Wednesday, December 31, 2014

China Glaze "December to Remember" - Twinkle Holiday 2014

So far today I've shown you elegantly glamorous New Year soirée nails, raucously fabulous midnight celebration nails, and now, contemplative, reminiscing nails for you girls (and guys!) out there who are in front of the fire, sipping hot cocoa, singing Auld Lang Syne, conversing with loved ones, and reflecting upon beautiful memories of this year soon concluding.  Cheers!!


China Glaze "December to Remember"

Orly "Explosion of Fun" - Sparkle Holiday 2014

New Year's Eve sneak up on you?  Yeah, me too.  Like seriously, I thought yesterday was still the 29th, even though I was well aware that the day before that was in fact the 29th, so I've been all kinds of confused today.  If you're needing some last minute festivity for tonight, allow me to suggest the Orly Sparkle collection for Holiday 2014, in particular "Mirrorball" (as we'll see tomorrow) or, my personal favorite, "Explosion of Fun"!  Feeling midnight party-ready yet??



Icing : Cashmere "NYE" *starring Auntie Deborah*

Happy New Year's Eve, all you Twinkling goddesses out there!  Since I started this blog, I've been collecting pictures of manicures I have done for friends, as swatches and NOTD fun, but more importantly, as proof and validation that beauty reigns in all hands (and humans in general) regardless of nail shape, age, industry, etc.  My Auntie Deborah, once a makeup artist, now my fairy godmother, kindly posed for these swatches way back in September, but with a name like "NYE" I thought it only fitting that this polish, and my first guest feature, should debut on the last day of the year!!  Here's to a sparkling night of champagne kisses, and a most wonderful 2014!  Let this post and this night be a celebration of the profound beauty in heart, body, and soul that shines in all of us.



Monday, December 29, 2014

Christmas Eve NOTD: Girly Bits "Eggnogaholic" + Orly "Halo"

You know, I'm not usually all that into eggnog, but I was having a lovely tea time with my dear friend Grace yesterday, and kind of rediscovered the eggnog magic.  Every time I have gone to make tea during the last week I would look in the fridge at the eggnog, and ask whoever happened to be nearby if they thought a dash of it would be good in tea, and everyone unanimously was like ew no gross Marisa, what the blazes are you thinking, but then yesterday I finally just went for it because whatever YOLO and, you know what?  It was absolutely amazing.  I made everyone in the house try it, and they all agreed that it was delicious.  A big ol' mugfull of hot water steeped in Celestial Seasonings Nutcracker Sweet black tea, plus equal parts eggnog and skim milk, plus a bit of agave nectar for extra sugar with that spice... heaven.

Unfortunately, today when I went to recreate my scrumptious treat, I was quietly devastated to discover that we were out of both Nutcracker Sweet and eggnog.  :(  Bigelow Eggnoggin' black & green tea blend was just not the same.

Thankfully I have a beautiful eggnog confection that my giant, college-football-playing brother cannot devour, like he does any and all other edible things: the aptly-named glitter crelly by Girly Bits, which served as the base for my Christmas Eve manicure.  Inspired by snow angels, shining stars, and all things beautiful and bright, I was and am so in love with these heavenly lacquers together in seraphic harmony.



Sephora Formula X "Alchemy" & China Glaze "Golden Seal"

Happy Fifth Day of Christmas, loves!  I didn't even realize that we are already halfway through the Twelve Days of Christmas until an hour and a half ago, and even though I have a terrifying mountain of holiday swatches sitting on my desktop dying to be posted, I just had to make last minute room for these ones in honor of them *five ... golden ... rings*!!!!!


China Glaze "Golden Seal" + Sephora Formula X "Alchemy"

Sephora Formula X "Alchemy"

China Glaze "Golden Seal" + Sephora Formula X "Alchemy"

Candy Lacquer "Polar Unicorns" + "Santa's Beach House" ... Christmas In July

 Hello, darlings!  The glitter pretties I have to show you today were actually released this past summer as part of the Christmas in July collection, along with déjà-vu "Rudolph's Rum Punch", and while I almost love Christmas enough to want to celebrate it year round, I'm most in the mood for it around, well, Christmas!  I just really like immersing myself in the season and moment at present, and so I have actually saved these since August to enjoy during the most festive and wonderful time of the year!


"Polar Unicorns"

"Santa's Beach House"

* ♥ * ❄ * ♥ *

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Rainbow Honey "Frozen Flame" [ "Gingered!" + "Mint Flavor" ]

Before Christmas, Rainbow Honey hosted a winter/holiday mani contest (just a fun, random selection type contest using Rainbow Honey polishes), so this was my entry, and nail look for the Winter Solstice!  For this mani I was inspired by Anna's act of true love in Frozen (!!), which as we know has been a recurring theme here on Tiny Twinklings {Frozen swatch-athon conclusion here in case you missed it}.  I thought "Frozen Flame" in itself was a most perfect representation of the moment when Anna's cursed, frozen heart is thawed, and her copper-haired self glows to life again like an irrepressible flame.




love thaws a frozen heart

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Serum No. 5 "Holly Dazed" + Candy Lacquer "Rudolph's Rum Punch" Holiday NOTD

Happy Third Day of Christmas, Twinklings!!  Anyone got their three French hens yet?  Just kidding, I'm totally afraid of chickens.  As cute as French hens do sound in theory, I really can't get over their dinosaur claws and rubber wobble gobbles.  Though I do have to say, when I was forced to pet a barred Plymouth Rock hen a few weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that their feathers are amazingly, incredibly soft.  I was almost okay with those hens.  What I am not okay with are the demon chickens that live next door to my boyfriend's house, who will chase each other down like the hounds of freaking hell if one finds a kibble or worm or something.

And now that I have ruined the Twelve Days of Christmas, I thought I'd show you one of my favorite holiday manis from before I went back to Illinois/dropped off the face of the interwebs.  You know, to cheer you back up :)


Serum No. 5 "Holly Dazed" + Candy Lacquer "Rudolph's Rum Punch"
 
* ♥ * ❄ * ♥ *

Different Dimension "Ready, Set, Snow"

Well hi, snow angels!!  I wasn't actually sure if we would have a white Christmas here in western Montana, and was feeling a little blue about it... but then, low and behold, come Christmas Eve a light, sparkling snow began to fall, and by Christmas morning everything was blanketed in winter white.

We usually do have snow, and the mountains are always snow-capped in winter, but down in the valley we are a bit more susceptible to warm spells traveling inland from the Pacific.  It comes and goes, so snow is always a precious presence for me.  We had been bereft for several weeks, but then last Thursday afternoon, a few hours after my dear grandma passed, a few magic flurries breezed through.  While the forecast had already predicted some snow for the day, I liked to think that Grandma Marilyn was fluttering her new wings, and shaking down some snowflakes for me.  In memory and celebration, I painted on this shimming snow polish, and watched the snowy sky dance.




Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Fair Maiden "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Happy Christmas Eve, Twinklings!!  This is easily my favorite day of the year; Christmas is fun in a mellow, stupified kind of way, but Christmas Eve is the day full of glowing possibility, and tonight, glittering wonderment.  I hope you have your jewels ready!  You may not have the Heart of the Ocean on hand in your treasure chest, but fortunately the fabulous ladies of Fair Maiden have created a gem-like holiday lacquer that I think you will agree is a quite acceptable substitute ;)

And, if you look closely, you might even see the visions of sugar plums dancing in this sapphire treasure.




Monday, December 22, 2014

Candy Lacquer "Rudolph's Rum Punch"

Happy Monday, Twinklings!  Three days to Christmas... is everyone ready??  I am patently not; the season has really blazed by for me, and seeing as how I'm currently in Illinois for my grandma's funeral, we can anticipate that Christmas is going to be something of an improvised affair, but while I love traditions I'm surprisingly okay with that.  After all, these blank slate occasions are when new traditions are made.

* ♥ * ❄ * ♥ *

Now that Rudolph is the most popular reindeer, I'm sure he throws simply smashing Christmas parties (responsibly, and after all the toys are delivered to all the girls and boys, of course).  Thankfully, Candy Lacquer has bottled up the holiday spirits (tee hee) so that even those of us who can't conveniently attend North Pole soirées might appreciate the warmth and cheer of a good rum punch ;)




It Cosmetics *Naturally Pretty Celebration* limited edition eyeshadow palette - Holiday 2014

Hello Twinklings, and Happy Saturday!!  I've been playing around with the It Cosmetics *Naturally Pretty Celebration* palette lately, and just wanted to share some quick thoughts and a few ideas as to what you might do with it!

The dazzling aurora of holographic shimmers arcing across the palette's face are obviously what first captivated me (SHINY, NEED), and might seemingly suggest a more standard holiday palette: flamboyant, jewel-studded, brilliant, and bright.  However, It Cosmetics entertains a more subtle take on the season's delights with a cozy and comforting matte collection, plus a shimmer eyeshadow veil for creating lustrous "transformations", such as they are.  It's the cashmere sweater of holiday palettes, and despite the adorable, festive names, is equally cuddly and comfy as the seasons change.




Thursday, December 18, 2014

Fair Maiden "Sleigh Bells In The Snow" & "The Stars Are Brightly Shining"

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas // just like the ones I used to know // where the treetops glisten // and children listen // to hear sleigh bells in the snow..."

I cannot help myself; these polishes make me want to sing!  There's the obvious cause of blatant suggestion - "O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining..."- but also, these lacquers are so radiantly gorgeous that you might just be inspired to "fall on your knees!".  You may even "hear the angel voices!"  Oh night divine, indeed.

 


"Sleigh Bells In The Snow" + "The Stars Are Brightly Shining"

* ♥ * ❄ * ♥ *


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Different Dimension "Christmas At Tiffany's"

Hello, dahling!  So charming of you to drop by.  If you'll believe it, Fred dear, I only watched "Breakfast At Tiffany's" for the first time a few weeks ago.  I'm not generally one for old movies, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it and how often it made me laugh.  Okay so yes, Holly Golightly is a little aggravating, and the macho 60's rendition of romance a little alarming (no, Holly, I will NOT unhand you in the public library, and yes, I WILL physically shake you until you are agreeable), but that and the creepy Doc character aside, it was quite lovely!  ;)

If I were to pick my favorite part of the film, it would be this polish!  Probably that technically shouldn't count, but hey, my blog, my rules, so "Christmas At Tiffany's" it is.  It's the second of my Different Dimension holiday collection polishes that I've worn so far, the first being "No One Elsa But You" as reviewed here, and wow, Missi is really taking it away with these gorgeously frosted, festive lacquers.

"Did I ever tell you how divinely and utterly happy I am?" ...with a good, sparkling, shimmering aqua on my nails? 



Lorac *The Royal* holiday eye shadow palette set

Hello there, princesses!  Seeking some shimmering shadows for your next royal ball?   Well good, because PRINCESSES ONLY*; we're talking about *The Royal* Eye Shadow Palette Set, after all.  (*Princesses-at-heart absolutely do count.  Welcome to Tiny Twinklings, Your Highness.)

I think I'll let the pictures do the heavy lifting in this post, since there are quite a few of them, and also because I'm feeling lazy after all dis photographing :P  Several of you have asked for eyeshadow looks to go with your eyeshadow swatches in the past, so I've been having a go at it lately.  Has it been helpful for you?  If this kind of post is working for you, or if there is something you would like to see, pretty please let me know in the comments so that I can optimize these reviews for you.  Because hey, my readers really are royalty around here! 


Crowns of Copenhagen

This set hasn't received much press at all, though by merit of its packaging alone one would think it should.  These crowns look exactly like the three kroner that stack in a spire over every old government building in Copenhagen, and the ones imprinted on the Danish krone coins.  The colors also remind me of the Rosenborg summer castle interior; I lived four blocks away from the slot during my time in the Danish capital so it is a fond place for me.  I often walked, picnicked, and sketched in the castle grounds; once we even did a zealous group workout on the lawns.  Just imagine, a whole bunch of us out there in front of a fairytale Renaissance castle, doing lunges and pushups and planks... in honor of the Queen, of course.  Anyways, these palettes are kind of nostalgic for me, so I was bound and determined to own this set, even if the colors aren't wildly unique or imaginative.  This regal collection full of precious metals is quite perfectly suited to holiday soirées and parties, or anytime you just need a little glamour in your life and on your lids.

Rosenborg Castle


♔ * *

Laquerlicious "Warm Sugar Cookies" Holiday 2014

Sprinklepuff want a cookie?  Sprinklepuff is a unicorn- Sprinklepuff DEFINITELY wants a cookie.  I'm sure many of you have been confused by this mysterious Sprinklepuff, but rest assured; the lovely Casey of Glittering Elements and I are working on something special in honor of my favorite magical friend, and when it is finished, we will get to meet Sprinklepuff at last!!  ♥

Sprinklepuff and I are both in luck because there are literally mounds of delicious holiday cookies in my kitchen right now.  The holidays just aren't the holidays unless sugar is absolutely everywhere, amirite?  And then there's this polish, which is like cookie camouflage in the Christmas goodie (Candy Cane) forest.  Those cookies aren't even going to know what's coming until... OM NOM NOM.     . .. . ... (crumbs.  . .. . these are crumbs. .. . . {Sprinklepuff hungee} .. . ...)

Laquerlicious "Warm Sugar Cookies"

* ♥ * ❄ * ♥ *

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Rainbow Honey : December Mystery Bag!

Happy Sunday, darlings!  Another month, another mystery bag!  This is a special month for the mini mysteries, because Rainbow Honey has new mini bottles and they are AWESOME!  The mini polishes used to be 5mL, but they have now upgraded to 7.5mL, though the price is set to remain the same!  I mean, when was the last time that your favorite product experienced a relative price DECREASE?  Fabulous.  Another thing I love about these minis is that the long-handled, regular-sized brush does not compromise polishing comfort or efficacy like many tiny polish bottles out there, cute and fairy-like as they are.

This month's mystery bag was inspired by "fictional characters of Russian literature", which is just brilliant for a holiday set.  It makes me think of the Russian lacquerware you see in Alaska, so deep and intense and fantastical, hand-painted with folkloric scenes of legendary figures riding swans and reindeer-drawn sleighs through gold gilt forests.  I think this mystery bag definitely captures that storytelling spirit of grand, mythological splendor!


Saturday, December 13, 2014

Rainbow Honey : Holiday 2014 "Honey Gold" & "Don't Gingersnap At Me!"

Hello, honey bunnies!!  It was a Rainbow Honey nail mail day for me (HOORAY) and all these holiday goodie-inspired pretties are putting me in the mood for baking.  My mom's heritage is solid Scandinavian so around here when the snow begins to fall, sandbakkels are in the making.  Omm nom nom.

You may recognize this "Don't Gingersnap At Me!" from last year's holiday selection, though thankfully for those of us who missed it, those three festive holiday glitters have made a return this season, in complement to this year's holiday offerings, "Honey Gold" & "Gingered!".  This holiday is all about luxurious, spiced metals, and I'm not really sure whether to feel hungry or glamorous so I'm embracing a confused mélange of both.


Friday, December 12, 2014

The Body Shop *The Sparkler* All Over Shimmer for Holiday 2014


Frosted Cranberry ... Vanilla Brûlée ... Glazed Apple

This is kind of an embarrassing story, but I'm going to tell it anyways with the hope that it will preserve my lovely readers from the same folly.  It goes like this:

It's a chill afternoon, and I'm just hanging out, moon-eyed over these vintage-inspired holiday shimmer poofs; I've never had a fragrance or powder with the pump balloon thing before (not "balloon thing", boudoir atomizer; I have since found out that it is an "atomizer"), and I am childishly impatient to give it a try.  Of the three, I select the "Glazed Apple" scent because it has frosty white shimmer and will match today's winter wonderland theme.  I wrench off the plastic cocoon around the balloon poof (atomizer, damn it), and then pause to regard the silicone insert in the blow hole.  Was that on the testers at the Body Shop??  I mean, it has a little dimple in it... could be that the shimmer bursts through this filter thing.  But it does have a tab on top... so what if I'm supposed to pull this off, too?  But what if I ruin the whole thing by doing so?  Best not to risk it; not my precious *Sparkler*.  So I start pumping away at the poof.  Nothing.  Stupid thing.  Maybe it's like a lotion pump, and I need to just keep going until something happens.  I feel like pressure is building, though.  I can hear the mechanism wheezing and by now I should have gotten one little twinkle, at least.  I squint at the silicone stopper and figure, well, to hell with it.  To hell with me, more like.

In that portentous moment when I started to pull away the insert, I can almost hear fate's wheel creak to a halt as the Norns pause while spinning time's thread to watch what is about to happen.  I feel a thrill of foreboding, and dimly the thought occurs to me that maybe I shouldn't be pointing this tiny shimmer bomb directly at my face.  But my fingers are already committed to the motion, and my brain is far, far to late to stop them as they pull away that tiny, silly, insignificant plastic tab... and my world goes white.  No, like literally; everything is absolutely white, and I cannot see a thing beyond the blizzard of shimmer that is engulfing my head.  As the glitter storm roils through seconds, tens of seconds, I am likewise engulfed in a tumult of emotions that I can only summarily describe as ecstatic terror.  Part of me knows that being hugged by a shimmer cloud, albeit ferociously, is kind of the manifestation of all unicorn dreams ever conceived... and yet the fact is that every orifice in my face has been bedazzled, I cannot see nor breathe, and suddenly, the concept of "death by glitter" is thrown into sharp relief for what it really is: a terrible, terrible idea.  These siren shimmers, so beautiful, so lethal, are going to be the end of me.  Then gradually the onslaught, and my hyperbolic hysteria, lift in a haze of glistening powdered mist.  After what was actually a surprisingly long, well-sustained shimmer attack (this stuff can float through the air for ages, like fairies, it's truly remarkable), I am able to perceive the fallout.

First of all, the shape of my head is roughly silhouetted on the armoire behind me.  The carpet now appears to have been woven with magic, and my face, hair, and clothes are fair frosted with shimmer.  I almost wish I'd had the presence of mind at this moment to take a picture, but as it is I set about reinstating my disguise as a normal human being, and try to sweep away the evidence of the glittering cloud (I'll never think of the Imogen Heap song the same).  I mean, despite the process of becoming so, I rather like being dusted with blinding amounts of dazzling powder- wheee!!  I'm a real fairy!!!- but I'm going to be entering the public realm soon and, well, I just don't think they're ready for this quite yet.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the rather pathetic tale of Marisa & *The Sparkler*.


Fair Maiden "Holiday 2014" Limited Edition

There are a lot of things to love about Fair Maiden Polish- gorgeous colors and finishes, fantastic formulas, fairy tale inspiration, outstanding branding, friendly and personal interaction, homegrown roots- but I think one of the reasons that this new lacquer brand has garnered such an enthusiastic following so quickly are the awesome and unique promotions that have been popping up!  There is just something so welcoming about the way that Sarah & Adrienne do business; but then, they are Minnesota girls, after all!!  And you know what they say about Minnesota nice... it's the nicest.  (Except for maybe Montana nice ;) ).  Anyway, I'm a big one for promotions, so the events that Fair Maiden has been putting on since they opened up shop just over a month ago have really been working on me haha.  It's a rare quality for a small polish business, and I just want to take this moment to thank Adrienne & Sarah for showing their customers such love!!  You two are the best, and I am just so excited to see where your imaginations take you next!  ♥

Fair Maiden "Holiday 2014" LE

Truth be told, this isn't a very fair post, and for those of you who missed this limited edition bonus over Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, it may even be a cruel one.  Fair Maiden offered, as part of their amazing sales, a free Holiday 2014 Limited Edition polish for all purchases over $25, plus 25% off plus free shipping plus a free mini polish!!  I mean, it was crazy!!  I had actually bought almost the entire shop the week previously, but decided to round out the rest of my holiday collection and pick up a few gifts at the same time because I suspected that this Limited Edition polish would be amazing... and it is.  So while it is no longer available ( :[ ) there are a few reasons I wanted to share it with you anyway: 1) because it is beautiful and practically demands to be seen and admired ♥, and 2) because I hope the precedent will help inform you in the even tof future mystery LE polishes, and give you the extra enabler nudge so that you'll never miss out on greatness again!

Lucky 13 Lacquer "Some People Are Worth Melting For" {Frozen: Day 7}

"Olaf, you're melting!" - Anna

"Some people are worth melting for.  ❄ *♥* ❄

...Ehhh just maybe not right this second!" - Olaf

Lucky 13 Lacquer "Some People Are Worth Melting For" [Revlon "Northern Lights"]
"...just maybe not right this second!"


"Some People Are Worth Melting For" is a snowman glitterbomb full of black hexes, golden orange triangles, and pearlescent white glitters in squares and hex glitters, large and small.  This composition is pure genius.  I mean, even if you didn't know about the Olaf reference this is the perfect illustration of a melted snowman.  It should be woebegone, but there is something so happy about this mani!!  It makes my fingers want to do a twinkle dance ❄

Lucky 13 Lacquer "Some People Are Worth Melting For" [Revlon "Northern Lights"]

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Pür Minerals "Let It Glow" bronze, blush, & brighten cheek trio

It was only when I started typing out the name of this holiday set that the name hit me: "Let It Glow".  LET IT GO.  I guess now we know why I felt an irresistible draw to the set... it's that flurrying Elsa power, at it again.  Serendipitous indeed that I randomly decided to swatch this box for the last day of my Frozen swatchathon!

"Naughty & Nice" ... "Sugar & Spice" ... "Glisten & Glow"


bareMinerals *Holiday 2014* The BIG TOP

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, and step right up!  Prepare yourselves for splendor, wonderment, and a spectacle the likes of which you have never imagined!  I present, for your fascination and delight... it's the "20-piece blockbuster color collection" that will take your breath away, and it's brought to us for a limited time only by bareMinerals... it's the one... the only... *The Big Top*!!




Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Lucky 13 Lacquer: "The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway" {Frozen: Day 6}

"Let it go, let it go // And I'll rise like the break of dawn // Let it go, let it go // That perfect girl is gone

Here I stand // in the light of day // Let the storm rage on! // The cold never bothered me anyway."

I don't know if I've mentioned this or if you've already figured it out... but I do have a serious Frozen problem.  It goes like this: I'm walking through a store, and see some Frozen merchandise, and like a moth to a lightbulb I am inexorably drawn to the display.  90% of the time it is children's trinkets, but 100% of the time by brain is subconsciously wondering, what among this rubbish could I reasonably own/wear?  By reasonable I mean, socially as a rational adult woman, and with regards to what is physically possible (because as pretty as some of these little girl clothes are, they are clearly never ever ever going to squish on to any part of my body besides like my lower arm, and even the crazy part of my brain accepts this).  But I can't help it, and by golly, I occasionally find things that are made for full-size humans!!  Which is great, and yet despite the fact that I am a legal adult I feel like I should be able to buy a ready-to-wear Elsa princess gown at Target, too.  And a plastic Elsa crown, complete with light-up wand.  I see what these little kids are getting; I know what's due to me.

So in lieu of embarrassing myself by publicly possessing Frozen children's toys, I think I'll just keep giving myself manicures with these lovely Frozen-inspired polishes ;)  Today we return to Lucky 13 Lacquer's *Let It Go* collection with a ice blue hue frosty enough to make my soul spiral in frozen fractals all around...

"The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway"

"and I'll rise like the break of dawn..."



Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The Body Shop: Holiday Eyeshadow Palettes in "Frosted Pastels" & "Dolly Pastels"

Everybody has been killing it on the holiday box, set, & palette packaging this year (and by "it" I mean me and my wallet), so I don't know if I can truthfully say that these are the CUTEST HOLIDAY PALETTES EVER, but darn if they don't come close!!  But then, I do love me a good snowflake sweater print.  ♥  The Body Shop is fairly new to cosmetics, but I thought these little four-pan eyeshadow palettes were a great effort!  Shimmery and bright, with their quaint cozy print, they're just the sweetest little snow bunny palettes.  Best for: bright white winter days spent sledding, drinking hot cocoa with marshmallows (ahem marshmallows with cocoa), making snow angels, and cuddling.




Laura Geller: Color Brilliance Lipstick Trio *Holiday 2014*

Well hello, belladonnas!  I have a couple of Laura Geller holiday boxes to share with you, and to start off with, the Color Brilliance Lipstick Trio!!  This is a pretty an amazing deal: three full size Lustrous Lipsticks (retail $21 each) for $25.  And, oh hey; these lipsticks aren't half bad either!  ;)  They're compact in profile, but they sure can pack a punch.  Laura Geller describes them as "ultra-lightweight, slimline lipsticks that deliver rich, creamy color in a modern pearl finish".  I'd say so!




Different Dimension "No One Elsa But You" {Frozen: Day 5}

Happy Tuesday, Twinklings!!  Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a snow fairy.  I looovvve snow, but it is a precious, ephemeral, and oh so fragile phenomenon that is here one day and possibly gone the next, so the idea of being able to make it everywhere I go (or fly!) is so divine!  Watching Frozen for the first time was like seeing my wildest dreams play out before me, and there is no question: if I could be any Disney lady, it would absolutely be Elsa. 

Today's Frozen-inspired lacquer comes to us from Different Dimension, lovingly made by the incomparable Missi out of Ohio!  Missi makes all kinds of delightful pop-culture, "out of this world" nail polish (if you love astronomy, you need to take a peek at the stuff she's been making lately), but as we know, there was no help for me when she released "No One Elsa But You" as part of her holiday collection for this year.  I can almost see the snowflakes forming as I twirl my liquid ice-plated nails about... 


"No One Elsa But You"

Monday, December 8, 2014

Lucky 13 Lacquer : "An Act of True Love" & "Let It Go" {Frozen: Day 4}

"Let it go, let it go // I am one with the wind and sky // Let it go, let it go // You'll never see me cry

Here I stand // and here I'll stay // Let the storm rage on!"

Lucky 13 Lacquer is a "nerdy, nostalgic, and unique nail polish brand" handmade in Vancouver, Washington- which to me means HOORAY, my orders will arrive INSTANTLY when I'm living in Portland, Oregon for six months starting January!  :)  Lucky 13 Lacquer makes a boatload of amazing lacquers for us nerds, but I about fainted from happiness when Kyoti Jess announced the *Let It Go* collection for winter 2014.


Elsa & Anna

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Fair Maiden "Frozen Heart" {Frozen: Day 3}

"Born of cold and winter air // and mountain rain combining // This icy force both foul and fair // has a frozen heart worth mining"

As a hockey player, and lover of winter, I do have a great affinity for ice.  Rink ice has a particular smell- cold, obviously, high and crystalline, but also sweet.  No matter where I am, when I walk into the rink and breathe in that scent, it feels like coming home.  But of course, that's nothing to stepping onto the sheet and feeling my blades fly, hearing a beautiful low rasp as steel slits into freshly surfaced ice.  It is enough to bring tears to my eyes, especially after a long year of waiting for winter to return.

"Frozen Heart" is constituent to the *Be Your Own Heroine* collection, the Disney-inspired inaugural release of wonderful new nail lacquer company, Fair Maiden Polish!  And such an impressive young brand it is, too!  Based out of Minnesota, best friends & FM creators Adrienne and Sarah will be no strangers to the cold.  Just wait until I bring out their holiday creations... *swoon*.  Until then... 

"Cut through the heart, cold and clear // Strike for love and strike for fear // There's beauty and there's danger here // Split the ice apart // Beware the frozen heart..."




Saturday, December 6, 2014

Glam Polish "In Summer" {Frozen: Day 2}

"Winter's a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I'll be a... HAPPY SNOWMAN!!!"  Oh, Olaf.

"IN SUMMER!!"

Well, my demanding friend Miss Grace insisted upon some Olaf, so Olaf Grace shall get! :)  Today's Frozen-inspired polish comes to us from the magnificent Glam Polish out of Australia, and was part of their *You're Never Too Old To Be Young* collection, released this past August.  It may technically be about summer, but to me this is a most perfect encapsulation of a winter wonderland!!

Glam Polish "In Summer"