Nail Rock Furry Cheetah

Photo courtesy of Nail Rock

Let's be honest.  Nail decals are awesome, but they require some serious patience to get the right size in the right location.  I am not patient.  I was super excited to try Nail Rock's line of designer nail wraps.  The concept is pretty simple.  Not only do they include a little paper in your package (in 4 different languages), it's also on their website:


how to nail rock
1. Push back cuticle.
2. Shape and file the nail edge.
3. Gently remove surface shine using a nail buffer or a smooth nail file.
4. Clean the nail using an acetone based remover.
5. Select the Nail Rock wrap nearest to your cuticle size. These can be trimmed to fit if needed.
6. Do not touch the adhesive side of the wrap that will be used on your nail.
7. Place at the cuticle edge and press FIRMLY on to the nail. Work from the cuticle edge applying pressure and smoothing the wrap from the middle to the outside edges of the nail.
8. If you have any creases, lift wrap slightly and stretch back over the nail. Apply pressure and smooth again.
9. Stretch firmly over the free edge of your nail and use your nail or a wooden hoof stick to tuck under the free edge.
10. Taking a smooth nail file, remove excess wrap by running file under the nail.

With a little practice, careful removal of shine from the nail and plenty of firm pressure, you will acquire a stunning, long lasting finish.

TO REMOVE
Starting from the nail edge, peel off the Nail Rock.     


They even have a video on their YouTube!

However I had problems from step 5 ... on.


For starters, the wraps are on a white background sticker sheet and the edges are not where your cuticle is so you really have to guess on the size.  A clear background or having no free edge of the sheet would be much better.  You can see what I mean below in the picture I took of Metallic Gold.

Are you following PolishGalore on Instagram yet?

I also did not buff my nail before apply the strips which I know effects how the wrap will adhere, but I did use Zoya Remove+ on my nails before applying.


I had just chopped my nails so I had very little free edge to my nails.  Unfortunately, this also made it super hard for me to wear this product, as you have to stretch the wrap over your nails and tuck it under your free edge a bit before filing off the excess.


Instead, my wraps just basically tore.  Consistently

No free edge to tuck my edges under.

Not only did I file too much and now my natural nail is showing but I also placed the wrap too close to my skin and didn't get it to lay down on the edges.

You can see again how they tore off instead of having a free edge to wrap under.

Ahhh the claw pose!  

Yeah, I failed this one.


So I definitely want to try again with (a) more patience, (b) more of a free edge to my nails, and (c) properly preparing my nail for the wrap.  I will try this again and let you know!  It wasn't that the nail wraps were bad, it's that this user has a lot of error!  With so many different designs to choose from, I definitely am willing and wanting to try these again for the price and ease.


Nail Rock [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [YouTube] is available on their website or at Nordstrom.  The price ranges from $8 to $10 depending on where you're purchasing from.  They have a variety of styles to choose from - metallics, nail art, and more!


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

FingerPaints Fun-fetti

So I told you about FingerPaints Fun-Fetti back in November, now here it is!  This is a multicolored glitter in a clear base - much like deborah lippmann "Happy Birthday" or the OPI "Rainbow Connection".  (Both of which I own by the way.)  I decided to spice up my Purple Pinstripe manicure with a some Fun-fetti.  I used one thick coat on my index and middle finger and 2 coats on my ring and pinkie finger.

So in the sun, the glitter is almost blinding.  It's multi-sized, it's multi-colored.  Fun for the whole family!

A little calmer in the shade.  You can see there is quite a bit of silver glitter being reflected - fun times.  I think 2 coats is just too much, I'm happier with the one coat coverage.

Finally indoors with the flash - and not much to say on this one.  You can see the myriad of colors for yourself.  It wears well but be prepared to remove this with some felt.  Great to cover an existing manicure for some bling or maybe hide one that's not as opaque (I'm looking at you, ring finger).


FingerPaints [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Blog] can be found in Sally's Beauty Supplies stores and online for $4.99 USD each.  This color was a limited edition sold in November and December, but you may be able to find one on clearance.

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

Dr.'s REMEDY Valentine's Delight

Valentine's Day is coming up quick!  I'm still debating on polish choices, and I have some of these Dr.'s REMEDY colors in my collection already!  Please enjoy the following press release from Dr.'s REMEDY.

DR.'S REMEDY VALENTINE DELIGHT

Reds to Rock Your World

Image courtesy of Diane Terman PR

Romance rising: that's what February 14th is all about, indeed. This Valentine's Day, we dare you to take the shade of love to a whole new level, compliments of Dr.'s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish. How to choose the hue de you? The sky's the limit (in terms of red); just reach for one of these red-hot tints to entice and ignite your inner flame. Your tips and toes will thank you, no doubt.


This Valentine's Day Delight collection of Dr.'s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish red shades includes:


REVIVE Ruby Red: A shimmer-infused, Wizard of Oz-inspired shade of crimson
RESOLUTION Red Glitter: A red-meets-copper spin that's sequin-look-alike laden with high-shine and sparkle
RESCUE Red: A classic fire engine red


Dr.'s REMEDY [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] Enriched Nail Polish is available for $17 online at http://www.remedynails.com or by calling 1-877-323-NAIL.  


Dr.'s REMEDY is a line of doctor-inspired cosmetics that is dedicated to using clean, hypoallergenic ingredients. The brain-child of two New York-based podiatrists, Dr. Adam Cirlincione and Dr. William Spielfogel, Dr.'s REMEDY proves quintessentially-perfect for any person looking to better the condition of her skin and nails. Dr.'s REMEDY is sold exclusively at www.remedynails.com or by calling 877-323-NAIL. 

FingerPaints Purple Pinstripe

A throwback to Fall 2011 and the Fall Fashionista collection from FingerPaints - here is Purple Pinstripe, a dusty purple creme.  This was one that I was really looking forward to because I'm a sucker for all purples (if you haven't noticed!).  As you can see, the bottom of my bottle has some brown/yellow coloring.  Since this color was sitting on my shelf, the colors had separated so I shook it like a Polaroid (not really, I did a lot of shaking though) until it was thoroughly mixed again.  I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  The formula was smooth and didn't pool into my cuticles.

Now oddly, the color just didn't "stick" well to my ring finger and it doesn't look quite opaque.  I'm not sure what's going on there.  I also need to pay better attention to my cuticles apparently.  I've been using Julep Cuticle Oil more, especially since I have 2 of them now from my Maven boxes.  Seriously, cuticle care is a must for everyone.  Now I just need to sneak oil on my boyfriend's hands...

Here in the shade, the color looks a little less dusty and a little more plummy.  I still love it.

Finally indoors with the flash and again you can see that issue with the ring finger but the other nails are perfectly opaque.  If you don't own a nice purple creme like this, you may have to get it.  :]  It's also a great base for some layering (coming soon!).


FingerPaints [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Blog] can be found in Sally's Beauty Supplies stores and online for $4.99 USD each.

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

tiara nails

I originally posted about Tiara nails while at Cosmoprof North America and am proud to say that their website has officially launched in the US!  You may order directly from their website for now, but look for tiara nails to be coming to beauty stores in 2012!  Please enjoy the following press from tiara!  Please note that you can click on the images to make them larger.  Want more tiara? [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [YouTube]  All images are courtesy of tiara.

TIARA ANTIBACTERIAL NAILS

                                                                                                                                                              

*We may be mindful of the importance of hand hygiene, but often overlook our nails.  

*The medicated formula used in our new antiseptic nails is certified to kill 96.63% of common micro-organisms.

*Sanitizing finish for eating finger foods or even biting your nails – you can trust Tiara Antibacterial nails.

                                                                                      

I would like to introduce you to our TIARA brand; "Beauty from tip to toe".  Our TIARA nails are delicately designed and embellished with the artistry only TIARA designers can create, TIARA fashion nails inspire you to enhance your natural beauty from head to toe.  TIARA nails complement your beauty to perfection.

Tiara is the only brand on the market using green technology.   The first antibacterial artificial nail that offers beauty and safe hygiene!    Typical nails use acrylic plastic.  Our ABS plastic offers women a safer product that they can wear longer than the typical acrylic nail; Acrylic nails grow fungus and bacteria.  TIARA brand is the first to use green technology in our nail products - ever mindful of our own and the environment's beauty.  Discover your style of nails - you can't stop at just one.

Some want a signature look, others to be simply different, but at the same time women need to be elegant and exclusively chic.   TIARA makes a sublime fashion statement - for a complete makeover and a beauty that is not just skin-deep.

TIARA style on nails is a gorgeous mix of soft and tough, sweet and risqué, dreamy and down-to-earth.   Though these seductive nails redefine one word: IRRESISTIBLE.

*TIARA brand offers you five different concepts of nail products to respond to the needs of all ages and occasions*

NCLA Miss Sunset Strip

I first told you about NCLA back in November, now here's the polish!  I received a few colors to review, but I couldn't wait to get Miss Sunset Strip on my hands first - literally!  Now the square caps on these polishes come off to reveal a smaller round cap but I couldn't get my square cap off this polish for some reason, but know that they do come off.  Miss Sunset Strip is a glitter polish with blue and purple microglitter, slightly larger purple and rainbow reflecting glitter, and a clear base.  There's so much glitter that it looks like it's a purple base, but sadly, it's not.  I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 3 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  I also used China Glaze Harmony as a base for my index and middle fingers.

You can really see the medium purple glitter in the sun but not so much the rainbow reflecting glitter which is too bad because you can see it in the bottle!  I definitely need a base under this color for it to really shine.

Meanwhile in the shade, you can see more of the rainbow glitter on my ring and pinkie fingers.  :]  LOVE purple glitter.

Finally indoors with the flash - which you pretty much saw already in my NOTD.  It looks wrinkly, but it's not!  It's such a fun manicure that I wore it twice, oh yes!  I can't wait to show you more of NCLA!  Right now, they are offering 20% off your order if you enter the code VALENTINE20.  


Also, they are having their "Light Up The Night" giveaway - three polishes (Bel Air Trophy Wife, LAX Jet Setter and Hollywood & Vine Starlet) given to 3 random winners!  Contest open to US & Canada only - ends 9 February at 11:50 p.m.  Visit their website page here to enter.

NCLA [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Tumblr] is available on the website for $16.00 a bottle and in a variety of stores.


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 Harmony

Told you I'd review Harmony from the China Glaze Romantique collection!  This is a lovely grape purple metallic.  I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote and 2 coats of polish.  I didn't use any top coat because I was going to be adding some glitter.  ;]

Nom nom nom, I love this color.  It's such a great purple, so smooth, so lovely.

Even in the shade, it's just beautiful.  It's a blurple almost (blue-purple).

Indoors with the flash on kind of freaks out my camera.  Now, you may notice that my bottle is half purple, have blue/purple.  This color had settled after sitting on the shelf for two years, and I had to shake shake shake like crazy in order to mix it up all together.


Want to laugh?  I took these pictures back in the days before I had a blog, and was just photographing my polish... and didn't know how to use my camera (or Photoshop it seems).

Hah.  The last one gives me Hulk hands and weird colored polish.  Even though this polish has been discontinued, you may still be able to find it online or in some salon stores.

China Glaze [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] can be found online through several etailers, including my favorite Head2Toe Beauty, Sally's Beauty Supply as well as TransDesign.

PMD Regeneration System

Remember my review on the PMD microdermabrasion system?  Well, now I've been given the opportunity to try the PMD Regeneration System starter kit (retail $39.95 USD).  This is a 4 step system to be used in combination with the PMD microderm tool to help maximize the effectiveness of this system.


I'll be honest, microdermabrasion is a bit rough on my skin.  As I have said before on my blog, I have sensitive skin.  I decided to do a little photo documentation, so you can see what I mean.


First off, here's what you need.

Hello random swollen foot of mine!  Anyway, the microderm tool of course was provided to me earlier, but the Starter Kit has an Advanced Soothing Cleanser (60 ml), a Calming Neuro Neutralizer Toner (60 ml) and a Professional Recovery Moisturizer (15 ml).  You can apply the products with a cotton pad or your fingers.


First, you need to properly use your microderm tool on your face.  Want to see how red it leaves me? 

Lobster!  The boyfriend has been teasing me with how red my face is.  Oddly enough, I did experience more bumps during the month I used my tool (once a week).

Granted, my face has been going crazy lately with stress and dry weather, but still.  I'm only human!


So step 1 is using your microderm tool, step 2 is the cleanser.  It's a slightly thick clear serum, almost the consistency of aloe vera but without a sticky after feel, and no fragrance.


Step 3 is the toner.  It's a clear liquid that doesn't have much of a smell.  While most of it will absorb into your skin, you can wipe any excess off with a clean cloth.

The final step is the moisturizer.  This does have a fragrance to it, that isn't quite medicinal but is unlike any perfumed moisturizer I've ever tried.  It's not unpleasant, but it's not my favorite either.  It almost reminds me of dairy.


While the tool is used once a week, the products may be used both in your morning and evening routine.  The cleanser helps to remove dirt, make up, oils and other impurities.  The toner helps balance your skin's pH as well as preserve your natural oils.  The moisturizer is the awesome stuff - I could bore you with details but the part you probably want to hear is it increases Catalase stimulation over 300% and Collagen expression 164% strengthening tissue and elastins for more vibrant younger looking skin.


So, did it work?  Well you saw my before picture - here's what my skin looks like after applying.

Still red, but not as bad.  My face calmed down and definitely felt better.  Over the month, I did have less breakouts and I was complimented more on my skin than normal.  I have to get into a better habit of moisturizing, but it's great to have products formulated to my microdermabrasion system.  

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

Motives Wine & Dine

Playing "pick the random polish" again from my untried box, and today is Motives by Loren Ridinger.  I'll be honest, I had never heard of this brand before I'm always eager to try new things!  Motives is a toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) free, as well as gluten-free and is not tested on animals.  They offer a variety of colors and finishes that are long lasting and chip free.  I received Wine & Dine Me, a medium red metallic color that was super popular in Fall 2011.


I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  I didn't have any issues with formula or the brush itself.

In the sun you can see how well this polish applied.  While it's not a true metallic, it's also not a pearl even though there's a bit of streaks. 

In my first shade picture, you can see it's not quite orange, not quite red.  It reminds me a bit of China Glaze Street Racing (which also is staring at me from my untrieds) but I think this is more orange.

This is also a shade color but just different overhead coverage.  I really do like this color quite a bit, and wonder how more of these colors would look!  

Finally, indoors with the flash and it is pretty red hot!  I am definitely happy with this polish and would like to purchase some in the future.

Motives [Website] [Twitter] is available on their website for $5.25 but you also get cash back for your purchases.  The above website link I have provided is from Kalomira, a Motives and Market America Distributor, but other links are directly from the Motives website.

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

Beauty Blogger Coalition Valentine's Giveaway!

The Beauty Blogger Coalition is back with another $500 Visa card giveaway! To enter, please allow the Rafflecopter widget to load below. All Terms and Conditions may also be found in the widget. Please visit the following Beauty Blogger Coalition members who are bringing this to you! You may enter using Rafflecopter from any of the below blogs but your entry will only count one time. You may, however, tweet about the giveaway (the last option) once a day for the duration of the giveaway.

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Beauty Blogger Coalition
Beauty and Fashion Tech
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Beauty Swatches
BlushingNoir
Gems in a Bottle
Madame B Fatale
Moxie Reviews
My Beauty Bunny
PeaceLoveLipgloss
Perilously Pale
Phyrra
Polarbelle
polish insomniac
PolishGalore
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Prime Beauty
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The Plastic Diaries

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