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.

---

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

---

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Comments have been closed for this post. Please email me if you have any questions.

Poshe Top Coat & Family

I've been bouncing around with different base and top coats, and now I will be trying another line of products by AII - Poshe!  I know a lot of you have seen or heard of it before, and some even swear by it.  I'll be testing it out for about a month and let you know the results!  Please enjoy the following press release from AII!

SAFE AND EFFECTIVE COMPLETE NAIL CARE

Poshé Promotes Healthy Nails Without Damaging Chemicals

Los Angeles, CA – (February 2012): Formulated without Formaldehyde, Toluene and Phthalates, it’s no wonder that Poshé Top Coat is a five-time winner of Allure Magazine’s “Best Top Coat” award and three-time winner of Nails Magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Award”. Poshé Top Coat, along with the rest of the Poshé family of complete nail care products, is coveted by top-notch nail care professionals and nail fanatics alike.

Products in the Poshé line include:

Image courtesy of AII

Poshé Topcoat: This revolutionary formula dries to the touch in one minute. Remarkable gloss and no shrinking make this top coat one of the best in the business.

Image courtesy of AII

Poshé Nail Strengthening Basecoat: This basecoat promotes hardness and helps flexibility, while working as a ridge filler and conditioning nails at the same time. UV inhibitors protect nails from damaging sun rays.

Image courtesy of AII

Poshé Fast Drying Base Coat: For natural or artificial nails, this fast drying, non-yellowing and chip resistant basecoat helps maintain the beauty of the manicure. Great for pedicures as well, this basecoat also protects from staining.

Image courtesy of AII

Poshé AHA Cuticle Care: A unique blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and botanicals are specially formulated to exfoliate and hydrate problem cuticles. It can also be used on elbows, feet and other dry areas. Great for preventing hangnails while promoting healthy nail growth.

About Poshé Nail Care

A logical approach to creating strong, flexible nails based on the science of the natural nail, Poshé uses elements found naturally within the nail plate to nourish and condition, without the use of dehydration techniques. The result is strong, long, natural nails that resist breakage. All Poshé nail care products are formaldehyde and toluene free.

www.poshenails.com

About American International Industries

For 40 years, A.I.I. has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include 5 Second Nail, Ardell Eyelashes, Andrea Eyelashes, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Correctionist, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, It’s So Easy, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks,  Woltra, Woody’s Grooming and Youthair. For more information, visit: www.aiibeauty.com

China Glaze It's Alive

Going through my boxes of polishes, and I grabbed China Glaze It's Alive from the 2010 Halloween Haunting collection.  It's a green glitter in a green base - both microglitter and larger round glitter.  My brush was a bit on the "fluffy" side, not thin and uniform, but more like a kabuki brush.


I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  Even though this is a bit of a thirsty glitter, it was smooth after just one coat of CND Air Dry.

Here in the sun, you can see how nicely opaque this polish is!  I had a bit of a clean up issue on my pinkie, mostly to unsteady hands.

In the shade, this color really pops!  The different glitters really show up nicely even though it's all green.

Indoors with the flash - not as amazing... looks very mossy green - great Halloween polish but also St. Patrick's Day!  If you can still find this color at a local salon/beauty supply store on sale, snatch it up!

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.

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

nubar Purple Beach

Before chopping down to nubbins, I decided to get a few more nail polishes swatched while I had beautiful long nails.  I picked up this awesome nubar duochrome - Purple Beach - while at Cosmoprof North America.  It's still available on their website (product S203) for $8.00.


I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  I was super pleased that this color was opaque in 2 coats, no base of black needed!

In the sun, the purple color is quite apparent and on the edges of the nail, you can just slightly see the green.  I completely looked past the streaky/pearl finish on this polish because it's so pretty - you don't really realize it!

In the shade, again the purple is more apparent than anything else.  I attempted a picture inside with the flash but the camera couldn't focus properly so I ended up with lots of blurry pictures.

I told you this was a duochrome!  The green duochrome is best seen in indirect light.  I couldn't stop taking pictures once I figured out how to get that green to be seen, because on your nails, the duochrome is super apparent.  It's nice and strong and you'll constantly be twisting your hand around.  Definitely a happy Krystal here with this polish.

nubar can be purchased on their website for $8.00 a bottle in the US.  They do have international retailers in Russia, Sweden and the UK.  You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter although their Twitter has been a bit bare lately.

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

Duri Rejuvacote: Update

So I'm still in love with my Duri Rejuvacote.  I've been wearing it under all manicures or just on its own and my nails have NEVER been this long.


However, on 13 January, I suffered a blow.

Boo.  I don't even remember what I was doing when it broke but the next day it snapped right off when I was taking out the garbage so I'm back to nubbins.  Here's my left hand as well.

You can see how thin my nails are on the index finger - nearly translucent!  Now I need to see about something to make them thicker since the growing is good.  :]  Duri just recently came out with a top coat as well called Miracote that I will probably be checking out when I'm done with my bottle of CND Air Dry and Seche Vite.

Duri [Website] can be purchased on their website or in salons.  I purchased my bottle for $15 at my local salon - it's priced at $14 on their website.

NOTD: 30 January 2012

Crawling out of my hole to get some blogging done.  I've mentioned it before, but I have rheumatoid arthritis (psoriasis) and just recently had to go off my medication because I can't afford it anymore.  This is the first time in a year and a half to be off it and I've been in pain and lethargic.  We've also had nothing but icky rain and clouds lately which aren't the best photo scenario.  This NOTD was from 7 January, but I'm just now writing about it.  Ugh.


I have been wanting to play with my new NCLA polishes since they came in, and decided that Miss Sunset Strip needed to be on my nails now.  I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, then China Glaze Harmony from the Romantique collection, next my Miss Sunset Strip and topped it all with CND Air Dry.

 I know it's a bit hard to see the awesomeness that's going on, but don't worry - I'll have individual reviews of each color coming soon (probably by the end of the week?) so you can see what's what.

I love all the pretty holographic and purple glitter from Miss Sunset Strip and then the beautiful purple base from Harmony.  I'm just mostly a purple fanatic all the way around.

Indoors with the flash, and this doesn't do much justice.  It almost looks like my polish is wrinkling, but I promise it's not.  Love this combination - would definitely wear it again!

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