How I Grow My Nails

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a chronic nail biter. It's a nervous habit that's been a coping mechanism when I'm stressed out or anxious. The past couple years, I've been better and have successfully grown my nails out a few times. For me, this takes patience and will power, but I always love the result!

If my nails aren't strong enough, I'll peel them off which completely ruins the goal of growing them out. I use a nail strengthener as a base coat every time I paint my them so they don't break off. I've used this one for years. My friend's mom introduced me to it, and it's been a holy grail product ever since. When they get a little too long for my taste, I just file them down.

For a top coat, I use Essie's Good to Go. It gives a super shiny finish and it fills in dents that magically happen when you're (I'm) too impatient to let the nail polish dry.

At the moment, I have Essie's Shop Till I Drop on my nails. It's a "soft pink coral cream". It's very sheer and took multiple coats to get it opaque. It's a nice bright color while still being relatively neutral. It would be really nice for a French manicure if you use a light coat before putting on the white tips for a change.

Products

Esmalte Endurecedor para Unas- $7.99 on Amazon

Essie Good to Go Top Coat- $8.49 at Target

Essie Shop Till I Drop- $8.50 at Ulta

-Courtney

My "Every Day" Makeup

"Every day" is a definitely a stretch because I don't wear makeup MOST days. I'm a college student and the majority of the time I want to wear leggings and a t-shirt. A more appropriate title would be "This-is-what-I-wear-when-I-want-to-look-nice-in-a-casual-setting" but that's not exactly catchy. It's easy, it looks nice, and it doesn't take much time. There are times when I love to sit in front of my window, do my makeup, and take time to relax. There are other times when I need to run out the door 5 minutes ago. This is for those times!

Eyes 

The Naked Basics Palette

-Faint blended in the outer corner

-Naked 2 on the lid

-Foxy (or WOS depending on what I feel like that day) under the brow

-Venus in the inner corner

-Crave used as eyeliner with a liner brush 

TIP: Make sure the black is blended out! I've had it end up where I don't want it too many times.

NYX Slide On Pencil in Jet Black

(on the tight line)

Maybelline the Falsies Mascara

Face

Maybelline FITme! in 125 Nude Beige

NYX Incredible Waterproof Concealer 

(FYI: I recently got this and I really like it so far!)

Lips

Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in 001 Honey

(I rarely wear anything on my lips if ever, but this is really nice and it's low maintenance.)

Disclaimer: I never really wear foundation or anything on my lips. I never really found the need for foundation and I tend to get annoyed when I wear anything on my lips (besides what I mentioned or red on special occasions). I try to eat, it ends up every where, and it becomes a mess! 

I use makeup more as an art medium than something to cover my flaws. It's something that's extremely relaxing for me and I really enjoy creating new looks. I don't feel like anyone should NEED to wear makeup. You should wear makeup for YOU, not anybody else.

(Time to get off my soap box)

-Courtney

PS Speaking of looking out my window, my backyard's finally green again!