China Glaze Kinetic Candy

China Glaze spring 2012 TechnoPop collection arrived on my doorstep and I couldn't wait to put on Kinetic Candy, a light blue creme.  I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of Seche Vite.  The formula on this polish ran a little thick so I had to be careful with wiping the brush on the top of the bottle so it wouldn't pool.

Look how happy this color is!  I really love spring and the sun and this color is perfect.

Look how squishy this looks!  It's like little cloud pillows on my nails!

Even in the shade, you can see how smooth this color applies once you're careful with the formula.

Finally indoors with the flash and it's just making me smile.  It's smooth, it's pretty, it's blue without making me blue.  YAY!  More TechnoPop to come!

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.

OPI continues New York Fashion Week with BCBG Max Azria

More pictures and fun from Fashion Week!  This is from 9 February and the BCBG Max Azria show that was the talk of Thursday!  Please enjoy the following release from OPI.  All images are courtesy of OPI.

The Fall 2012 shows are well underway with OPI doing nails for its second show, BCBG Max Azria this morning at Lincoln Center! Models’ nails were painted with Passion for a nude look that complimented the neutral color blocking with pops of color in the clothes. 

Lynnderella Mercury's Rainbow

For my birthday, I asked for a gift certificate to Llarowe so I could get some more Lynnderella polishes.  Sadly I didn't get it, but I did get cash, so I put it to use.  Mercury's Rainbow was one that I had been eyeing because of it's micro holographic glitter paired with medium hexagonal holographic (rainbow reflecting really) glitter.  I thought this was a black base but it's not - it's more of a watery grey.  At first I was trying the polish on its own but after seeing how sheer it was, I layered it over Sephora Black, my favorite $1 polish ever.


This is a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and CND Air Dry for my top coat.  Over Sephora Black, 2 coats of polish was also used.

Yes, that's some spam there.  You can see that this is a THIRSTY glitter - it just soaks up top coat.  We'll get to that in a minute.  See what I mean about it not being opaque?  Sad panda, but it's still a pretty polish.

In the shade, you can see some good amount of glitter that is just too hard to capture in the sun.

Indoors with the flash and again you can see lots of glitter (which yes, is a pain to get off - use felt instead).


Now, Lynnderella also makes a top coat that she calls Glitter Tamer.  I have no idea what it's made of but I just know that it makes my eyes water, and that doesn't happen with nail polish and my eyes.  It's nose hair burning, eye watering, choking on your spit horrible but it works SO well.


Here is a nail without Glitter Tamer (the watery grey ring finger)

See how you can see the edges of the glitter poking up?


Now a shot of Mercury's Rainbow with Glitter Tamer.

Bad hangnail!  But look how the glitter is smoothed down and sealed- not gritty.  The stuff really works but man does it stink.


Lynnderella is only available through the etailer Llarowe.  Currently, you have to contact Llarowe at the email address lalas.lynn.network@gmail.com in order to get on a shipping list which is sorted in 4 ways, so if you'd like to find out how to order, email that above address.


Lynnderella is sold by American e-tailer Llarowe for $15 a bottle.  Glitter Tamer sells for $8.00.

OPI kicks off New York Fashion Week with Lauren Moffatt

Ready for some Fashion Week news?!  Let's start with some news from OPI!  All images courtesy of OPI.

OPI has kicked off the Fall 2012 shows doing the nails for Lauren Moffatt’s presentation at The Old School (a Catholic school turned events space) this morning! The bright orange hue, A Good Man-darin Is Hard to Find (image attached) was used on models’ nails. Nails were made short and squoval (square and oval ) to give fall looks the right pop of bright color. Orange will continue to a big color for nails throughout the year!

ORLY Fifty-Four

One more posting with long nails - I was at a Sally's one day when I spotted this ORLY on sale for $2.99.  I figured for three bucks, it was worth the gamble.  I decided to use my existing manicure of Stunning Stilettos for my index and middle fingers and attempted to wear this over bare nails on my ring and pinkie fingers.  This is a gold and pink microglitter in a clear base.  The yellow base that you see is an illusion.  I can't explain it.  I promise.

Okay, what?  I'm lost.  Can you see it?

I mean, really?

Indoors with the flash, you can see it a bit!

It's hard to see, but it's there.  Much a waste of my money.  This is 2 coats of Fifty-Four over all nails and you can barely tell I have anything on.  This is from the Classic Collection but seriously?


What really gets me is that the product pictures I've seen for this polish has a PINK/PURPLE microglitter bottle with a clear base.  What happened to my bottle?!  I don't know what's going on but it looks like I got a bad bottle.  No wonder it was only $3.

You can purchase Orly for $7.50 through their website, or it's available online at Head2ToeBeauty for $10 and in Sally's Beauty Supply stores for $8.99.  Additionally, you can Like them on Facebook or 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.

Pure Ice Paint the Sky Blue

Pure Ice has really taken to the social media lately!  It's great to see them jump in with both feet.  I have another press release for you - this one featuring a very famous newborn (not pictured).

"Baby I painted the sky blue, my greatest creation was you!"

Image courtesy of Bari's Beauty Bubble

Hiphop Royalty Jay-Z and Beyonce's new baby girl Blue Ivy has the most amazing Fairy God Mother... Oprah! 


Want to know what it feels like to have to world at your finger tips? Maybe a little bit like this!

Image courtesy of Bari's Beauty Bubble

Get into Oprah's Circle with Pure Ice Crackle & Ice Duo Strike A Pose

BUY NOW

Share your manicure with us @BariBeauty on Twitter

FingerPaints Stunning Stilettos

Oops!  This was pre-chop of the nails (oh I miss you, long nails).  Stunning Stilettos is also from the Fall Fashionista Fall 2011 collection from FingerPaints and it's a slate grey creme with a hint of blue tones.  I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  The formula was nice and smooth.

Once again, I had some issues with opacity on my ring finger.  I've since buffed my nails down a bit so I wonder if that will help any.  I always start my manicures by cleaning my nails with Zoya Remove+ to get rid of any oils or mess on my nails.  But the color is pretty awesome regardless - a nice slate grey.

Here you can see the blue undertones in the polish - oh shade.  Very smooth finish as you can see.

Finally indoors with the flash and you can see my opacity problems in the ring finger but otherwise it's a pretty awesome opaque grey!  I definitely can see myself using this many times in the future since I really do like this color.  You can always add some Konad to it in a black or even a shatter!  Oh the possibilities!  


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.

Pure Ice Crackle & Ice Strobelight

Did you watch Madonna's half time show during the Super Bowl on Sunday?  I did and frankly I didn't think she did that bad.  I overheard someone say that she should have come out in a Gaga inspired outfit and said "You're welcome."  There's plenty of Madonna vs Gaga conversation to be had and Pure Ice didn't shy away from asking you to pick a side.  Please enjoy the following press release.

Image courtesy of Bari's Beauty Bubble

“I won't be happy till I'm as famous as God.” - Madonna

"And now, I'm just trying to change the world one sequin at a time" - Lady Gaga

Whether you are a Little Monster or a die hard Queen Madge fan, Pure Ice Strobelight has something for you. One coat disco ball-sy gold glitter and shiny patent leather badass black crackle - Pick your side and pledge your allegiance, monster claw and all.

Image courtesy of Bari's Beauty Bubble

Wear them alone or together and start making provocative hand gestures.

Image courtesy of Bari's Beauty Bubble

Pure Ice Crackle & Ice Strobelight will make sure that your manicure is anything but REDUCTIVE.

Image courtesy of Bari's Beauty Bubble

Buy yours here

Rock out with Nail Rock!

For my NYC readers or anyone that's awesome enough to be in NYC for Fashion Week, heads up!  Zoe Pocock, the Creative Director of NAIL ROCK will be at Ricky's NYC on February 9th and 10th for complimentary NAIL ROCK applications!  First come, first serve.  Please enjoy the below graphic which you may click to enlarge.  (Seriously wish I was going, especially since I am horrible at applying these myself!!!)

Image courtesy of d2 publicity

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.