China Glaze Magnetix II

I feel alive again! This new antibiotic that my doctor gave me is kind of fantastic. For the first time in a month, I've had energy and cannot wait to get back into blogging. I have so much to show you!!! I'm going to try and space it between reviews and press releases as so much has come out over just the past month. Thank you so much for sticking with me!

Image Courtesy of China Glaze Facebook Page

THE ATTRACTION CANNOT BE DENIED

China Glaze Introduces Second Collection of Magnetic Nail Lacquers

Los Angeles, CA - (September 2012): Magnetic nail art took the beauty world by storm earlier this year, creating a nail art force that was hard for anyone to resist. Following the phenomenal success of its first-generation Magnetix collection, China Glaze® introduces Magnetix II, an expanded second collection of magnetic nail lacquers.

As with the first Magnetix line, Magnetix II by China Glaze® is infused with iron powders that shift when exposed to the China Glaze® Magnetix II Magnet. The China Glaze® Magnetix II collection features six dramatic metallic shades:

Gold Fusion

Rich gold 

 Positively In Love

Gorgeous magenta

Bond-Tastic

Soft rust

Get Charged

Dark lavender

Sparks Will Fly

Chic cobalt blue

Con-Fused?

Lively green

Along with the new shade line up, China Glaze® has created a second, specially designed magnet featuring three additional unique designs – a swirling circle, vertical lines and an intricate lattice. The separate magnet allows more design options, especially when coupled with the original China Glaze® Magnetix Magnet. Alternate designs, rotate the magnet, play with the positioning on the nail – the art creations are endless! 

 To create your own unique China Glaze® Magnetix II manicure: 

1) Select desired magnet design. Choose from circles, vertical lines or lattice effects. 

2) Apply one coat of China Glaze® Strong Adhesion Base Coat to clean nails; allow to dry completely.

3) Designing one nail at a time for best results, apply one coat of Magnetix II nail lacquer. Immediately hold the China Glaze® Magnetix II Magnet over damp nail for 5-10 seconds, positioning so the built-in finger rest holds it steady. (If you happen to touch the magnet to damp polish, simply wipe clean with nail polish remover – it won’t damage the magnet.)

4) Once the design is fully developed and nails are dry, seal with China Glaze® Fast Forward Top Coat. 

China Glaze® has also released a step-by-step video for the Magnetix II collection which can be viewed on China Glaze®’s official YouTube Channel. China Glaze® Magnetix II is available now at salons and beauty supply stores nationwide with polishes and magnet sold separately. The collection will be available in a 12-piece counter display and as open stock colors and magnet. China Glaze® is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. For more information, visit www.chinaglaze.com, follow China Glaze® on Facebook (@ChinaGlazeOfficial) and Twitter (@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, Nail Tek, 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.

LVX Livid

Continuing with LVX's summer line was Livid, a black creme that has its own shine.  I originally tried wearing this with one coat over longer nails but I found it a bit thin and ended up making a mess, so this weekend, I decided to retry this polish and give it more TLC.

I used a base coat of Rejuvacote, 2 coats of Livid and no top coat because I was surprised to see how shiny this polish really is on its own.  I am always keeping a bottle of black around my desk but hate matte blacks, so this was great.  I didn't need to clean up too much with careful application but the clean up I did need went away with just a little acetone on a brush.

Here it is in the sun and you can see all kinds of reflections from the sky and even my camera snuck into the picture!  So shiny!  Formula was very smooth as well, which I was pleased with.

Here in the shade, you can see how opaque two thin coats really are.  The green overcast on the bottle is actually the overhead trees.

Finally, I took a picture in indirect light and again - it's just like a mirror and you can see my camera in almost every picture.  While this is on the pricey side, it is definitely a good purchase for a quick, opaque black.

LVX [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram] is available on their website. It is 10-free to include Toluene and Camphor, vegan and cruelty free. Use promo code POLISHGALORE for 20% off your purchase!

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

Sation by Miss I Love Miss-self

I have some of these awesome glitters on my desk but I want MORE.  Oh my gosh they look amazing!

The “I Love Miss-self” Reality Show Premiers this Fall

Miss Professional Nail (Miss) announces the launch of its Glitter I Series, the “I Love Miss-self” Reality Show, a sassy, tongue-in-cheek spin on the sensation that has swept the nation off its stilettos. Sation’s glittery gala puts the fun in dysfunctional by saying buh-bye to Brady Bunch banter, and hello to hi-def hair-pulling and backstage drama. Miss’ Creative Director Staci Dao found inspiration for this collection by merging the glitz and glamour of showbiz with the opulent, jewel-toned gems of the season.

From fame-chasers to trophy wives, this humorous race to the Hollywood finish line is a fun, flashy ride into our pop-goes-the-beauty universe. “I Love Miss-self” joins the Fall lineup with a sparkling set of stars, including: Calorie Countess; Miss Pro-nup; Tall, Dark & Has Some; Paparazzi Pet; No Rings Attached and Oh My Gaudy.

The 24-color collection features a cast of multi-glitter and foil finishes: holographic, flakey, bar, kaleidoscope and more. These glitters are ideal for layering over neutrals and staple colors, or simply to play up your signature style. Tune in to ‘I Love Miss-self’ on www.misspn.com, and don’t miss its September debut at your local beauty supply.

All Miss products are free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde.
*Multi-glitters will be sold at a premium price point.
Miss is an MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certified company.

JulieG Big Red Bow

Today launched the new JulieG holiday polishes!  I was given the opportunity to check them out and man, I'm happy.  This was my absolute favorite one by far - Big Red Bow.  I used a base of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and no top coat.  I didn't need top coat - this shimmery red was perfection.

Sadly, I didn't have any sun on the day that I went to swatch these lovely (I have the whole collection to show you this week!) polishes but can you see that shimmer?!  And look how perfectly it applies!

Meanwhile in some indirect light, you can just see the love.  It's probably has a dupe, I'm sure but right now I'm just keeping it on my desk to love.  I also really want to use this as a base for some nail art!

The formula was absolutely a dream to work with - no pooling in the cuticles or bald spots.

To see more of the JulieG Holiday Collection, head to the Jesse's Girl Facebook page and click on the tab that says "JulieG Holiday Collection" (under the cover photo).  You'll also be able to enter in Jesse's Girl Cosmetics's giveaway to win a complete set of the Holiday polishes!

You can purchase JulieG in Rite Aid stores across the US or shop online at Jesse's Girl Cosmetics which ships worldwide!  JulieG sells for $3.99 for a 0.35 fl oz (10 mL) bottle.

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 Real Nail Polish Appliques

Image Courtesy of China Glaze

While I was at Cosmoprof this summer, I got to see the China Glaze Real Nail Polish Appliques which are on the trend of instant manicure wraps you've been seeing all year.

Now, if you've watched PolishGalore for awhile, you've seen that I absolutely suck at applying these things.  I never seem to have enough patience to properly align and the biggest part - file off properly.  Either way, Nail Polish Canada was kind enough to send me my favorite design to try - Shake Your Tail Feathers - a peacock inspired blues, purples and greens with a white base.

Shake Your Tail Feathers
Image Courtesy of China Glaze

The strips are sealed in an airtight package because it is real nail polish and exposing it to air will dry the strips out.  This also means that your package is pretty much good for one time use.

Each nail is the same design which is kind of neat - the top has a rounded edge, the strip part where you hold is squared off.  So if you have squared cuticles, well you're going to have problems.  China Glaze also recommends warming your hands before applying but my hands are always warm so I didn't do any other prep work.

This is the hardest part for me - finding the one that is right for your nail.  At this point, there is still plastic covering the sticky part of the applique, so you can't really bend the sticker to form around your nail.

Also enclosed in your package is a mini orange stick and a file to "cut off" the excess.

If you don't saw off the excess at the right angle, it's going to tear.  Like I did above.  Additionally, it's best if your nails have some length so you can kind of tuck the applique under your free edge.

Yeah that whole above "fitting your applique to the nail"?  Fail on my part.

The directions recommend using a top coat so I brushed a coat of China Glaze Fast Forward on top.  My bottle of Fast Forward is the most chemically foul smelling thing EVER.  I seriously don't know why I still have it.  I want to be bad and add lavender oil to it or something (don't do this).

While pretty, this stuff won't last on me more than a few hours.  I kept getting hair stuck under the applique because I didn't press down hard enough and I just need to practice about 234920347 more times to get nail art appliques or stickers to actually sit right.

Sadly, I cannot find my paper to show removal instructions.  As this is real nail polish, I would assume acetone-based polish remover would did it.  I was a terrible person and peeled mine off.  Don't be like me.

You can purchase these China Glaze Real Nail Polish Appliques from Nail Polish Canada from $9 to $11 (depends on the design).  There are 16 nail appliques in each package, the orange stick, file & instructions.  They are reported to last 7 days.

Many thank yous to Nail Polish Canada for their kindness in letting me test these out!

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

Dear Artists {& an update}

Image courtesy of The Daily Nail blog

I'm still battling an upper respiratory infection (hello round 2 of antibiotics) but with fall and winter polishes piling up around me, I am making a conscious effort to get posts out to you to read (and not just press releases, although many of you have told me that you do appreciate the news!).

I got a text this morning from Manifest Destany asking if I had heard about the latest stolen pictures being using for an international nail polish company's fall promotional line.  I hadn't but it only took a quick look on Twitter to see what was going on.

First off.

DON'T STEAL PHOTOS.

It's one thing to download a photo to your computer so you can look at it later because it was inspiring or pretty or funny.

It's another to download a picture, use it as if you created it, SELL IT and think it's okay.

When I started college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in and one of my options was graphic design which I stayed in for a year.  I learned lots of valuable information that I still use today and while I didn't stay in that education path, I saw how much work someone puts into creating their masterpieces.  As a blogger, I take a lot of time in photographing and editing images for you to see and sometimes my photos are used in publications for companies or for the company's own use.

I will not comment on the company in question or similar companies that have been accused of stealing artwork off bloggers, art sharing or social media websites because I am confident that the companies in question will do the right thing and work towards an agreement with those who should have been rightly compensated for their work.  More so, I hope that someone lost their job over this and those in charge of that person were also reprimanded.  If this was an outside graphic design firm that was hired to create this artwork (which is very common), I hope they are also reported to the Better Business Bureau.

Sharing is caring.  Stealing is not. 

Update!
For starters, I ended up in ER last night.  That was not fun.  Doctor says I have Pleurisy.

The good news is that the company in question immediately was in contact with the true creator of the artwork, issued a public apology and a partnership between creator and company may be in the works!  Very happy to see a company work swiftly.  They hired an outside artist (as I suspected) who passed off this work as his own. 

ISSE Midwest November 4-5, 2012

I know some of y'all out there are licensed beauty professionals, so today this post is for you!  If you are looking for cash and carry, education, artistic presentations, exhibitions and the always fantastic hair and nail competitions, keep reading!  For more information, check out the PBA Calendar here or the competition page here!

ISSE Midwest Combines Professional Cash-and-Carry Expo and Educational Event for Licensed Professionals

November 4 - 5, 2012 │ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center │ Rosemont, Illinois (Chicagoland)

Phoenix, AZ (August 13, 2012) – The International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) Midwest show, which is the only major industry Fall / Holiday cash-and-carry expo and educational event for licensed beauty professionals, will return to the Chicago area November 4 – 5, 2012. Produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), ISSE Midwest is more than just a “hair show” and will feature an array of education, including continuing education (CE) credits, hair and nail competitions, artistic presentations from some of the industry’s biggest stars and top beauty brands exhibiting with the latest tools and products.

ISSE Midwest will be held at industry favorite, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, which is conveniently located just outside Chicago near O’Hare International Airport and has been redeveloped with a host of new entertainment, dining and lodging options. Five new restaurants, a casino, bowling alley, ice rink and a high end outlet mall all bring Rosemont into a league of its own, competing with the likes of downtown Chicago.

Education for Everyone – Don’t Miss Those CE Credits:

An array of education classes in hair, nails, skin and business will be presented by notable beauty professionals and companies, including: Charlie Price, Chuck Caple, Faatemah Ampey, Derek J, Geno Stampora, Martin Parsons, Lydia Sarfati/Repêchage, Mikal Clay, Millie Haynam and many more!

For those who need Continuing Education (CE) credits, ISSE Midwest will have an assortment of more than 60 classes to choose from. In addition, the show will offer hands-on hair and nail classes and CIDESCO USA skin classes. (Some classes require additional investment.)

It’s Time To Compete – Hair & Nail Competitions for Students and Licensed Professionals:  

With cash, prizes, and prestige on the line, ISSE Midwest will offer hair and nail competitions for students and professionals, competing separately. All hair competitions are performed on mannequins.

Hair Competition Categories Include: Fantasy-Inspired by Hollywood, Long Hair Bridal and Women’s Trend Cut, Color & Style

Nail Competition Categories Include (Sponsored by NailPro): Competitors Report, Soak Off Gel Manicure, French Twist – One Hand, Tip & Overlay, Salon Success. A NailPro Competition Class will also be offered for those looking to enter the competition circuit or just pick up some great pointers.

Top Industry Stars Presenting on Two Main Stages:

See international platform artists, educators and some amazing artistic presentations on ISSE Midwest’s two main stages. Some of the many featured artists include: Derek J, DJ Riggs & Berry Bachen, Farouk, FI Hair Gear, J’s Hair Studio & Academy, Kris Sorbie, Martin Parsons, RUSK, The Teals & Steve Elias and many more.

The Products & Tools You’ll Want to Have for the Holidays & New Year:

Be prepared for the holiday season and New Year with the latest products and tools from some of the top international and indie brands on the expo floor. Plus, take advantage of year-end close outs from major manufacturers and distributors. Be sure to stop by the BSG Value Center for amazing deals on tons of products.  Some of the many ISSE Midwest exhibitors include:

Acific, Inc., American International Industries (AII), Beauty Systems Group/BSG/Cosmoprof Beauty Systems, Body Toolz Inc., Bonika Shears, Cricket Company, Crisace Hair Extensions, Dashing Diva, Daysmart Software /Salon Iris Software, Emani Green Professional Cosmetics, Farouk Systems Inc., Garfield International Company, Inc., Glimmer Body Art, LLC, GoLoyal Inc., Hair Addictionz,  Jatai International, Kadori Hair, Mikal Corp., Nail Harmony, Odyssey Nail Systems, Olivia Garden, Oster Professional Products/Arius Eickert. Passion Beauty, Inc. , Ranco Industries, Repechage, SalonBooker, SalonSwipe, Sorme Cosmetics, SureThik, Inc., Surface Hair, Takara Belmont USA, Tamsco Shears and Instruments, The Empowerment International Group Inc., TIGI, Venique, Inc., Worcester Reading Company and many more.

ISSE Midwest is open to licensed professionals and students only. All attendees are required to show proof of license and photos identification before entering. For a list of accepted professional credentials as well information on classes, exhibitors, hotel and travel reservations, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.probeauty.org/issemw. PBA Salon/Spa members receive two free expo tickets and Beauty Professional/NCA members receive one free expo ticket (registration required). All other PBA members may purchase up to two expo tickets. 

Cult Nails Giveaway!

Oh yes.  October is your month to win with Cult Nails, starting with the Join the Cult on Pinterest! giveaway that I told you about yesterday and in addition to all the wonderful winning that is happening there, Cult Nails will be giving one lovely PolishGalore reader the chance to win $50 worth of Cult Nails products!

So on top of the $100 worth of Cult Nails products from the Join the Cult on Pinterest giveaway AND the bonus $30 worth of Cult Nails products that I get to choose as my "Blogger Choice" prize, you can now win $50 worth of Cult Nails products HERE!

That's a lot of nail polish. 

Please wait for the Rafflecopter to load in full and refer to the Terms and Conditions contained within for any questions.  The giveaway will end at 12:01am EST 7 October, is open internationally and the prize is being fulfilled by Cult Nails.  Items pictured are not necessarily items that will be received by the winner.  These are just my personal stash pictures of Cult Nails polishes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join the Cult on Pinterest!

Are you a Cultie yet?

Cult Nails is giving you the chance to win $100 worth of Cult Nails products!

This giveaway is being hosted by Cult Nails BUT Maria has given me the special privilege of choosing a "Blogger Choice" winner who will receive $30 worth of Cult Nails products!

AND starting tomorrow here on PolishGalore, you will have the opportunity to win $50 worth of Cult Nails products!!!  Talk about a great October!

Cult Nails [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram: CultNails] is available in their shop for $10 a bottle.

PBA Updates!

It's Friday!  The Professional Beauty Association has had a busy September, and I wanted to let you know what's been going on!

First, they have a new look, logo and tagline as part of it's newly unified association and direction. 

PBA members and the industry at large will start seeing fresh, cohesive visuals along with PBA's new tagline: Advancing OUR Industry. This new direction is part of an enhanced marketing and branding campaign designed to unify the various aspects of PBA's mission.

Along with the new look, PBA is honing its focus on five core program areas: Government Advocacy, Education, Charitable Outreach, Signature Events, and Member Services. PBA believes investing in these areas is critical for both its members and the industry. By creating a more consistent look and messaging, PBA members will be able to better recognize and take advantage of the many programs, opportunities, and events the association offers.

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Secondly, Schwarzkopf & Henkel, manufacturer of Smooth 'N Shine®, will sponsor the "2013 Smooth 'N Shine® Cosmetology Scholarship." With a grand prize of up to $25,000 and ten $1,000 scholarships available, students currently in high school or high school graduates enrolled in or intending to enroll in a program resulting in a cosmetology (hairstyling) license are eligible to enter. All applications must be submitted by October 31, 2012. Winners will be notified by January 15, 2013.

To enter, eligible applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and a typed essay  describing the qualities they possess that will make them "shine" in cosmetology school and their future career. Proof of enrollment / intended enrollment in a cosmetology program is also required. (See application for full details.) 

"Schwarzkopf & Henkel is thrilled to promote beauty education through the Smooth 'N Shine Cosmetology scholarship program. Our goal is to help and inspire these deserving students to reach their full career potential and be successful in our industry," said Kathy Alaama, Vice President of Marketing, Schwarzkopf & Henkel.

Applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded by a committee appointed by the President of PBA's Beauty Professional/NCA membership section. All scholarships are funded by Schwarzkopf & Henkel and administered by the PBA Foundation. Scholarship awards are final and the grand prize winner will be announced at the International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) Long Beach on January 28, 2013.

The "2013 Smooth 'N Shine® Scholarship" application and additional information is available at www.probeauty.org/scholarships,or by calling PBA at 800.468.2274.

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Also this month, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is proud to announce the newly elected and reelected members of PBA's Leadership Councils that will continue to guide the association through the coming year. Comprised of highly-respected beauty professionals, all of which volunteer their time to serve, their terms begin September 1, 2012 and will end on August 31, 2014.

PBA has four Leadership Councils: Beauty Professional/NCA, Distributor, Manufacturer and Salon/Spa. Each of these councils addresses the needs and issues of their respective area of focus. The overall Governing Council oversees budgeting, legislation endorsement, strategic planning and addresses issues that affect the industry as whole.

The Beauty Professional/NCA Leadership Council has elected Peggy Sue Schmoldt as the newest member of council. Joining her will be reelected members Marlene Bridge, Mark Goodman and Grace Santiler Nowik. Santiler Nowick will retain her role as council president.  

The Distributor Leadership Council has elected Paul Gauvin of WS Beauty Supply, Brandon Ranney of Creative Salon Concepts, and Karl Sweis of SWEIS, Inc. as the newest members of the council. Renee Shakour of Essential Salon Products was also reelected.  

The Manufacturer Leadership Council has elected Michael Riley of Scruples Professional Salon Products Inc. as the newest member of the council. Kevin Barrett of Fromm International, Reuben Carranza of P&G Salon Professionals and Scott Hagstrom of Helen of Troy were all reelected.

The Salon/Spa Leadership Council has elected Tiffany Conway of CoCo Cheveux Salon and Holly Zapata of K Charles & Company Salons as the newest members of the council. Rejoining the council are Scott Buchanan from Scott J Salon & Spa as council president and Bonnie Conte from Avalon Salon and Day Spa.  

PBA encourages industry professionals to join PBA and take an active role in the association. PBA is led by industry volunteers and represents the interests of the professional beauty industry. In addition to the Governing and Leadership Councils, volunteer members can also serve on committees to support the association's activities by helping to plan events, direct government affairs activities and more. probeauty.org

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The Professional Beauty Association's (PBA) purpose is to advance the professional beauty industry by providing its 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.