Mint Manis for Talia Joy

On Tuesday, July 16th, 2013, thirteen year old Talia Joy Castellano lost her battle with cancer. She was a beautiful and inspiring young lady and she exhibited a strength and wisdom beyond her years. She also loved all things makeup and nail polish, posting videos on YouTube as TaliaJoy18. I didn't know Talia personally, but like so many others, my heart was touched by her optimistic attitude in her videos and interview on Ellen. My heart aches for Talia's family and friends, but they are determined to keep Talia's memory alive and reach the goals that she was unable to meet during her short time on Earth.

Today, bloggers and social media users are wearing mint colored manicures in honor of Talia, as that was one of the last photos she posted...she & her mother with matching mint green nails. Nik & I wanted to join in, so here are our #mintmanisfortaliajoy to keep #TaliasLegacy alive!

Desi: I lost a childhood friend to cancer the day after my 11th birthday. Gillian was almost 12 when she died. Our friendship was really just beginning when she got sick. It was very difficult to have to say a final goodbye to someone so young. Every time I watched Talia's videos, I thought of Gillian, so I'm wearing my Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Mint Sorbet for both of them today. <3
(I used iPhone apps A Beautiful Mess and Fontgram to edit this photo.)

Nik: While I am a little embarrassed to admit I really didn't know details about Talia until last night, I thought I would join in to honor the life she lived, battle she fought, and legacy she left in the world. 

For my manicure, I used a base cost of Sinful Colors - Mint Apple and then taped my nails to give the tips a coat of Wonder Beauty Products - Aphrodisiac. I love these two together, though its the first time I have used them as a combo.

If you want to share your Mint Manis for Talia Joy on our Facebook page, you can send us a message there (Facebook.com/MommiesManis) and we can upload them to the community mani album, or you can send us an email at mommiesmanis@gmail.com. Or, just upload them directly to our page!

Cherries Jubilee - Wonder Beauty Products

This polish was a free gift with purchase!

Today, I'm showing you Cherries Jubilee by Wonder Beauty Products. It can be purchased at:
http://wonderbeautyproducts.etsy.com

Jen describes it as:
Super delicious red Cherries Jubilee vibrant nail lacquer. You may need to resist the temptation of tasting this one! Stunning mixture of translucent red crelly (cream/jelly) base with dashes and splashes of shimmery silver dust, white translucent hex and garnet red glitters. Amazing when layered in 3 coats for a popping 3D effect!


I will say the jelly is definitely translucent. I tested it on paper and thought it would take many coats to be opaque, so I decided to layer it over Zoya - Gweneth which is a bright red, a cooler red hue. The listing says its a creamy jelly, so maybe it's been reformulated since I got it. I'm not sure.

Nope, it hasn't. I asked her. Now we know! It may just look a lot different due to my base color.

Dry time was excellent. Coverage was even and smooth! I used three coats over one coat of Gweneth, and then one coat of Nutra Nail Top Coat.

Shown below in outdoor shade, sunlight, and indoor light as well.

It's very sparkly. I wish I could have gotten a little of colorful sparkle that it provided in the sun!

I love this color!

This color is brought to us by Wonder Beauty Products.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WonderBeautyProducts

It's called Aphrodisiac. I'm copying this directly from her listing to describe:
"A subtle, but potent mixture of mood making minty asparagus green crelly base with a tinge of teal embellished with green, iridescence, gold, orange and turquoise glitter effects. "

I had been eyeing this color for a while, and then she had a sale... So... I treated myself (after I donated nearly all of my Spenk & Ollie proceeds to a charitable cause). I've vowed to stop buying for a while.

Side note: she sells polish making kits and I want one BAD.

Okay, so this polish came, along with a sample gift of "Cherries Jubilee." I haven't tried that one yet.

I decided today was THE day I was going to wear this polish. I slapped... Er... Painted two coats of nude undies (haha, that still makes me giggle) and then two glorious coats of Aphrodisiac. It went on so easily. So smooth. Glitter dispersed excellently and required no manipulation or fishing. I think this polish would have been opaque in three coats, but I wanted to save more for later. I'm like that. I'm an undies girl. (Bwahahaha no commando here! (Note: I'm sleep deprived and my two year old didn't nap today.))

Dries nicely. I used one coat of anti-chip top coat and its smooth like a Tommy-Tippee sippy cup (the smooth kind)).

I love this polish! It's so gorgeous! To me it gives off a vintage or retro feel. I'm thinking old melmac dinner wear or turquoise appliances. I LOVE it. Love!

My only critique that's not 100% positive is the name. It's pretty and sensual and all that, but good golly I would not want to answer my little sister (or daughter if I had one) when she asks, "What's 'aphrodisiac' mean?" Well, unless I just said, "something that gets you really excited." Hmm. Okay, so maybe it's not so bad after all.

Now, I want a polish making kit, the Chantilly polish, and maybe a few more.

Some day, when I allow myself to shop again.

Now, enjoy a plethora of photos, as I couldn't decide which to trash. Most are straight out of the camera except for watermark. Guess I was having a lucky lighting day!