Shellac Manicure

I'm sure that a lot of you have heard of this new craze called the shellac manicure. It's supposed to be an amazing natural nail manicure that lasts for 14 days. I say natural nail because this is not an acrylic manicure, the nail is not roughed up in any way to adhere a nail tip to it. 
I love a good manicure but it's always frustrating when the polish chips a day or two later.  Since I'm in cosmetology school I'm using my hands all day long, often using acetone to remove other peoples polish. On top of my school days, 20 hours a week I work an office job where my nails are clicking on a keyboard all day. A manicure doesn't stand a chance on my nails.
I decided to put these claims to the test! I went out and had a shellac manicure yesterday.  The process was actually quite simple.  She soaked my nails, did the cuticle work and filing first. Then she applied a special base coat and my hands went under a UV light for a few minutes.  Then she painted the color, back under the light. Then a top coat, then back under the light. After the top coat was set she gave me a hand massage and I was on my way.  That was it! In and out in 30 minutes and I could dig in my purse for my wallet and keys without so much as a knick.  It's been about 24 hours and they still look as perfect as they did yesterday.  So far I am extreamely impressed. They haven't gone through a 10 hour school day yet though.
I took a picture of my nails a few hours after they were done so I'll post that a little later.  I will also update at the 7 day and 14 day mark to see how it's holding up.
I should say that this really didn't cost much more than a normal manicure. The base price was $25 for the CND shellac and $35 for the OPI shellac. I opted for the CND and went with french tips which was a $5 up charge. So 30 bucks for a manicure that should last around 14 days. Not to shabby if you ask me!

Sale Alert!

2 beautiful things popped up in my inbox yesterday!

The first was an email from Beauty Brands. 20% off 1 prestige or skincare item. Just enter code PS6456 at the checkout.

The second was an email from Sephora. Beauty Insiders can take 15% off their purchase from April 15-21st as many times as they want. Just enter the code CHIC at the checkout.  Not a beauty insider? Head over to sephora.com and sign up. You earn points for your purchase and can score free deluxe samples among other things!

Must Have Makeup!

To start this blog off, I thought I would give you a little sneak peak into my daily standby items. I do change it up on the weekends or for a night out with the girls but here are my must have items!

Face:
Foundation- Aveda dual foundation in Linen- This can be applied wet or dry. I use it dry and get great coverage.
Blush- Nars Blush in Orgasm- LOVE this blush, I have used this on several people and it looks great on every skin tone! *This was originally a bronzer/blush duo but I used up the bronzer already :)
Bronzer- Pop Beauty in bronzed honey beam- I actually do use bronzer almost everyday. I am very fair skinned but this is a light bronzer that just adds a little definition to my face. I have had this palette for oh about 4 years now and it's still going strong!

Eyes:
Primer- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion- If you've never used an eyeshadow primer, this is a must have! My eyeshadow stays on all day and doesn't crease!
Shadow- Stila Trio in Capri colors- This is my everyday go-to for shadows. I have green eyes and these gorgeous purples help accent that. This is perfect for work and play!
Eyeliner- Covergirl perfect point in espresso crank pencil thingy:) , I'm not a fan of pencils you have to sharpen them or the break, to much work! Liquid eyeliners? forgetaboutit! I need MUCH more practice with those! I've been using good ol' covergirl since I was in highschool.
Mascera- This does change from time to time but my current one is Maybelline Falsies. I have pretty thick lashes as it is so I don't need a lot of help in that department so this is great for my everyday look!

Lips:
I'm a glossy girl so I have many but my current fave is Aveda's lip shine in grapefruit pulp. It's a nice sheer pink, it goes well with my skin tone and is very moisturizing! *not pictured I forgot to grab it from my purse!

Well, that does it for my everyday look! What are some of your makeup must haves?