Da General Beauty

Tana Nails

It’s no secret that I love “Press On Nails” and since my obsession started last year for 3D Nails (remember the amazingly fabulous ones I made for the last SA party in November 2011?), I’ve amassed quite a kit of crystals, gemstones, cabochons, decals, charms, various nails style, glues and the holders for decorating them.  As you can imagine, buying all those supplies cost quite a bit, but it’s okay because it’s an investment in the future and also, I like having my own unique styles.  I’m about to start a new set which is going to be an homage to my favorite old school rapper, Slick Rick, which will feature plenty of “diamonds” and gold bars (but sorry- no eye patches!).

 

 

In the meantime, with vacation quickly approaching, I need to have a set ready to go in case things get too busy before I leave and truth be told, I’ve been wanting this set from Tana Nails for quite some time.  It’s called “My Jewelry Box” which is indeed the perfect name because these delightful treasures are completely encrusted with crystals, adorable rosettes and rhinestone gold link chains.  They are handmade to order and at only $45, are a luxury Da General cannot ignore!

 

P.S.  It’s difficult to shoot photos of your own hand that don’t look weird!  Kudos to all the hand models out there that make it look so easy!

Da General Beauty

Ash Kumar Bollywood Glitters

Say yes, yes, yes to Ash Kumar Bollwoood Glitters for your next henna tattoo design.  I was recently thinking about getting one and now that I know I can turn it all the way up “Dazzle”- it’s a done deal.  I also love that there’s a full bridal kit available, which makes me wonder why all brides don’t want to be fabulous.  Seriously ladies, it’s time to ditch the white dresses that are such a lie anyway, and start sparkling!

Da General APPROVED!, Beauty

POPbeauty Nail Polish: APPROVED!

As you all know Soldiers, for the past few months I have been obsessed with Japanese 3D manicures which culminated in the O.T.T. gem nails I wore to the Sparkle Army party last month (right photo).  I now have amassed so many supplies for making nails that I’ve vowed never again to go to a party in bare, unsightly natural nails because only fabulous “pressed-on” glamour will do for me!  Sometimes, however, I don’t always have a week’s time to prepare a fully fantastical set, so it’s always a good option to have various glitter nail polishes on hand.  This way, if I need to work out something quickly in order to hit the disco on time, I can.

Last friday was such a day.  I knew I was going dancing, but also knew I didn’t have much time so thought it would be a great idea to nab some new sparkling nail polish to add to my collection.  I looked around for a bit and most lines had one or two glitter options, but then I turned the corner and KABLAM!  Popbeauty hit me with a full line of not only glitter nails polishes, but many of them in glorious multi-sparkle variations which is always my favorite way to go.  Being of the “More is More” mindset, I chose “Confetti Glitz” which has bits of silver, pink & fuchsia large style glitter.  My reasoning was knowing I had only about an hour to do the whole manicure, this would give me maximum impact quickly (always think ahead Soldiers!).  The final result?  Fast, fabulous and dance floor ready in under an hour!

POPbeauty nail polish: they sparkle, they’re “multi” and they are APPROVED!

Da General Beauty, Fashion

Japanese Manicures: KABLAM!

Once again, the Japanese have taken fashion and beauty to a whole ‘nother level.  While here in America, women are “oohing and ahhing” over nail polish strips with decorative patterns on them, this is what Gyaru models Sakurina and Cocona are featuring.

KABLAM-BITY-BLAM-BLAM!

These ladies are my kind of girls because they take “More is More” and add lots More on top.   This glittering fabulosity has taken my life long fascination with Press-On-Nails and turned it into a whole new jewel encrusted obsession.  I simply must have my talons dripping with diamonds, swarovskis, dangling chains and a few bedazzled skulls here and there.  Of course, I won’t be able to do much aside from hang out and sparkle- but really, what else is there?

 

Da General Beauty

Spandex Eyeliner

You already know how much I adore the “multi-sparkle” so you can imagine my delight with Urban Decay’s Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in “Spandex”.  Not only does this product have the most fabulous name, but it also allows for endless possibilities in sparkle eye fashion because while it may look dark in the tube, what’s really going on is every color glitter in the universe suspended in a clear base so you can lay it over anything you like.  In the photo, I used it over Urban Decay’s 24/7 Pencil in “Lust” (my favorite), but next, I’m going to try it over black to create a “galactic-explosion” cat eye!  I use the brush to pat it on in layers to completely cover the pencil for maximum sparkle ’cause that’s the way, uh-huh uh-huh, I like it!

 

Da General Beauty

Medusa’s Makeup


Inspired by my favorite pair of shoes (you know- the fabulously galactic emerald green and glitter pink lightening bolt ones), I decided to create a coordinating eyeshadow look because.. well, that’s what I do.  Most importantly, it gave me an opportunity to try out my new products from Medusa’s Makeup.  With so many vibrant and sparkling colors to choose from, they were the perfect choice to experiment with my “matchy matchy ” obsession.

First, I must say that the packaging gives me the “New Wave tingles” because I love a party made from zebra and multi-colored stripes plus, did you see that the makeup brush has a hot pink handle?  Excellent choice Medusa!  The pressed eyeshadows here are “Electric Kiwi”, a high pigment metallic green and “Xtinct”, a magenta in a soft shimmer texture with magical pink micro sparkles (I used this one wet to pump up the volume).  Also shown in these product photos is “Passion”, a hot pink shimmery Eye Dust which I didn’t use today, but definitely will next time along with some pink star sequins because after all.. More is More!




Da General Beauty

Multi-Sparkle Nails

Everyone knows I favor the “dancing school fabulous” of multi-colored sparkles when it comes to my outfits, but did you know that also applies to my nails as well?  Seriously, why choose one color glitter to paint your nails when going with “the multi” is so much more exciting.  Two of my favorite products to achieve DSF or Multi-Sparkle Nails are found in the drugstore and so easy to apply that you can be ready to hit the disco at a moments notice.

Wet n’ Wild’s “Party of Five Glitters” says it all in the name: red, silver, green, purple, and blue sparkles floating together happily in shiny clear lacquer.  I like at least 4 or 5 coats for maximum sparkle, but don’t worry-  it’s a fast dry polish which means you won’t have to miss the open bar.  Sally Hansen’s Salon Effect Nail Polish Strips in “Frock Star” are equally dazzling, but take their “multi” a step further by adding orange and gold into that mix of colors so you can wear these no matter which color sequins dominate your outfit.  Now that’s what I call freedom!

Da General Beauty

Front Cover Eye Kits

I was walking through my local drugstore, searching for something totally unrelated to sparkling (it happens) and KABLAM!  I was dazzled by these amazing kits by Front Cover, complete with everything you need for colorful, dramatic and glitterized eyes.  What’s even better is that whoever designed these lovely bundles of joy had the fabulous sense to put them in adorable cases decorated with photos of said sparkle eyes as well as other options with sequins.  My photos don’t do them justice (cameraphone), so do yourself a favor check out their website... it’s SPARKLE-TASTIC!

Da General Beauty

YSL Pure Chromatic Sparkle

Nom Noms!  That’s what I have to say about YSL’s Pure Chromatics eyeshadow quads.  They’re made to use wet or dry and I suppose you could use them dry if you’re the type that prefers a more subtle shimmer. However, wet is the only way to go for me because full-on sparkle is how I like to roll, but that’s no surprise- is it Soldiers?

Shown here is quad number 5 and it’s got all you need for the most dazzling smokey eye ever to be seen at the Disco!  I love the unexpected touch of pink mixed in with the gunmetal and black shades which keeps this look fresh and exciting.  Also, adding some black pencil is an excellent idea so your eyes maintain their intensity no matter how many flashing lights and laser beams you encounter on the dance floor and that’s Sparkle-tastic!