PRESS RELEASE: ReVitalistic by Vanessa Williams

Being that I'm in my mid-40s, my blog is more focused on maturing skin and anti-aging skin care. I receive tons of press releases for different skin care lines; but there are very few that I really consider for sharing with you. However, one of the many I received today, more than caught my attention. When I am looking at skin care, I ask myself about the image behind the product line. Are we experiencing similar skin issues? Do they have similar challenges? I would never post about a skin care line directed at teens for teen-age acne when I am seeking the holy grail anti-aging product line.

Today, I received a press release on the new skin care line by Vanessa Williams. The internationally known, pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model and actress, is pleased to announce the release of the ReVitalistic by Vanessa Williams Three-Piece Anti-Aging System, available on www.QVC.com (QVC Item #A234229). The system, designed and developed by Williams and her ReVitalistic Skincare team, includes the highly rated Re-Start Skin Serum (QVC Item #A228178) as well as two other products, the Re-Focus Firming Eye Serum and the Re-Quench Anti-Age Defense Intensive Moisture Treatment, which are also available in the Discovery Kit (QVC Item #A228421).

With her experience and relationships in the beauty industry, Williams collected the advice of dermatologists and aestheticians to create a quality skincare collection at an affordable cost. “As a mother, with a full-time job, who has always struggled with skin problems, I wanted to make beautiful skin easy to achieve and maintain by offering the best products sourced from around the world,” explains Williams, founder of ReVitalistic Skincare. “I am excited to offer my new, simple, go-to anti-aging skincare regime for women with multi-faceted lives who believe in the power of great skin and products that work.”
 
The Anti-Aging System includes Williams’ three go-to products and is available on www.QVC.com for $68.00:
  • Full Size, Re-Start Skin Serum, 1.0 oz
  • Full Size, Re-Focus Firming Eye Serum, 0.5 oz
  • Full Size, Re-Quench Anti-Age Defense Intensive Moisture Treatment, 1.7 oz
All product details, from the refreshing ginger scent, to the quick-absorbing application of the creams and serums, were selected by Williams who used her own personal struggle with skin problems to find the right combination for women everywhere. “With my ReVitalistic Skincare Anti-Aging System, you are able to maintain an effortless and efficient three-step anti-aging regimen at an incredible price,” says Williams. “Once you try my most basic regimen, which is effective and easy to use, you will notice how much better your skin will look and feel.”

Tune in to QVC’s “Friday Night Beauty” on Friday, January 25 at 11 PM (ET) to watch Williams share more about the ReVitalistic Skincare Anti-Aging System. ReVitalistic by Vanessa Williams skincare products, including the Anti-Aging System, the Discovery Kit, the Re-Start Skin Serum and the Neck and Décolleté Cream, are available online at www.QVC.com, while supplies last.

Vanessa Williams is only 2 years older than I am, so I believe that she knows the challenges of maturing skin, as well as some of the challenges Women of Color experience. I can't wait to see this release tomorrow night. Will you be tuning in? Also, what do you look for when considering a new skincare product line?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.  Lois

Someone to Watch Over Me...In Remembrance of Newtown, CT Tragedy

I was brought to tears when I first heard of the Newtown, CT tragedy.  All that innocence snuffed out so soon, too soon.  All those families and friends, who would forever be changed because of one person's actions. A nation, that has been forever changed because of one person's actions. 

There have been several different signs of support to show love for those impacted by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. One such show of love, was the making of a nail polish by Jody of SoFlaJo. To honor the memory of one of the victims, Catherine Hubbard, and to support a dream of little Catherine.  This little angel dreamed of one day opening her own animal shelter.  Catherine's parents have asked for any donations to be made in Catherine's memory to The Newtown Animal Center

So Jody of SoFlaJo, developed Watch Over Me and designated that 100% of the profits from the sale of this polish will be donated to The Newtown Animal Center in memory of little Catherine Hubbard.

 
My blog, Shades of Beauty, Inc is still in its infancy so you can imagine my excitement when I was given the opportunity to sample my first indie polish. And one that is in support of such a beautiful cause, yes, I was ready, willing and able.

Watch Over Me is a beautiful Golden Sage Green Shimmer. This a good color for year-round wear. As pictured, is two coats. Application is smooth with no challenges.


WATCH OVER ME 15ml $10.00 each BUY NOW

Bases Tinted with Natural Pigments and Micas
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All Natural Micro-Glitters
All SoFlaJo polishes are made from natural pigments and glitters with bases free of the chemicals Toluene, Formaldehyde and Dibutyl Phthalate and Formaldehyde Resin. SoFlaJo Polishes use stainless steel mixing balls (and always have).
Each bottle comes attractively packaged and protectively bubble wrapped.

You can find Jody on Facebook, Twitter, her Blog and at her Esty shop.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.
* This product was sent to me for review consideration by the creator. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.

Pure Ice: Paint Your Town Red! 1000 Bottle Giveaway!

Could your nail polish stash use an extra 100 bottles? Time to Paint Your Town Red with this Pure Ice 1000 Bottle Giveaway!!!
 
Are you proud to be from the Big Apple? Or maybe you're a Georgia Peach? Are you proud to be a Gator? Or maybe you're kicking back in the Big Easy, getting ready for Mardi Gras. Whatever place you love most; it's time to show your pride for your hometown, closest big city, or state.
 
Pure Ice is hosting another one of their wonderful contests. Let's get those creative juices flowing! 
 
We are giving away 1000 bottles of PURE ICE to start the new year with a bang!

Pure Ice wants to know why you LOVE your town, city or state!  

Create a manicure or nailart that is inspired by something culturally relevant that makes your city special.

If you photo is chosen, you will receive 100 bottles of Pure Ice to start your collection off right.

The prize will include the sold out colors from the Limited Edition -
Velour Finish, Metro Chic, French Trends, Diamond Couture and Party Girl and our brand new 29 shades for 2013.

10 Winners will be chosen on Jan 18, 2013 and will be announced on Facebook. 
Get all your entries in by 9 am Jan 18th to be considered!

*You can upload your entry to your blog, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. 

Share your photos and blog posts with us by tagging #PureIceMyCity


Follow Pure Ice on
Twitter @OfficialPureIce
Friend Pure Ice on Facebook http://facebook.com/officialpureice
 Follow Pure Ice on Instagram @OfficialPure Ice
Visit Pure Ice at www.pureicecosmetics.com

Pure Ice Nail Polish does not contain formaldehyde, toluene and DBP
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Review:
  • Available: Walmart or  Bari Cosmetics
  • Price: Reg Price $1.97
  • Bottle Size: 15 ml, 0.5 fluid ounces
  • Selection: Offers a Large Selection, including neons, and glitters

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

Product Review: Rimmel London ScandalEyes Show Off Mascara

It was back in December, that I first saw a new Rimmel London mascara advertised in my Allure Magazine.  I was determined that I was going to find this and give it a try.  It released first in the UK and wasn't supposed to be release here in the US until Spring, 2013, but I recently found it in my local Walgreens. There have been several mascaras, high-end and drug-strore, that have the litte ball-thingy on the brush head, but I had not tried any up until this point. When it comes to drug-store mascaras, I normally only purchase them when they're on sale. But as soon as I saw this I grabbed it without hesitation.

Today, I am sharing with you the Rimmel London ScandalEyes Show Off Mascara. As stated on the packaging, this is a "Fiber Formula", that is supposed to help lengthen your lashes. Unlike many of those recently released fiber mascaras, there weren't any of those little fiber-like hairs. Taking a look at the brush, you can see for yourself. 

So my first impression is that the formula is on the dryer side. I don't like a super wet formulation, but I also don't like a formula that feels too dry. I felt like I had to swirel the brush around inside the bottle to get any product on the brush. With the first coat, I got some volume, but definitely needed a couple more coats. I used the tip to get closest to the tear-ducts and to cover my bottom lashes without any smudges or smears.

Next, I noticed, while this is not a Cover Girl's Clump Crusher, still with 3 coats, I didn't have any clumps or threats of clumps.  Something else that I have started to notice ever since Maybelline's Volum' Express Mega Plush and it's gel formula, this Rimmel London ScandalEyes Show Off Mascara doesn't dry rigid on the lashes. I wouldn't call them plush, but they have a soft feel.
*Please excuse my tired eyes.

So my overall opinion of the Rimmel London ScandalEyes Show Off Mascara is:

Brush: I prefer the non-plastic brushes, but I do like the ball-thingy tip for getting to the hard-to-reach places.

Formula: More dry than I prefer, but no clumping. Also, I like that it didn't leave my lashes hard. 
 
Price$7.49 at Walgreens. The price is about average for a drug-store mascara, but still more than I like to pay for one mascara.
 
Overall: I am glad that I tried this product and will give other Rimmel London products a chance. I would prefer a formula that was more wet. But I definitely enjoyed the brush and its trouble-free appliation.

Have you tried the newest Rimmel mascara, Rimmel London ScandalEyes Show Off? And if so, what were your thoughts on the product?

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.

*NEW*: Nicole by OPI-Colors for Every Occasion!

Nicole by OPI Launches New Lacquers for 2013
Nicole by OPI announces four new classically chic nail lacquer shades for 2013, including Plum to Your Senses!, Please Red-cycle, Totally in the Dark, and Still Into Pink.  Featuring two vibrant crème shades of bright pink and rich red and two shimmering hues of deep plum and glossy black, these elegant lacquers are suited for every wearer and occasion while delivering distinct color with a flawless finish. 

 “Swipe these four new lacquers on nails for intense color with on-trend hues,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “When it comes to style, any look can be enhanced by adding a splash of color, and these fashionable shades can be easily applied to match your mood.  The playful shimmer of Totally in the Dark and bold pigments of Still Into Pink both make dramatic statements, while sophisticated Plum to Your Senses and classic Please Red-cycle give nails a polished, stylish finish.”

The four new lacquers include:

Plum to Your Senses!

You KNOW this deep, dark plum is the perfect choice.


Please Red-cycle

Do the right thing and wear this apple red over and over.


Totally in the Dark

This shimmery black is completely unexpected.


Still Into Pink

Our love for hot pink will never grow cold.

 
Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality.

These will be available in stores beginning January 2013 for $7.99 each at retailers including select Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Kmart, Kroger, ULTA, H-E-B, Meijer and Duane Reade locations. In Canada, these shades will be available for $10.99 each at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart Canada, Jean Coutu, Loblaw, and London Drug.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

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About Nicole by OPI:

Nicole by OPI offers a salon-quality range of bold, fashion-forward nail lacquers. The brand’s heritage is based in OPI’s well-established foundation of excellence in both color and technology, providing premium products to a broad range of consumers looking for trendsetting nail lacquers.

NOTD: Alternative "Interview" Manicure

I was scheduled for an interview so I knew that I needed to remove the cobalt blue polish I was wearing, but what was I going to wear. We all know that there is an "interview uniform" with regards to nail polish-bare, pink, or a mannequin-look. But I just wasn't feeling the bare/pink look. So I needed to decide on a mannequin-look. I had several creme nudes, but I wasn't feeling a creme polish either. So I decided on one of my untrieds-OPI DS Classic. This is from the OPI Designer Series of holographic polishes. 
OPI DS Classic is a tan-beigey, scattered-holographic polish.  This is an "office safe" color with a little flash without being over-powering. Being a Woman of Color (WOC), this gives me the mannequin-look I often select for professional environments.  I think that this would also be gorgeous on sun-tanned skin during summer months.
I really do love the OPI Designer Series Holo polishes. The most recent polishes from this series have been glitters as opposed to holos.  I hope the OPI releases more holos very soon. They really do excellent holographic polishes. 
With this manicure, I am wearing 2 coats of OPI DS Classic. I topped it with a coat of Seche Vite' and experienced none of the dreadful shrinking that so often comes with using SV. The application was smooth and opaque.













 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So this was my alternative interview manicure. What is your go-to "interview" manicure?
 
Grace, Peace, & Blessings.


* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. 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.

NOTD: Blue plus some Shimmer & Sparkle...

I was recently having a manicure block. I just could not decide on the color or colors for my next manicure. So I went to one of the make-up Facebook groups to which I belong for suggestions.  I got some really good suggestions so I should be good for the next couple of manicures. So for this NOTD I went with the first color combination idea received.  Torreys suggested "Navy Blue with Silver Accents and Shimmer".  Blue being my favorite manicure color, this was easily doable. 

So this NOTD consists of China Glaze Blue Year's Eve (Let It Snow Collection of 2011), OPI DS Coronation (Designer Series 2008), and OPI Servin' Up Sparkle (OPI/Serena Williams Glam Slam! England-Summer, 2011).  These are each older polishes but if you can still find them, they are worthy to be in your collection. 

The China Glaze Blue Year's Eve is a bright cobalt blue glass flecky with a blue/turquoise/purple duochrome.  The application was smooth and to achieve the pictured opacity level required 2 coats. This collection as a whole was good. I own several.  While it is no longer available in stores, it can still be found in many of the online retail websites. 
The Silver Shimmer accent used as mentioned was first, OPI DS Coronation which is a silver scattered holographic polish. This is one from the beloved Designer Series collection.  I really wish OPI would release more in this family. The recent DS polishes are glitter rather than holographic.

Layered over DS Coronation, I selected OPI Servin' Up Sparkle. Servin' Up Sparkle is a clear-based holographic glitter, that has multi-sized and multi-shaped holo & silver glitters. Layering these two polishes, which alone have holographic characteristics, the results is a gorgeous sparkly, shimmery, holographic accent nail.

How do you decide on a manicure when you are suffering from manicure block?

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.