Pamper Mom Pretty with CND

Mother's Day is Sunday (ahem) and if you're anything like me, you'd love a gift certificate for a manicure & pedicure. Give her the honor of a great manicure and pedicure from a quality salon with quality products like the following from CND!

Now, the best way to find a CND certified salon is through the CND website. It's important that the salon location that says they have Shellac is actually using all the proper products, tools and procedures to make sure you get all the benefits of the CND services.  You may remember that I reviewed a local salon that uses Shellac, and I know that they are using all the proper tools but they haven't been CND cetified yet (working on it).

Start out with the CND Citrus SpaManicure to exfoliate, refine and moisturize the hands leaving them silky smooth for days and follow with the CND Marine SpaPedicure, a conditioning ocean-inspired bled.

Then follow it up with Shellac! New to summer are four bright colors.

Grape Gum

Lobster Roll

Pink Bikini

Water Park

Not a fan of the brights? There are 51 other CND Shellac colors and remember, you can always layer shades for a custom look.  

So far I've tried:

• One coat of Purple Purple and one coat of Moonlight & Roses which resulted in a nice lilac shade.
• Two coats of Hollywood, a pretty red, with a top coat of Mother of Pearl, a light holographic scattered glitter, much like China Glaze Fairy Dust for a scattered holo red.
• My own "Bridezillionaire": pre-designed "rock-n-roll darks" of Rock Royalty with Iced Coral.  This results in a purple base with a blue to green shift shimmer.  Then I had a layer of the Zillionaire added for some glitz.

The combinations are endless. Not to mention 14 days wear, mirror-shine and zero dry time. Go one step further and give her a follow up appointment so she can have her Shellac safely removed by a professional and try out another combination!  Happy Mother's Day!

Beauty Blog Coalition Spring Giveaway!

The Beauty Blog Coalition is a group of Beauty Bloggers who work to bring you the latest on all things beauty. This spring we have collaborated to put together a giveaway of $500. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter. Giveaway is open to international participants.

Here is the list of the member's participating in the current giveaway - be sure to check them out for some enjoyable reading:
Blushing Basics
PolishGalore
Clumps of Mascara
Justina's Gems
Beyond Beauty Lounge
Beauty 101
Cosmetics Aficionado
Just For Trendy Girls
Peek & Ponder
Pretty In Pink
Aquaheart's Obsessions
InTruBeauty
Beauty Info Zone
Moxie Reviews
Prime Beauty
Midnight Manicures
Geniabeme
Blushing Noir
Beauty by Miss L
Peace Love Lipgloss
TheFabZilla
polarbelle
My Highest Self
MinaSlater.com - Fabulous Awesomeness
george&bear
Lipgloss Break
Painted Ladies



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cult Nails Dance All Night Collection

If you've been following me on Instagram then you'll know that I completed my Cult Nails collection last week. I now own every single Cult Nails color produced, including the limited editions and it makes me way too giddy. I'm happy to support Maria because I love the polish she makes and I like her whole family and their work ethic.  Anywho, I got this email last week and was SUPER excited because Maria had been teasing some of these polishes on her Instagram!  You better believe I'll be awake and waiting for the preview sale because I want that Wax Finish Top Coat (only available free for the first 250 orders).  (All images courtesy of Cult Nails.)

Cult Nails releases the Dance All Night Collection on May 9th, 2013 during a Preview sale. The collection includes 3 High Shine Creme's and 3 Glitter lacquers. The collection will be available during our Preview Event where the entire collection can be purchased at the discounted pricing of $60 for the set. (Retail $72). The first 250 orders will also automatically receive a bottle of Wax That (Not pictured), our new Wax Finish Top Coat that will allow you to turn any polish into a wax finish polish. Our Preview Event will run from May 9th - 18th 11:59PM EST. All polishes will be available for purchase individually starting on Sunday May 19th for $12 per bottle. 

The collection includes the following polishes: 

Nakizzle's Shizzle - We made several custom blue polishes for NY Fashion Week's Le Smurfette Show. I brought all the blue's home and when my daughter saw one of the blue lacquers, she grabbed it and explained, "Now that's my Shizzle!" After we had a good laugh and explained what Shizzle stands for, we knew we had to include it as part of the Cult Nails Lacquer line. It is a bright take on a traditional pastel blue. It dries to a high shine creme finish. 

Faded - We receive numerous requests for a pale almost white grey on a regular basis. I don't know what took us so long, but we think Faded is worth the wait! Faded is a light grey with subtle blue undertones to look great on all skintones. It dries to a high shine creme finish. 

Love at 1st Sight - It's no secret, I love purple polishes. When someone requested a bright pastel purple, we had to make it happen right away! We made several variations, but this one instantly stood out. It instantly reminded me of the light purple crayon that was my favorite as a child. Love at 1st Sight is a bright pastel influenced purple that dries to a high shine creme finish.

Dance All Night - Another polish created by request. we added a different spin by adding micro sized glitter in opposing colors and loved the end result! Multi sized blue and green glitter intermixed with a color shifting micro glitter that goes from gold to orange. This polish is set in a clear base, so you can use it layered or over any polish in this collection. 

Walk of Shame - We wanted a blingtastic glitter to make you shine all night long! Walk of Shame features multi sized gold glitter intermixed with micro sized holographic glitter. This polish is set in a clear base, so you can use it layered or over any polish in this collection.

Center of Attention - Since we were making a blue and green glitter, we thought why not try it in pink too! The end result is the blingiest pink you've ever seen! Center of Attention features multi sized pink glitter intermixed with a color shifting micro glitter that goes from gold to orange. This polish set in a clear base, so you can use it layered or over any polish in this collection.

Tweezerman Print for Spring

Press Sample

I became a Tweezerman Ambassador in April 2012 but I've been a fan of Tweezerman for over 15 years!  When I a teenager, I was allowed to wax my eyebrows, but I had to keep up between waxings and tried using some regular old tweezers from our medicine cabinet. Bad idea.  I went to Sally Beauty Supply one day and picked up a pair of Tweezerman and never looked back.  Well, I did GO back because my first pair got dropped and chipped the tip.  Since then, I've purchased several Tweezerman products but I had no idea that their line included mirrors and more!

This spring, Tweezerman came out with the Mix 'N Match Runway Prints Collection which includes the Mix 'N Match Runway Prints Unbreakable Mirrors in pink/purple and blue/green, the Mix 'N Match Runway Prints Filemates (100/180 grit) in pink or blue and the Mix 'N Match Runway Prints SoleMates in pink. The SoleMates is two expert tools that fit together for clean compact storage - the stainless steel Micro-File effortlessly removes dead skin and reduces calluses and the Finishing File buffs skin to touchably, soft smoothness.

I really like the mirror's size - it's about the size of a deck of cards.

Mix 'N Match Runway Prints Unbreakable Mirror: $12.50

Mix 'N Match Runway Prints Filemates: $5.00

Mix 'N Match Runway Prints SoleMates: $22.00

Exclusively sold at Sephora.

Additionally, Tweezerman came out with their new Striped Mini Slant Tweezers.

These tweezers are miniature versions of the Tweezerman's award winning Slant Tweezer - perfectly aligned, hand filed precision tips that grab every hair. I do with they came with a carrying case because I'm scared of chipping the tips.  It's about the length of my pointer finger. They are also exclusively sold at Sephora for $15.00.

Tweezerman [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Instagram] products are sold through professional beauty suppliers as well as top cosmetic and department stores, chain drug stores, and specialty shops. 

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

LVX Aubergine

Press Sample

Today I have LVX Aubergine from the Winter/Resort 2013 collection. This is a purple creme that is not so Barney purple but not dusty either. I decided to change it up and use the LVX 3-1 treatment which can be used as both a base and a top coat. Please note that the 3-1 treatment is not fast drying, so take care to let all coats dry before applying your next coat.

I used the 3-1 treatment for my base coat, 2 coats of Aubergine and then the 3-1 treatment for my top coat. The first coat of Aubergine was a little rough but the second coat evened things out. Once in the sun though, I wished I had added a third coat to completely have full coverage.

See what I mean in the sun? It's totally not opaque. I don't know if it has something to with the 3-1 treatment, because I've never had this kind of reaction from LVX before.

At least in the shade, it's better! I do need to pay more attention to my cuticles. Proper cleanup makes a manicure complete!

So I really do love this color for winter (can you just imagine it with some silver glitter at the base!) but today it was just a hot mess of unevenness. I'm blaming the 3-1 treatment and plan to use that when I wear naked nails (which happens more than I want to admit).

LVX [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram: shoplvx] is available on their website for $16 a 17 ml/0.57 oz bottle.  It is big 5 free to include Toluene and Camphor, vegan and cruelty free.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

CPNALV: Zappos Corporate Culture Tour

ZAPPOS CORPORATE CULTURE TOUR  COSMOPROF NORTH AMERICA HOSTS ANOTHER EDUCATION TOUR   To use a simple analogy, fitting into a company's corporate culture is like buying a new pair of shoes.  Shoes should provide comfort, match personal style, and last long enough to get a person where he wants to go.  Zappos is known internationally for their corporate culture, which is now being adopted by many large companies who realize the importance of incorporating this dynamic setting. Many industry executives, including beauty CEOs, take the tour in Las Vegas to see what makes this winning formula of redefining the traditional work-place atmosphere so successful. Cosmoprof North America (CPNA) presents the Zappos Corporate Culture Tour - Tuesday, July 16th from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Take a walk in a Zapponian’s footsteps and see the culture first-hand. You will be guided on a 60-minute tour of the Zappos Headquarters and be introduced to many different departments, including their call center.   After the tour, Noelle Raezer, Senior Director of Merchandising at Folica.com (online retailer specializing in the hair category), will host a 15-minute Q & A session about their corporate culture. What can you do to make your business environment more appealing and productive? These and many more topics will be covered as part of a Q&A session after the tour. Zappos Corporate Culture Tour    Date: Tuesday, July 16th   Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.   Cost: PBA members - $125 / Non-members $150   (Bus transportation will be provided, located at the Mandalay Bay Tour & Travel Lobby at lower level) Organizer: Cosmoprof North America is organized by North American BeautyEvents LLC a joint-venture company between BolognaFiere Group and the Professional Beauty Association BolognaFiere Group, the world’s leading trade show organizer in the cosmetics, fashion, architecture, building, art and culture sectors, features in its portfolio more than 80 exhibitions, both domestic and international. SoGeCos Sp.A., a company of BolognaFiere Group, is the organizer of Cosmoprof, an international platform, with events in Bologna (established 1967), Hong Kong (established 1996) and Las Vegas (established 2003).   The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) advances the professional beauty industry by providing our members with education, charitable outreach, government advocacy, events and more. PBA is the largest organization of industry professionals with members representing salons and spas, distributors, manufacturers and beauty professionals/NCA. Visit probeauty.org or call 800.468.2274 (480.281.0424) to learn more.

Hard Candy Launches 45 New Polishes

Word spread early this year that Hard Candy was pulling all their nail polish with a "to be announced" collection. It's now May and I'm STILL waiting for my Wal-Mart to get with the program, but all over America, other Wal-Marts have been receiving the new 45 shades of nail polish by Hard Candy.

Five new collections - nine shades in each.

Crushed Chrome Collection. 

Luxurious and timeless hues embellished with a golden textured finish. This collection boasts refinement and sophistication and is infused with a vivacious luster. 

Itsy Glitzy Collection.
Intense, illuminating, and incandescent hues saturated with the richest and most extreme mica and glitter. Inspired from the runway and now at your fingertips. 

Crystal Confetti Collection.
A unique collection based on artistic expression. Flourishing, adventurous, full coverage shades with various particle sizes and creative textures. Graffiti is revolutionary; it's an outlet to create public art. Now take this artistic and creative expression to your nails.

Candy Sprinkles Collection.
Suspended in a clear top coat, shimmery flecks sparkle brilliantly with different shapes of shiny glitter. Candy Sprinkles is a fabulous top coat over any color. 

Glitteratzi Collection.
The combination of confident opposites and intimate tonalities mixed with the right amount of sparkle creates enthusiasm for the vitality of life. The hues are natural and are becoming more evolved and colored. Tasteful tones with all the personality to satisfy every trend setter.

Each polish is only $3.97 so it's super easy to start your own Hard Candy collection! 

Now, I've heard that you can purchase the polishes from Wal-Mart's website but the one nail fanatic that I saw did so, had them arrive broken and just wrapped in a plastic bag (no bubble wrap), so I can't in good faith recommend that route.

The Hard Candy collection is exclusively available at Walmart and on walmart.com.  In addition to the cosmetics brand Hard Candy now offers customers a line of apparel and eyeglass frames.  The brand can be found on Facebook @Hard Candy; Twitter @HeresHardCandy; Pinterest @ItsHardCandy and on Instagram @HardCandyLife. 

Katie Cazorla Color Flash Instant Gel Nail

In February, I told you about Katie Cazorla, owner of The Painted Nail salon in California, and how she had created a new system called the Color Flash. What I didn't know at the time was that Katie was rebranding as well under her own name and officially closed The Painted Nail to work solely on this new endeavor! 

The Color Flash Instant Gel Nail Color launched last night at midnight CDT on Shop NBC (Channel 73 on DirecTV) and is airing again several times today. I fell asleep last night during the first airing but was able to record it so I can watch Katie because she's one hilarious lady.

Myself, Katie and Judy from BeautyJudy at Cosmoprof North America 2012.

Color Flash - think salon quality but at home. Think gel but only one step. Think instant removal but no acetone. Mind blown yet?

Image from ShopNBC

Here are the two different lamps. The smaller LED POD is perfect for travel and charges via USB - perfect for the on the go woman like Katie.  Because it's LED, the cure time is 60 seconds. The LED POD sells for $39.50 at ShopNBC.

Image from ShopNBC

The larger LED lamp is only available as part of the ShopNBC Color Flash Nine-Piece system. Normal price for the nine-piece system is $108 but today they are having a special 17% off for $89.27.  This includes the LED Lamp (with 12V 0.5A AC adapter), three colors (Perfect Nude, Bordeaux and Classic Red - 0.28 oz each), a buffing block, a nail file, a metal cuticle pusher, "Gone in a Flash Remover Gel" (2.11 oz) and three removal wrap packs (10 wraps in each pack).

Currently, the colors are only available on the ShopNBC website. She has 6 duo sets (0.28 oz each) for $28.00. Unlike gel, Katie's system is an all in one bottle. No base coat, no top coat.  Prep your nail, add one coat of color, cure for 60 seconds (the light automatically shuts off after 60 seconds), then add a second coat and cure for 30 seconds (you'll have to manually time that one out). Then you're done! No sticky layer to remove, no wait time.

Katie says this will last 10-14 days but if you want to change out, removal is easy. Gentle break the seal using the nail buffer, apply her "Gone In A Flash" remover gel to each nail and cover with the foil wraps. Let sit for 5 minutes and the color will flake off. Use an orange stick to remove any left overs.

Please note that all links in this posting are straight from ShopNBC. I was not paid to post the links, nor are they affiliate so I will not receive any kind of compensation if you click on them.  The pricing is special for today, and I do not know how long it will be available.  I believe Katie is planning to eventually sell the product on her website along with other products, but that has not been confirmed yet.

If you're looking for salon quality without having to go to the salon, I would take the chance and invest in this kit. Katie is very dedicated on only putting out quality product that is practical in today's world and market.  Congratulations Katie!

LVX Spring 2013

So I know that Spring is quickly fading into Summer (well, depending on where you live) but I still have some fantastic press releases to share about collections that are currently available. This one is from LVX - a brand that I proudly support and stand behind.  Enjoy.

VEGAN LUXURY NAIL LACQUER BRAND LVX 

 LAUNCHES THEIR SPRING 2013 COLLECTION. 

LVX nail lacquer announces the release of their fourth debut collection. 

Chicago (February 2013): With immense anticipation of an “emerald” release in nail lacquer, LVX debuts the stunning gemstone for Spring 2013. Emerald, named Color of the Year for 2013 by Pantone, is this season’s it color. LVX’s adaptation of this amazing color is vivacious and will intensify any outfit. The luxury vegan brand continues to stun us with their distinct and bold seasonal palettes. 

The top shades that will define the Spring 2013 season will include: 

Viridian

Striking emerald green 

Indigo Bleu 

Ultimate navy blue 

Citrine

Golden citrus

Fantom

Timeless white

Cerulean

Audacious blue

Azalea

Soft and daring lilac

Effective Spring 2013, LVX will debut a new and updated bottle. The new sleek design will display the colors more vividly. The overall size and shape has not changed, however due to the thicker glass, the new fill capacity will be 15ml.

The long lasting, chip resistant and non-streak formula is free of harsh and toxic chemicals. LVX products are VEGAN and formulated without the use of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluene, and Camphor. LVX is a no compromise nail lacquer that has superior formulation, is socially responsible and eco friendly. LVX nail lacquer is cruelty free. 

All products are produced in the U.S.A. The new collection will be available March 1st 2013 on www.shoplvx.com.

Nail Candy "Love Letter"

Press Sample

If you've been reading PolishGalore for awhile, you know how bad I am at nail art, or more specifically nail pens. So when Nail Candy asked if I wanted to review their Love Letter collection, I did it more so I could see if the pens were going to be easier to work with than the others I've tried.

Nail Candy says they are unique because the polish is salon quality, and unlike others I've seen - has two ways to apply.  The first is their patented Micro-Tip and the second is a normal nail polish brush in case you want to use the color as a base. They are attached with a small ring and come with a cleaning pin for the micro-tip.

The colors don't have actual names but this collection had a white with hot pink, and a red with a Barbie pink. Unfortunately, this collection is no longer available on their website.

So the Micro-Tip is small - about the thickness of a business card.

Meanwhile the brush is a normal nail polish brush.

I decided to use the red/pink combo to draw a bit.

The trick is to squeeze the bottle instead of trying to push down on the pin tip. You can see that it drew very thin lines when needed (even if my hands are a little shaky. If you're into nail art, this is a pretty easy and simple way to get the look you want to achieve.

Nail Candy [Website | Facebook | Twitter] can be purchased on their website for $10 for 2 colors.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.