate nonpareils

1 small tube of black icing

1 bag of chocolate chips

1 bag of white chocolate chips

1 offset spatula

1 cake pan or plate

Step-by-step:

• Pre-heat your oven according to the cake mix package’s directions
• Prepare cake mix according to package’s directions and line pans with cupcake liners
• Pour batter halfway into each cupcake slot
• Bake according to package’s directions or until golden brown and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.  Let cool completely.

• Evenly frost the tops of each cupcake with a tablespoon amount of chocolate frosting, using an offset spatula

• Fill a Ziploc bag with frosting and cut a small hole at the tip.  (Pro tip: you might find it easier to place the Ziploc bag in a cup, fold the sides over the rim, and fill the bag with frosting that way)

     

• Place 1 chocolate nonpareil flat chocolate-side up (sprinkles-side down) on the lower 1/3 portion of the cupcake and cover that with frosting as well - giving you the elevated snout part of the face

• Place 2 white chocolate chips - flat-side up - above the frosted nonpareil, creating the bear’s eyes

• Take 1 regular chocolate chip, flatten it out by cutting the tip off and place it on the upper ½ side of the frosted nonpareil as the bear’s nose

• Take one mini chocolate cookie of your choice (if you are using mini Oreos, split them and scrape the crème off) and cut it in half
• Take both halves of the mini chocolate cookie and dab a small amount of frosting on their bottoms, and then place both halves on either sides of the cupcake above the white chocolate chips, creating the bear’s ears.  (If the cupcake was a clock or a steering wheel, you would stick the ears at the 10 and 2 positions)

• Place the cupcake in a cake pan and cover the cupcake with lots of chocolate sprinkles (Pro tip: using the pan or plate to catch the sprinkles that fall out will let you reuse the sprinkles for other cupcakes, and also help make clean-up easier.)

• Using the small tube of chocolate icing, dab a small dot on each white chocolate chip (making an iris on each one)
• Using the same chocolate icing, create the bear’s mouth by making a rounded “w” on the bear’s snout, with the middle of the “w” touching the bottom of his nose

And that’s it!  You’re all done!  You might find the process a bit tedious, but once you get through the first two or three cupcakes, you’ll get the hang of it and the rest will be a piece of (cup)cake.  By the way, you can easily take this concept and, with a little touch of creativity, transform the bears into any other animal - add whiskers and small teeth to make mice, or use vanilla frosting and bits of chocolate to make Dalmatians!  Depending on what you choose to do for the ears or fur, you can really make cupcakes look like anything!  I thought mine turned out really well and were so cute, and they were a big hit at my father’s birthday dinner!  What do you think?  Please let me know how yours turn out, or if you have any other cool ideas of what kind of animal cupcakes you can make.

XOXO,

Grace

Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette Review

Hey everyone!  This week, I wanted to share my thoughts with you on a really fun palette called “Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons”.  This is the first palette I’ve purchased from the Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Collection.  The palette comes in an adorable heart-inspired package, and just like the rest of the company’s chocolate-themed and scented products, the palette smells like yummy delicious chocolate!

   

The palette comes in a retro-inspired pink tin box, embossed with hearts and sealed with a magnetic clasp.  Inside, the palette contains a rectangular mirror on the lid, and 16 eye shadow pans, 14 of which are heart-shaped and weigh roughly 0.03 ounces.  The other two shadow pans are rectangular and weigh about 0.07 ounces.  All of the shadows are very finely milled, and feel like butter.  They glide on nicely, with little-to-no fallout, depending on whether you’ve tapped the excess shadow off of your brush.  The shadows also blend really nicely.

The range of finishes inside this palette is also impressive, as there are matte, metallic and full-on shimmery shadows inside.  A majority of the shades (9 of 16) are cool and warm-toned neutrals, while the rest vary between deeper shades and cool-toned bright colors.  The palette also comes with a How-To Glamour Guide, complete with three suggested looks for inspiration.  This is a great start, but don’t limit yourself!  Make sure you experiment with the shadows, and find a fun and original look that’s all you!  If you find yourself thinking of new looks to create with these shades, you can always do what Jeffree Star does and create a look by going down the columns or along the rows, covering the rest of the palette with your hands.

Here’s how the shadows swatched on my fair skin:

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, I’m really pleased with my purchase and love using this palette.  I feel like it can definitely become a top-shelf makeup item in my vanity, as it allows me to create beautiful everyday eye looks, stunningly dramatic evening ones and everything in between.  The cute packaging also makes it a perfect wish-list item for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday or an anniversary gift-- or don’t wait for anyone and just buy it for yourself!  

Let me know what your thoughts are on this palette (if you already own it or not), or your opinion on any of the other chocolate palettes by Too Faced.  

XOXO,

Grace

Peel-Off Clay Masks Trio Review

Happy New Year, everyone!  I thought it’d be fun to do a review of three different peel-off masks that I’ve been testing out, because a new year= new skin, right?!  I personally love peel off masks.  They are so much fun, and give a very satisfying feeling.  

**Masks should be applied on clean and dried skin, and you may want to consult your doctor if you fear you might be allergic to any of the ingredients, or if you have very sensitive skin.  Lastly, you should probably avoid applying peel-off masks on your hairline and eyebrows (for an obvious and painful reason). 

Our competitors:

1. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask, $34 (2.8 Fl. Oz.)= Full of natural minerals and vitamins, this mask is great for an all-over use, but especially for the T-Zone!

·      Consistency= A thick, opaque and slightly stiff, raven-black mask that feels like you just smeared tar all over your face.

·      Scent= This might sound really weird, but this product smells a bit like seaweed and pickled ginger—basically like a sushi meal.  It is by no means a disgusting scent, just something unusual.  But hey, I could be wrong and it might smell like something totally different to you!

·      Star ingredient= Calcium Montmorillonite clay, which will act like a magnet and draw out the disgusting gunk that clings to those annoying pores.

·      Claim= To detoxify, brighten and deeply cleanse your skin.

·      Drying time= 25-30 minutes (depending on how thick you apply it)

 2. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask, $30 (3 Fl. Oz.)= Warning: looking at yourself in the mirror with the mask on will make you feel like Samantha from Sex and the City after she had a chemical peel! 

·      Consistency= The consistency of the mask, compared to the other two, is a lot thinner.  When the orangey red product comes out of the tube it looks like it has gold shimmer running through it, but this doesn’t show once it is applied.  Furthermore, for best peeling results, it is best to apply an opaque layer (more than one coat); otherwise, one coat will be too sheer and it will be difficult to peel it off.  But don’t slab it on excessively either, because then it won’t dry thoroughly.

·      Scent= This mask smells a bit like rosemary and vinegar mixed together. It is not intolerable or overpowering, just don’t expect a luxurious spa scent!

·      Star ingredient= Red clay, which reduces skin pigmentation by brightening problematic and discolored spots

·      Claim= to tighten pores, and overall detoxify and brighten the skin, leaving it feeling cool, refreshed and smooth.

·      Drying time= 20-25 minutes

      3. Freeman Tea & Lemon Clay Mask, $4.29 (6 Fl. Oz.)= A great drugstore option (talk about more bang for your buck) that will not break your bank account! 

·      Consistency= This mask looks like creamed honey.  It is light in color, opaque, and a bit runny. 

·      Scent= The product has a subtle and soothing spa-scent with a touch of fresh citrus mixed in. 

·      Star ingredient= Bentonite clay which (similar to the Boscia mask) is comprised mostly of montmorillonite clay which will clean out the pores and absorb excessive oil

·      Claim= To cleanse and detoxify the skin, as well as tone, sooth and refine it.   

·      Drying time= Approximately 30 minutes

Overall, I love the Boscia mask over the other two, because I’ve seen the best results on my skin.  When you peel this black beauty off, you will immediately see its effects, as it will noticeably remove gunk from your face, similar to the Bioré strips we all know and love.  Some of you might find this mask a little painful, because when you peel it off it tends to grab and pluck tiny baby hairs in sensitive areas, but I honestly did not find it unbearable or excruciating.  It tightens, brightens and does a sensational job of clearing out your skin, and I highly recommend it! 

If you don’t want to commit to a purchase, you can probably get a sample of the Boscia and First Aid Beauty masks from Sephora.  As for the Freeman’s mask, which is something that’s normally available at a drugstore (I got mine from Ulta), I’m not sure how you can get a sample, unless a sample size is available.  Anyways, if you decide to try these out, let me know your thoughts on the products mentioned or on any other peel-off masks you may have tried.

Hope you enjoyed this post, and that your 2016 has been off to a terrific start!

XOXO,

Grace