Instagram Nails #5

iWants #1

I spend an absurd amount of time trolling eBay for shit I don't need. Its so hard sometimes to resist the urge so I'm hoping by sharing some of my wants here that I won't feel as compelled to treat myself to them.(unlikely) When the price is as resonable as these are though, resistence seems sort of futile.

Link!

 I love the gagued look of this cuff without the commitment of getting actual gauges. I have a pair of skulls studs from Topshop with a similar effect and I love them.

Link!

I swear I will wear these to death and at less than $1.50 a pop buying both colors is practically required.

Link!

I like wearing animal shapes/animal parts. This is pretty badass to boot.

Now all of these items are lovely and dirt cheap. When ordering inexpensive sparkly bits off eBay its imporant to keep in mind that shipping from Hong Kong, while free, takes an eternity. (Usually about a month.) All of these will also likely require a coat of clear nail polish to prevent them from turning your skin green but when I shop for things that I likely will get sick of wearing, I don't mind sacrificing the quality for such a good deal.

Have you guys turned up any good eBay find lately? How do you feel about waiting for extended shipping time tables?

xoxo

Molly

Instagram Nails #4

Feel the Burn...

I went to the beach this past week. It was an amazing day, the weather was perfect and the water was refreshing without being too cold. Mom and I hung out for three hours and headed out. We're not huge beach people but we like to go a couple times a summer. It seemed like the perfect morning and then I got in the car and saw this...

This doesn't even convey the severity of my sunburn situation. I was purple. The worst part? I spent three hours total in the sun, and reapplied my SPF45 twice. I made sure it was a nice even genrous layer. My only explanation for why this might have happened is that this part of my body (just next to my underarm) never really sees the light of day. I didn't burn anywhere else just this baby triangle of skin on either side of my chest.

The point of this ramble is to show you the two things I found that really helped to soothe the IMMENSE pain this burn caused.

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter

 

The first thing I grabbed for was a nice rich body butter. I've had this Body Shop one for months now and just don't reach for it often because I generally prefer my Lush body lotions for all over moisture. The texture of this one though is so much more soothing and significantly richer feeling. I have the smaller trial size version of the Mango Butter and I felt like this little serving would go for miles, whether I used it on just the sunburn or all over.

I had put off using The Body Shop items because years ago I had used a tester in an airport and it made me very itchy. It was either something in the limited edition scent I sampled (which one it was I can't remeber) or a reaction to something else that I had on my skin that day, because I have no problems or irritation with this formula. In fact I was suprised when I applied this to the sunburn and it provided MORE relief than my Lush Dream Cream.  Now the Dream Cream is a fantastic product but it didn't work as well as the body butter for this specific purpose.

This also kept my burn incredibly hydrated which prevented any peeling and allowed the burn to fade evenly to a tan without going patchy.

Next up is an item I've shown you here before...



Caudalie Beauty Elixir



This was a godsend. I'm not sure this provided any healing properties but the minty tingle this gives on the skin was absolutely essential to my pre-sleep routine. It made the burning sensation fade just long enough for me to drift off to sleep regardless of the sting from the burn. Now this is a pricy product that I traditionally use on my face. By no means I am suggesting you run out and buy this solely on the basis that it helped my sunburn but, if you have it on hand try spritzing it on a burn to offer some temporary relief. Otherwise look for a product with a mild minty-ness (and I mean mild! mint can be very strong!) to create a nice cooling sensation on the area.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that avoiding sunburn and prolonged sun exposure is the best way to keep your skin safe and prevent future damage. As I mentioned sometimes even if you do take precautions you can wind up burnt. Practice safe sun guys.

I once heard that Noxema stored in the fridge feels really nice on sunburn but I've never tried it.

Any thoughts on sunburn remedies? Have you guys managed to beat the burn so far this summer?

xoxo

Molly

Face Balm...

Last week something truly unbelieveable happened. Well unbelieveable for me, I imagine this sort of thing happens to everyone else more regularly. I ran out of facial cleanser. Out, gone, as in nothing in the house I could use to wash my face. It had been such a long time since I'd run out of a whole genre of skincare that I was blindsided. I needed to run out to the drugstore to troll for a replacement. Immedeiately.

I have normal to combination oily skin and have come to find in recent years that all of the super harsh scrubs and foaming cleansers I used to reach for actually left my skin really stressed and dehydrated. As a result I've been reaching for creamier gentle cleansers that also leave my face feeling clean.

I was walking up and down the skin care aisle and just couldn't find anything that didn't advertise how foaming, or deep cleaning it was. I love a good deep clean, I do, but these days if I use anything that strong on a daily basis my face goes apeshit. I'm not sure whats happening to my skin as I get a little older but it certainly is changing. I tend to avoid anything with harsh detergents or lathering agents, not because of any publicly percieved health risk, but because they over work my skin. I had been using a hot cloth cleanser from Boots No. 7 I got at Target but sometimes I felt the ritual of it took too much time and I felt like I used a ton of product everytime I washed my face. I did, however, really enjoy the premise of a cream cleanser, or a cleansing balm product. As I shopped for something new I really focused on the ingredient list to find something my skin would appreciate.

Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser with Orange Oil

Now this is a cleansing balm, but as you can see it's merely labled as a facial cleanser. The problem with that is if you are in the market for a cleansing balm (like I was) you would have to flip this over and look at the ingredients to know what you're getting. If you would like a full list of ingredients (I tried to photograph the tube but the round shape made reading it nearly impossible) check out the Burts Bees website (link!).

It has a very oily, vaseline-like texture and applies to the skin in very much the same way. If you are sensitive to greasy textures on your skin, you may not like this at first but once you add water the whole experience changes.

It doesn't lather. Now when I bought the product this is how I was hoping things would go. There was nothing on the package, however, that indicated that the emollient balm would break down like this. The first time I tried this one my face I was blown away. It doesn't spread easily when you first get it on the skin but as it warms it moves like butter. It does feel very heavy but the oil components in the cleanser breaks down dirt, oil, and makeup better than anything I've ever tried. A little bit of massaging and it can break down even the most long wearing products. Once water is added it turns into this beautiful milky texture and leaves your skin feeling so clean.

I was so impressed. This left no film on the skin and a week of use later (once a day) my skin looks bright, clear, and plump. Its also helped to even the tone and texture of my skin, which was a pleasant suprise. As you use it the cleanser also creates a warming sensation on the skin. After reading some reviews some people descibe this as a burning feeling which I suspect is a result of some people's heightened sensitivity to citrus oils. (As orange oil is the feature ingredient.)

This was so hydrating and provided a nice supplement to the rest of my skincare routine. The added oil in this can result in some congestion  if overused so I would only reccomend using this as an evening cleanser unless your face is especially dry. I also reccomend a weekly scrub and/or mask, depending on your skin, to avoid any build up on the skin. Even if you suffer from an oilier skin texture this could be a nice choice for you. Adding products to your routine that offer more hydration can actually help to regulate any oil over production. ( Most oily skin is caused by dehydration causing the skin to overcompensate.)

I had been using the same products on my skin for so long that going to the drugstore and randomly selecting something new to try has been so much...fun. I know thats strange, but the fact that the item in question happened to work beautifully only adds to my enjoyment.

It may sound out of the ordinary, the idea of  a cleansing balm, but if you are looking for a gentle, hydrating, cleanser I encourage you to give this one a try. It's around $8 at most drug stores and the fact that it comes from a more naturally inclined brand is really just a bonus for me.

Have you ever tried a cleansing balm? Is it something you would ever gravitate towards?

xoxo

Molly

Instagram Nails #3

Nothing Beats the Original

Ah BB Cream...when the public finds a product that really is unique we like to take it and run with it don't we? Well over the last year or so we as a consumer base have managed to beat the BB Cream dead horse into the ground. Whats not to like? It claims to be an all in one product. It gives you sun protection, hydration, and coverage all in one tube and magically betters your skin while you go about your business.

On the surface it seems like every girl's dream product, but how many times have you tried a drugstore BB cream and thought, "isn't this just a tinted moisturizer?" Now I have and use the Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream, and I do like it. It is a nice light even coverage and great for a lazy day. It is a great tinted moisturizer. I bought a L'oreal one and returned it, it made me orange. Last week when I saw the Maybelline version in stores I almost got it but then I stopped myself. I do not need another tinted moisturizer.

Now on to the point of my post.

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream

I got a sample of this BB Cream in one of my Birchboxes and when I first laid eyes on it I was dissapointed. I thought, I've tried a bunch of these already and while I do like some of them I just don't think they are as great as they claim to be. I was wrong. After a brief accident where a small squirt wound up on my shirt I applied this and suddenly realized that a beauty balm with a fuller, natural coverage did exist.

I was in Sephora the other day and a very generous benefactor (thanks Dad!) bought me a few choice new bits. When I saw that Sephora was carrying the brand I pounced on the Dr Jart+ Water Fuse formula. Apparently Dr Jart is meant to have developed the original BB Cream formula, and the product is made in Korea.  The Water Fuse formula is  designed to be one of the more hydrating versions in the line and as it was the sample I tried and loved, I decided to snap it up.

Like most BB Creams it starts out as a pale skin tone color with a slight gray cast. These products do not come in shades so since one skin tone does not fit all this product will sadly only suit a small portion of people. Compared to other products the texture is very thick. It is very much a rich cream in nature and although when you first squeeze it out the color seems off, once you blend it in it molds to your skin.

It creates an even, smooth canvas on the skin and when I wear this I find I only need an under eye concealer and a bit of powder through my T-zone. This is essentially everything I've ever wanted in a base product. I've always shied away from foundation because I hate that you can see it on the skin. In the same vein, when I use a tinted moisturizer I find that most times all  you get is a slick feeling on the skin with no discernable coverage. This feels comfortable on the skin, looks like skin, and diminishes the appearance of discoloration and blemishes. If you are into a full coverage face this isn't for you but if you want a "your skin but better" look please sample one of these BB Creams.

The best part? It is the first product that claims to have skin benefits that actually seems to be beneficial to the skin. It doesn't clog my pores the way traditional face products do. It also doesn't feel anywhere close to what you would expect of a product the provides this type of even-ness to the skin. It's a mistake to even refer to it as "coverage" because nothing feels or looks covered it just looks better. Better than that it keeps my extremely dehydrated skin hydrated throught the day without causing any additional oil to break through my makeup.

Wearing Dr Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream (no additional powder used)

In the interest of full disclosure I do have quite good skin in the first place and I'm not after a full coverage look. I've always found the idea of a tinted moisturizer appealing but found that most provided moisture but no tint. This is the texture, cover, and reality of the tinted moisturizer I have always wanted. I'm so pleased with this purchase and I love the idea of this not just for the warmer months but for all year round.

Check out Dr Jart+ here. (link)

Have you guys ventured into the BB Cream maze yet? Have you found anything that suits you?

xoxo

Molly

Foiled Again...Again.

I have been on the hunt for something like this since I saw it in a  post on Scrangie's blog last year. (link!) Metallic red lips...how badass is that? While I will admit the idea of a frosty lip brings back awful memories of that old spinster lady in the neighborhood where you grew up. You know, the one who wore blue eyeliner, way way way too much rosy pink blush (applied like racing stripes along her cheeks no doubt) and crazy frosty nude lipgloss. While the premise of the product is similar I promise you, you will not wind up old and alone with several cats.(Well not because of the lipstick anyway...I don't know your life.)

Kat VonD Foiled Love Lipstick in Adora

It is so difficult to capture the metallic nature of this on film. Even when I started looking up metallic lipsticks and pictures of this came back I was not convinced. It just looked like a really lovely glossy red lip, but it is in fact very metallic in person.

At $19 compared to $28 for the Hourglass gloss shade I was longing for I decided I would opt for this to see if I really like the effect. After all I just gave away a ton of lipglosses because I never wear them any more and buying a new one is ridiculous right?

While it admittedly does not have the shine and depth of the original lemming I love, Love, LOVE, the way this looks in person. It sits solidly on the lips and looks down right like liquid metal. With a bit of smokey winged liner and this lipstick I have my nighttime makeup made for a while. Hell I'm even going to wear it during the day I think it looks so cool! Summer soft lips be dammned I am wearing this the very next time I leave the house. Wearer beware though, any dry lip-ness will be emphasized by the finish so prep your pout accordingly. 

Looking for a good pre lipstick balm? Check out my post on my new favorite lip balm. (link!)

I will confess that as much as I love this I think the Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Siren will make its way onto my Christmas list. After all it really is more like a liquid lipstick anyway right..?

*hangs head in shame*

What do you think? Metallic lips yay or nay?

xoxo

Molly

Heart of (Emery) Glass

Nails is not news here at Unanimous Molly headquarters. I love nails. My polish collection is so large I still refuse to count how many bottles I actually have and my search for the perfect basecoat surges on. I have however recently found something new that has had a tremendous impact on my continued quest for stronger, healthier nails. A glass nail file.

Swissco Glass Nail File

I don't have anything on a specific brand or make but I have recently changed my mind completely about nail files. I've known for quite a while now that filing your nails is worlds healthier than clipping them. Clipping your nails can lead to small cracks at the edge of the nail that can later become breaks. Fliling however, especially if you remember to file in one direction (not back and forth) is a much gentler way of shortening and shaping your nails.  On top of that, opting for a glass nail file over a traditional emery board is an even smoother and softer way of filing the nail.

What? I know I know it seems like an over abundance on information on something as simple as filing your nails, but hear me out! I hate, and I mean absolutely hate filing my nails. It feels awful and it makes me queasy. So much so that no matter how much a difference I knew it would make to my nails, I opted to clip instead. That was until I FINALLY found out where they keep the glass nail files at Sally Beauty Supply.(link!)

(up front by the register in case you're still looking)

First of all it is a much better value, one of these will easily last you years provided you don't break it. It can be cleaned and sterilized between uses and can be used on all nail types, natural or otherwise. The best part? It feels so much nicer as you file than any other emery board I have ever used. It makes filing my nails bareable so I've sworn off clipping for good. In the last month I've been using it I've seen a drastic improvement. My nails are more evenly shaped, stronger, and I haven't had a single peel or break. My nails have also stayed longer this time than any other time I've tried to grow them out. I highly reccomend this to anyone struggling to keep their nails in good condition.

Polish FIY: Color Club Worth the Risque

Have you guys every tried a glass nail file? Any other healthy nail tips?

xoxo

Molly

Instagram Nails #2

I Can See Clearly Now...



Dove Clear Tone Skin Renew 24 Hour Deoderant

Yep...deoderant. It may be an unusual thing to talk about but after buying this I feel like I just had to sing its praises. I have always had some discoloration under my arms. I never really thought about it and I never let it keep me from wearing sleeveless things or anything but I was aware of it.

Lightening products in general have always been really popular in the Asian market. To my understanding there is a tremendous emphasis there on light, even skin. Now while we here in the Western market are all about an even skin tone, bronze skin still reigns supreme. After using this however, I'm begning to wonder why it took the western market so long to introduce a product like Dove's Clear Tone Deoderant.

I bought this at Walmart maybe six weeks ago after seeing the commercials, and since I was in the market for a new deoderant and I always buy Dove anyway I figured why not give it a try. I was blown away by the effect and the fact that I saw results after only one use.

It noticeably lightened the "dark circles" (for lack of a better phrase) under my arms after the first day and after about three days they were gone completely. I'm not sure which of the active ingredients in the product are the ones that create the effect but you can enlarge the photos above if you'd like to look up some of the ingredients on your own.

 The effect hangs around as long as you use the product, so if you forget to use it the darkness will return. As far as it acting like a deoderant I found this preforms just as well as Dove's other formulas. It keeps me dry and lovely smelling all day and beyond and keeps my pits soft to boot. It also comes in a Sheer Touch formula but I'm not sure how it differs, it seems to me it may just be an alternate scent. They only had the Skin Renew in stock when I purchased so that was the one I bought.

I can't think of one way to fault this product. At under 4$ at most discount retailers (link!) you have nothing to lose by trying it. This is a brand new must have for me, especially with the warmer weather, it is an ideal summer body care staple.

Do you think you guys will give it a try?

xoxox

Molly

My Best Friend's Girl...





Tank: Old Navy (Years and years ago) Skirt: DIY (for reals) Belt: Primark (why did I not get more of these?)





Kunckle Ring: F21 (actually a toe ring) Snake: Street Vendor Other Rings: Discount Jewlery Store Cross: Gift



Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction via DSW (Go check these out ASAP!)

It has been so  hot lately. We had a few people at my family's house this weekend and I sufferd from the worst case of heat stroke I've ever had. I felt so ill all weekend that when I woke up Monday I felt like I needed to dress up a little to improve my mood. It turned out to be the perfect opportunity to bust out the skirt I made myself a few weeks ago. Yes, you read that right, I made it myself.

I was a fashion student for 4+ year and all of my favorite projects involved being able to make things that fit me. Some professors were really into that notion, others were not. I was always more excited when I got to spend money on fancy material for school that also happened to be for something I was going to be able to wear in the end. So here I am over a year later and what exactly have I made myself? Nothing. Squat. That was until my recent unemployment hit the 8 week mark and my boredom started to become especially difficult to manage.

I had been lusting after a sheer blush/nude maxi skirt after seeing it on girls all over the internet but, no matter how hard I tried I could not find one that fit me. That is generally one of the drawbacks of wearing a larger size, often trends take an extra season or two to reach your department. I decided that it was such an easy piece to make and that I was being foolish.

Fortunately JoAnn's Fabrics basically had put everything on sale the week I had this epiphany so the whole project cost me less than $26. SWEET! 

Now the rest of the look is just some pieces pulled from my languishing summer wardrobe. The tank top is litterally years old. Its faded, soft, nicely broken in and, for an item from Old Navy, has held up like a champ. I love the braided strap. I think it is such an easy way to make a basic tank just a little bit less...basic.

Also the cross was given to me randomly by some kid in a mall. No joke, we got to talking about the shirt I was wearing and the cross earrings that I already had on and then this necklace materialized out of nowhere. When I saw the perfect shape and size of the pendant I decided I wanted it too badly to politely refuse. The shoes were also an awesome coincidence. I was at DSW with Mom shopping for some Summer shoes to round out my more recent purchases and found these.  $49.95-70% later these were mine. They are Kenneth Cole Reaction, the sudede is so soft, and the heel is just the right size. Best sandals ever.It is maybe the first time I've ever been to DSW and felt like I've gotten a real steal. Best 15$ I've spent all Summer.

Have you guys tackled any projects latley? Found any good deals? How did they turn out?

xoxo

Molly

Instagram Nails #1

Nails of the week! I was thinking this might be a nice way of including nail stuff on my blog without doing individual posts! Follow me on Instagram at blkmagicwoman21 to see what the polishes are!
xoxo
Molly