Beauty Quickies

Beauty Quickie: Kur Nail Concealers
by

Beauty Quickie: Kur Nail Concealers

Who: Londontown

Kur Illuminating Nail Concealer

What: Kur Illuminating Nail Concealers

When: Anytime I want to strengthen my nails and look more pulled together, pronto

Where: I usually swipe it on while watching tv in the living room

Why: These easy to apply, quick drying nail concealers add strength and a pretty shine to nails. It’s impossible to mess up your at-home mani if this is what you’re doing. It helped me fix a cracking nail issue this winter and is a quick and easy way to add a little more polish (see what I did there?) to your day. I’ve tried the original white shade and the pink concealer; other options are available here.

Kur Pink Illuminating Nail Concealer
by

Beauty Quickie: Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight Lip Balm

Who: Philosophy

What: Kiss Me Tonight Lip Balm

When: Every night, and sometimes in the morning

Where: My bedroom

Why: This rich but non-sticky lip balm is extremely hydrating and leaves lips instantly looking and feeling healthier. This balm kept my lips from cracking and peeling through bitterly cold winter weather conditions and through Covid. Plus, I like its cheeky name and tagline. Highly recommend.

by

Beauty Quickie: Too Faced Hangover Rx 3-in-1

Who: Too Faced

What: Hangover Rx 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray

When: Whenever you didn’t get enough sleep, and/or had one too many cocktails the night before

Where: Spritz all over your face (and neck)

Why: This coconut-water infused mist contains skin revivers that helps refresh your skin and keep it hydrated. You can mist it on before makeup to use as a primer, after application to set your makeup, or throughout the day as a refresher. I primarily spritz it onto clean skin before makeup on days when I’m feeling run down and could use a little extra glow (and moisture). Also, it smells like coconut and feels really nice on the skin. I always have time for that!

by

Beauty Quickie: NCLA Take it off! Soy Based Nail Lacquer Remover Sheets

Who: NCLA

What: Take it off! Soy based nail lacquer remover sheets

When: Last night, when I noticed how chipped my manicure was

Where: I found these in my medicine cabinet – they came with a previous order from the NCLA website

Why: When my standard nail polish remover simply would not remove the polish from my nails, I decided to give one of these sheets a try. Not only did it quickly and easily remove my polish, it was also a pleasure to use. No harsh stinky chemicals. It wasn’t sopping wet and my hands didn’t smell like remover all night. I just gently massaged the sheet over each nail and the polish is completely gone. I immediately went to the website to order more, but sadly didn’t see any in stock. I did find a bottle of this soy based remover, though – and it’s currently on sale for $4!

by

Beauty Quickie: Great Nails to Go

Who: KISS

What: imPRESS Press-on Manicure One-Step Gel

When: For a special event or anytime you want to feel like you have your act together.

Where: I picked up a package that included 36 nails (six were accent nails) at Walgreens.

Why: I really like the look of gel manicures but I don’t like to spend a lot of time or money on my nails. For less than $10 and about as many minutes, I was able to give myself a fun, glossy manicure that didn’t require any drying time and that stayed put for five full days (my friend’s lasted seven, but I was particularly hard on my hands when I had them on). Pro tip: I find most press on nails to be too long and square for my taste – I prefer a shorter and more rounded tip for a more natural look. After I applied the nails I used a regular nail trimmer to cut and shape the nails – the file that came with the kit didn’t work for me. I received tons of compliments on my manicure and people were surprised to learn they were fake. I’ll definitely buy these again.

by

Beauty Quickie: Lip Rescue

Who: Trader Joe’s

What: Virtuoso Organic Lip Balm

When: Constantly

Where: In my car, at my desk, on the couch…

Why: This unbelievably silky lip balm completely rescued my severely chapped (as in cracked and bleeding) lips in just two days. It is flavorless, has an extremely fresh and pleasant spearmint scent, and broad spectrum SPF 15. Go buy yourself a three pack and share one with your best friend (or your sister, which is how I ended up with one – thanks Linds!).

by

Beauty Quickie: Best Balm

Who: Osmia Organics
What: Best Lip Balm
When: My lips are cracked or extra dry
Where: In my bed
Why: This natural lip balm – containing shea butter, pumpkin seed oil, lanolin and beeswax – goes on so light and smooth that you almost don’t even notice it’s there. But swipe it onto dry, cracked lips before bed and come morning cracks will be repaired and your silky smooth kiss will be restored. The best part? It doesn’t bother the sensitive, breakout-prone skin around my mouth. This balm will be a trusted friend in the winter months ahead!

by

Beauty Quickie: Sweet Lips

Who: Clarins
What: Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in shade 01
When: Constantly
Where: In my car, at my desk, in the bathroom, in the kitchen…
Why: This moisturizing gloss does just what it says it will do – it makes my lips look naturally perfect. A cross between a gloss and a balm, it adds a lovely hint of color, fills in fine lip lines, softens, smells fantastic and adds just a touch of shine. I just plain feel pretty when I wear this. And that’s what gloss is all about!

by

Beauty Quickie: Cool It

Who: Boscia
What: Super Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm
When: In the morning, at night, various other times throughout the day
Where: In my bed, bathroom, living room, car…
Why: This little cutie (it comes in an adorable little blue tube) has become my best friend and greatest beauty obsession; one day I threw an all-out tantrum and sent out a search party when I momentarily misplaced my little buddy. The name says it all: the smooth balm delivers an icy cool sensation as it glides around the eye area, almost instantly de-puffing while also brightening dark circles and invigorating your senses. With regular use it is making a noticeable difference in my dark circles, but I really love its fast-acting formula. You can see a dramatic decrease in puffiness and darkness almost immediately. And it feels so good – the refreshing cooling sensation is a little addictive. The best part? You can take it with you and smooth some on throughout the day whenever you feel you (or your eyes) need a pick-me-up; it won’t mess up your makeup and it’ll wake you up, all while brightening your eyes.

by

Beauty Quickie: Skin Saver

Who: Bath & Body Works
What: Creamy Body Wash
When: Around the time that days get shorter and temps get frosty
Where: In the shower
Why: I’m a big fan of any product that makes my life easier, and this foamy body wash does just that. The thick cream wash lathers luxuriously to gently clean your body from neck to toe. It leaves skin fresh, lightly scented, and much softer than the average body wash or bar of soap. So much softer, in fact, that you can get away with skipping your post-shower slathering of lotion. Of course you don’t have to skip it, and in the dead of winter your skin will thank you for giving it a one-two punch of moisture. This skin saver comes in a wide array of scents to suit your every mood; my favorites are Cherry Blossom and Coconut Lime Breeze.