In my quest to stop this awful habit, I researched a product to help me, (because heaven knows I can’t do this on my own) and I found Mavala STOP on Amazon with lots of rave reviews. For $10, plus $2 shipping, it’s way cheaper than $50 + tip gel nails.
It arrived yesterday so painted it on at the end of the day. It dried quickly so I decided to try a nibble to see if the taste would be enough to stop me from gnawing – what a regretful decision that was. The taste I was met with can only be described as Liquid Plumber+vinegar+battery acid+antifreeze from 1914. FOUL.

Today, after a morning of showering and several hand washings, the gross taste hasn’t faded, although reapplying once a day will be a good idea. If this aversion therapy is the key to having nice nails, I’ll stay with it. Stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

*Please note that I just can’t post a picture of my nails now because they are just that embarrassing…
PolkaDot

Sonia Kashuk Brow Kit

I think I’ve mentioned before the importance of paying attention to your brows as they frame your eyes and complete a polished look. That’s why when I spotted this brow kit in Target for $9.99 I felt giddy. As someone who frequently changes her hair color, this kit looked perfect! And the minimalist packaging is sleek and typical of Sonia Kashuk. I was thrilled to try it.

The kit doesn’t come with a brush, so I used a stiff bristled slanted brush and found that I had to dig the brush deep into the waxy pot to get any color to show up. The waxyness kept my brows in place, but I wanted color too. I don’t know if I got a dud off the manufacturing line, as makeupalley has so many rave reviews, but back to Target it went.

I’m back to using matte shadows for my brows.

xoxo ~ PolkaDot

I’ve been working out in the morning for about a week and I started out with the Denise Austin Boot Camp DVD because I did her workouts on Lifetime when they used to have them. Denise is great, but I knew Jillian would be more challenging.

The Shred video has 3 levels – as you progress, you go up a level. But each level also has two girls behind Jillian. One does the more advanced version of each exercise and the other a more beginner/intermediate version, so it’s very customizable to your needs. All you need are dumbbells and a mat. There’s a warm-up and then an exhausting mix of cardio/strength. Jillian stresses that if you want to get fit in a 20 minute workout, you need to push yourself and minimize resting. She’s motivational without being nasty or mean. So far I like this video and am looking forward to seeing results.

As a side note, I work out so early because if I don’t do it first thing, I will never do it later in the day. This way it’s done, over with and energizes me for my morning. I’ve been enjoying a better, more restful sleep as a result of working out too.

Wish I would use this up so I can buy a replacement in the new packaging that looks like...

...this.

I have the following complaints about this blush: 1) it’s the perfect everyday blush, 2) it lasts all day 3) it’s well pigmented 4)they give you plenty in the container and it lasts forever 5)it’s $5!

Why on earth are these complaints you ask? Because I seem to have bought the bottomless container of blush that will never die, meaning I can’t ever replace it with the cuter packaging they have now (in pic #2).

What a smart move on Every Minerals’ part though – sleek, girly new packaging that lacks that bizarre Target logo, but kept the same low prices. The website is also cute and easy to navigate, although a tiny bit overwhelming. And unless I didn’t look hard enough, I haven’t been able to find ingredient lists. Otherwise, EM is a great value and lots of people rave about their mineral foundations which come in various formulas for a good range of coverage.

SpaRitual's Drop Dead Gorgeous

When I saw this cool toned slightly irridescent/shimmery deep violet at a day spa last summer, I knew I had to try it. I justified the $9 price tag by telling myself getting this is cheaper than a manicure and I will get many uses out of it. Boy, was I right. As beautiful as it is as a rich fall shade, it will work in winter and even summer with a tan.

As for the SpaRitual line of polishes, they are vegan and toulene/formaldehyde free, so they don’t have that gnarly polish smell, nor are they you know, poison. I’m on day three of wearing this polish and haven’t been delicate with it – I’ve done some cleaning and lots of dishes without so much as a chip. I’m impressed. I’m going to have to scout out where to get more as I don’t frequent day spas, but this polish gets 5 out of 5 PolkaDots.

Forgive the silly look on my face, but I had to concentrate on keeping the phone still to get a clear pic. Took about 11 tries.

I've managed to not bite long enough so that my talons look like THIS. Woo!

For non-nail biters, I don’t think you understand what an accomplishment this is. First of all, I grew out all the damage from when I had acrylics over the summer and then I did my best to not bite. Did I cheat? A bit. I did still bite the sides of my nails and sometimes nibbled at the sking a bit. EW. I know I know.

BUT I currently have 10 chic squared off natural nails to enjoy. The polish on them is OPI’s Bubble Bath with an OPI top coat and OPI Nail Envy in matte as a basecoat. I also ran out to Sally’s and bought an $8 glass nail file that is supposed to be gentle on the nails and last forever. Those cheap cardboard files can shred your nails. And don’t ever file back and forth – one direction only. This has also helped keep my nails in good shape. As any reformed nail biter can tell you, it’s those little snags and chips that are most tempting.

I do have a vicious cycle of biting and then not biting, so while I have these nails, I shall enjoy them.

Enjoy your weekend! Blowing kisses from my well manicured hands!  LOL  ~PolkaDot

Giovanni Smooth as Silk shampoo & conditioner

I have been a long time user of Giovanni Smooth as Silk shampoo and conditioner. As you can see, there is only a small amount left, so I can vouch for its effects over time. The ingredients are natural, there is a light citrus scent, and it moisturizes without weighing down my fine, highlighted hair. I like variety, so I have an arsenal of shampoos and conditioners to choose from and every time I use this combo, I have a good hair day. I also feel comfortable using these on my hair daily with no worries of harsh sulfates causing further damage.

So you can imagine my happiness when recently I discovered Giovanni’s Vitapro Fusion leave-in spray.

Giovanni Vitaprpo Fusion leave-in spray

It leaves my hair less frizzy, more manageable, and protects it from heat if I choose to blow dry or flat iron my hair. Best of all, I feel great using Giovanni products because they are natural and certified organic. I can say there is a definite improvement in my hair as a result of using this product line. I’m also interested in trying their volumizing styling foam to replace my alcohol soaked mousse.

I’ve seen Giovanni products for around $7 or $8 on amazon.com, drugstore.com and Wegmans, but recently saw them on sale at RiteAid for $5.99. I believe Target carries Giovanni as well, but the best prices I’ve found have been at www.iherb.com.

Out of 5 PolkaDots, I give these three products a 5!

Giella Greige Nailpolish

I was recently sent Giella’s newest nailpolish, Greige – a shade their website describes as “a neutral beige with a touch of gray.” I keep hoping that the even after the triple take I did, the price is NOT $25. For nailpolish. Just checked again, and yep.. it’s $25. For that amount of money, I would at least expect the color description to be dead on, but I see no hint of beige after application – it’s more gray with a touch of lavender. Admittedly, it is a nice fall shade. I opted to paint my toes with it.

I'm an awful nail painter - pls excuse the paint job and the bony toes.

Do you see any beige in that color? Even in various lights, I don’t. But on the positive side, this nailpolish is formaldehyde and toulene free and dried quickly. Even better though, it applied beautifully and only required one coat. As much of a nailpolish spazz as I am, I even managed to apply it without streaks.

I think OPI polishes, which are my favorite for quality and staying power, are a better value for nearly 1/3 of the price of one of these.

The price and incorrect color description gives this 2.5 out of 5 Polka Dots. It would have rated lower if not for the toulene/formaldehyde free formula and ease of application.

http://www.giella.com/productList.aspx?c=301