CND Sheer 24K Sparkle

The complimentary "effects" in The Look 2011 by CND is Sheer 24K Sparkle.  It's a nice gold flakie in a gold base.


I decided to try this look over Dark Amethyst, Midnight Sapphire, CND Brilliant White and nubar Noir.  One coat of the effect was used on each swatch.

Here in the sun you can see that it's a bit hard to see this effect properly.  The sun really washes the color out which is sad because it's a nice color!

The shade is much better.  I love this gold because it goes perfectly for both my high school and college alma maters (black and gold for high school, blue and gold for college).  Over white, however, this color doesn't work at all.

Finally indoors with the flash - again this color doesn't stand out as well as it should.  It almost gets lost over the purple as well which is sad because the colors do compliment each other well.  I'm still very in love with the effects line - from the way it changes the colors to the opacity of the polish itself!  Pair it with CND Stickey and CND Air Dry and you definitely have a winner!


CND is available for $9 per colour, and $11 per effect and you can find locations to buy here.

TransDesign and Head2ToeBeauty has the colours for $4.50 and effects for $5.50.

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

Pop Beauty Blog

If you're into Pop Beauty, you'll definitely want to read the following release!


Pop Beauty creator, Sara Strand is giving readers an all-access pass to everything that is Pop – introducing:

Please click to see original size

On her new site, Sara will discuss inspirations behind the Pop brand, what drives her creatively, as well as her flares, tastes and passions in all that is POP culture. These musings in fashion, makeup, art and music will be updated monthly, sharing an in depth look into Sara's taste-making style.


To join the fun subscribe today at: http://saras-sonnet.blogspot.com/

Meow! by Katy Perry

Please enjoy the following release from B|W|R. :]

KATY PERRY DEBUTS HER SECOND FRAGRANCE

MEOW! BY KATY PERRY,

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT NORDSTROM

*IN STORES NOW*

New York, Los Angeles – Best-selling superstar Katy Perry has extended her fragrance brand with the launch of her second fragrance, “Meow! by Katy Perry,” which is available now exclusively at Nordstrom stores nationwide and Nordstrom.com.

In partnership with Gigantic Parfums, “Meow! by Katy Perry” is a companion piece to the recording artist’s first fragrance, “Purr,” which debuted a year ago. Perry created ‘Meow!” while on her “California Dreams” World-Tour promoting her platinum-selling second record, Teenage Dream. This rich sister scent is a wearable interpretation of the fun, sensual spirit of the tour–so fun, in fact, Perry felt the name of the fragrance needed an exclamation point at the end of it. While “Purr” marks Perry’s first foray into the fragrance world, “Meow!,” more than anything, embodies her energy.

“Meow!” commands a soft sexuality appropriate for use during any time of day. Its signature comes from a pairing of honeysuckle and pear with the backdrop of creamy vanilla, musk, and amber.

"Meow! is my second baby in the fragrance world. I created it during my California Dreams Tour, and I can't wait for people to be able to experience my intriguing, amusing, candy-land like fantasy whenever they spritz it! We have A LOT of fun on tour so there's a lot of fun infused in this bottle! Meow! It's simply the cat's meow!" explains Perry.

Perry has an affinity for all things feline, and so she carries this theme throughout her fragrance names and bottles. She used this inspiration when designing the bottle for “Purr by Katy Perry,” and now “Meow! by Katy Perry” reflects that vision as well—complete with similar jeweled eyes, metallic accents, but with a light pink coloring.

The eau de parfum, developed with Givaudan, is available at Nordstrom stores nationwide and Nordstrom.com in 1.7 and 3.4 fluid ounce bottles at a suggested retail price of $45.00 and $65.00, respectively. Gift With Purchase (GWP) products will be released seasonally, beginning with a holiday perfume solid locket at launch.

"We are thrilled to partner again with Gigantic Parfums on Katy Perry's second fragrance Meow! Our customers responded really well to the debut fragrance Purr and our teams loved selling it! Everything about the fragrance embodies Katy's fun, spirited energy and we hope customers will relate to the new fragrance's fruity floral notes with a sophisticated twist,” explains Cheri Botiz, National Beauty and Fragrance Director, Nordstrom.

“After achieving global success with “Purr by Katy Perry,” now available in 54 countries, the brand continues to positively gain presence in the market place. We see great potential with her brand and wanted to deliver a unique sister fragrance, Meow! to support and expound on that excitement,” said Isaac Lekach, CEO of Gigantic Parfums.

Katy Perry has cemented her status as a best-selling superstar with the global success of her second studio album, Teenage Dream, which debuted at #1 in 8 countries. All five singles released so far ("California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Firework," "E.T.," and “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”) have hit #1 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart. Perry ties with Michael Jackson to become the second artist in the 53-year-history of the Hot 100 chart to produce five No. 1 singles off the same album and is the first female to set this record. This follows on the heels of her multi-platinum debut album, One of the Boys, which generated four hit singles: "I Kissed A Girl," "Hot N Cold," "Thinking of You" and "Waking Up In Vegas." She wrapped up 2010 in style with 4 Grammy nominations, including one for "Album of the Year." Katy kicked off 2011 with sold-out shows on the European leg of the California Dreams Tour, and has played sold-out shows around the world. Perry has just wrapped up the California Dreams Tour. To learn more about Katy Perry, visit www.katyperry.com

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 203 stores located in 28 states.  Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 115 full-line stores, 85 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store.  Nordstrom also serves customers through its online presence at www.nordstrom.com and through its catalogs.  Nordstrom, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

Gigantic Parfums is a business venture whose products can be found in a variety of major retail and specialty chain stores in the United States and International markets.  Gigantic Parfums is headed by CEO Isaac Lekach and President Rudford Hamon.  Isaac Lekach was instrumental in identifying the potential of Katy Perry and Selena Gomez, who is set to debut her fragrance in 2012, as well as the Paris Hilton and Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier fragrances licenses. He was also involved with the marketing and development of Guess? fragrances for Parlux Fragrance and served as a member of the Board of Directors for the company from 2005 to late 2006.  Hamon brings over ten years of experience in the fragrance industry. From 2004-2007, he managed the International distribution of Parlux Fragrances.

CND Dark Amethyst

The other creme from "The Look" winter 2011 from CND is Dark Amethyst, a red-purple opaque creme.  While it's not my favorite purple that I own, I do love it - especially the whole "one coat" idea.


I used a base coat of CND Stickey, 1 coat of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  Formula was fantastic.

Hello sun!  Lots of red tones to this purple - at least for me.  It's almost plummy?

In the shade I have fantastic lobster hands but also just a lovely purple color to match.

Last, but never least is indoors with the flash.  Love how opaque this is!  Coming up tomorrow - the "effect" from this line.  I definitely loved this little set from CND!

CND is available for $9 per colour, and $11 per effect and you can find locations to buy here.

TransDesign and Head2ToeBeauty has the colours for $4.50 and effects for $5.50.

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

CND "Shellac at the Shore"

It may be in the 50s for me, but in California, things will be heating up soon!  Please enjoy the following press release from Y! Public Relations.

CND to Present Shellac at the Shore at ISSE Long Beach 2012

From the Runway to Real Life – It’s the Latest in Nail Styles, Colors, and Trends

January 28 – January 30, 2012 │ Long Beach Convention Center │ Long Beach, California

Phoenix, AZ – The West Coast’s biggest and best beauty event, the International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) Long Beach, will host CND’s (Creative Nail Design’s) dynamic nail program, Shellac at the Shore. Taking the styles and colors directly from the runways of New York Fashion Week and incorporating them with CND’s Shellac Power Polish, Enhancements and Nail Colour & Effects, attendees will be inspired by the latest nail trends that clients will be demanding. In addition, CND will offer an opportunity to win a trip to NYC Fashion Week. Presented by CND Founder, Jan Arnold, Shellac at the Shore is for those looking to stay at the forefront of nail fashion and overall beauty trends. Shellac at the Shore admission will be offered in two parts, general and VIP. VIP admission includes a private reception following the event, plus additional opportunities to win a trip to New York Fashion Week. All attendees will receive a CND gift bag.

In addition to Shellac at the Shore, CND will also present a hands-on CND Master Painter “Snap Shot,” which will focus on application techniques that create unique, one-of-a-kind nails that demand client loyalty. Taught by CND nail experts, Jennifer Harrison and Kristina Saindon, attendees will discover CND’s exciting concepts in color and creativity with Colour & Effects and award-winning CND Shellac Power Polish.

“ISSE Long Beach is not only an amazing full beauty show, it marks the beginning of the professional show season. It’s only fitting that CND presents a dynamic program such as, Shellac at the Shore, which incorporates the latest nail trends, colors, techniques, and products,” says CND Founder, Jan Arnold.

Shellac at the Shore

Sunday, January 29^th / 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

VIP: Includes presentation, priority seating, VIP reception following presentation, 10 entries for the NYC Fashion Week giveaway, and CND gift bag.

Cost: $179 PBA members / $199 non PBA members.

General: Includes presentation, 5 entries for the NYC Fashion Week giveaway, and CND gift bag.

Cost: $89 PBA members / $99 non PBA members.

CND Master Painter “Snap Shot”

Sunday, January 29^th & Monday, January 30^th / 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $50 PBA members / $60 non PBA members.

Nail professionals will also want to consider participating in the ISSE Long Beach nail competitions that are held in conjunction with NailPro Magazine. 

OCC Lip Tar NSFW

Photo from OCC's website

First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO POLISHGALORE!  I turn 2 today - woo hoo!  Next, let me talk about today's makeup post - Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics OCC Lip Tar in NSFW.


While sitting in the Tampa Airport on Cyber Monday, with just a few hours left in this glorious shopping day, I decided to jump on OCC's website and check out these lip tars.  I first saw them on Temptalia's blog and couldn't get this image out of my head.

Image from Temptalia's website

With all cosmetics being 20% off for Cyber Monday, I figured it was time to take the plunge.  I even splurged and got the #009 Angle Brush "for complete, opaque coverage" (normally $18.00) .  The whole thing about Lip Tars that I had read was "a little goes a long way."  Lip Tar is normally $13.00 for a 0.27 Fl oz tube.


Well, it came in today and I've been super excited to play with it.


Now this being my second attempt at lip shots, please bare with me.  First we have my bare lips.

Then with NSFW applied with the #009 Angle Brush.  I used one bead of color, no primer.  The lighting is natural 6500K light bulbs (x3).

Now I feel like I did it wrong.  Granted the color was there but the creaminess I was expecting?  Totally not.  In fact, this was a very matte appearing application and definitely not as eye popping as Temptalia.


In my slight defeat, I added a coat of Rimmel Sweet Jelly in #150 Sugar! on top.  It's a gold shimmer that comes in 0.34 fl oz for $2.00.

I wasn't in love - at least not yet.  I'm going to have to try again and hope for the best.


I also decided to play in Photoshop a bit... please note these were just meant to be funny.

Heavy on the blur, please.

This one I'm actually using for my Twitter picture for now.  :]


Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free and may be purchased on their website.  You can like them on Facebook & follow them on Twitter.

CND Midnight Sapphire

I showed you how I last wore CND Midnight Sapphire from the 2011 "The Look" winter box set but now let me show you the colors individually!  Midnight Sapphire is a dark blue creme that is highly pigmented and pretty darn opaque.


I used a base coat of CND Stickey, 1 coat of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.

In the sun, you can see how well pigmented and opaque this color is.  The reflection you see near my cuticles is the sun - go figure!

In the shade - my fingers look pretty red but I'm blaming the cold or something.  And the weird coloring from my nails?  It's just the sun (roof?) reflecting off the nail polish... not from the color at all.

Finally indoors with the flash - look how awesome this color it is.  It almost looks a bit jelly like - but I promise it's a creme and quite an awesome one.  Once again, no staining on my nails after removing, YAY!


CND is available for $9 per colour, and $11 per effect and you can find locations to buy here.

TransDesign and Head2ToeBeauty has the colours for $4.50 and effects for $5.50.

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

Shop for a Cause

I'm a bit late in posting, but don't be late on bidding!

Here's an opportunity to shop for a great cause: the BeautyBloggers.org annual charity auction. 

For the second year in a row, beauty bloggers and brands have joined forces for an online auction benefitting Doctors Without Borders. 

Participants have donated a treasure trove of the best lotions, potions, products, and gadgets. Donated items range from the hottest items from this year’s holiday collections to hard-to-find exclusives and limited edition cult favorites. When the auction ends, winning bidders "pay" by making their donations directly to Doctors Without Borders, through the site’s secure giving page. 

The auction will be live Monday, November 28th through Monday, December 12th.

Here's some awesome nail polish up for bidding!

Color Club Cold Metal

Since I have a bunch of cloudy weather, I thought I'd go through my backlog of polishes, starting with the finale from the Foiled collection - Cold Metal.  This is a dark blue metallic which I thought I was going to hate but I really love this color!  Formula and application were super nice.


I used a base coat of Zoya Get Even, 1 coat of polish and no top coat.

Oh look, cloudy weather.  But check out how this polish pops!  This would be the best base for a Christmas manicure with some snowflakes - this is seriously a great staple color for my collection for fall/winter.

Even in the shade, this picture is just super lovely.  I'm shocked at how much I love a blue.

Indoors with the flash.


Best part of this polish?  It didn't smurf my fingers or stain my nails when I removed it.  WIN.

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.

Holiday Beauty Blogger Giveaway!

It's the holiday season!  What better way to help out with your holiday shopping than a $500 Visa Gift Card?!  That's right!  I've partnered with some amazing beauty bloggers again to have another fantastic giveaway!







Alternative Link available here

Dermelect - Skin Regenerating System

Especially with winter approaching, I'm looking for ways to keep my skin looking healthy and feeling healthy.  Please enjoy the following release from Dermelect!

The Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ Skin Regenerating System as a gift idea for the favorite woman in your life. This is a three-step system that utilizes the revolutionary ingredient, Alpine Rose Stem Cells, to protect skin against free radicals, improve the complexion and assist with signs of aging.

Skin Regenerating System

·         Dermelect’s three-step skincare system utilizes the stem cells of the alpine rose to increase skin’s cellular turnover while protecting it from oxidative stress and harmful free-radicals.

·         Contains key ingredients of Alpine Rose, EcoSkin, Vitamin C, AHA, Mushroom and Seaweed Extracts.

·         Available for $159.00 ($208 total value) on www.dermelect.com.

·         Packaged with the signature Dermelect quilted clutch, the seasonal set includes:

Dermelect Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum protects and helps regenerate skin stem cell vitality while improving the skin barrier function and preventing and reducing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

Dermelect Resilient Stem Cell Regenerating Treatment boosts epidermal regeneration while reversing damage by free radial agents.  The treatment leaves skin looking rested and supple.

Dermelect Resurgent Stem Cell Firming Activator acts as a finishing application to reinforce stem cell protection and resurgence of youthful looking skin tissue while further preventing free radical damage.

Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless

Please enjoy the following press release from Illamasqua!  I have Kink and Vice here and love the rubber finish... I think I'm going to have to get a bottle of Faux Pas on my next Sephora trip!

llamasqua invites you to indulge in darker, bolder nail colors this holiday season.

Dare to be noticed with the new Theatre of the Nameless Nail Varnish Collection inspired by the sensuality of Wittenberg Platz’s domineering Boot Girls.

Illamasqua’s AW11 Nail Varnishes are rich and mysterious, with a unique rubbery finish, unlike any other varnish.

Hardwearing and chip-resistant, you only need one coat until you’re ready to try your next favorite in the collection.

Taint (stone brown)

Kink (bottle green)

Vice (deep cerise)

 Faux Pas (blue violet)

All Illamasqua Nail Varnishes can be purchased at Sephora or Sephora.com for $14.

Sally Hansen Holiday Prints

Hello friends!  I'm back from a small vacation to Florida for Thanksgiving... got to meet my boyfriend's family and spend some time on the beach.  Now that I'm back, I'm hoping to get back on the ball.  Let's start off with a great press release from Sally Hansen!

SALLY HANSEN INTRODUCES A NEW TWIST ON TRADITION

WITH HOLIDAY EDITIONS OF SALON EFFECTS REAL NAIL POLISH STRIPS

THINK: Festive, fast, no-fuss nail color.

WHAT THEY ARE: Limited-edition holiday prints of Sally Hansen’s hit, Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. When Sally Hansen first introduced its peel-and-apply nail polish strips, the manicure breakthrough took the world by storm. Now Sally Hansen introduces trendsetting prints exclusively for the holidays, putting the spirit of the season at your fingertips. Like all the prints in the Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips collection, the five festive prints let you peel, apply, file, and go, delivering a real-polish manicure without mess or stress. Whether you’re playing Santa and stuffing a stocking or heading to the party of the moment, these seasonal strips are the ultimate accessory.

The new prints include Plaid About You (red and black plaid), Peppermint Twist (red and white candy stripe), Snow Bunny (white with red snowflakes), Prep’s Cool (black and silver argyle), and Winter Funderland (black, silver and blue glitter).

Each Salon Effect Real Nail Polish Strips kit includes 16 nail polish strips, a cuticle stick, mini file/ buffer and instructions for easy at-home application. When you’re ready to change your nail strips, simply swipe nails with your favorite Sally Hansen polish remover for an instantly clean slate.

WHAT IT COSTS: $9.99

WHERE TO FIND THEM: Sally Hansen products are available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Color Club Perfect Mol-ten

Just two more in the Foiled collection and this is Perfect Mol-ten, a green metallic foil.  It's a bit of a cross between a mint and a forest green.  Formula was very good.


I used a base of Zoya Get Even, and 1 coat of polish.  I did not use a top coat.

In the sun, you can see the reflective surface of this polish - great for stamping in Konad so I've heard.

In the shade, you can see the color a bit better... I think this could be a great Christmas color.

Finally a slightly blurry indoors photo with the flash.  Not my favorite but not a bad color.


Have a great Thanksgiving week to all my American friends!

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.

Color Club Hot Like Lava

I don't know why, but this Color Club color Hot Like Lava keeps making me think of the Maroon 5 song "Moves Like Jagger."  I don't get it.  If the song is now stuck in your head, I'm sorry!  Hot Like Lava is a red metallic foil from the Foiled collection.  I originally hated this - thinking it was too much like the rest of the metallics out there.


I used a base coast of Zoya Get Even for my ridges, and just 1 coat of Hot Like Lava.  I did not use a top coat.  This polish was a little on the thick side but I used as thin of a coat as I could and it was completely opaque.

Okay, so this color is a lot more pink than I originally though - and surprisingly, I really like it!  It just pops on the nail, and I enjoyed wearing it.

I felt like I had mild lobster hands in the shade but still - look how smooth the formula is on my nails!

Finally indoors with the flash - hot color.  LIKE LAVA.  *ahem*


If you had to get a color from this collection, I'd say get this one.  I'm a big fan.

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.