Browsing Category: Nails

LUST-HAVE LIST: December 2022

LUST-HAVE LIST: December 2022

LUST-HAVE LIST: December 2022 | STAINED COUTURE

Happy Holidays! It’s the last month of 2022 and I’m ready to wrap it up! LOL Nothing bad or detrimental has happened this year, but I just love the fresh start of a new year.

As for this month, I’m actually feeling a little more festive this year than past years. I even put my tree up this past weekend and planning to buy some decorations this weekend. As usual, this month’s Lust-Have List is basically my Christmas wishlist and I’m going to try to get them all. Yes, even if I have to dig in my wallet, too.

Keep reading to see the items that I’m wanting this month and year for Christmas!

LUST-HAVE LIST: December 2022

  • Black & Decker Cordless Handheld Vacuum – One Consumer Reports top rated handheld vacuums. Asking for a cordless vacuum for Christmas is peak adulting, but this is a need. This is the only gift that I asked my sister and brother in-law to get me this year. So, I feel confident I will be vacuuming with this beauty in 2023.
  • REPLICA By The Fireplace perfume – I recently treated myself to the Sephora Perfume sampler set, which features samples of their top seller perfumes. It also comes with a certificate so that you can get a full size of any of the scents. This scent by REPLICA was in there, but I opted for different scent. However, this is the perfect warm vanilla perfume and I want it so bad.
  • Rice Dispenser – This is definitely a “TikTok made me want it” item. Not only is this functional, it would look great on any kitchen counter. I’m West African and Mexican, which means rice is life.
  • ORLY GELFX Builder in a Bottle Kit – I’ve been trying other gel nail builders, but the ORLY GELFX is still the best one I’ve tried. So, I hope I can get one of my Santas to get another kit for me.
  • ME Manifesters Satin Jacket – I’ve been wanting a satin bomber style jacket for awhile and this one by Melody Ehsani is just right. Lowkey obsessed with this!
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Best Nail Products You Should Know

Getting my nails done has been one of  my favorite acts of self-care, ever since junior high. Although I love getting them professionally done, I love to do them myself. Actually, I haven’t had my nails professionally done since before the pandemic began back in March 2020. My last appointment was on the Saturday before the world started to collapse. So, I’ve been doing my own nails exclusively for 2 years, which has allowed me to discover some of the best nail products.

Nail Products You Should Know | STAINED COUTURE

Please keep reading to see what products I’ve been discovering and loving.

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LUST-HAVE LIST: June 2021

LUST-HAVE LIST: June 2021

LUST-HAVE LIST: June 2021 | STAINED COUTURE

Hey, June! June is one of those lowkey significant months, because it’s when we enter the last half of the year. I guess can call it the beginning of the end! LOL Either way, I’m actually looking forward to this month, because I’m cashing in some much needed vacation days this month. In a couple of weeks, I will take a staycation to my apartment, but I will venture out. I have a few plans with some friends and fam, but nothing too hectic. Well, there is that mini road trip my sister and I might take, but who knows.

What I do know, is that I need some new things in my life. My apartment is finally coming together, which I’m so grateful for. It’s wild how a couple of pieces of new furniture and some art can make a space feel like home. So, now that I feel my space is starting to take form, I need or redirect my energy to my style.

I can’t believe it, but I’m finally over my 2020 sweatpants everyday era. It was fun, cozy, and gave what it needed BUT I’m trying to be outside this summer and they don’t fit into the looks in my head. They might make a special appearance here and there, but I’m wanting easy dresses, some flowy pants, and casual chic tops. I did buy a dress this weekend, which is more work-friendly. Still, a dress was bought.

So, this month’s Lust-Have List is more fashion and style heavy with a peek into my ideal summer 2021 vibes.

LUST-HAVE LIST: June 2021

  • Rouched Strap Wedges – Love the look of these rouched teva-esque sandals! Digging the platform and all the color option. I want them all, but the yellow are at the top of my list.
  • Orly Gel polish in Tangerine Dream – I live in neon nail polish in the summer. So, I was all about Orly’s new electric neon polish collection. Of course, I wanted them all, but I don’t have any polish like this neon tangerine orange color. This will pop on tanned skin – trust me.
  • Brown Faux Woven Tote – I have a brown leather tote in this same shade of brown and it’s well loved. However, this one from Aldo is more functional, not too big, and comes with a strap.
  • Cateye Tortoise Sunglasses – I need some cateye style sunnies that aren’t black. These may work and I’m going to Target after work to try these on. Wish me and my fat face luck.
  • Pastel Camo Tee Shirt – I have the traditional green camo version of this tee from Old Navy and feel obligated to get this pastel version. Cute. P.S. I see that Old Navy is (finally) stepping up their plus size fashion styles. A lot of cute top options that aren’t graphic tees. Thank God! #Amen
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EMPTIES: September 2020

EMPTIES: September 2020

EMPTIES: September 2020 | STAINED COUTURE

Last month, after months of dodging it, I finally caught maskne. So, most of the products I used up were skincare products. The first product on the list is Acne Free Oil-Free Acne Cleanser, which is a gentle face wash for acne skin. It contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which helps fight and prevent acne. This face wash is not drying at all and it contains ceramides that creates a barrier to helps retain the skin’s moisture. I would and probably will buy this again, because I have to keep an acne wash in my skincare arsenal.

The next product I used up is an OG product for acne, but finally using it up is bittersweet. More on that later. The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is the first product that I heard could get rid of cystic acne. The Drying Lotion is a spot treatment to help dry up blemishes overnight. Although they don’t say it, I would only recommend you use this on cystic acne – NOT minor pimples and blemishes. The reason being is because this contains ingredients that are very drying – Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, and Zinc Oxide. So I would stick to other spot treatments for acne that’s not inflamed nor cystic. I no longer suffer from cystic acne and hopefully will never need to buy this again.

Speaking of harsh ingredients, for the sake of my skin, I’ve been trying them in certain products. One of these products is toners. Toners are supposed to prep and keep your skin hydrated for serums. So, I made the switch to hydrating toners and the first one up was Mamonde Rose Water toner. Rose water is known to hydrate the skin and this toner does just that and then some. My skin instantly felt hydrated, nourished, and soft. Eventually, I would like to learn how to make my own rose water toner, but I will buy this again until that happens.

Let’s stick with roses and talk about Hard Candy’s Rose Drench Face Spray. This rose water spray can be used as a toner, setting spray, and makeup refresher. Surprisingly, I really loved this spray, because it was hydrating (has hyaluronic acid!) and affordable at less that $6. I plan to buy this again, because I refuse to spend more than that on some rose water anything ever again. However, it’s part of their Marilyn Monroe collection, which I hope isn’t limited.

Every now and then you are introduced to a product that sneaks up on you and blows your mind. The product that recently did that for me is Smouve Skin’s Beauty Sealant. I used this sealant every night to help seal my skin at night and wake up to smooth, glowy skin. When I tell you that I used every drop that I could – I did. When my skin experience some breakouts from breakouts, this is the only product I used after cleanser and toner to moisturize my face. I’m currently waiting for it to be back in stock, as should you. I’m getting 2 bottles next time. Yep, it’s that good!

I’m always down for trying a dry shampoo, even if they are do the same thing but smell different. This dry shampoo from Not Your Mother’s a typical dry shampoo that I used to absorb excess oil and drag me and my hair to wash day. Did the job and it smells like coconut. I would buy it again, if needed.

When it comes to at-home manicures, a professional top coat can make it look salon quality. So, I never have a problem spending a little extra money on base coats and top coats. One of my new favorite top coats is CND Weekly Long Wear Top Coat. It has made $3 nail polish look like a $50 gel manicure and without the need for a LED lamp. Initially, I got this bottle in the clearance aisle of a Walgreens for $2. However, it was so good that I just bought a new bottle from Ulta for full price. It was the only thing I went for that day, too.

I love a good CBD beauty or skincare product and this CBD balm from HempFusion was amazing! I mostly used this at night on my hands and feet, because it helps to soothe and relax. Since it also acted as a pretty good skin barrier, I need to get another jar for the cold months coming.

Occasionally, I share a skincare product or type of skincare product that I think everyone needs. One product that I think everyone needs is skin repair cream, especially if your skin get irritated frequently. For the past few years, my go-to has been Aquaphor, but it can feel heavy. So, I decided to try BIODERMA Repair cream as a lighter alternative. The great thing about this cream is that it’s formulated to help heal dry, irritated skin. Plus, it contains a number of active ingredients to protect the skin and Antalgicine to help reduce discomfort and the urge to scratch. Since it is a cream, it absorbs into the skin, which I appreciated. Yes, I will be buying this again.

The final product I “used” up is bittersweet – it’s Urban Decay’s Brow Blade in Cafe Kitty. You might remember me sharing this eyebrow pen and pencil a few months ago as an Item of the Week. Well, the sparks quickly fade, because the top wouldn’t stay on after 3 weeks. Therefore, the ink dried and I was left disappointed. I will not buy this again. I was mainly into it due to the ink tip end and I hear that Anastatia of Beverly Hills has a ink brow pencil now, too. So, I might give that a try next.

Have you tried any of the products in my September Empties post? Share below!

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EMPTIES: August 2020

EMPTIES: August 2020

EMPTIES: August 2020 | STAINED COUTURE

Took last week off from blogging, because I needed to recharge on so many levels. However, I’m ready to share what products I used up last month in August. I used up a little of everything and there were quite a few stars in this bunch. Keep reading to see what I loved and didn’t love that much out of EMPTIES: August 2020.

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