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Thursday, March 31, 2016

Bag it or Box it? Glossybox + Boxycharm + IPSY Product Reviews (March 2016)


Hi Everyone!!
This isn't an unboxing video! This month I decided to use all the products from the March boxes and bag before I did the video. I wanted to see which service offers the most USEFUL products - Things that I would reach for on a daily basis. That's what is the most important, right? You can be the judge and see which subscription service seems worth it to you!! I think I am going to stick with all of them for another few months. I will always keep IPSY because it is ALWAYS worth the $10/month. I am still going to give Glossybox and Boxycharm a few more months tho and will see how they are and might even do a collection video? Like maybe gather everything for each box over a couple months and see if there is a good amount of product that I received and would actually use. Let me know if you think that's a good idea or if it's something you'd like to see :) Also, if you like this format better than an unboxing please thumbs up the video!! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I love you all!!! xoxoxo

Here are the subscription services with my links :)

Glossy box $21: CLICK HERE

Boxycharm $21: CLICK HERE

IPSY Bag: $10: CLICK HERE

*get a FREE full-size em Cosmetics Eyeliner in Royal Amethyst in your next Glam Bag!



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Friday, March 18, 2016

How To: Apply imPRESS Gel Manicure Nails!


Hey Everyone!
I'm so excited to share these imPRESS nails with you. NO I am not sponsored by them or being paid to review them, they are just my absolute favorite right now! The best things that I like about them are:

  1. They last 2 weeks++
  2. They don't break - They bend!
  3. Color doesn't chip!
  4. Easy to remove!

I buy mine at CVS for $7.99, but they are available pretty much anywhere (target, walgreens, online, etc). I try to wait until there is a sale and at CVS they will usually have a "buy 3 get 1 free" deal. The imPRESS website says they range from $5.99 to $6.99 but I think the $5.99 is only for the nails that come in the Nail Polish Bottle-looking package (you can see pic below). So, in the video I show you how to apply them. If you want me to do a video on removing them then just leave me a comment and let me know :) I'm going to do a progression photo shoot to show the nails over the 2 weeks time so you can see how they hold up.

I am under the impression, from my research, that KISS/imPRESS/Broadway Nails are all under the same company. KISS being the head honcho ;) Please correct me if I'm wrong!

Now, back to the imPRESS nails. These are "gel" manicure nails. This makes them very pliable and "bendy". I think that this is the reason why they don't just break off. They can bend with the force of hitting it against something (unless it's really hard of course). I LOVE that part of it. Also, for some reason, they are really easy to get off! I think it has something to do with the sticky glue that they use on the nails along with the super glue that I use. Super glue does NOT come with the nails, but I use it as an extra strength measure and I think it makes them last longer. If I notice that one of them are lifting up then I just put a little superglue under it and BAM - it's fixed. Try to get this kind of KISS super glue that has the pointy tip for precision access (pictured). This will make it all less messy. Also if one of them gets damaged then you can easily remove that individual one and replace it as they come with plenty of extra ones to use!

When you are ready to take off the nails you can pretty much just peel them off. They won't come off in "chips" like regular plastic nails. You can jut lift them up around the edges and get your fingernail under it or maybe something from your manicure set to use. You need to do it slowly and it will come off without any damage to your real nail.

These specific imPRESS nails have 30 different nails with 6 accent nails (pictured left). There are another kind of Impress nails that come in a package that looks like a nail polish bottle (pictured right). Those only have 24 nails. They are often the same price at certain stores, so I always go with the other ones in the rectangle packaging.  Plus I feel the ones I get have more variety of sizes so you don't have to file them down to fit. However, if I like specific designs from the nail polish bottle ones then I will grab one to add on. Be sure that you are getting the ones that say "GEL MANICURE" on them. Otherwise they will be the normal plastic hard ones and those are way different. These also come in 2 different shapes. Oval and regular Square. Right now I am into the oval shaped ones, but they don't have as many variety of patterns in the oval at the moment. It's hard to file the square ones into an oval because they are already pretty short and it just looks funky to me.

I just am really impressed with these imPRESS nails (hahahaha). So far, I haven't used anything else and I'm not sure how I would go back to just using regular nail polish after this! I love them that much. There are SO many different patterns. I'm determined to buy them all!! My CVS and Walgreens tend to only sell the same 6-7 kinds, but I know there are at least 20 different patterns available.

I wanted to quickly touch on the subject of these other press on nails by KISS (pictured right). Like I mentioned above, I believe that KISS actually owns the imPRESS and Broadway Nail lines. It makes it kind of hard to speak about them because technically they are all the same company, but I'll try to describe them well enough to make sense lol. The regular KISS nails are a nice alternative if you like longer nails. All of the imPRESS nails are fairly short (which is the way I like them). The KISS nails are also not as "gel" like. However, they come in a nice almond shape variety which is pretty popular right now. imPRESS has an oval shape (the ones I usually wear), but they are not as sharp as the KISS ones. It just depends on your preference. You can always file your imPRESS ones to be more almond shaped if you want to. I also sometimes like their accent nail patterns better too or at least until I can get my hands on the other 15 imPRESS nails haha ;) 

One of my favorite imPRESS nail design are the Matte ones!! So far I have only seen ONE, but it's a great nude color (pictured left). However, there are matte topcoats available now in stores that can do a pretty close job.

OK, so what is the CON with the imPRESS nails?????
I really can only think about one con. That would be, say, when you need to file the nails to fit a smaller nail bed size they don't file into dust because they are in gel form. I'm not sure how to describe it, but it's almost as if it just bunches up and you have to actually pull it off. (You will understand it when you do it). Have you ever used nail wraps before? It's kind of like that when you file them over the nail and pull the left over off. I don't know, it's just a very minimal problem for me and might not even be noticeable to others. It definitely doesn't stop me from buying them, that's for sure!!

Anyways, that's pretty much all I have to say about these nails!! I hope you found the video and this blog information helpful! If you have any other questions feel free to message me or comment down below. I always answer :) Thanks so much for stopping by to read this. I'll write you guys soon!!!

Hugs and Love,
Amanda

You can go to the KISS imPRESS website FAQ to learn more about the nails. Just click HERE
You can also see the design varieties HERE on the KISSUSA website. Here are also some links on where to buy them. I actually was able to find some different patterns from people selling on eBay! I got good deals on some of them and some were actually more expensive (probably because they are hard to find patterns). 

Here are the stores that carry the imPRESS nails. Click on each link to get to the website and prices: Keep in mind that these are ONLINE prices. In stores will vary with sales, etc...

eBay imPRESS nails - All different sorts of prices depending on the seller.
CVS - $7.99 (wait for sales!)
Walgreens $7.79
Amazon $9 + about $3 shipping without prime or $11-$15 with prime but not a big selection.
Walmart $5.07 on some patterns ONLINE + shipping or about $6.27 for other patterns. I'm not sure of the in store price at Walmart.
Target - $5.99 but they only carry the nails in the "Nail Polish Bottle" kind.
Kmart - $6.99 to $7.99 depending on the pattern you choose.
Rite Aid - $5.99 to $7.99 but it looks like they only have the "Nailpolish Bottle" brand

I hope all of this information helps in some way!! 
Happy Shopping!!!




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Thursday, March 17, 2016

Missing YouTuber FOUND!



Wow. It's been 2 years since I stopped filming YouTube videos consistently. So, what happened? Well.....life happened lol. I had a baby that just turned 2 this month! Most of you know that I have 2 other children as well, so the 3 kids have been keeping me really busy.  I have also been working with a couple non profit organizations which has been so amazing and fulfilling in a different way than YouTube. However, to be honest, the biggest thing that held me back from making my videos is that I always want things to be perfect. The perfect lighting, the perfect editing, the perfect background, etc....I FINALLY just said to heck with all that. YouTube is my passion and I just need to be making videos and blogging to keep me sane in life!!


With all that in mind, as you may notice, my videos aren't perfect and I don't have super fancy editing software that I once had. I don't use professional lighting like I had before. I make sure to do all my videos in natural light! (what a concept, right??). It's been so much more appealing to know that I can make videos and not just wait for all that other stuff to come. I'd be waiting forever because I just don't have the time I use to have. I have been able to find a really good balance between my work/family/youtube life and I feel AWESOME! I do plan to vamp things up as time goes on, but I just had to hop in and get the ball rolling or it was never going to happen.

The funny thing is that I feel like I'm starting from scratch! I have been getting SO nervous when I'm making videos! When I'm editing them I realize how many times I say words like, "Ummm", "Soooo", "Annnd" and so many others. It's a conscious decision I have to train myself to undo, but it's  really just my authentic self! This is how I talk to my friends, but some people don't always have the best things to say. That brings me to my next point. I have still kept up on watching all my favorite YouTubers and I can't believe how many negative comments there are. It's really sad that some people just go on the video to tear that person down. Especially women. We should be lifting each other up and supporting one another! It's not easy to make videos and put yourself out there. I know it comes with the territory, but it's just really not necessary for some people to be completely disrespectful. It can be pretty scary at times too! I feel super lucky to have the subscribers that I do. I rarely have to deal with that hatred. Everyone has always been supportive of me and stuck around while I've been gone!! Either that or you guys just forgot to delete your subscription to my channel lol. Either way, I'm so happy to still have great subscribers like you all!

I have had a bunch of different ideas on where I want to see my channel go. Over the last couple years I have been on a huge search for more organic/natural products. Anything from makeup, skincare and household products! I'm trying to "green" my life for me and my children. I have been in talks with a couple companies that want to host giveaways on my channel because they have some really awesome products that I want you guys to be able to try! They don't pay me AT ALL to do review videos, but when I like a product then I just reach out to them and ask if they will host a giveaway and let us have a discount code! I'm all about finding good discounts and deals. If I can pass anything off to you guys, then I'm on it. So, I will be doing a new series around organic products. I'm not sure what I will call it yet. Any ideas?

I have also stayed an Ipsy member!! I went back and forth with Birchbox and am currently on the "off" time with them lol. I decided to try out some new boxes so I have Glossybox and Boxy Charm! So far I love them. I want to do a new series with those called "Bag it or Box it?". I'd like to try out a lot of different subscriptions so I can let you all know what I think and show you what kind of deal you are getting for your money.

I still need some more ideas and input from you guys!!! Please message me or email me if you ever have any suggestions. I'm so excited to be back making videos. I'm really going to try to be consistent. Thanks again for all your support and for reading this blog post!!!


Come Gimme Some Love! I'm everywhere!

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STAY TUNED FOR GIVEAWAYS!

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hapamanda at gmail dot com

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Beauty Haul & Short Reviews: Drugstore and Sephora!




Hey Everyone! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Here are the names and links of all the products I have in my haul video. Let me know if you've tried any of it!!!

CVS Items:
Remember to try and shop on Sunday evenings!! You will get both sales from week prior and the ones for the following week (whichever is a better deal).
  1. Revlon Volume + Length Magnified Mascara - Waterproof $5.99
  2. Physicians Formula Mascara: Sexy Booster $7.90
  3. Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2 in 1 Lash Boosting Ergonomic Felt Tip Liner $11.99
  4. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips: Nude Eyes $11.99
  5. Physicians Formula Fake Lash Effect Mascara $9.99
  6. L'Oreal Voluminous Super Star Liquid Eye Liner $8.99
  7. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eyeshadow Sticks: Bootleg Brown and Trespassing Taupe $4.49
  8. Wet n' Wild: Mattifying Powder $4.99
  9. Wet n' Wild: Color Icon Blush: Rose Champagne and Pearlescent Pink $2.99
  10. Wet n' Wild: Setting Spray $4.99
  11. Revlon Photoready Foundation: 004/Nude $14.99
  12. Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation: 203/True Beige $7.99
  13. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation: Matte and Poreless 220/Natural Beige $7.99
  14. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer: Light $7.49
  15. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch: 320/Ivory $7.99
  16. NYX Lip Liners: Nude Pink and Vanilla Sky $4.49
  17. Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick: Daringly Nude
  18. Milani: Everyday Eyes Palette : Bare Necessities $9.99
  19. Milani: Moisture Lock: Lip Treatment: Grapefruit Oil  $7.99
  20. Ardell Press on Lash Kit $5.99
  21. Ariel Lashes $4.99 

Sephora Items:
  1. Makeup Forever Ultra HD in color: 123/Y365  $43.00
  2. Estes Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place in color: 3W1/Tawny  $38.00
  3. Free Gift with code: Clinique Chubby in the Nude: Foundation Stick in color: 06/Intense Ivory $24.00 full size (I wasn't able to pick a color)
Use Ebates to get discounts at Sephora!! It's free. You just shop at Sephora with their link. Check it out, it's super cool. I have saved over $150 this last year!
Click Here

Come Gimme Some Love! I'm everywhere!

*YouTube Beauty Channel!
STAY TUNED FOR GIVEAWAYS!

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hapamanda at gmail dot com


Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Monthly Favorites!! February/March 2016






Hey guys! I'm finally back with a new video and blog! I wanted to post some more links and prices to the products that I put in my favorites video! I'll be back to update more with pics and more thoughts soon!


*Milani Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme $8.99




HOSL Flat Contour Brush Foundation Brush Makeup Brushes-1 PCS Silver and Black Color (Silver and Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WQEJV6M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_uwJ1wb3MPM7VY

City Color Contour Effects TWO https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010998S28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_xxJ1wb830N5H9

Treat JUMBO Organic Lip Balm
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0186DNV0S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_WDJ1wb9GMJHD9


*Arbonne Easy on the Eyes Makeup Remover - email me for discount code! amckay.arbonne at gmail dot com


*Arbonne Lip liner - email me for discount code! amckay.arbonne at gmail dot com
Amandamckay.arbonne.com

Revlon Super Lustrous - Creme Lipstick, Black Cherry 

 $7.99

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid, Possessed Plum $7.99




Come Gimme Some Love! I'm everywhere!

*YouTube Beauty Channel!
STAY TUNED FOR A SKINCARE GIVEAWAY!!!!

*My Beauty Blog! 

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amckay.arbonne at gmail dot com