Are You Among The Living? Day of The Dead Nail Art + Fall Nail Trends

***I received product samples to help facilitate this post. All photos and images below are copyright Momma Told Me blog 2014.

Momma Told Me: Don't be afraid to live.

Momma used to tell me there's no such thing as normal. That 'normal' is a setting on the dryer, and not a label for people, places, or things. To define something as ordinary does nothing more than depreciate the true wonder of every achievement, every feature, every difference that goes overlooked. Because of this, I've always marched to the beat of my own drum. Yea, I was the sort of kid in preschool who begged to wear mismatched socks. And I was much more content making up fantastical adventures with Legos than joining in on the neighborhood tea parties.

What is life if you forgo the things you want solely on the premise of fear or discomfort? I say if there is something you can do that you've been dying to do, do it. We only get so many days on this Earth, and we can never have enough memories, laughs, or smiles before they're over. Sure, we have to live the life of an 'adult' in order to keep the lights on and the clothes on our family's backs- but is it really going to hurt anyone if you tell that stylist to go for the purple streak you've always wanted, or pick a Halloween costume because it's adorable/wacky/fun, rather than sexy or adult?  What's the worst that can happen? You move on to another day, another experience, a new memory.

Regardless of your beliefs, most all of us can agree, life is about collecting experiences; and every moment offers a new piece to add to the collection. Halloween is a commercial 'holiday'- and one, in America, we highly target towards kids. For me, this time of year is a vivid reminder to live each moment I can, for those who cannot. When I go, some day far from now, I hope my departing resembles The Day Of The Dead. I rather envision a giant party springing up in my wake, where people gather around to enjoy my favorite food and music, share their favorite memories that I have left behind, and rejoice in knowing that I never held back.

And therein lies the inspiration for my Day of The Dead Nail Art- a blend of beauty mixed with mortality that so poignantly illustrates this. Speaking of the taboo, SinfulColors has released 14 devilishly playful shades of their popular lacquers, just in time to dress those nails up for the holiday. Pumpkin Spice and Cloud 9 will even help you get through the blustery Fall months with a little extra pop of color! However, I must admit 'm dying to get my claws on the candy apple red GoGoGirl Hue, a true Halloween Favorite.

For this Day of The Dead Nail Art look I paired SinfulColors Black On Black french mani with a layered sugar skull taking pops of the brand's Spring Collection. For an overcoat, on my thumb, I highlighted the sugar skull with Glow In The Dark, and finished the remaining nails with a Mystery Moonshine top coat. These shades and more are available for just $1.99 each at Target retail locations nationwide. What was the last act of randomness, or indulgence you partook in?

What Daughter Says: Every moment is a chance for a new memory.

Spring Floral Nail Inspiration + Julep Maven Monthly Introductory Offer

*** I am a paying subscriber of the Julep Maven  program. All opinions below are genuine, and all images below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 204..

*** Want to try Julep Maven for yourself? Get your first box free with code PENNY or FREEBOX. Just fill out the style profile here, and you're on your way! Not working? Try code FREECOLOR for your first box free!
Momma Told Me: A good service is confident customers will return on their own.

It's no secret that I love getting mail; I've tried over 40 monthly subscription box services, but I've only kept two of them as a regular paid subscriber. The best beauty subscription boxes are the ones that allow customers to easily customize their monthly selection either through a style profile, or direct browsing 'click and pick' method. They also enable the subscriber to easily opt in or out from one month to the next, and never auto-charge a consumer's account without their monthly selection. Services like this make it easy to browse seasonal styles and trends and skip the ones that don't quite fit, or save a few pennies when vacation rolls around, or money is tight. It's important to pamper ones-self, but you shouldn't have to feel like such a commitment is an obligation every month.

Julep Maven monthly beauty subscription boxes are all of the above and more. For just $19.99 a month I subscribe to a box full of over $40 in quality beauty products by the Julep brand. While the service started with the salon brand Julep Nail Vernis (polish), it has rapidly expanded to include everything from liquid eyeliner and charcoal face masques to quick dry polish drops and premium skincare. They've even recently added a monthly beauty box option that features exclusively beauty products, and no polish- just in case your collection is getting a little big, or none of the month's hues pop!

There are several beauty profiles you will automatically be placed into after taking the Style Profile Quiz, I'm Classic With A Twist. Each month, on the 20th, you'll receive an email showcasing your month's hand picked selections, based on your profile. Then it's as simple as logging in and browsing the complete collection for the style that fits you best- just in case you like a different style better this month, you're always welcome to swap boxes. Julep Maven members get amazing discounts on polish and beauty ad-ons, when they purchase the month's box, and enjoy exclusive limited edition products as well. The average monthly box includes 3 salon quality lacquers, and the monthly featured beauty product, as well as an inspiring quote card and styling tips.

This February the featured Beauty product was a Smokey Liquid Liner and Applicator Brush. Since I have a pretty large stockpile of liquid liners, I decided to go for a custom box that featured 4 hues from the exclusive Dramatic Collection. I don't normally gravitate towards Gold, but I am a sucker for a high shimmer clear lacquer, and It Girl's February Diamond Theory was a rich golden glitter that I know would be great for accenting any equally rich color. I used a primary base coat of one of my favorite Julep Nail Vernis hues, Bette (Bombshell profile), and did some detailing with a forest green lining polish to create stems. Using a stipple technique I dotted some white to create flowers, and topped with a french of Diamond Theory for some shimmer that made my flowers remind me of Spring Dandelions.

I've been with Julep Maven since it first began taking memberships almost a year and a half ago. I haven't bought a box every month, in fact, I say I've bought about half, but I keep returning because it is so easy to be a subscriber without the obligation of buying. The products are high quality, and the box is a wonderful deal- but I don't feel guilty when I decide to take a month off, and that is a truly great customer experience. And the inspiration I find in their seasonal collections and styling ideas is all the ammunition I need to pull out my polish and play with something new. The inspiration alone, is priceless. If you need a little extra nail inspiration, try your first month of Julep for a penny (Code: PENNY) or free (Code: FREEBOX), when you sign up here.


What Daughter Says: I try a lot of services, but few keep me coming back like Julep Maven.

From @Julep Something Wicked This Way Comes- October Nail Looks + Face Goo

*** I am a paying subscriber of the Julep Maven monthly program. All opinions below are genuine, and all images below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2013.

*** Want to try Julep Maven for yourself? Get your first box free with code PENNY or FREEBOX. Just fill out the style profile here, and you're on your way!
Momma Told Me: The season is everywhere!

 The last quarter of the year is my favorite, not because the weather changes and the leaves fall (because, quite frankly, here in So Cal, we don't get much of a 'change'), but because of the whimsical touch that floats through the air. From October to January there are decorated houses and lawns, special spices and flavors sold in cafes and stores, and a general acceptance for that which would otherwise be out of the ordinary. Adults and children alike are encouraged to dress up, wear bright colors, eat large amounts of delicious food, and present one another with gifts- what's not to love? This is also the time of year I like to start getting more creative with my day to day fashion and beauty applications.

I've been a Julep Maven subscriber now for over a year, and almost as long as the service has been rolling. It's no secret to my readers that I love a good monthly subscription box, and have tried over 50, but only pay for a handful faithfully. One of the things I love about Julep beauty boxes most is that I am never auto-charged or expected to buy any boxes or product each month. If I do not respond with my desired style profile for a particular month I will not be billed, and I will not receive a box; there is absolutely no hassle. So, on the 20th of each month, I log into my Maven account to check out the 4 boxes put together to match each of the 4 style profiles. This particular month, nothing jumped at me- but I knew I wanted to try the featured beauty product; Mask Noir (which retails for $32 outside of this month's Maven selections). I also spotted a few bootiful hues of special edition lacquer Casper (a glow in the dark top coat) and Beatrix (a beautiful black glitter topcoat). Naturally, I made my own box choosing this month's Beauty Box (Mask Noir and Kajal Eyeliner) and adding on two shades of lacquer.

This was my first time adding on to the box, and buying 'extras,' but I already knew I was coming out ahead with the Mask Noir (where the box was half the price of the mask, alone), and the lacquers were a special introductory $5 a piece! Like last year, my October box came with a bag of Candy Corn, a bed of black crepe shreds, and an inspirational quote. I instantly knew I wanted to go flirty, but witchy, with the Beatrix topcoat (which is just as gorgeous in person) and tossed it over a previous Julep hue, Billie Jean (purple). The little pops of sparkling silver in Beatrix really made my pedicure pop, and has garnered countless compliments. Sabrina (11) immediately confiscated my Casper topcoat and demanded I do an instant mani- the result Claire's Startstruck (Little Dipper, Orange Shimmer) with a topcoat of Casper (which adds a light haze), and hand painted spider and jack o' lantern detail.

As a self professed masque addict, I could hardly wait to get Mask Noir on my skin, something that promised to be unlike any masque I'd ever tried before. Infused with black volcanic ash for it's anti-inflammatory properties and Kaolin Clay for deep cleaning, Mask Noir has a distinct latex like dispensing texture. It is jet black and almost rubbery, which lends itself perfectly to it's advertised 'peel off' nature, but does tend to make it a little fussy to apply. This masque seemed to dry, or set, almost instantly, and going back over a spot that was applied already only resulted in a clean peel of the existing masque, so you truly have to be quick and precise with your application.

I left the Mask Noir on for about 15 minutes and experienced minor tightening as it dried. Peeling the mask off was extremely simple, though a gentle rinse of lingering particles is suggests. I noticed that my pores opened quite a bit after the first application, providing the perfect time for a deep cleanse or microdermabrasion. In all, however, the mask was very gentle on my skin and had no offensive odors or fragrance. It was, truly, the perfect new beauty experience for this particular month- peeling black 'skin' off my face certainly was terrifying. The things us women do for beauty, right? In all, I still prefer slow drying mud based masques, but Mask Noir was a great experience I'll enjoy integrating into my beauty routine throughout the rest of the year. Another great month of Julep Maven! If you need a little extra nail inspiration, try your first month of Julep for a penny (Code: PENNY) or free (Code: FREEBOX), when you sign up here.

What Daughter Says:  Bring a little seasonal fun to your beauty routine with inspired boxes from Julep Maven.

June Julep Reveal + Penny Intro Box Offer

***I am a paid subscriber to Julep Maven monthly subscription boxes. No sponsorship was provided. All images and content is original and copyright Momma Told Me 2013. Update: Get your first month's Julep Maven box for 1 PENNY, SHIPPED! Go here, do the style quiz and sign up with code PENNY (Choose 'FREE SHIPPING')!

Momma Told Me: Good things are worth the wait.

Somewhere halfway through the month I begin to get a little antsy. This feeling reminds me of being a young girl, anxiously running down the smoldering gravel fire escape path to our mailbox at the back of the condominium complex. Momma and I would hold 'contests' to see who could endure the heat, barefoot, longest. While running helped keep my feet off the hot gravel for too long, it was merely a way to get that golden key into the dull silver latch just a little bit faster. During Summers Momma and I would comb through 'send away' books; books with hundreds of addresses and contacts for free samples and send away gifts for kids. Then I would proceed to spend the remaining 2 months throwing that mailbox hatch open with the anticipation of Christmas morning. That's the feeling I get merely logging into my email on the 20th morning of each month. Without fail, there will be an email from Julep waiting for me with this month's selections. And, perhaps even better than those gifts on Christmas morn, I will have the chance to handpick the perfect collection to be sent directly to my door.

Last month we saw a beautifully vibrant brights collection unveiled, reminiscent of Miami beaches and Hollywood's young starlets. This month the vibrant hues carry over into a classical collection inspired by Eastern shores; Nantucket Nostalgia. While my default 'style profile' is set to Classic With a Twist (often less flashy renditions of classical hues and textures), I opted to go for the Bombshell box this month. One of the things I especially love about Julep Maven subscriptions is the option to change between style profiles each month, or skip a month entirely. Unlike other programs where users have to bid for boxes, or are sent the same generic collection of items as all the other subscribers, Julep offers options. Nearly all of this month's choices featured the brand's innovate new DD Cream (more on that in a second), but there were a few exclusively with polish for those with picky skin, or an aversion to facial cosmetics.

My two hues this month were Payton (a sassy bright Green) and Raegan (a beautiful deep Pink), and came alongside a full size DD cream in my chosen skin tone and a few pieces of Saltwater Taffy. Julep does a wonderful job of crafting fun and creative inspiring boxes; usually with a 'sweet' little twist to indulge in. When I had logged into Julep on May 20th I had been prompted to complete a new, extensive, beauty profile. Inside were fun graphic filled questions about my preferred cosmetics, shades, and style. This was a great indication that the brand will be working more cosmetics, and even haircare, into their future boxes. Don't worry, those of you who crush exclusively on the brand's premium lacquers will still have the option to choose classic boxes each month! Best of all, there is no charge for the 'extra' cosmetic; simply choose 3 nail care or color collections from this months picks, or one of the beauty enhanced boxes.

The DD Creme, also available in Concealer, comes in 4 shades and stands for 'Dynamic Do-All.' It features an SPF 25 base, 2 patented anti-aging compounds, hibiscus and olive oil extracts to hydrate skin, and wears very light for layering. Unlike some BB creams I have tried, and don't mistake this as one (it is missing a primer), this formula is very light and does not cake on skin or leave my complexion feeling greasy. I'd consider it moderate coverage, best for naturally clear skin, and suggest it works well with a mineral top coat when used as a foundation.

As for our lacquers this month, Sabrina (10) and I instantly new we wanted to play with the contrast of the two bright colors. For me, I went half and half and striped down the middle with Sally Hansen Instant Nail Strips in Kitty Kitty (leopard). I felt the animal print was very bold against the brights so I chose to only accent a few fingers on each hand. Sabrina wanted something more geometrical, but we found that Payton (green) went on much thinner and translucent than the Pink color. We ended up using 3 layers of Payton as the base, and only 1 layer of Raegan on the other hand. I finished off the look with a simple dot pattern using a few droplets of lacquer on a plate, with the back of a cotton swap stick. When we were done we finished with a drop of Julep's Quick Dry Polish Drops (a true marvel), we'd received in our October box. This is the perfect way to end a mani with the natural oils and aromatic experience that is quite calming.

What Daughter Says: Give yourself something to look forward to this Summer, give Julep Maven a try today.

Update: Get your first month's Julep Maven box for 1 PENNY, SHIPPED! Go here, do the style quiz and sign up with code PENNY (Choose 'FREE SHIPPING')!

Julep April Reveal+ Penny Introductory Offer

Update: Get your first month's Julep Maven box for 1 PENNY, SHIPPED! Go here, do the style quiz and sign up with code PENNY (Choose 'FREE SHIPPING')! 

Momma Told Me: It's time for something new.

It seems like I'm a part of a lot of blog swaps and subscription boxes as of late. I kind of jumped on the bandwagon late in 2012 and, while I already tend to get a massive amount of mail, there is just something satisfying about receiving a parcel hand picked and tailored for you. When I was a child I went through a similar phase, only then there were entire books devoted to kids and the receiving of mail. Not to mention these things were less subscriptions and more free promotions put on by companies to sway the hearts of their parents. In any case you may recall filling out a SASE (the generation I watch today would have no idea what this stood for), and a couple box tops or lids in exchange for a Detective's Kit or 'deluxe' cereal prize.  Momma must've spent a fortune on these gimmicks, but she seemed perfectly content to allow me to send away for these 'free' items, so long as I was learning the value of patience and hard work. It certainly was a great way to practice my penmanship, and kept me from grumbling on the very long walk to the mailbox hutches on the other side of our condominium complex.

For whatever the reason, I still look forward to the mail like a kid at Christmas. It's the one variable of my day that is, for the most part, entirely unpredictable. Whether it's a sample, a mail order, a rebate check, a letter from a friend, or the weekly sale ads, I'm bound to find something of interest to liven my day. Jeremy will attest on 3 day weekends, when I am left without postal service for 2 consecutive days, I am lost. It may not be something to be proud of, but it's my confession none-the-less. So this has brought me to sample many subscription 'box' services. A subscription box service, for those unfamiliar, is a collection of products put together, based on the subscriber's interested, and mailed out monthly for a uniform charge. This may include a mixture of sample and full sized products, all full sized products, or solely samples. From time to time various companies will also include 'freebie' incentives such as free shipping or % off deals for their partners. There seem to be more of these services than I can count, and they double almost daily; so it's hard to weed through the junk and find the valuable programs.

For me, one of the most successful subscription box services has been my endeavors as a Julep Maven. A what? Julep, first and foremost a chain of prestigious nail salons and nail vernis (lacquer) manufacturer; Maven the term for their monthly subscribers, and general insiders. While it costs nothing to be a Julep Maven, you are expected to respond to their monthly 'box' selections and opt out/in before a certain cut off date each month. You can always but individual boxes and products through the store, after the fact, but you will often pay more than the discounted rate for having purchased the bundle/products in advance. I should also note that a lot of the Julep Vernis shades sell out and retire (as all the good nail lacquer brands tend to do), so you should always snap up a shade you like when you see it. Personally, I've gone back a few times now to order a shade in multiple, I received in my monthly box. Like many of these subscription services, Julep operates on a Quiz-Style Classification system that will place you within a general fashion profile (I'm usually Bombshell, though I sometimes select the American Beauty collections). You'll receive a preview for your assigned beauty profile each month, but you can always choose any of the current month's collections for delivery.

Once you receive notification your Maven Box has shipped delivery usually occurs in a flash, I see mine on my doorstep within days! I have had 2/9 boxes arrive with a leaking polish, however, but customer service is incredibly quick to ship out a replacement with no questions asked. The typical box format includes 2 Julep Nail Vernis shades, one Julep Beauty/Nailcare product, and a few 'extras' that tie into the month's theme. Last month, April, was all about the new Brights Collection; which I am seriously crushing right now. If this post is not a riot of neon summer hues then I've done a disservice in portraying the upbeat vibe of the collection. In addition to Juelp's Jackie (Red) and Avery (Hot Pink) Bombshell shades I received a full size Mighty Nail and Cuticle Serum, as well as this month's 'twist,' a Rock Candy stick. The October box had included a small pouch of Candy corn and Orange and Black Nail Glitters to give you another idea of their themes. Julep is very heavy in providing targeted inspiration and even technique guides for their various Maven beauty profiles.

A little known secret to most all major Nail lacquer brands is the hidden base within the applicator cap. If you pull up, instead of twist, you will often be able to pull the cap right off, leaving a generic handle attached to the brush. This is often used by the hard core lacquer enthusiasts and professionals to store swatches. Thanks to Julep's Swatch stickers I can easily apply a swatch to any of their shades' caps, for an instant and accurate representation of the shade, dry. Swatches are especially great for semi-translucent or jelly shades that can be layered for a more intense color. Mavens can order extra sheets of swatch stickers for a nomianl cost, though all new released shades include one attached to the cap. Happy swatching! As if my hair weren't any indication, I'm a rainbow sort of gal, so my heart lept a bit when I saw the entire Brights (more neon, to me) collection available for sale through the Maven site. In Southern California, it's summer year-round, and I don't need an excuse to work these hues into my beauty regimen.

This month I was inspired to pair the beautifully vibrant Pink hue, Julep's Avery, with Sally Hansen's  Mad For Plaid Nail Strips, and a few of my other favorite Spring brights. Alternating the bold plaid print with Avery and a White Polka Dots really tied this avante-garde look together. The cuticle oil was also the perfect bonus, going into the dryer months of Summer, and really absorbed quickly with the easy application pen. As a reminder my Julep nail posts are not in any way sponsored. I've reviewed several such programs on my site over the past year, and few have I gone on to become a paying subscriber. Cravebox, LootCrate, and Juelp are my only current paid subscriptions, so that says a lot. Primarily, Julep has won me over with their complete notification process and 'opt out' options, where I am given ample times to review the month's selections prior to billing and shipping. Additionally, their customer service is amazingly generous and prompt, making me a very happy consumer. If you decide to take advantage of a in introductory box remember that all Mavens also get a discounted rate on everyday Julep buys, and are the first to know about sales and clearance. Just another reason to 'go shopping' when picking out my box each month!

For those who take on the Julep Maven Penny Introductory Box (use code: PENNY) offer, and decide not to continue with the program, you may Cancel your subscription and never be solicited again. It doesn't get much more simple, in regards to monthly beauty box programs.

What Daughter Says: Take a chance on something new with Julep Maven.

 
As Required By The FTC: I paid for my Julep Maven subscription. This post was not solicited in any way. All opinions are mine, and mine alone.

#IHeartMyNailArt Girls Day In Party w/ Sally Hansen Nail Trends

Momma Told Me: Be your unique you!

When I was just a little girl I asked my Momma, "What will I be?" I remember the day just as it were yesterday, my ten little piggies sprawled between hot pink toe separators, Momma (who had little tolerance for frills) lovingly daubing sparkle Sally Hansen polish on my tiny nails. With a gentle blow, I scrunched my nose at the smell and giggled for my ticklish feet. A calm Momma smiled coyly and replied, "Why you will be you!" I sighed and scrunched my bottom lip, knowing she had given the obvious answer, "But what will I be when I'm big like you?" I asked again. This time Momma took no time to pause. Pointing to my wiggling little toes she replied, "You'll be just like this polish. The glitter is always changing. If I put something Blue next to it, it turns blue. If I put something Red next to it, it turns Red. But when it is by itself, it simply sparkles!" I was much to young to get the true message of her reply, but I was content enough imagining myself covered in glitter, shining bright like a supernova, besides, it was time to pick out a polish for my hands!

Growing up I knew the Sally Hansen name well. It was my favorite brand of nail polish, just as Lip Smackers was synonymous with my childhood, Sally was always on my nails. Momma and I would walk down to the corner Walgreens and browse the new shades of lacquer while we'd wait for a prescription to be filled. It was one of the few brands Momma would let me shop from, as she always remarked how affordable it was, and how well the lacquers wore. I didn't care much about the finish or wear, but I certainly was in love with the ever-growing collection of colors. Today my own personal Sally Hansen collection fills a large cosmetics fold out case and spans over 10 finishes from Holographic Effects to Hard As Nails. I've grown up regarding the brand as one of the leaders in the nail industry; especially when it comes to seasonal fashion trends and nail art effects.

When Spring finally rolled around I was itching to play with some of the newest Sally Hansen products and found it a great excuse for a ladies night in. I envisioned a pajama party with my besties and family members round the living room painting each other's toes and swapping girl gab. With my heart set on nail art I grabbed my Balance Rewards Card and the current Walgreens ad and hit the local store for some serious shopping. No sooner had I seen all of the vibrant Xtreme Wear shades than I decided I was going to make it a color party- nails and snacks by shades. And I was in luck, the beautiful bold prints of Salon Effects Nail Strips and Xtreme Wear Lacquers would make for some easy nail art even the amateurs could tackle. With a cart full of Sally Hansen nail color and art products I rolled on towards the very large Easter aisle, where I knew I'd find an array of colorful pastel chocolates to fill my table. I couldn't believe the savings on my cart full of swag and even made cash back with my Balance Rewards points earned! Don't have a Walgreens near you? Shop all of these amazing Sally Hansen products online!

When I got home I set up an inspiration Pinterest Board so all of my attendees, and social media friends could pin some inspiration for nail art. I had a round list of 10 excited attendees on Thursday; but as we all know, life (especially with a family) is subject to change. Halfway through creating my guest individualized nail art goodie pots I received a phone call from my bestie. Her mother was taking her, her girlfriend, and her sister to Vegas for Easter weekend (-3). I was devastated and made her promise to swing by on Monday so I could catch her up on all the juicy nail designs and gossip. As it turns out, planning a last minute party on Easter weekend was trickier than I thought. As I frosted my rainbow themed cake Friday, 2 other guests informed me, last minute, they would no be able to attend at the specified time, but would swing by several hours earlier to hand out and swap manis. I was determined to share my nail art love with each and every one of these woman, if I had eat chocolate and do nails from sun up to sun down (torture, right?)