(If you’re reading this in the feed, there’s a video embedded in this post.)
Happy Friday, Sparkle Motions!
Ya know, sometimes it’s the little things that matter most…
This week was a rough one for me (lots of stress eating, yikes!), and I needed a way to unwind. I decided to reward myself with an at-home mani using one of fall’s hottest nail polish colors, gray.
I thought about busting out one my faves from Barielle, Essie or Zoya but felt like a little more bling.
I knew I wanted something in the gray/silver family, and I found my match in Illamasqua’s Nail Varnish in Harsh ($14).
One of the 22 nail colors in Illamasqua’s permanent polish line, it shines on its own or layered on top of other polishes. Although, technically, it isn’t a fall release, I think it fits really well both with the season and my current mood. 🙂
Friday night?
I don’t have a lot going on tonight other than maybe a movie and the start of my packing.
What are you up to? Tell me about your makeup today.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
amy says
September 18th, 2009 at 12:03 pmI love how dense the sparkles are. Now I feel like bringing out my Chanel Kaleidoscope nail polish!
.-= amy’s last blog post… John Masters Organics Shine On Leave in Hair Treatment =-.
Karen says
September 18th, 2009 at 12:04 pmHi Amy,
Do it! You need some bling for the weekend. 🙂
Sarah says
September 18th, 2009 at 12:21 pmHi Karen.
I really the polish Harsh but I have such a hard time removing glitter polish. Do you have any tips for that?
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Very neat lamp post in Vancouver =-.
Glosslizard says
September 18th, 2009 at 12:27 pmSweet video! Woot! 😀
I’m just waiting, UPS is s’posed to drop off Jade today….
Marina says
September 18th, 2009 at 12:41 pmWOWsers, this is the best video ever!
But I don’t like such nail polishes. Last time I used np with glitters was at school, lol
I just finished watching The Black Dahlia and loved the makeup and style of Scarlett Johansson and Hillary Swank!
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Golden Cage Makeup Collection by Chanel. Holiday 2009 =-.
Jacks says
September 18th, 2009 at 12:50 pmHiya Karen! It feels so long since I’ve commented around MBB. How are you? I’m so happy for you that you’re moving into a new condo!
Ooh I like that Illamasqua polish; I would layer it over another colour or if I had more time (and patience) I would layer it until the glitter was completely opaque. Disco nails!
Nothing too crazy with my makeup today: clean skin, black liquid liner, stained red lips.
.-= Jacks’s last blog post… Makeup Crush: Bold Lips =-.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 10:08 pmHi Jacks,
Long time, homie!! Things on this end are good — I’m just really dreading moving! I wish all this stuff would teleport itself.
How’s your weekend been? What’s new with you?
Hafsa says
September 18th, 2009 at 1:12 pmI haven’t rocked clear formula, glitter nail polish since I was in middle school! But this looks totally modern, very pretty 🙂
I am rocking just a little blush, in Rude from Illamasqua and red lips via MAC’s Del Rio 🙂
.-= Hafsa’s last blog post… Another Dawn: Night to Day Gradient =-.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 10:07 pmHi Hafsa,
Yay, Rude blush!!
Tavia says
September 18th, 2009 at 2:21 pmI have the TV 🙂 and I’m home alone….somebody want to join me?:)
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Day Smoke makeup inspired by Too Faced Smoky eye palette =-.
Tiffany says
September 18th, 2009 at 2:22 pmHey Karen! Love the bling – that’s the type of thing that would make me happy whenever I look down at my hands.
My makeup is pretty basic today. I am trying a new lipstick: benefit in do tell. it looks nothing on my lips like it does in the tube! do you ever have that problem? I may try it with a primer next time. Tonight is pink girlie drinks and SATC dvd’s with my BFF! yay! Good luck with your packing – I HATE packing!
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 10:06 pmHi Tiffany,
Aww, fun! What season did you watch?
And yes, that happens quite often. Do you have Benefit Lemonaid around? I like using that beneath lipsticks to “blank” out the color of my lips. Foundation works too!
Catherine says
September 18th, 2009 at 2:26 pmLOL – cute vid! I bet Harsh would look GORGEOUS over Zoya Freja…
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Makeup.com’s Big Blowout Sale =-.
Toni says
September 18th, 2009 at 2:35 pmThanks for the video! This is so pretty with all of the glitter. I’ll have to check it out next time I am at Sephora. Have you tried any of the other Illamasqua products? I have seen a video on youtube where the subject was an Illamasqua haul. I was quite intrigued with the line after that!
Tonight, I am going to be sorting stuff in our dining room for our yard sale and playing with my new pink Canon SD960 IS camera. Have a great weekend!
.-= Toni’s last blog post… Downsizing My Stuff =-.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 10:05 pmHi Toni,
Yup, I’ve tried a bunch of their products. Here are a few reviews and swatches:
Box Lipstick
Illamasqua Swatch O’ Rama
Pure Pigment in Conquer
Sheer Lipgloss in Rouse
Intense Lipgloss in Frenzy
Powder Blusher
Volume Mascara
Sirens Collection
Lestat Eyeshadow
Christina says
September 18th, 2009 at 3:36 pmI’m with Sara — love the look of the glitter, but had bad experiences trying to remove it in the past. When you decide to take this polish off, can you tell us how difficult/easy it is?
.-= Christina’s last blog post… Why Do You Do It? =-.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:59 pmHi Christina,
It’s pretty easy!
Lina says
September 18th, 2009 at 3:48 pmOMG that’s an awesome video! Thanks for sharing this with us 🙂 Love it, although silver isn’t really my thing for nails. It looks incredible on you.
.-= Lina’s last blog post… Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush Comparisons =-.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:58 pmHi Lina,
Thanks! What nail colors do you like wearing? I’m really loving all these crazy grays and taupes for fall.
Alexzandra says
September 18th, 2009 at 5:12 pmThat’s some crazy video editing 😀
Harsh looks like a lot of fun; I wonder if it has more or less glitter than Zoya Trixie.
.-= Alexzandra’s last blog post… NYFW: Michael Kors Spring 2010 =-.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:57 pmHi Alexzandra,
How are you? I feel like it’s been a minute since I’ve talked to you!
Ellie says
September 18th, 2009 at 5:35 pmIt looks great! I love glitter nailpolish! Maybe I’ll do my nails tonight…. they’ve taken a beating this week.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:57 pmHi Ellie,
This shade is super fun! Are you a glitter polish girl, too?
Vanessa says
September 18th, 2009 at 6:15 pmHello Karen, I love all the Illamasqua line, but it is a shame that it’s not available in stores yet, I live near San Diego California, and I do not know were to find it and check teh colors live!!! I have a question, did you watch Inglorious Basterds movie? I am in love of the red color they used in the actress, but I can’t find that color, kind of strawberry red, I love it…do you think you can do a research and tell me what is the brand and name of the color?? Thank you and I send you a hug…byeee
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:56 pmHi Vanessa,
I haven’t seen the film, but if you can put a link of the pic I can try to get you a recommendation.
As for where to find Illamasqua, here’s a list of the Sephora stores that will carry the line in the US.
Kate & Zena says
September 18th, 2009 at 7:02 pmUgh, packing. I hate that word. Packing means moving and I hate moving. Then again, I’d like to see how much another person like moving after moving a at least thirteen times in the first twelve years of their life like I have. Hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. I’ve become an expert packer. If you need packing tips, let me know. I could dedicate at least two posts to packing and moving I’ve just done it that many times, given plenty of time to write the post (should be working on Charlotte’s Web paper thingy).
My nails are clear for some reason. I’ll have to paint them tonight when I watch Spirited Away again. I’m borrowing the movie from my Children’s Literature teacher as we’re both Miyazaki fans yet I haven’t seen that one or Castle in the Sky. I think I’ve seen all his other “childrens” animated movies (Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle). I haven’t seen Lupin III, Nausicaa or Princess Monoke. They’re going on the Netflix list. I
Okay, I sent you the link in an e-mail so you should see it. If you don’t let me know. I think my computer hates me.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:54 pmHi Kate & Zena,
Packing is not my favorite thing. This is the longest I’ve ever been in once place since I left for college… I’m not looking forward to weeding through all my crap!
Spirited Away is SO GOOD! I love that film.
Marisol says
September 18th, 2009 at 7:26 pmGreat video! Have fun packing. I so am not a fan but it will be worth it.
Tonight I am laying low and cleaning up my apartment. Tomorrow I’ve got plans with friends in Marin & hopefully will see The September Issue. I am really intrigued by it. Sunday I am spending most of the day in Emeryville with friends.
Have a great weekend! It’s supposed to be a hot one so stay hydrated.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… SoCal Visit =-.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:52 pmHi Marisol,
Fun! Please let me know if you like that movie… I’ve been wanting to check it out.
L says
September 18th, 2009 at 8:01 pmUgh, sadly, most of my makeup today involved concealer because I am amidst one of the worst breakouts I’ve had since high school (I am now 23). Things are ridiculously stressful. Grrr. I used a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, though, to make my eyes look less corpse-like. I need some sleep and a freaking vacation. Grr.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:51 pmHi L,
You and me both, hon. Hope things get a little easier for you soon, and that the breakout gets under control!
Blovet Beauty says
September 18th, 2009 at 8:44 pmhad fun watching the videos.. love the gray nail polishes~
.-= Blovet Beauty’s last blog post… CL 2NE1 & Pink Eye! =-.
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 9:51 pmHi Blovet Beauty,
Me too!
Kate & Zena says
September 19th, 2009 at 10:05 pmIsn’t it weird being in one place once you start moving around a lot? I’ve lived in my house for about nine years and it feels so foreign. I must say I DON’T miss the maze of boxes but it feels so weird staying here. It’s so weird seeing bills for water, electricity and heat. You’d think after nine years I’d be used to it but I’m not. It’s like, “When did we start paying for water? Does that mean no more twenty-thirty minute showers?” I’m so used to living on military bases where we didn’t have to pay for those things!
I hope the packing goes well. It’s such a tedious job sorting through all the stuff you accumulate over the years! You start to wonder how you got it all!
Karen says
September 19th, 2009 at 10:34 pmHi Kate & Zena,
Seriously! Our place is tiny, too. I have NO IDEA how I stuffed it all in. 🙂