PRESS RELEASE: "It's So Easy" Contest Starts July 1st!

Join in on the Summer Fun Nail Art Contest

Los Angeles, Calif. (June 2012) – Take a dive into the world of nail art with It’s So Easy® and the Summer Fun Nail Art contest. Beginning on Sunday, July 1^st, nail art fanatics throughout the United States are invited to enter their nail creations to win cash or gift cards.

         

The prizes are as follows: 

1^st: $1,000

2^nd: $500

3^rd: $250

                  

Twenty congratulations prizes will also be awarded, offering $25 gift cards to shop at Sally Beauty®, the largest source of professional beauty products in the world.

The Summer Fun Nail Art contest ends on Tuesday, July 31^st.

For more information about the contest and to enter, visit the NEW It’s So Easy® website at www.itssoeasynails.com.

About It’s So Easy®

It’s So Easy® provides the highest quality nail art products for nail art applications. The line includes loose glitters, cracked ice flakes, sealer and dryer, rhinestones, brushes, and more. It’s So Easy® products are available now at Sally Beauty®. To find a store near you, visit www.sallybeauty.com.

Like It’s So Easy® on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/ItsSoEasyNailArt

Follow It’s So Easy® on Instagram:

@ItsSoEasyNails

Follow It’s So Easy® on Pinterest:

www.pinterest.com/ItSoEasyNails

Follow It’s So Easy® on Twitter:

www.Twitter.com/ItsSoEasyNails

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

Klout Perk...Essie Mojito Madness

A few weeks ago, Klout distributed single bottles of Essie's latest collection - 2012 Summer Collection- to many of its members.  We didn't know which bottle we would get, so it was like a lottery.  I spotted the collection in my local Walgreens weeks before receiving my Klout Perk.  But I wouldn't let myself buy any because I didn't want to have a dupe, but there were at least a couple that I wanted...  

The collection includes six gorgeous colors just right for Summer.

bikini so teeny - described as a provocative lustrous sky blue

cascade cool - described as a frosty, shimmery carnation pink

all tied up - described as a naughty molten bronze

off the shoulder - described as a daring, scorching hot pink

fear or desire - described as an obsession-worthy bright orange

mojito madness - described as a fun-loving party lime

As you can tell from the title and the pictures, I received Mojito Madness, one that I wanted.  This is one of Essie's polishes that applied with no trouble. It did require two coats for complete opacity, but applied with no streaking or other issues.  I have already purchased Fear or Desire from this collection, but still want a couple others-Bikini so Teeny, and Off the Shoulder.

 Step outside of your comfort zone and try a different shade. 

This collection was released June, 2012 so you should haven't much trouble finding it.  The suggested retail price is $8.00 per bottle. So run, don't walk...

If you are unfamiliar with Klout.com Click Here.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

PRESS RELEASE: China Glaze On Safari Release

UNTAMED COLOUR AWAITS YOU

China Glaze® Introduces 12 New Crèmes and Glitters for Fall 2012

Los Angeles, CA – (May 2012):  China Glaze® nail lacquer invites you to take an exotic expedition with its Fall 2012 collection, On Safari.  Be captivated by the earthy tones, rich plums and celestial sparkles that make up this adventurous assortment of polishes.

The China Glaze® On Safari features 10 rich crèmes and two glitters including:

•  Kalahari Kiss: Light sand brown
• I’m Not Lion: Glistening gold and multi-color glitter
• Call of the Wild: Beautiful chocolate brown-dark cherry blend
• Adventure Red-y: Vivid red
• Desert Sun: Delicious caramel
• I Herd That: Brilliant copper glitter

• Man Hunt: Bold cobalt blue
• Exotic Encounters: Lush green crème with blue undertones
• Elephant Walk: Cool graphite grey
• Jungle Queen: Smoky violet
• Purr-fect Plum: Bold burgundy
• Prey Tell: Daringly dark red 

On Safari is also available in:

·         6-piece “Native” Collection: Man Hunt, Exotic Encounters, Elephant Walk, Jungle Queen, Purr-fect Plum and Prey Tell

·         6-piece “Tourist” Collection: Kalahari Kiss, I’m Not Lion, Call of the Wild, Adventure Red-y, Desert Sun and I Herd That

·         12-piece counter display

The China Glaze® On Safari collection will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in July 2012.  Individual polishes retail for $7 MSRP; the 6-piece sets retail for $42 MSRP.

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, 

Like CG on Facebook: www.facebook.com/chinaglazeofficial

Follow CG on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

Follow CG on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ChinaGlaze

Follow CG on Instagram: ChinaGlazeOfficial 

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. 

Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup - 6/18/2012

• Pink Sparklz- On Wednesday's we wear pink! Pink NOTD! Sinful Colors & O.P.I.
• Mama Fashionista- Allow Mama Fashionista to introduce you to Evie Evan and the last concealer you will ever need (it's HG status)!
• Ishah x Beauty- It's Girl's Night at Ishah x Beauty! Check out some good eats, drinks and my FOTD.
• Phyrra- Wanna steal the spotlight? Phyrra tells you to break out the Anastasia See and Be Seen Kit.
• Midnight Manicures- Water Marbling with Patricia, see this nail art technique at it's best.
• Beauty Product Review- Discover the mask that has completely changed my complexion and made every night a spa night!
• Cosmetics Aficionado- Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Ballet might be your perfect Barbie pink.
• Creatively Yours by Ro- Smooth out your edges with Carols Daughter Macadamia Hold & Control Smoother
• Adore-a-polish- Get scrubalicious with this yummy grapefruit sugar scrub from Qtica.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom- Check out four lovely Zoya shades at Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom
• Sincerely Stephanie- Looking for an easy way to do nail art? Check out how you can create art using your own fingerprints!
• Shades of Beauty, Inc.  It Works!  BZZAGENT REVIEW: Smooth 'n Shine® Keratin Power Semi-Permanent Hair Tamer
• Mani Curiously- The First 50 Giveaway Celebration! Come celebrate Dom & E's first follower milestone with this great giveaway!
• Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog checked out the Hey, Sailor! collection from MAC and shared her review on the limited edition Fleet Fast blush!
• Beyond Beauty Lounge- Easy Ombre with The New Black
• The Beauty Delicacy- The sweetest shade of red gloss perfect for Summer
• Beauty by Miss L- Check out Miss L´s bright summer eye makeup look
• Emily Hudspeth, hair design & makeup artist- The Big Reveal is here! Part 3 or the "After" of the makeover series for this soon to be new mom, is on the blog. Next up, the makeup lesson.
• Liquor, Lube and Lipstick- My latest hair adventure, combining my two favorite loves, neons and ombré hair.
• Cosmetically Challenged- Cosmetically Challenged shows you what Orange Neon nail polish is all about with Sations "One & Only Orange" from the California Gleamin' Collection
• Nails Beautiqued- It's summertime! Want some nailart ideas?  How about some Wispy Flowers.
• Dorothy's little wonderland- What should I do if I would like to change the skincare routine. Tips and tricks to minimize the irritations

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

BZZAGENT REVIEW: Smooth 'n Shine® Keratin Power Semi-Permanent Hair Tamer

I recently became a BzzAgent* and my first campaign was the Smooth 'n Shine® Keratin Power Semi-Permanent Hair Tamer.  This product came just in time.  I have been fighting with the decision, whether or not to transition my hair to natural or return to a relaxer. I realize that there seems to be a natural revolution taking place and many people are very passionate about being natural. My attempt at going natural was not as passionate as so many.  I just loved my curl and wanted to see if I could do it.  I had gone almost 12 months post relaxer, but my fight with my new growth was just more than I wanted to deal with.  So when given the opportunity to try Smooth 'n Shine® Keratin Power Semi-Permanent Hair Tamer, I was not hesitant.  Again, this being my first campaign, I had no expectations, but I received my package.  Inside was a welcome letter, explaining BzzAgent and the Smooth n' Shine product.  It also include the full product, a BzzGuide, and several coupons for personal use and to pass out to friends.

So what is Smooth 'n Shine® Keratin Power Semi-Permanent Hair Tamer?  Its claims are that it will smooth & straighten hair with 5x less damage of traditional relaxers.  It also promises the ability to convert curly styles if you so desire, buy simply letting your hair air dry.  Whereas, my desire was not so much the ability to convert to curly, but to have the ability to straighten my new growth without much damage.

So what was my starting point?  Here are several pictures of my new growth and curl pattern.  These pictures depict anywhere from 9-12 months of new growth.

I went into this project with no expectations.  I read the instructions and viewed a YT demonstration video to make certain I applied it correctly.  Good thing...unlike a relaxer, in which you shampoo after applying the relaxer; with the Smooth 'n Shine® Keratin Power Semi-Permanent Hair Tamer, you shampoo prior to applying the product.  So after shampooing  (1 clarifying and 1 moisturizing) and detangling my hair, I parted my hair into 4 sections and applied the Protein Smoothing Treatment-tube #1 and allowed it to set the required time.  Rinsed and applied the Neutralizing Milk-tube #2.  I then applied the Nourishing Deep Recovery Conditioner.  My opinion of the application process: this stuff stinks.  Maybe not as strong as a normal relaxer, but it does have the sulfur smell that so many regular relaxers have.  It doesn't burn like the regular relaxers are infamous for. 

  

So after I rinsed out the product and then the conditioner, my hair was visibly less curly. But it still had texture, which I liked because I never like bone-straight hair.  So as instructed, I blow dried my hair. (Of course, I applied my leave-ins and heat protectants).  My hair had not been this straight in a long time. I had not been able to put a comb to my scalp in several months. So that night, I wrapped my hair and went to bed.

  

The next morning, I unwrapped my hair. It was soft, and had a good amount of body. I bumped my ends and was good for the day.  Throughout that first day, I would constantly run my fingers through my hair; it had been months since I could do that.  This product is supposed to last at least 6 weeks so I will see where I am at that point but for now, I am happy with the  Smooth 'n Shine® Keratin Power Semi-Permanent Hair Tamer.  So for this being my first BzzAgent campaign, I must say that I am happy with the program, and the product.  Lastly, this is not just for ethnic hair, curly girls (and men) UNITE!!!

Review Summary:

• 5X less damage than traditional relaxers
• Lasts up to 6 weeks or 5 shampoos
• Contains Keratin 4 (a key component of the human hair) and Aloe 
• Has cumulative effect, the more often you use the products, the smoother the results
• Available in two formulations, regular and super
• Only two steps with no mixing
• Readily available, Sally, Walgreens, Drugstore.com, and several other stores
• Price ranges from $8.99-$10.99

*What is "Bzzagent" -- It is a word-of-mouth program in which you sample products and services and then buzz (face-to-face, Twitter, Facebook, etc)  about those products or services you have tried-good or bad.  You are under no obligation to participate. For more information, click Bzz Agent FAQs.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* As a BzzAgent, I received this product to try and review, but with no obligation. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company. 

HAULIN': Wet n Wild Chrome & Something to note...

Just wanted to share with you some of my recent haulin'. I was in my local Walgreens and picked up 5 of the 8 new polishes from the Wet n' Wild Chrome collection-$3.99 each.  They apply free from difficulties.  These pictures are actually 1 coat, but I would probably apply a second.  The colors shown below are L to R:

• Grew Up In Cobalt-imore (darker blue)
• Stay Outta My Bismuth (similar to Zoya Crystal)
• Precious Petals (pink metallic)
• I Got A New Cum-Pewter (green metallic)
• Hog-Quartz School (purple metallic)

Someone asked if these polishes are good for stamping. I have not started stamping yet, but I am expecting any day now one of my nail art mentors, Rhonda of Nails Beautiqued to have tried them and post. If you are looking for innovation for nail art, check her blog out.  Someone also mentioned that some of these polishes are dups of some of the Nubar/Painted Nail polishes.  If you have any comparisons, please post pictures.

The only issue I have with this collection is the bottle size.  These bottles are somewhere between a Zoya bottle and a Sally Girl bottle, but the price does not reflect a smaller bottle.  Wet N Wild, these are great colors, that need to be added to your core collection but in normal bottle sizes. Please and Thank you.

Have you tried any of the new Wet n Wild Chrome collection? If so, what was your opinion?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup - 6/10/2012

• Pink Sparklz- New Trend: Matching your lips to your nails! VS Glossy Lip Tint - Boudoir Pink Swatch
• Miss Merli In NYC- Featuring Brooklyn Designer Sam Branman and his mesh creations
• Tolmu Rull Tells All- What to pack into your beauty bag for travelling? See, what frequent flyer Tolmu Rull packs!
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom- Blurple is the perfect shade for summer, and Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom picks Cult Nails Tied Up as the best.
• I Like My Polish Black Just Like My Metal- Penguins, nail polish, and bright pink! Oh my! Find out what all these three things have in common and how good they all look together.
• Cosmetics Aficionado- See the Soho Beauty brushes popping up but not sure if you should buy? Check out my review of their Professional Crease Brush.
• Holographic Hussy- Dollish Polish stunning Expecto Patronum in all its glory...
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog- Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog share her Tart Deco Dots on Manic(ure) Monday!
• Emily Hudspeth, Bringing the Beauty to You!- Trying out a new monthly beauty sample service. Emily shares her first month of Sample Society by the Beauty Bar.
• Ishah x Beauty- How to DIY Ombre Hair at Home? Ishah x Beauty has you covered.
• Beauty By Miss L- Miss L did a simple, but eye-catching mani with dots.
• Sincerely Stephanie- Loving the colour blocking trend, but looking for a new take on it? Sincerely Stephanie shows you how to get the look dottified.
• myCosmeticBag- Love black nail polish and gradient manicures? Sink your teeth into Anisha's 'Berry Vampiric' nail look.
• Phyrra- Phyrra is a Superstar with the new Fyrinnae collection!
• Beauty Apocalypse- Want a sophisticated eye? Beauty Apocalypse gives a review of Stila's "Ladies Who Lunch" collection.
• Mani Curiously- Loving the NARS Thakoon Collection? Be sure to check out E's matte take on this stunning cyan blue polish!
• DeyiMizu- Read about the fabulous all-in-one African Shea Butter!
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.- REVIEW: China Glaze Neons...Shimmer Highlights
• Beauty Product Review- Read all about the Jouer samples that I just can't stop raving about
• Midnight Manicures- Dazzle Dry, Vegan and Big 5-Free. Performs like a Gel, removes like a Polish.
• Thepassengerelement- 100th beauty blog post ft Tarina Tarantino's Victorian Punk eyeshadow
• Cosmetically Challenged- Which Glitter Hue is right for you? Cosmetically Challenged puts 5 brands head to head in the battle of the Purple and Blue Glitter Nail Polishes.
• Nails Beautiqued- Summertime fun with Jessica Cosmetics "Gelato Maio" nailpolish collection lots of mouthwatering pastels
• The Lacquerologist- Contrasting colors and finishes come together in this beautiful polka dot manicure from the Abstract Nail Art Challenge!

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

Recent Coastal Scents Brush Haul...

Like I needed another make-up brush! For me, make-up brushes are quickly becoming like nail polishes and lip products...you can never have too many.

During one of their recent sales, I ordered several of the Coastal Scents brushes that I had been eyeing for quite some time.  With this order they sent me an very appropriate sticker..."Makeup Addict". It's official now.

The brushes arrived in a cute little mesh bag, each individually wrapped.

So the face brushes I ordered were:

• Bionic Flat Top Buffer. I received my first flat top buffer last Christmas as part of the Sedona Lace Vortex brush set I purchased for myself as a Christmas present. I quickly fell in love and have since been looking to collect flat top buffer brushes. So I jumped at the Coastal Scents brush.  They are excellent for applying liquid foundation. I obtain a flawless finish. A flat top buffer brush is a must for every brush collection.

• The next two brushes I selected were the large and small Stippling Synthetic brushes. The duo fiber stippling brushes are another brush that is often used for liquid foundation, but I have also used them for other reasons: the small brush for applying setting powder to my under-eye concealer and the larger for blush and bronzer.  Both work well to give an air-brush finish with no streaks.   

• Angle Synthetic Blush brushes were two others I picked up.  I like the angle blush brush for just as the name states, to apply blush. The angled feature helps to apply product along the cheek bone and the hollows of my cheeks. I love the smaller brush for applying highlight to the upper cheekbone. 

The next brushes I purchased were eye brushes.  They were: (L to R)

• Pointed Detail Synthetic brush: I had been looking for another brush for applying my gel eyeliner so I chose this brush. I achieve a smooth line at the water line and at the upper lid.
• Synthetic Concealer Shading brush: Although the name says "concealer" I also use this brush as a flat shader brush for my eye shadows. You will quickly learn that there are no makeup brush "laws". Use them how they best work for you.
• Doefoot Synthetic Blender brush: I use this to blend my corner "V" section of my eye. Because it has an angled cut, it works well with the outer "V".
• Pointed Synthetic Blender Brush: This is a brush that I like for the inner corner for applying highlighter. 
• Crease Synthetic Blender Brush: Every makeup brush collection needs a blender brush or brushes for softening the look of your eye makeup. 

*Unfortunately, I purchased several of these brushes on clearance so some may no longer be available. However, Coastal Scents is always adding new products to their inventory.


So that wraps up my most recent brush haul. Have you purchased any brushes lately, and if so which ones and how do you use them?


This is the second order I have place with Coastal Scents and I have been happy with both. I am sure there will be others. Many of the Coastal Scents brushes have been compared to MAC brushes and several have been said to be better than MAC. I do know that they are more reasonably priced. I also love my 88 palettes. I have the Warm, Mirage, and the Metal palettes.  If you are in the market for new brushes definitely give Coastal Scents a try. They can be found at www.coastalscents.com and frequently have sales.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own monies. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by and of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

REVIEW: China Glaze Neons...Shimmer Highlights

We have all, at one time or another used a highlighter.  My generation, they were always yellow. But more recently, they come in a variety of colors. The recent China Glaze Neon -2012 Collection looks like it took inspiration from the rainbow of colors available in highlighters.  

I received 4 of the 12 to review. 2 of the 4, I was really surprised at how much I like them because they were really outside of my comfort zone.  Let's start with the 2 that are more my speed:

Flirty Tankini, described as a "Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink".  I must admit, this collection is the first neon collection I've ever seen that contained shimmer.  It's a welcomed change. Flirty Tankini is a pinky, slightly coral shimmer; great for the summer.  I shot these pictures with 2 coats but I would try 3 coats in order to not have visable nail lines.

 

Next, is Surfin' For Boys, described as a "Glistening bright coral".  Whereas Flirty Tankini is a pink with a slight coral, Surfin' For Boys is a Coral with a reddish, pink tone. I was able to achieve bottle color with only 2 coats.

Now, one of the 2 shades that I was really surprised at how much I like was I'm With The Lifeguard-described as "Glimmering lime green". This is a highlighter green with shimmer. The application was streaky, so I will try again after adding a little thinner. But this is a color that really took me by surprise. I'm glad I was forced outside my comfort zone.

Lastly, the shade that most resembles a traditional highlighter is Sun-Kissed-described as "Hot highlighter yellow". This one was more difficult to photograph, I was getting a greenish tint. But after reading others' blog post, it appears that they also found a greenish hue to this shade.  Sun-Kissed gave me the most trouble with the application. It was very streaky. But nonetheless, a pleasant surprise at how much I like this shade.

For the most part, this collection of neons is different from others, while it dries matte as most, as I mentioned, I had never come across shimmer neons.  They were more difficult to apply so I would suggest adding thinner.

These were due to be at retail buy June, 2012, so you should be able to find them now.  So if you are looking for something other than the normal flat neons, give China Glaze Summer Neons as try.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These sample products were sent to me for review consideration by the PR department of the Manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.