Instagram Giveaway...New Hard Candy Nail Polishes

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw a recent post in which I displayed the brush defect with one of my recent Hard Candy purchases. Hard Candy's PR firm replaced my defective bottle, along with several other polish, but they also sent me the entire set of new polishes they added to the Hard Candy nail polish collection.  To show my appreciation for the Instagram followers, I've decided to give one lucky follower the entire set of 9 new  polishes.  

Barielle's Welcome Fall Sweepstakes Starts Tomorrow!!!

I couldn't let this opportunity pass without let you know about it. Due to the great success of their two Sweepstakes this Summer, tomorrow Barielle is kicking off the Welcome Fall Sweepstakes.  As I mentioned, it starts tomorrow, September 12 and runs through September 26. 

One Grand Prize winner will receive of a Cole Haan Silver Satchel, RSP of $175.00 and a Barielle kit including some great Barielle nail products:

1. Two of the Fall Collections 5 Packs (Sophisticated Lady and Nude & Naughty) - $50
2. One Nail Rebuilding Protein Base Coat - $17.50
3. One No Chip Speed Dry Top Coat - $12.50
4. One Nail Strengthener Cream - $17.00

The value of the total Grand Prize is more than $200.00
The Grand Prize will include the fashion accessory plus the Barielle Kit.

CONTEST: Moroccanoil "What Gives You A Boost?" Contest

Moroccanoil Introduces New Root Boost:

A High Performance Volumizing Spray for Body and Lift

Earlier this year I started using the Moroccanoil® Treatment and the Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream and my hair loved these two products. Just based on my experiences with these products, I knew I would be trying other products in this line.  So when I received word of the introduction of a new product in the line and the opportunity for several to win Moroccanoil® Prize Packs, I had to share with my readers.

The Moroccanoil® Twitter and Instagram Contest Asks "What Gives You A Boost?" 

And offers chances to Win Moroccanoil® Volumizing Prize Packs 

What Gives You A Boost? Contest

Moroccanoil is celebrating the launch with a special contest for their Instagram and Twitter followers, asking them to upload photos that answer the question, "What Gives You A Boost?" and tag them @Moroccanoil and #BoostYourRoots.  The contest begins July 18 and ends August 15. 

 Official rules: http://www.moroccanoil.com/boostyouroots-instagram-contest-official-rules

One Grand Prize Winner will receive a unique Moroccanoil Volumizing Prize Pack containing:

One (1) Moroccanoil® Root Boost, $29 value

One (1) Moroccanoil® Volumizing Mousse, $28 value
One (1) Moroccanoil® Extra Volume Shampoo, $24 value
One (1) Moroccanoil® Extra Volume Conditioner, $25 value
One (1) Moroccanoil® Luminous Hairspray in Strong, $23 value
One (1) Moroccanoil® Treatment, $43 value

Approximate retail value of the grand prize is $171.00.

Four (4) runner-ups will receive the following prize package:

One (1) Moroccanoil® Root Boost, $29 value

One (1) Moroccanoil® Volumizing Mousse, $28 value

One (1) Moroccanoil® Treatment Light (25mL)

Approximate retail value of the runner-up prize is $57.00.

About Moroccanoil Root Boost

Moroccanoil Root Boost contains a proprietary volumizing blend of the finest quality ingredients, including Moroccanoil’s signature antioxidant-rich argan oil, which helps maintain hair’s elasticity, leaving it smooth and manageable. The latest addition to the innovative Moroccanoil line of styling products, its highly advanced formula instantly fortifies and thickens hair at the root without compromising hair’s healthy condition and shine.

How to Use:

Apply on towel-dried hair to instantly add fullness and lift to fine and medium hair textures. Lift hair in sections from the scalp and apply to the roots while blow-drying for a healthy, voluminous look. Root Boost may also be applied prior to using a straightening or curling iron.

Perfect for every hair type including fine, Moroccanoil® Root Boost:

• Fortifies and thickens at the root

• Gives a long-lasting, full-bodied effect

• Adds voluminous texture and a natural-looking finish

• Leaves hair feeling smooth, soft and touchable

• Helps control static

Moroccanoil Root Boost: MSRP: $28 / 250ml

About Moroccanoil®

Moroccanoil offers innovative, easy-to-use, performance-driven formulas that dramatically transform all hair types resulting in beautiful, healthy, natural-looking hair. As the pioneer of an all-new oil treatment hair care category, Moroccanoil has quickly become a runaway hit among fashion and beauty insiders and has generated a devoted following among top stylists and their A-list celebrity clients. Launched seven years ago, Moroccanoil products are now available in 40 countries around the globe. Famed for its weightless, residue-free quality, Moroccanoil’s extensive line of luxury hair care products addresses the needs of all hair types and features a proprietary advanced blend of the finest ingredients to deliver optimal performance and dramatic results.  Moroccanoil products are available at fine salons, spas and now online.

For more information:

Visit http://www.moroccanoil.com, 

Twitter, www.twitter.com/moroccanoil and 

Facebook, www.facebook.com/moroccanoil

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

SWEEPSTAKES: June Barielle Sweepstakes including 2 Summer Collections

Due to the great success of their May Sweepstakes, Barielle has decided to hold another one in June and possibly July as well. The June Sweepstakes will start on June 10th and end on June 30th. There will be 10 Barielle prize packs given out and one Grand Prize which will include a DKNY Blue Leather Handbag and the prize pack, (RSP of $175)

The Barielle Prize Pack will consist of: 

• Two of the Summer Collections 5 Packs (Brilliant Colors and Summer Brights) - $50
• One Nail Rebuilding Protein Base Coat - $17.50
• One No Chip Speed Dry Top Coat - $12.50
• One Nail Strengthener Cream - $17.00

Total value of $97.00

The Grand Prize will include the fashion accessory plus the Barielle Kit.  So mark your calendar, starting Monday, June 10, 2013, you can enter the Barielle Sweepstakes by clicking on the Sweepstake tab on the Barielle Facebook page, HERE.

Don't miss this great opportunity to win some great products.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

*Shades of Beauty, Inc is in no way affiliated with this Sweepstakes. I am just sharing the information.

The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Challenge Results and Giveaway Winners

Last week I posted that I was given the opportunity to participate in the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Challenge.  I went into this challenge looking for a drugstore facial cleanser that would parallel or surpass my current facial cleanser, Philosophy Purity.  As I mentioned previously, I had been using Purity for many years and used it as my gold standard when trying other cleansers. I have tried other products that promised to remove my make-up, leave my skin moisturized and hydrated, all the while being gentle to my skin.  They have all fallen short of my expectations and resulted in my returning to Purity. Neutrogena is a brand well known for its many skin care products; and I will admit, I have tried some Neutrogena products that I liked and some I did not like. So I went into this challenge with no definite expectations.

Neutrogena Claims:

• to remove 99 percent of excess oil, dirt and even makeup,
• preserving the skin’s delicate moisture barrier,
• easily rinses away, leaving behind no residue, for skin that always feels refreshed, never tight or dry,
• perfect prep step for anti-aging and acne treatments,
• Soap-Free, Dye-Free, Hypoallergenic, won't clog pores,
• developed to cleanse sensitive skin,
• no added soaps, dyes, sulphates, and parabens.

 My experience:

• As with all my cleansers, I used the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser with my Clarisonic.
• First impression, the scent is clean and non-offensive.
• I appreciated the clear formulation. I equate this with the non-existence of irritating dyes and other chemicals.
• For a true comparison to my Purity, for my first use of the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, I used it with a full face a make-up. It matched the results I achieved with Purity, the only short-fall was that unlike the Purity, if the Neutrogena got into my eyes, it stung. But I can live with that by keeping my eyes closed.  
• After rinsing my face, there was a little of the waterproof eye make-up left but not a lot. 
• My skin felt clean, soft and hydrated. There were a couple of occasions that my skin felt so hydrated that while applying my make-up I actually forgot to apply my moisturizer.  None of that "skin too tight" feeling. 
• So after a week of using Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, my opinion is I very well may have found the product I was looking for. Remember, I was looking for a drugstore product to replace my higher priced department store cleanser. 
• I will continue to use it for an extended usage review. 
• Also, ounce for ounce, the Neutrogena is the better priced item. 

Now on to the giveaway...Neutrogena was gracious enough to provide for three individuals a full-sized bottle of Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser.  They will each receive a bottle so that they can do their own Challenge and take the Challenge Assessment.  Even if you didn't win, you can still participate in the Challenge. Simply click HERE to get started.  Thanks to everyone that entered. If you didn't win this time, no worries, I look forward to future giveaways.

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Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These products were provided by the representing PR firm. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.

Barielle Summer Brights & reminder of the Tips to Toes Sweepstakes...

I've recently posted a few of Barielle's nail lacquers I received to review.  I also posted about the Barielle Facebook Tips to Toes Sweepstakes.  10 winners will receive over $100 worth of Barielle products and 1 grand prize winner will receive a Michael Kors wallet and over $100 worth of Barielle products. Since the sweepstakes ends tomorrow, May 27, 2013 @ 12:00 pm (EDT), I thought I would share with you another look at one of the Barielle 5-shades sets, also received to review. If selected as one of the winners of the Barielle Tips to Toes Sweepstakes, you will be allowed to select one of the 5-shades sets.  

The most recent set released is the Barielle Summer Brights.

Pink Flip-Flops is a classic baby pink cream, that all collections need. When I first saw it, the addict in me had to compare. It is very similar to OPI Pink Friday.  I had some slight streaking with this, but for some reason, I experience that same issue with most baby pink creams.

Blue Capri is a dusty yet vibrant royal blue cream. Of course, this is my favorite of the collection. Application was easy, I applied 2 coats but along with a base coat...I am suspect of most dark blue polishes and staining. The closest polishes in my collection are Illamasqua Cameo (lighter) and American Apparel Cameo Blue (more grey).

Next, is Sweet Addiction, is a dusty teal green cream. While I do have several polishes in the same green family, I really don't have anything that dupes Sweet Addiction. The closest is OPI Mermaid's Tears, but Sweet Addiction is darker and more green. This could be a one-coater, but out of habit, I applied 2 coats.

Here we have Cosmic Kiss.  This is a bright, raspberry magenta pink cream. Not unique, but pretty still. I found a couple polishes that were close to Cosmic Kiss; Zoya Lara, and OPI Strawberry Margarita.

Lastly, is Lemon Drops, a bright, warm, yellow cream. Lemon Drops is an ideal Summer shade. I own no exact dupes to this shade of yellow. The closest is Sinful Colors Unicorn, which is more milky.

Barielle Summer Brights is a great collection. Worn alone or as a base for layering or other nail art, these are great colors to be included in any nail polish collection.  

Also, don't forget to enter the Barielle Facebook Tips to Toes Sweepstakes. 

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These products were sent to me for review consideration by either the manufacturer or the PR firm representing the manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.

The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Challenge plus a Giveaway...

It all starts with clean skin. So today, I am starting the Ultra Gentle Cleanser Challenge using the New Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser.  I've made it no secret that my favorite facial cleanser has been Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. However, I have long since been on the hunt for a drugstore product to match or beat Purity.  So I will be doing a head-to-head or a face-to-face comparison of the two. I've been using Purity for well over 5 years, so I know exactly how it works for me and my skin. 




The New Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser promises to remove 99% of dirt, oil and even makeup, with no filmy feeling while protecting skin's natural moisture barrier to leave it feeling soft—never too dry, never too tight. And unlike some other gentle or sensitive skin cleansers that can leave behind residue, Ultra Gentle rinses completely clean. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is formulated with a hypoallergenic fragrance that is free of known skin allergens and irritating essential oils. This cleanser has been clinically proven gentle for cleansing sensitive skin, including skin with acne, eczema, rosacea and atopic dermatitis.

Now, I have tried other facial cleansers that promise the same thing, but most have left my skin feeling tight and dry. That is why I would always return to my Purity. I would love to find a drugstore product that left my skin feeling as cleansed, and hydrated as my beloved Purity. So let the battle begin...

Do you want to join in with me in the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Challenge? Just head over to Ultra Gentle Cleanser Challenge to get started.  Also, Neutrogena as offered to giveaway 3 full-sized bottles of the New Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser to 3 lucky winners (1 bottle each). Simply enter below and good luck!
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Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These products were provided by the representing PR firm. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.

Salon Perfect: Sweet Melon, Pink Mystique, & a reminder...

Today's manicures are from a brand I have blogged about recently. Today I am sharing with you two more from the Salon Perfect brand. I really wanted to share these with you because my most recent blog post on Salon Perfect was about a giveaway. So I wanted to allow you another look at some of the Salon Perfect polishes.  These are two more that I purchased during the Walmart trip I discussed in my April 24th post.

First, I have Salon Perfect Sweet Melon. That name is a good fit. Sweet Melon is a pinky-melon cream-jelly-"Crelly", as my nail blogger friend, Rhonda of Nails Beautiqued has coined this finish.  I was able to obtain a fully opaque application with 2 coats. The formulation was smooth and had an almost self-leveling ability. This is a great summer color without being too bold.

Next, I have Salon Perfect Pink Mystique.  As I have mentioned in a previous post, many of the Salon Perfect nail lacquers are very similar to the China Glaze nail lacquers. Well Salon Perfect Pink Mystique is very similar to China Glaze Strawberry Fields. This polish is a berry pink with a gold glass flecks. I love this shade and definitely say that if you missed out on Strawberry Fields, get this one.  Here I'm showing it with 2 coats, but probably should have went for 3.

Finally, as a reminder, I'm hosting a Salon Perfect Giveaway (ending 5/12/2013 at 12:00AM EST). One person will win these 8 bottles of Salon Perfect Nail Lacquer.  I chose 8 shades that were very similar to popular China Glaze shades.  If you missed out on my blog post explaining the details to the giveaway and how to enter, please click HERE.

Again, I thank my PR contact for Salon Perfect for providing the polishes for the giveaway.  

Salon Perfect is a Walmart exclusive brand so be certain to take a look the next time you are in your local Walmart. These are some really great polishes and I look forward to adding others to my collection.

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 any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

SWEEPSTAKES: Barielle's Tips to Toes Sweepstakes

I recently shared with you some of the Barielle Nail Lacquers I received to review. I am loving the brand and will be sharing additional posts with you very soon.  Well now is a chance for you to experience some of the great Barielle products.  Barielle is hosting a Barielle Tips to Toes Sweepstakess starting May 06, 2013 @ 11:48 am (EDT)  thru May 27, 2013 @ 12:00 pm (EDT).  There will be 10 winners and one Grand Prize Winner.  

To Enter Barielle's Tips to Toes Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Michael Kors wallet plus over $100 worth of Barielle products, go to the Barielle Facebook Page for full details.  Good Luck!  

Feel free to "Like" their page and don't forget to tell them Shades of Beauty sent you.  Again, Good Luck!

The prizes are Mani-Pedi Spa kits and the Gran Prize includes one Michael Kors Wallet in addition to the Spa Kits.

The lucky winners will get:

(Shades Color 5-pack is Winner's Choice.)

Don't miss this great opportunity to win some great products.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

*Shades of Beauty, Inc is in no way affiliated with this Sweepstakes. I am just sharing the information.

My 1st GIVEAWAY: Salon Perfect Nail Lacquers

Well the time has come to do my first giveaway. If you follow my blog or follow me on YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram you know that recently I found a new display of Salon Perfect nail lacquers at my local Walmart. I explained that when I was looking at the polishes I saw tons of China Glaze dupes.  Being that I have reviewed both China Glaze and Salon Perfect polishes, I knew that they were both manufactured by American International Industries (AII).  Seeing this new display and so many dupes of the China Glaze polishes lead me to ask some questions. So I reached out to my contact with their public relations firm.  I mentioned that I was thinking about doing a giveaway.  Not only was she nice enough to give me a call to answer my questions, she was also gracious enough to offer to supply me with several polishes for my giveaway. 

Some points about Salon Perfect:

• Salon Perfect is a Walmart exclusive.
• Salon Perfect has a core collection of over 50 shades that are available year round. Display sizes may vary between Walmarts.
• Salon Perfect will also release seasonal collections.
• Salon Perfect is not an exact dupe of the China Glaze line. China Glaze is a professional line that contains China Clay (a hardener), whereas, Salon Perfect does not have that additive. There is a slight difference in the formulation. You will be able to make your own decision with the comparison pictures I've posted below.
• Salon Perfect retails for $3.98 for a 0.5 fl oz bottle.
• Brush heads are very similar. This is my own observation.

So what is the Giveaway? When I was looking at the Salon Perfect display, I was naming the China Glaze dupes, so the winner of this giveaway will receive 8 Salon Perfect Nail Lacquers, that I thought were very similar to 8 of the most popular China Glaze line.

The winner will receive a bottle of Salon Perfect's He's With Me, Ocean Treasure, Berry Nice, Faux Glow, After Midnight, Pure Azure, Light My Fire, and Purple Passion.  

Just so you can see what I'm seeing, here are the Salon Perfect shades compared to my China Glaze shades.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These products were provided by the representing PR firm. 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

~~~~~~

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.