Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat

It turns out that I had quite the range of photos edited and stored!  Today I'm happy to share with you one of my favorite topcoats: Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat ($18, 0.27oz)

Julep touts their Freedom Polymer Top Coat as innovative and gel-like, providing a smudge-proof mani in 5 minutes. When one compares the ingredients to other topcoats, there appears to be additional polymers present.

I happen to enjoy this topcoat because it delivers in terms of shine and strength. I've never had a gel manicure, but prefer a super-shiny finish.  I frequently discard topcoats for not being shiny enough. This passes the test with flying colors.

I also find Julep's Freedom Polymer topcoat to be thicker and stronger than most. It certainly protects my nails and provides a tough layer that stands up to typing.

Overall, I highly recommend this.  Julep Mavens get 20% off, putting this topcoat into the affordable range.

NOTD: MAC Aloe Aloe

Today's NOTD is a polish I've had floating around in my stash since the 2003-6 era.  It's been discontinued, and I can't find much information on it online.

MAC Aloe Aloe is a green shimmer frost, and it's very buildable.  Swatches are with three coats, no top coat.

NARS Niagara Lipstick

I'm honestly shocked that I discovered these photos plus placeholder text in my drafts folder because NARS lipstick in Niagara ($26, 0.12oz) is such a lovely shade that I would've figured that I'd have posted about it by now.

NARS Niagara is described as "satin pinkish coral" by Sephora. I agree.  Niagara is the color that I think of when I think "grownup, work-appropriate coral." It has a lovely satin finish that borders on a matte.

NARS Niagara is one of those lovely shades that I believe to be universally flattering. In other words, it's like many of the shades in NARS' lipstick range.

To really appreciate this shade, let me show you some swatches first.

Outside, without flash:

Outside, with flash:

Inside, without flash:

Inside with flash:

Sadly, I didn't swatch this on my lips so I can't demonstrate the struggles I have with this shade. I bought it without trying in person (I actually seem to recall being enabled by Beauty Talk). This shade, like other softer lipsticks, gets lost on my highly pigmented lips. With the right base, this is a go-to for me.  I find NARS' lipsticks to be right in the middle in terms of moisture- not hydrating, but not drying. They generally wear for 4-5 hours before gracefully fading for me. NARS' satin formula leans more towards matte than glossy.

I think that Niagara is a classic shade, and I've actually purchased it for others as a gift. It just requires a bit more prep work to show up on pigmented lips.  Overall, it's a A+ color but C- execution without serious work.  If your lips usually handle lighter shades, I highly encourage you to check this shade out.

NOTD: Julep Faye

Today's NOTD is Julep Faye, described as "liquid bronze shimmer."  It's one of my favorites in this color family, especially since it's a one-coater!

Swatches are with one coat, no top coat.

Sunday Dreaming

Why yes, Sunday Dreaming is back! This is one of the posts that I can publish without all of my swatch photos, and do way ahead of time.  I've missed blogging more than I thought I would.

1. 13" MacBook Pro ($1199)

Photo via apple.com

This is by far and away my top beauty and everything else want. Plus, it's just appropriate with this blog lately to put this front and center!

2. Burberry Summer Showers Nail Collection ($21 each)

Photo via Nordstrom.com

I've been wanting to give Burberry nail polish yet another shot, and the Summer Showers Collection seems to be just right. There are three bright, saturated creme shades (Orange Poppy, Pink Peony (pictured), Pink Azalea) that seem perfect for summer.


3. Burberry Fresh Glow Blush ($38)

Photo via Nordstrom.com

The Burberry Summer Showers collection is just brilliant and innovative. Like other lines, Burberry has ventured into sheer, stick blushes.  Pink Peony (pictured) was my first inclination, but I suspect that Orange Poppy will also flatter my complexion.

4. Burberry Fresh Glow Lip Balm ($28)

Photo via Nordstrom.com

Confession: I purchased Orange Poppy as soon as it launched on Burberry, but I've been holding off on the other shades until I get my laptop. These are super sheer, but hydrating. I'm more interested in Pink Azalea than Pink Poppy (pictured), but will likely purchase the entire collection.

That's a very short list for Sunday Dreaming this week, but among the first items I'm likely to be purchasing soon.  With lots of new collections, what are you dreaming about?

NOTD: Dior Diva

Today's NOTD is a holiday release I never got a chance to feature last year. Dior Diva is a beautiful vampy glittery black.  I've got two coats plus Formula X topcoat on my nails here. It just feels special and ready for a party.

Blog Update

I have some great news to share with you, dear readers!

No, I didn't get my computer yet. However, I was able to borrow a non-public laptop for part of a day and I'm in the process of completing multiple posts that were in various stages of completion. Shockingly enough, I had enough previously-in-work posts to actually publish a NOTD and a topical post every day until my expected ETA of the new computer! In other words, I'm 50% back!

One of my frustrations has been the Blogger App. You can't modify a scheduled date, so if I had originally worked on a post in March, it would publish to March rather than the current day.

In the meantime, please check me out on Instagram at @quirkybusyandbeautiful for the latest- or drop me an email!

(I'm at 87 NOTD looks swatched and counting, by the way!)

NOTD: Chanel Particuliere

I managed to borrow a laptop and have logged into Blogger's actual website.  I have a few draft posts trapped that I could've shared with you. Enjoy!

Today's NOTD is another classic Chanel from my collection.

Particuliere is a mushroomy taupe creme perfect for a moody fall day.

Swatches are with two coats, no top coat.

Doesn't it just feel like fall?

Blog Gone Low-Tech?

If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen a version of this photo:

i miss you all like crazy! I've got notes for about 70 posts and counting. Until then, another plug for Instagram- @quirkybusyandbeautiful.

NOTD: NARS Orgasm

Today's NOTD is the classic cult favorite that has spawned a whole series of products: NARS Orgasm.  The nail polish is quite sheer and leaves VNL even after multiple coats.

There are three coats plus Butter London Hardware on my nails here.