Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
2014 Christmas Live Arrangement
2014 Christmas Live Arrangement
My Son, Jay Rojas is featured in this video!!!
Monday, November 17, 2014
Friday, September 19, 2014
My Apologies!
Hello, fellow nail polish lovers! I'm so very sorry I haven't written or filmed any videos in such a long time. We are in the process of moving, work has been a nightmare, and my weekends have been super busy. This will most likely continue to be the case for several more weeks. I am going to try to film at least one video this weekend and I have so many plans for my subscribers that unfortunately, I don't have the time to execute right now...
I am super duper grateful to you guys for sticking with me, not unsubscribing from my channel, and for following me on Instagram and liking the few pictures I put out now and then of what I'm wearing on my nails.
Big things are coming!
Stay tuned!
Bless all of you and have a fantastic weekend!
XOXOXO
- Jessika The Polished Queen:)
I am super duper grateful to you guys for sticking with me, not unsubscribing from my channel, and for following me on Instagram and liking the few pictures I put out now and then of what I'm wearing on my nails.
Big things are coming!
Stay tuned!
Bless all of you and have a fantastic weekend!
XOXOXO
- Jessika The Polished Queen:)
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
Immutable Ramblings: NEW SUBSCRIPTION BOX
Immutable Ramblings: NEW SUBSCRIPTION BOX: For LIPS! I was so excited when I heard about this subscription, considering its about the only makeup product I use on a regular and consis...
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Base Coat Vs. Avon Gel Strength Base Coat
I posted a video on Youtube recently about trying the Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Base and Top Coat duo, the minis of which I'd received as a bonus for placing a $50 order on their site. After having tried them for five days straight, I believe I can give a reasonable opinion. I will talk about the top coat in a separate post.
Here's what Nails Inc. has to say about their base coat:
"Kensington caviar base coat helps to nourish nails whilst helping to prevent staining, smooth the surface and prolong the duration of your manicure. Apply one coat underneath your chosen nails inc polish. - See more at: https://www.nailsinc.com/us/products/kensington-caviar-base-coat_688/#sthash.ratA4AFh.dpuf"
I'd mentioned in the video that I didn't see a way for me to buy the base and top coat separately on the site, but I think at the time I was looking specifically for the mini duo, which they don't offer. I did find the full sized base and top coats (10ml/.33oz) on their site for $10 each:
Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Base Coat
Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar 45 Second Top Coat
This is a picture of the duo I received (4ml/.13oz each):
I had reservations about the base coat. Firstly, I already have a favorite go-to base coat that does everything I need it to do and thensome: Avon Gel Strength Base Coat. Secondly, the Nails Inc. base coat had a very strong hot-pinkish tint to it; I was afraid it would stain my nails, especially because I would be applying two coats of it, like I always do with my base coat. My fears were unfounded, however, as I did not experience any staining. By the way, Avon Gel Strength Base Coat retails for $6.50 (worth every penny and MORE!) but frequently goes on sale for $3.50 - $3.99: Avon Nail Experts Gel Strength Base Coat.
Before I tell you how I feel about the Nails Inc. base coat, I must first tell you why I love my Avon Gel Strength Base Coat so much. Firstly, the stuff smoothes out the nails beautifully and dries quickly, making for easy, flawless application of nail color. It adheres well to polish and protects my nails from staining. It keeps my nails strong, flexible, and resistant to breaking.
HOWEVER, the MAJOR reason I love this base coat so much is that it contains magic. OK, maybe not actual magic, but, it does something magical to my nail surface. It does some kind of special sealing and healing that when taken off, makes my nails look super smooth and...buffed. Seriously, my nails almost look like they have a thin layer of clear polish on them when completely naked. My mom tried it for a week and she proclaimed the same thing. She said her nails were looking rough and dull and were cracking really badly for months; however, after using Avon Gel Strength base coat for one week, her nails looked TRANSFORMED and healthy. I'm sorry I don't have before/after pictures to share with you.
So, you have to understand that switching or even giving the time of day to any other base coat is a huge sacrifice for me...
Back to Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Base Coat: I don't know if it's a testament to the nail polishes I wore (Julie G Santorini and Broadway Nails Easter Annie), or the base and top coat that they were paired with, but, my nail color remained completely in tact, with not a single chip, or even the slightest hint of tip wear, for five straight days of typing, playing in water, commuting and even washing my hair. I felt like the base coat was protecting my nails, even as they banged against stuff and even slightly bent a couple of times as they bumped into things (they're getting too long!). A lot of times with base coats, I don't feel like they're really protecting my nails; meaning, my nails will feel "vulnerable" with the wrong kind of base coat...I did not feel that way with this one.
HOWEVER...when I removed it, there was some peeling on one of my nails that was not there and never is there when I use my Avon base coat. Also, gone was the natural "buff" deliciousness that I get with my fave. In fact, my nails looked a little dull and parched, and, I felt like I needed to (and I DID) give them an oil treatment before moving forward with my next mani. Keep in mind, however, that this is in comparison to my super luscious and deliciously hydrated-looking nails after removing my Avon Gel Strength. The way they looked after removing the Caviar base coat is probably normal for most people, and even for me before discovering my Avon product. It obviously works fantastically well at keeping on your nail color and making your nails feel strong, however, I don't feel like it "treated" my nails to anything extra...and I like extra:).
If you'd like to see how the mani looked five days later, watch the below video starting at 9:08:
Will I use the base coat again? Umm...probably not. I don't like the way my nails looked and I didn't appreciate the peeling tip on one of my nails. You don't go months with zero peeling, switch your base coat for one week, see peeling and not attribute the offense on the change of base coat!
I know that everyone's nail chemistry is different, so, maybe you'd like the Nails Inc. base coat better than the Avon base coat. BUT, I can't recommend Avon's base coat enough. And NO, I am not and have never been an Avon representative. In fact, there have been some Avon base coats that I've tried that were simply horrible on my nails! For me, base coat is just so very important, and must be carefully selected.
Simply put, my nails are very sensitive to base coat; it's very difficult for me to find one that I can say I wholeheartedly trust. It may be weird to use the word "trust" when it comes to a base coat, but it's a serious situation for me! From yellowing to peeling, to drying out my nails, my base coat journey has been rough!
I will forever try new fast drying top coats, but, it'll be quite a while (and it'd be a hard-to-sell challenge!) for me to try another base coat, considering what I consistently experience with Avon Gel Strength Base Coat.
For an easier-to-obtain base coat that I trusted 100 percent prior to Avon Gel Strength, I recommend Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Hard As Wraps Acrylic Gel + Nylon. I've only ever seen it in and on CVS, but it's also available on Amazon, if online ordering is your preference. I prefer the one called Tint, but the Clear works well, too. It performs almost identically to the Avon one, but, it tends to get goopy halfway through the bottle, whereas I can get all the way to the bottom of Avon Gel Strength without issues. My nails did look healthier upon removal, too, but not as fantastically healthy as they do with my new fave:).
Until next time,
XOXOXO - Jessika
Current Mani:
Here's what Nails Inc. has to say about their base coat:
"Kensington caviar base coat helps to nourish nails whilst helping to prevent staining, smooth the surface and prolong the duration of your manicure. Apply one coat underneath your chosen nails inc polish. - See more at: https://www.nailsinc.com/us/products/kensington-caviar-base-coat_688/#sthash.ratA4AFh.dpuf"
I'd mentioned in the video that I didn't see a way for me to buy the base and top coat separately on the site, but I think at the time I was looking specifically for the mini duo, which they don't offer. I did find the full sized base and top coats (10ml/.33oz) on their site for $10 each:
Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Base Coat
Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar 45 Second Top Coat
This is a picture of the duo I received (4ml/.13oz each):
I had reservations about the base coat. Firstly, I already have a favorite go-to base coat that does everything I need it to do and thensome: Avon Gel Strength Base Coat. Secondly, the Nails Inc. base coat had a very strong hot-pinkish tint to it; I was afraid it would stain my nails, especially because I would be applying two coats of it, like I always do with my base coat. My fears were unfounded, however, as I did not experience any staining. By the way, Avon Gel Strength Base Coat retails for $6.50 (worth every penny and MORE!) but frequently goes on sale for $3.50 - $3.99: Avon Nail Experts Gel Strength Base Coat.
Before I tell you how I feel about the Nails Inc. base coat, I must first tell you why I love my Avon Gel Strength Base Coat so much. Firstly, the stuff smoothes out the nails beautifully and dries quickly, making for easy, flawless application of nail color. It adheres well to polish and protects my nails from staining. It keeps my nails strong, flexible, and resistant to breaking.
HOWEVER, the MAJOR reason I love this base coat so much is that it contains magic. OK, maybe not actual magic, but, it does something magical to my nail surface. It does some kind of special sealing and healing that when taken off, makes my nails look super smooth and...buffed. Seriously, my nails almost look like they have a thin layer of clear polish on them when completely naked. My mom tried it for a week and she proclaimed the same thing. She said her nails were looking rough and dull and were cracking really badly for months; however, after using Avon Gel Strength base coat for one week, her nails looked TRANSFORMED and healthy. I'm sorry I don't have before/after pictures to share with you.
So, you have to understand that switching or even giving the time of day to any other base coat is a huge sacrifice for me...
Back to Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Base Coat: I don't know if it's a testament to the nail polishes I wore (Julie G Santorini and Broadway Nails Easter Annie), or the base and top coat that they were paired with, but, my nail color remained completely in tact, with not a single chip, or even the slightest hint of tip wear, for five straight days of typing, playing in water, commuting and even washing my hair. I felt like the base coat was protecting my nails, even as they banged against stuff and even slightly bent a couple of times as they bumped into things (they're getting too long!). A lot of times with base coats, I don't feel like they're really protecting my nails; meaning, my nails will feel "vulnerable" with the wrong kind of base coat...I did not feel that way with this one.
HOWEVER...when I removed it, there was some peeling on one of my nails that was not there and never is there when I use my Avon base coat. Also, gone was the natural "buff" deliciousness that I get with my fave. In fact, my nails looked a little dull and parched, and, I felt like I needed to (and I DID) give them an oil treatment before moving forward with my next mani. Keep in mind, however, that this is in comparison to my super luscious and deliciously hydrated-looking nails after removing my Avon Gel Strength. The way they looked after removing the Caviar base coat is probably normal for most people, and even for me before discovering my Avon product. It obviously works fantastically well at keeping on your nail color and making your nails feel strong, however, I don't feel like it "treated" my nails to anything extra...and I like extra:).
Will I use the base coat again? Umm...probably not. I don't like the way my nails looked and I didn't appreciate the peeling tip on one of my nails. You don't go months with zero peeling, switch your base coat for one week, see peeling and not attribute the offense on the change of base coat!
I know that everyone's nail chemistry is different, so, maybe you'd like the Nails Inc. base coat better than the Avon base coat. BUT, I can't recommend Avon's base coat enough. And NO, I am not and have never been an Avon representative. In fact, there have been some Avon base coats that I've tried that were simply horrible on my nails! For me, base coat is just so very important, and must be carefully selected.
Simply put, my nails are very sensitive to base coat; it's very difficult for me to find one that I can say I wholeheartedly trust. It may be weird to use the word "trust" when it comes to a base coat, but it's a serious situation for me! From yellowing to peeling, to drying out my nails, my base coat journey has been rough!
I will forever try new fast drying top coats, but, it'll be quite a while (and it'd be a hard-to-sell challenge!) for me to try another base coat, considering what I consistently experience with Avon Gel Strength Base Coat.
For an easier-to-obtain base coat that I trusted 100 percent prior to Avon Gel Strength, I recommend Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Hard As Wraps Acrylic Gel + Nylon. I've only ever seen it in and on CVS, but it's also available on Amazon, if online ordering is your preference. I prefer the one called Tint, but the Clear works well, too. It performs almost identically to the Avon one, but, it tends to get goopy halfway through the bottle, whereas I can get all the way to the bottom of Avon Gel Strength without issues. My nails did look healthier upon removal, too, but not as fantastically healthy as they do with my new fave:).
Until next time,
XOXOXO - Jessika
Current Mani:
 |
| Index: Maya Cosmetics Ethereal. Middle and Pinky: Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Lady Luck with a coat of Maya Cosmetics Gathering on top of the Middle. Ring and Thumb: Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Joker's Wild with a coat of L'Oreal The Temptress' Power on top of the Ring. |
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Why The Polished Queen?
Why the Polished Queen you ask? I know a lot of people will see that name and automatically assume I'm a drag queen - until they actually see me, that is. But, the "Queen" reference is actually the nickname given to me by my mom (and sometimes sarcastically, if not resentfully used by my siblings:)) It started out as Jessiqueen, but then I was called "Queen Jessika" or "the Queen Jessika," because of my somewhat demanding(?) and expectant(?) personality. I don't know how I managed to grow up poor and still have that kind of 'tude. However, I am not like that anymore! At least, I don't think I am...
Now, I'm just referred to by family and some acquaintances as the Queen of Nail Polish and Tips because it's hard to spend any time with me and not hear me talk about one or the other. There would also have to be something super crazy going on if I am ever caught outdoors without nail polish!
I'm not a trained nail expert or specialist. I just love anything having to do with nail color and nail care, period. I love to see and help people achieve nice looking nails. Long or short, doesn't matter, as long as they look nice a neat.
My absolute favorite colors to see on women, particularly older women, are blue, green and purple. I say older because I know that as women age, they can get more and more boring with nail color choices, if they even choose to paint them at all! So, when I actually see an older woman wearing a cool nail color, it makes me think they have a spunky personality and still have a lot of life left in them, and that makes me super duper happy!
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Now, I'm just referred to by family and some acquaintances as the Queen of Nail Polish and Tips because it's hard to spend any time with me and not hear me talk about one or the other. There would also have to be something super crazy going on if I am ever caught outdoors without nail polish!
I'm not a trained nail expert or specialist. I just love anything having to do with nail color and nail care, period. I love to see and help people achieve nice looking nails. Long or short, doesn't matter, as long as they look nice a neat.
My absolute favorite colors to see on women, particularly older women, are blue, green and purple. I say older because I know that as women age, they can get more and more boring with nail color choices, if they even choose to paint them at all! So, when I actually see an older woman wearing a cool nail color, it makes me think they have a spunky personality and still have a lot of life left in them, and that makes me super duper happy!
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Love,
Jessika - *The Polished Queen*
Independence Day Mani 2014
I posted a video showing this manicure but thought I'd go ahead and write about it here, too. My husband is working on my new "official" blog, so for now, I'll write on this one:).
Here's the video in case you're interested: Fourth Of July Mani 2014
Here are the products I used:
Base coat: Two coats of Avon Gel Strength
Red: Two coats of China Glaze Igniting Love (formula was INSANELY GOOD!!)
I must slightly elaborate on what I mean when I say the formula was INSANELY GOOD...seriously, this stuff applied like pure butter. It was so freakin' smooth and easy to control. I used two thin coats but I think I might have liked a third coat a bit better. If I really stare at my nails there is a bit of visible nail line.
White/Glitter: One coat of Avon Gel Finish Sheer Love, one and a halfish coats of China Glaze It's a Trap-eze!, one coat of Julie G A Star is Born
Other: I put one thin, practically undetectable coat of Orly's Love Each Other to add a little more interest to the flat-looking blue and red. Don't think it showed much on the video but it makes me happy to see in person and you can see it in the pics below! Yay!
Blue: China Glaze Hanging in the Balance (formula was INSANELY GOOD!!)
Everything I said about the red can be said about the blue, with ONE exception: the blue was completely opaque for me with two thin coats.
Top Coat: One coat of Cult Wicked Fast, one coat of INM Out the Door. Why I did that, I have no idea....
I felt like I had to post the pics after showing the video to see if I could get a bit more accuracy on how they actually look in person. I think they're pretty close, though not perfect. One day, I will have to get a camera that will do what I want it to do!!!
The top photo is indoors, but right by a window showing mucho natural outdoor light. The bottom is indoors under standard "office" lighting. I love that you can now actually see the super subtle but totally pretty Orly Love Each Other. I am not a fan of flat colors. What I mean by flat, is solid colors without that extra sumthin', sumthin' to them, like glitter or even subtle shimmer or chrome flashiness. SO, I had to add Love Each Other to be happy with the manicure.
I'd love, love, LOVE to see some of your manis if you care to share. I know I could have been more creative, but, laziness usually takes over when it comes to the very thought of doing something amazing to my nails. I'll get over it...one day...I hope!
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Love,
Jessika - *The Polished Queen*
Here's the video in case you're interested: Fourth Of July Mani 2014
Here are the products I used:
Base coat: Two coats of Avon Gel Strength
Red: Two coats of China Glaze Igniting Love (formula was INSANELY GOOD!!)
I must slightly elaborate on what I mean when I say the formula was INSANELY GOOD...seriously, this stuff applied like pure butter. It was so freakin' smooth and easy to control. I used two thin coats but I think I might have liked a third coat a bit better. If I really stare at my nails there is a bit of visible nail line.
White/Glitter: One coat of Avon Gel Finish Sheer Love, one and a halfish coats of China Glaze It's a Trap-eze!, one coat of Julie G A Star is Born
Other: I put one thin, practically undetectable coat of Orly's Love Each Other to add a little more interest to the flat-looking blue and red. Don't think it showed much on the video but it makes me happy to see in person and you can see it in the pics below! Yay!
Blue: China Glaze Hanging in the Balance (formula was INSANELY GOOD!!)
Everything I said about the red can be said about the blue, with ONE exception: the blue was completely opaque for me with two thin coats.
Top Coat: One coat of Cult Wicked Fast, one coat of INM Out the Door. Why I did that, I have no idea....
I felt like I had to post the pics after showing the video to see if I could get a bit more accuracy on how they actually look in person. I think they're pretty close, though not perfect. One day, I will have to get a camera that will do what I want it to do!!!
The top photo is indoors, but right by a window showing mucho natural outdoor light. The bottom is indoors under standard "office" lighting. I love that you can now actually see the super subtle but totally pretty Orly Love Each Other. I am not a fan of flat colors. What I mean by flat, is solid colors without that extra sumthin', sumthin' to them, like glitter or even subtle shimmer or chrome flashiness. SO, I had to add Love Each Other to be happy with the manicure.
I'd love, love, LOVE to see some of your manis if you care to share. I know I could have been more creative, but, laziness usually takes over when it comes to the very thought of doing something amazing to my nails. I'll get over it...one day...I hope!
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Love,
Jessika - *The Polished Queen*
Thursday, June 12, 2014
KBShimmer - Too Pop to Handle
This looks a bit lighter than it actually is...
What you see here is two coats of Avon's Nail Experts Gel Strength base coat, three thin coats of KBShimmer in Too Pop To Handle, two more coats of the Avon base coat on top to help smooth out this super thirsty glitter, and one coat of HK Girl Fast Drying and Super Shiny Clear Top Coat...I can still feel some texture on the top but I don't care! :)
Here's an indoor shot with flash:
This polish is like a party on my nails! It's one of my only two KBShimmer polishes...me likey a lot!
To buy this or other fab products, visit: KBShimmer Bath & Body
Stay polished, Queens!
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