NOTD: OPI How You Blue-In?

Not too long ago, OPI released 4 Ulta Exclusives; the collection was called OPI Shimmer Into Summer. At the time, Ulta was running a special sale; if you purchased $17 worth of OPI products, you would get one of the Exclusives for free.  I purchased 2 OPI and got a free one.  Of the Exclusives, I got How You Blue-In and Glitter-ally The Best Silver Ever. Oddly, when I first saw the Ulta sales circular, I didn't think I would be purchasing any of these polishes. But of course upon "real life" sight, that quickly changed. I purchased two of the four. The entire colllection was made up of How You Blue-In, I'm An Aqua-holic, Glitter-ally The Best Silver Ever, and Last up is Sparkle Teal Sunrise.   How You Blue-In is best described as a dark blue/teal green shimmer almost black. It's not a new or unique shade, but it is one of my favorites. Obviously, buy the number of similar polishes I own.  As I look at my collection, I have several that are in the same family.  They are as follows:

1. OPI Yodel Me On My Cell is slightly lighter
2. Essie Dive Bar is duppish
3. China Glaze Rodeo Fanatic is slightly lighter
4. Finger Paints Artistic Azure is a bit more blue
5. Misa Quirkly Smile is slightly lighter
6. Sinful Colors See You Soon is duppish

Review:

Available:     Ulta Exclusive

Price:          Reg Price $8.50
Bottle Size:  15 ml, 0.5 fluid ounces
Application:  Smooth, two coats for achieve bottle color (opaque)
Selection:    Large Selection, including neons, and glitters
Brush:         Wide brush

Remember, treat your nails and jewels not tools. Grace and Peace.

PRESS RELEASE: SPARITUAL INTRODUCES IN PINK 2011 NAIL LACQUER COLLECTION

Benefits Cancer Education

Portion of proceeds donated to Cancer Schmancer

SpaRitual is pleased to introduce In Pink 2011, a new line of nail lacquers inspired by the beauty, strength and perseverance inherent to women. The lacquers are formulated with sparkling Pink Diamond powder, which shimmers on the nail, representing the knowledge and clarity women possess. In celebration of this beauty and strength, 20% of all proceeds will be donated to Cancer Schmancer, an early detection education and cancer advocacy program developed by actress Fran Drescher, to help women experiencing any stage of cancer, and to help beat it before it begins.

"I'm very excited about our partnership,” says Drescher. “SpaRitual is a great family run business and they are actively developing products that are symbiotic with Cancer Schmancer's goal to make cosmetics safer for women."

“The In Pink collection represents a reverence for the strength and personal power that all women possess,” says SpaRitual founder Shel Pink. “We’re so pleased to be involved with Cancer Schmancer, and to support the foundation’s efforts to help women fight cancer—before it progresses.”

As a philosophy-driven brand, SpaRitual is deeply committed to promoting women’s health, now through this kind of direct support and by the use of all-natural, completely non-toxic ingredients. SpaRitual’s In Pink 2011 lacquers are free of harmful DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Formaldehyde Resin, and are formulated to fit the soul-nourishing slow-beauty ritual experience.

In Pink shades include Strength, a shimmering pink, Knowledge, a golden pink and Clarity, a sheer, glittering pink, and all are available September 1, 2011 for $10.00 each in fine salons and spas nationwide, including Spa Halekulani, Canyon Ranch, and the Mandarin Oriental. SpaRitual products are also available online at skinstore.com and skincarerx.com

For more information, please contact Kate Franklin or visit us online at www.sparitual.com.

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About SpaRitual - Founded by lifestyle futurist Shel Pink, SpaRitual fuses a mind, body, spirit connection with healing spa traditions to create a world of Slow Beauty. Specially sourced vegan, certified organic and fair trade ingredients from around the world are used to create SpaRitual products for body, hand and lifestyle. Our natural formulations never use synthetic dyes or parabens, and our vegan Nail Elixirs and Lacquers are also free of toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP. SpaRitual stays on the pulse of sustainability issues to ensure our products, processes and packaging are as environmentally responsible as possible. Our brand philosophy encourages women to understand beauty as a holistic connection to oneself and to the environment. Only by slowing down, can we allow our inner beauty to radiate outwards.

Product Review: Gold Bond Ultimate Sheer Ribbons Body Lotion

As anyone that has followed my blog or my Make-Up Alley postings will know, my holy grail hand moisturizer is Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Lotion.  After my recent blog review on this product, I decided to send Chattem, the parent company of Gold Bond Ultimate, an invitation to see my blog post. Never did I expect anything in return more than a thanks and maybe a coupon. However, imagine my surprise when not only did I receive an email thanking me for my post but also 2 full sized samples of their newest products.

• Gold Bond Ultimate Sheer Ribbons Body Lotion, and
• Gold Bond Ultimate Smoothing Shea Butter Body Wash

I really wasn’t expecting that but I was appreciative and will gladly review the products.  So with this posting, I am providing my review of the first product, Gold Bond Ultimate Sheer Ribbons Body Lotion. 

At first glance, the container looks like a hair mousse applicator.  Just based on the container, I was thinking that although the product is called “Sheer Ribbons”, I was expecting the product to be the consistency of hair mousse.  However, the name is very descriptive of the consistency-sheer ribbons. The product comes out in fine ribbons.  It reminds me of the old fashion folded Christmas candies. 

Anyway, I digress. I have been using the Gold Bond Ultimate Sheer Ribbons Body Lotion for about two weeks now and I feel that is sufficient time to provide a fair and accurate review.  I have very simple but definite requirements of a body lotion.  Yes, they must work to moisturize my skin, but they cannot leave my skin feeling greasy, slick, or slippery.  They cannot be overly fragranced.  Also, I do not like a watery body lotion; my preference is a lotion that is more of a cream. 

So how did Gold Bond Ultimate Sheer Ribbons Body Lotion fair against my list of requirements? Not surprisingly, Gold Bond Ultimate remained true to its reputation.  For my nail bloggers, you know how you constantly look at the manicure that you just love. I had a similar experience with this body lotion.  It left my skin feeling like velvet; but not greasy or sticky.  Throughout the day, I couldn’t help but notice that my arms continued to feel soft and moisturized.  At night, my legs and feet, were like velvet.  The scent is soft and not overpowering.  Once I got passed the different delivery method, and used the product, yes it is one I would buy for myself.  I have yet to see this product in my local stores but I will be on the lookout.

For Me,It Works... Rating:

4.5 out of 5 - Very Good. Not a 5 star because I have not found this product in the stores yet.

Note: One added benefit for the delivery method, it’s good for travel. You don’t have to worry about lotion pumping out during travel. Just replace the cap and go…

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What does Gold Bond claim?

Look Soft. Feel Smooth. Be Touchable.

Indulge yourself in moisturizing ribbons of softness at the touch of a button with new Gold Bond Ultimate Sheer Ribbons body lotion. Our Silk Softness formula features 7 hydrating moisturizers that replenish your skin, while natural silk proteins enhance all-over smoothness. The result is irresistible, touchably soft skin.

Sheer Ribbons Silk Softness is a finely fragranced body lotion, scented with a blend of delicate mimosa petals, seductive tuscan cyprus and apricot reduction. You only need to try it once and you'll see why Gold Bond Ultimate Sheer Ribbons body lotion is a totally new moisturizing experience… with delightful results.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

Natural Silk Proteins: To enhance skin smoothness.

*This product was sent to me for review.

And the Oscar goes to...

Orly Glitz!  When it comes to purchasing polishes, I am better able to step outside of my comfort zone but to actually wear those unfamiliar polishes, not so much.  Not until I see someone else wearing a similar shade, then I go and shop my stash. For most of my life I only wore yellow gold jewelry because it works so well with my skin tone, and up until now I had not tried gold nail polish.  I own a few that I would use for accent nails but never a full manicure.  Then one Sunday, it happened again.  I really do need to stop letting my eyes wander during prayer, LOL!  Again, when I should have been praying, I noticed a young lady's polish.  She was wearing a beautiful yellow gold polish and it complimented her skin tone very nicely. Similar to nudes and mannequins but with a subtle bling, this gold elongates my fingers.  Orly Glitz, a beautiful metallic foil buttery yellow gold.  It makes me think of an Oscar from the Academy Awards. 

Once again, Orly does not disappoint.  The application is smooth, as smooth as a metallic can be.  In these photos I am wearing 2 coats but I had really wanted to, I could have gotten away with 1 coat.  I see a little shinkage so I think that next time I will need to use some other top coat, not Seche Vite'. I found this shade at my local Sally but I have also seen it on some of the online retailers.  

So if you haven't given Orly a try, you really should and be a little daring and give Glitz a go. 

Grace and Peace.

NOTD: Sally Hansen Casting Call

Shamefully I was sitting in church one Sunday, when I should have been praying, I was noticing this polish color on another parishioner, LOL!!! Father forgive me.  Anyway, later that afternoon I was determined to find something similar.  This is Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Casting Call.  It is a soft coral cream; great for spring and summer.  Sally Hansen Complete Manicure boosts that it is a treatment, basecoat, color and topcoat all-in-one, that may be true but as with all my manicures, I used my normal treatment, basecoat and top coat. A great many of Sally Hansen nail products have the wider brush that people either love or hate. I must admit
that it took me a little practice but eventually I came around.  The brush gives you good coverage and makes application easier.  The formulation was also good, giving me true bottle opacity with two coats.  Sally Hansen is an old well established brand that has been around for many years.  Probably one of the first for many of us.  Sally Hansen can be found pretty much anywhere, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, Target, Ulta, etc.  So next time you are looking for a good summer coral, give a look to Sally Hansen.  Remember, Your nails, treat them as Jewels, not Tools.

Product Review: Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Skin Therapy Lotion

I was recently awarded the Top 10 Award and I mentioned that I would review some of my favorite products. Also, many ladies on Make-Up Alley have asked for recommendations for hand creams and I always give the same answer, Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Skin Therapy Lotion with Shea Butter. So here is my review on my Holy Grail hand cream.  I stumbled upon this product after many unsuccessful tries with other products. The soap in the restrooms of one of my former places of employment was so drying that I thought the only thing that would bring my hands back to normal was solid Crisco, LOL!  I tried several different products but nothing worked to revived my hands. Then one day I tried yet another product, Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Skin Therapy Lotion with Shea Butter. OMG!!! This stuff WORKS!!! It is not an ordinary lotion; it is more of a thicker cream; yet it is not greasy or sticky.  It has a soft yet clean scent and works to soften my hands and cuticles.  Even after a hand washing, in my opinion, I can still feel the moisturizers. Gold Bond has become an integral part of my manicure regimen.  I have recommended this product to anyone that asks.  I always keep a bottle by my kitchen sink, on my desk, on my nightstand and a tube in my purse.  It can be found at most Wal-Marts, Walgreens, Targets, and grocery stores, just about anywhere.  So if you are looking for an effective, and moisturizing hand cream, give Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Skin Therapy Lotion with Shea Butter a try. You won’t regret it. 

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What does Gold Bond Claim? 

Can a Woman's Skin Ever Be Too Soft?

Get the smooth, velvety skin you’ve always wanted with Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Lotion, the daily moisturizing lotion that makes dry, uneven and rough skin noticeably soft and smooth. Seven essential moisturizers are combined with the skin nurturing vitamins A, C and E, plus natural Shea butter and a unique Silk Peptide Matrix to soften and smooth even the driest, roughest skin. It penetrates fast, is non-greasy and has a fresh soft scent. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested, this formula has the power to get skin back to healthy, yet is gentle enough to use on your face.

Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Lotion replenishes and maintains your skin’s natural moisture level while it makes your skin noticeably soft and smooth. You can actually see and feel the difference!

IDEAL FOR:
All over use, especially areas that are rough and dry.

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Shea Butter: Naturally enhances moisturization and skin elasticity.
Silk Peptide Matrix: Promotes optimal protein structure for healthier, smoother skin.

*This product was purchased with my own money and no part of the review was requested or paid for by any manufacturer.

Grace and Peace.

PR: China Glaze Metro Collection Preview - Fall, 2011

URBAN EDGINESS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

China Glaze Introduces 12 New Purely Pigmented Crèmes, High Coverage Glitters and Intense Shine Shimmers for Fall 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (April 2011):  City living boasts excitement, a cool, edginess and confidence that oozes from fashion forward women like none other.   City loving celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Ivanka Trump, Rosario Dawson and Jaime King have style to spare and their fashion sense trickles down to everyone from working women to college kids. This Fall, China Glaze has captured the big city feel in 12 sexy, sophisticated shades that are on trend, exciting and will be on every fashion maven’s “must have” list.  Whether you prefer downtown funk or uptown class, China Glaze’s METRO collection pulls together ensembles and will undoubtedly make heads turn!  Colors in this collection include:

Skyscraper: A sparkling, glitter blue reminiscent of the sky over the city.

CG in the City: Glittering dusty purple, bronze and silver multi-tonal glitter, perfect for a pop of edge from West side to East side.

Urban-Night: Exactly what you need for a night on the town – rich purple crème.

Traffic Jam: Stop traffic with a breathtaking, raspberry pink crème.

City Siren: The perfect deep, red crème to match any outfit. 

Loft-y Ambitions: Burgundy shimmer and cocktail hour – nothing better.

Brownstone: Burnt terracotta crème mirrors the quaint townhouses of the city.

Midtown Magic: Burgundy base with flecks of gold shimmer captures the latest fashion trend.

Street Chic: This gorgeous beige crème is the perfect go to shade letting your clothes do the talking.

Concrete Catwalk: Steel grey crème is amazing for a chic mani.

Westside Warrior: For the trendsetting woman this camo green crème is to die for.

Trendsetter: Mustard yellow shimmer translates beautifully from hot dogs to nails.

Fall in the City is a magnificent time and China Glaze has interpreted the hues of the urban jungle into their limited edition METRO collection.   Escape your everyday and indulge in the city life!

The China Glaze METRO collection will be available in a “Downtown” 6 piece box collection (includes Skyscraper, Concrete Catwalk, Westside Warrior, Trendsetter, Loft-y Ambitions and Midtown Magic), an “Uptown” 6 piece box collection (includes CG in the City, Urban-Night, Traffic Jam, City Siren and Street Chic and Brownstone), a brand new, amazing 3D 12 piece counter display, a 36 piece rack display, and as open stock colors.

Downtown includes: Skyscraper, Concrete Catwalk, Westside Warrior,
Trendsetter, Loft-y Ambitions and Midtown Magic

Uptown includes: CG in the City, Urban-Night, Traffic Jam, City Siren,
Street Chic and Brownstone

 China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

 
About American International Industries
For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks,  Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

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Thanks to Palmer's, Christmas Came Early!!!!

Throughout the summer, Palmer's Cocoa Butter, has been running a Fan-Of-The-Week promotion on Facebook. The prize is a product-filled Palmer's tote bag.  And as luck would have it, I won!  Which is major because I never win anything.  The nice respentative named Brittney, emailed me and asked if there were any particular products I was interested in trying, so I sent her my list, never thinking she would send me everything on my list, but she did.  I received products from their facial line, items from their haircare line, and from their skin and body lines.  I have been a long time user of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula lotion, and have just recently started using their night and eye creams.  Palmer's has been around as long as I can remember.  I remember using Palmer's as a child.  They have recently branched out to include facial products and I am extremely excited to try these latest additions to my regimen.  As I use them, of course I will share product reviews. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend.  Grace and Peace.

Lavender for Caylee! Rest in Peace little Angel!

In Loving Memory of Caylee Marie Anthony.  God’s Little Angel, taken too soon.  You will never be forgotten.  In memory of Caylee, several of us are wearing her favorite color, Lavender.  And what little girl doesn’t like sparkles, so with my Ulta Tutu Cute (how appropriate) I layered Milani Holographic Hi-Res.  Rest In Peace Caylee. 
Grace and Peace.

To You, O Lord, we humbly entrust Caylee, so precious in Your sight. Take her into Your arms and welcome her into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain, but the fullness of peace and joy with Your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! The long and short of it...

Your nails need to be hydrated! Aside from injury, the primary reason behind most nail problems can be attributed to nails being overly dry and dehydrated.  Dry nails and cuticles attribute to cracks, peeling, and/or breaks. Not only is this unattractive, but dry and damaged cuticles can be painful and lead to infection.

I can’t express enough how important it is to keep your hands, nails, and cuticles moisturized.  Whether you have short nails or long, keeping them moisturized is vital.  Over the past several months that I have been blogging about nails and nail care and visiting Make-Up Alley, I have seen one question being asked time and time again, How to take care of dry and damaged cuticles.  I have previously blogged about my cuticle oil mix and my nail regimen. The key components of my cuticle oil are Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E Oil and several essential oils (Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree and Lemon).  

Each of these components have their own benefits and contribute to the health of my nails. 

·    Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Essential Oil both have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties

·    Rosemary Essential Oil helps to moisturize and strengthen dry and brittle nails

·    Lemon Essential Oil helps to strengthen weak nails

·    Jojoba, Sweet Almond, and Vitamin E are each excellent moisturizers and conditioners

Nails are like sponges; they are very porous. Just look at the last time you removed your polish and found stained nails.  Your nails soaked in the pigment from the polish.  Just as they can absorb polish pigment, they can absorb beneficial components.  Another way in which nails are like sponges is that they will only absorb what they can hold, so I always apply my cuticle oil before washing my hands.  If your nails have absorbed their fill of water, they are less likely to absorb the benefits of the cuticle oil.  So you ask, “Will the cuticle oil soak through my nail polish?” I am no scientist but believe that the answer is “No”, but to circumvent the polish, I apply the cuticle oil to the underside of my nails’ free edge and massage it into my cuticles.  Also, when time allows, after I have removed my nail polish, I do apply and massage the cuticle oil to the topside of my nails and allow it to sit for at least an hour, if not overnight (with gloves).

In addition to my cuticle oil, a good hand moisturizer is essential.  My holy grail hand cream is Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Skin Therapy Lotion with Shea Butter (a review blog forthcoming).  One of the qualities of a good moisturizer is that it is thick, almost butter-like.   A rich moisturizer helps to replace the natural oils washed away with normal washings.  I apply my hand moisturizer after each washing and with each application of cuticle oil.  As a part of the application of the hand cream, I also push back my cuticles.

So in addition to a healthy diet, proper water intake, and daily supplements (a multivitamin & Biotin-5000mcg), with a good cuticle oil, premade or self made, and a good hand cream, you are on the road to healthy nails, and cuticles…

Remember, treat your nails as Jewels, not tools.  Grace and Peace.

Holo Monday...Nubar Reclaim!!!

To show sisterhood with Kirsten of Glitta Gloves and Jen of The PolishAholic, I am also participating in today’s Holo Monday.  Not too long ago, I received my first Nubar order and because of suggestions from Make-Up Alley ladies, I included in my order, Reclaim. This is probably the furthest I have been outside of my comfort zone but this shade is absolutely gorgeous!!!  This is a Green Holographic (clearly seen on the bottle picture) that is part of the limited-edition Going Green Collection.  This is my first linear holo because I missed out on the OMG! Collection, but rest assured, I won’t let any future holo collections pass me by.  

Grace and Peace.

NOTD: Sinful Colors Timbleberry

Here is another great shade for summer, Sinful Colors Timbleberry. It’s a creamy coral, not too pink, not too orange, not too bright, just a great overall summer color. Sinful Colors is a drug store brand that sells for $1.99; I have also seen it on sale for $0.99, sold at Walgreens, and Target.  They are also available at www.sinfulcolors.com.  There are several really great shades and also, many great layering possibilities (Glitters).  I like this brand for a few reasons, in addition to the price which I’ve already mentioned, when I want to try a color that is outside of my comfort zone,  I don’t mind spending a couple dollars as opposed to the more expensive brands.  I also like Sinful Colors because they have a large selection of colors and are keeping up with the trends so current colors and effects are easy to find.  So please don’t be a polish snob, like I was.  Give Sinful Colors a try.  You won’t regret it.

Review:

Available:    Walgreens, Target and Online

Price:           Reg $1.99 Sale $0.99

Bottle Size:  15 ml, 0.5 fluid ounces

Application: Smooth, two coats for achieve bottle color (opaque)

Selection:    Large Selection, including neons, and glitters

Brush:         Thin, good for getting very close to cuticles

Remember, treat your nails as jewels, not tools.  Grace and Peace.