Time to get CRACKING for Chinese New Year!

Do you celebrate the Chinese New Year?  Are you still into crackle nail polish?  Please enjoy the following press release from Pure Ice!


Chinese New Year is observed for two consecutive weeks, and is popularly known as Spring Festival. It usually starts from late January and early February. The variation in the date of festival is due to the changes in the track of the new moon. The Spring Festival ends on the 15th day when the Lantern festival is celebrated. Pure Ice has a quick and simple nailpolish set to help you achieve this perfect look.

Image courtesy of Bari's Beauty Bubble

In 2012, Chinese New Year Day will be celebrated on January 23. The New Year festival will start from January 22 (Chinese New Year' Eve) and end on February 6 (Lantern Festival). 2012 marks the 4710th Chinese New Year, and this time it is the Year of Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac calendar.

The Dragon is the 5th sign of the Chinese zodiac and it is regarded as an auspicious symbol which stands for power, good luck, success, and happiness.

Since ancient times, the Chinese New Year was considered as the time to honor ancestors and heavenly deities. In addition, it was the time to organize family gatherings and grand feasts.

There is a legend associated with the celebration of New Year in China. There was a monster named Nian who used to harass the villagers by eating their crops, cattle and taking away their kids. The villagers had no other option but to place food at the entrance to their homes so that the monster would eat it and go away without harming them.

One day, the villagers realized that the monster was scared of red color. So, they adorned their doors and windows with red paper cutouts and spring scrolls. The villagers also burst crackers to frighten the monster. Since then, Nian never came again to the village. Hongjun Laozu, a Taoist monk, was the one who captured the beast later on. Since then, the Chinese have been celebrating the capture of Nian on their New Year's Day.

Chinese New Year is celebrated with fireworks, lion dancing, dragon dancing and cultural performances on the street. Families organize reunion dinners on New Year's Eve and make special preparations like spring rolls and Chinese dumplings. 

You can celebrate with Pure Ice Crackle Duo Gold & Red (ShowStopper) and ring in the Year of the Dragon in style.

Dermelect Hand Recovery System

Don't panic but Valentine's Day is coming up really quickly. Instead of the usual flowers or chocolates (which are still welcomed by the way), how about getting the lady of your life a hand recovery system? Please enjoy the following press release from Dermelect.

Image courtesy of Dermelect

Hand Recovery System

For the manicure obsessed

• Launchpad Nail Strengthener – a base coat developed to fight aging nails
• Makeover Ridge Filler – base or top coat developed to improve nail appearance
• High Maintenance Instant Nail Thickener – a top coat developed to strengthen brittle nails
•  Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail & Cuticle Treatment
• Timeless Anti-Aging Hand Treatment

SRP: $69.00 on www.dermelect.com

Nail Files "Jersey Shore Up In The Painted Nail" Breakdown

I'm a bit behind in finishing my breakdowns of season 1 of Nail Files... after meeting Katie in July at Cosmoprof, I felt like my life was complete.  Okay, not complete - I still need to get a pedicure down at the Painted Nail... but still!  


So after a sleepless night, I decided to clear out my DVR queue and realized I still had 4 episodes of this awesome wonderful show!  There has been zero word from TV Guide if or when a season 2 would air, so I'm not sure what's going on there.  Time to beat on the Facebook Wall of TV Guide Network!!!


In this episode, we had so much happening.  First, the girls from the Jersey Shore dropped in.  Considering that their reality shows are produced by the same SallyAnn Salsano, I'm not very surprised.  The Jersey girls hold nothing back from sex tips using Jolly Ranchers to toe licking (equally ew).


They did raise a great point though - where else can someone have such a relaxing experience?!  Not just the whole cocktails idea, but just a relaxing spa experience, and especially for the right price.


Walter Time!  I really want to meet him, just because he reminds me a cuddly teddy bear.


Tina.  Tina!  I think Tina has succumbed to Reality Show Syndrome.  She's single-handedly decided to "Save the Salon" from reality show drama.  Um fail!


So - next we had Amy's dog party.  Now, I think Amy is amazing - Katie raved about her baking, many times.  (Hey Katie, glad you enjoyed the funfetti!  I'll keep note of my raincheck for my nails!)  In case you didn't know, Amy has started her own bakery, Brown Sugar Marketplace - you can Like her on Facebook now!


More Tina drama as the episode continues.  I feel so bad for Nichole, the store manager.  She's really stuck in such a crap place.


Now I've never personally witnessed the drama that Tina has self-produced but holy cow.  The fake email, the fake clients... crazy doesn't begin to explain it!


By the way, I absolutely LOVE the rainbow organization of Katie's nubar polishes!


Back to Walter Time and Katie's attempting to bake.  dun dun dun!  Call on Amy!  (If she ever ships her cupcakes, I'm getting a dozen.  I just asked her if her cookies are available... I hope they are because they are extremely affordable.  Let's just say I spent a little over $200 on cookies as thank you gifts and well, my wallet isn't happy!)


Over to the Zoom Room for Austin's birthday party - that's Amy's 8 year old dog by the way.  They have gone all out - red carpet, pictures, podicures (polish), celebrity dogs.  Oh.  And humping dogs, and poo on the floor.  (Sorry friends, but I'm a cat person for sure.)


Back at the salon, cue the dramatic music because Tina has walked in!  This girl wants some serious camera time!  Okay, so it may not be as dramatic as I'm saying.  Reality shows need to show the "best" moments, and by best I mean the ones that you sit on the edge of your seat to watch.  (I have a degree in TV, really, so I feel qualified to say this ^_^).  Katie was pissed though - you can tell.  Oh, and then Tina resigns and gets haughty.  That's pretty real right there.


By the way, Katie does NOT act like she's perfect.  Hanging around her at Cosmoprof for the time that I did, really showed me how down to earth she is.  We even had this awesome little disaster at a restaurant and Katie was cool and calm about it - didn't complain at all (even when they overcharged her because somehow we miscalculated the cash we left behind).


Next week is the Oscars - which I've watched and will have the breakdown coming!

CND Shellac Salon Certification Program

With all the confusion about gels, long lasting polish, and my personal favorite, Shellac, I'm glad to see that CND is taking these steps to make sure you get what you're asking for at your local salon!  Please enjoy the following press release from CND!

CND Cracks Down to Ensure Quality Control 

With Shellac Salon Certification Program

January 2012 - As Nail Professionals and consumers can attest, all nail services are NOT created equal! Factors include the skill and proper training of the Nail Professional and the quality of the products used. CND Shellac Power Polish™ is a one-of-a-kind product with easy, non-damaging removal that sets it apart from "me-too" products and gel manicures. When used as directed, it comes off quickly and easily without harming the natural nail - no filing is necessary for application or removal.

So what happens when consumers ask for a CND Shellac Power Polish service, but receive something completely different (although they may be told it's CND Shellac)? CND hears stories continually about women who have unintentionally tried "gel-polish" and Shellac pretenders, and then ruined their nails trying to remove it. Salon clients across the U.S. will soon be assured that the CND Shellac services they receive have CND's official seal of approval.

CND is cracking down on CND Shellac fraud by implementing a CND Shellac Salon Certification Program. This program deploys CND Education Ambassadors to visit salons across the country who registered on cnd.com as Shellac Salons. To be a certified CND Shellac Salon, a CND representative will visit the salon, provide training and review protocol (no mixing systems or filing on the nail...ever!). Salons that meet the criteria will be awarded CND's seal of approval. Look for the "Certified" window cling in the entrance to the salon and icon on cnd.com's Salon Locator.

"Our CND Shellac Salon Certification Program will ensure the ultimate experience for clients and will provide a great incentive to Nail Professionals to provide exemplary CND Shellac services," says CND Co-Founder, Jan Arnold.

As an educated consumer, here are some pointers for making sure you receive the REAL CND Shellac:

1)    Look for the CND seal of approval on the window of your salon.

2)    Ask if the salon uses CND Shellac products.

3)    Watch the products that are being used during the service - if you do not see "CND Shellac" on the bottle, it's not Shellac.

4)    During removal, do not allow soaking of nails in a bowl of acetone - request CND Shellac Remover Wraps or cotton and tin foil removal method.

The program is rolling out first in New York, California, Nevada, Colorado, Ohio and Chicago, and will expand across the US in 2012.

If you want to report on progress of the CND Shellac Salon Certification Program in your region, please contact Rachel@red-pr.com.

About CND

Founded in 1979 and based in Vista, CA, CND (Creative Nail Design, Inc.) is the global leader in professional nail, hand, and foot beauty. Deeply committed to advancing the nail care industry, CND devotes significant time and resources to product research and development, education, and customer support. Additionally, CND is an industry-leading advocate for the role of nail care in personal beauty and fashion. For more information about CND, please visit cnd.com.

New CND Shellac Shades

While I'm off battling a cold (boo), please enjoy this press release from CND!

6 NEW SHADES OF CND SHELLAC™ POWER POLISH™

Nailing Spring's Hottest Trends

January 2011 - CND, pioneer of runway nail fashions, is releasing six gorgeous brand new shades of Shellac Power Polish to the line-up in March 2012. CND Shellac is the effortless alternative to basic polish because it dries instantly and delivers endless mirror shine with absolutely no chipping, smudging or dulling. Whether you're a classic taupe addict or a metallic iron maiden, with 36 shades there is a sophisticated look to suit all digit desires. CND is your one stop resource for new product news, expert interviews and seasonal nail trends straight from the catwalk.




Say HELLO to the new colors:

Silver VIP Status

Gold VIP Status

CityScape

Rubble

Dark Lava

Silver Chrome

Silver VIP Status: Sheer Diamond Shimmer Effect - Great for layering over any color
Gold VIP Status:  Sheer Golden Shimmer Effect - Great for layering over any color
CityScape:  Creamy Dove Gray
Rubble:  Mushroom Taupe
Dark Lava:  Stormy Raisin
Silver Chrome:  Iron Metallic


CND Shellac comes off gently in ten minutes with convenient, hygienic CND Shellac Remover Wraps that limit skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on the nail. CND Shellac color comes off from the inside out. The high-tech 'quick release' base coat causes it to flake into small pieces that gently slide off the nail without filing off the surface of the nail - unlike gels that require at least a half hour of soaking to remove.


CND Shellac is a professional salon service product. Manicure prices typically range from $25-$45 and pedicures from $40-$60 depending on location.


About CND
Founded in 1979 and based in Vista, CA, CND (Creative Nail Design, Inc.) is the global leader in professional nail, hand and foot beauty. Deeply committed to advancing the nail care industry, CND devotes significant time and resources to product research and development, education, and customer support. CND is an industry-leading advocate for the role of nail care in personal beauty and fashion.

Dr.'s REMEDY Balance

The Dr,'s REMEDY Fall Fever 2011 collection brought some rich but modern hues to the fall season.  As with most square polishes of late, the top pops off to reveal a smaller round brush.  It's not necessary to remove the square case for polishing.  I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacore, 2 coats of Balance and a top of CND Air Dry.  Formula was good.  Balance is a red creme - listed as a "brick".

My house has brick walls so I thought it would be fun to photograph in front of one.  However, this sounded better in my head than it showed up in real life.

Here in the sun you can see how lovely the color is.  It doesn't have too much blue to it, but isn't a true red.

Not much difference in the shade.  It's almost like a dark red melon?

Finally indoors with the flash, you can see a bit of streakiness in my opacity but otherwise a good little red polish!

Dr.’s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish is available for $16 online at http://www.remedynails.com or by calling 1-877-323-NAIL.  You can "Like" them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter

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

Nicole by OPI Orna-Ment For Each Other

I must admit, I hate store-limited collections because I do live in a small town, but when I was on my way to Florida in November, I made my boyfriend stop at a Target to look for the "Holiday Glitters!"  Good news - we found them.  Bad news - they sat in the truck of our car in Texas while I was in Florida for a week and it got REALLY cold outside.  The polish evaporated quite a bit and got thick and hard.  I added a ton of nail polish thinner but I never got to try the polish in its original formula.  Regardless, here is Orna-Ment For Each Other!


I originally wanted to wear this as my Christmas manicure.  I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 3 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  I did this on 23 December and by Christmas, this is what my nails looked like.  Now, fair warning, my right hand always chips faster than my left, and my index finger always chips faster than any other nail I have.  Also, sorry for the awkward hand placement.

As you can see, this is a red glitter in a red base with a tiny bit of gold glitter in it.  It's a nice little festive touch to a normal red glitter.

Indirect sun shows some texture, and yes - this polish was gritty even with a top coat.

The shade shows all my tip wear.  I don't know if Nicole by OPI just doesn't play well with CND Air Dry or if I'm just THAT hard on my nails.  Either is possible.

Finally indoors with the flash - the gold is a bit hard to see here but it's still there.


So since I had so much tip wear in just 2 days, I decided to add a coat of Glitter In My Stocking, a gold glitter in a yellow base.

I didn't sponge or anything - just used the nail brush and brushed it on my nails.  It wasn't perfect but it did hide the tip wear.

You do have to do about 3 coats to cover well.  I used one coat on my pinkie, 2 coats on my ring finger and 3 coats on my middle and index finger.  It's like a thick French?  Either way I liked it and it made my manicure last a little longer.  :]


Nicole by OPI is available at ULTA, Meijer, Harmon, HEB, Sears, Target, Wal-Mart and more for around $8 a bottle.  For more information, visit their website, follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter and become a Facebook fan.

Color Club Boho Mojo

There's going to be a lot of pictures today because Color Club Boho Mojo from the Back to Boho collection is a weird little color.  It's the greenish silver pearl color and with pearls come streaks!  I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  Formula was otherwise good.

Extreme sun here to show that it's not completely opaque with my 2 coats.

You can see the olive silver here in the sun as well.

In this shade picture it's more silver than green (I think?)

Okay, it's really silver here - and loads of streaks!

Finally indoors with the flash - olive, silver, pearl.  Not my favorite but definitely a fall color.  I read somewhere that the best way to hide the streaks of pearl is to add a coat of glitter - I should have done that!

Color Club is located on several etailers, including Head2Toe Beauty which has it for $3.00.  You can also Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter.

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

Layla Ceramic Effects 34

I first talked about Layla Cosmetics back in May 2011 (whoa) when they were talking about bringing their Graffiti line (crackle/shatter) to the US but instead they brought their Magneffect line (I swear, I will be reviewing them in 2012).  While at Cosmoprof, they also had their "ceramic effect" line, which was the normal line of polishes.  I got this and a gold color.  CE 34 is a dusty purple grey with purple shimmer.  I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  Just as a note, you don't have to wear a base coat or top coat with Layla... old habits die hard!

Let met tell you about this brush... it's LONG.  On the left is the Layla brush, on the right is a Seche Vite brush.  Despite the extra length, I didn't find it harder to paint my nails.

Here in the sun you can see a faint pink shimmer on the nail.  Definitely a big fan of this kind of color.

Meanwhile in the shade, the color takes on a dark purple/grey look, no shimmer to be found here!

Indoors with the flash?  Hello shimmer!  I definitely am a big fan of the formula and color.


Ceramic Effects retails for $9.95 but I've seen it on sale for as low as $8.50.


Layla Cosmetics is distributed to the US through the Luxcon Group who has a Facebook Page to several online websites including Zappos, AVEYOU, Brigette's Boutique, Amazon, and Drugstore.


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

China Glaze ElectroPop

Remember this? Well they are here!  Please enjoy the following press release from China Glaze!  

Los Angeles, CA - (November 2011): Where heavy metal meets rocker chic, China Glaze® introduces the Spring 2012 collection, ElectroPop. Inspired by all things girly, edgy and fun, the 12 shades of ElectroPop bring out the inner rock star in all. For flash and glam this spring, China Glaze® hits the stage in style!

ElectroPop Shades include:

Kinetic Candy – Touch the sky in light blue crème

Electric Beat – Periwinkle nails for a wink worthy performance

Aquadelic – Pool blue for nighttime gigs and daytime fun in the sun

Gaga For Green – Green lacquer for the girl craving the limelight

Sunshine Pop – Shine in the spotlight in bold yellow 

Make Some Noise – Rock the mic in tangerine

Wicked Style – Party cocktail tropical punch

Fuchsia Fanatic – Fuchsia pink for the rocker diva in us all

Gothic Lolita – Steal the show on girls night out in seductive purple

Dance Baby – Hit center stage in cotton candy pink

Sweet Hook – Blow a kiss in dreamy lilac

Techno – Glitter confetti polish for a dazzling topcoat finish or all over finger tip bling

ElectroPop is also available in:

6 Piece Collection of “Brights”: Techno, Aquadelic, Sunshine Pop, Gaga for Green, Make Some Noise and Wicked Style

6 Piece Collection of “Lights”: Fuchsia Fanatic, Dance Baby, Electric Beat, Kinetic Candy, Sweet Hook and Gothic Lolita

12 Piece 3D Counter Display

• 36 Piece Rack

ElectroPop will be available February 2012. Individual shades retail for $7; 6 piece collections retail for $42.

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 Facebook and 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.