OPI Pink Shatter

For Valentine's Day, I thought about doing a kind of pink on pink manicure, but in the end, it just didn't really work out for me.  Even though it was only 2 weeks ago, I don't even remember what I did for my manicure - time flies when you're stressed, hah!  Anyway, I had a couple of combinations in mind, and this was one of them...  using my CND Muddy Rose manicure, I added one layer of OPI Pink Shatter, a translucent shatter that still allows some of the underlying polish to show through (as opposed to being opaque).

Pink Shatter dries matte, so I added CND Air Dry only to my middle & ring fingers.  I'll have a detailed picture coming up.

You can barely tell this is a pink on pink manicure at first glance, which is what I was going for, but in the end, I just didn't love it.

Here you can see the difference between the top coat vs the matte.  The top coat brings out a subtle shimmer to the Shatter, where the other side just appears dry.  In fact, it reminds me a little of muscle tissue, like if someone split open your leg.  Hey, if The Daily Nail can do zit nails, maybe I can do "raw meat nails"  :p

Trying to get a picture indoors with the flash just wasn't working so my pictures today (in order) are sun, indirect sun, close up and this is the shade.  Now I've had nothing but ick weather lately, but there was one day of sun, and that's when I tested this manicure.  I WANT SPRING TO BE HERE.  Minus the mosquitoes, heat, humidity, tall grass growing...


Anyway, I found my bottle of OPI Pink Shatter on sale for $6 at Ulta on a back rack, but most OPI bottles do still run at around $8.50.

OPI [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] is available at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and Ulta, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer.  

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

Algenist's Firming & Lifting Line

Although I don't talk about it enough, I really have started taking better care of my skin.  I'm only 28, but I know that I already have some signs of aging around my eyes.  Please enjoy the following releases from Algenist - and check them out now at Sephora!  There's a lot of information here, but it's totally worth it!


Algenist’s latest skincare innovation (hitting Sephora this month): Firming & Lifting.


The line is truly a must-have for women looking to strengthen their skin and reduce the effects of aging and gravity. Skin looks firm, toned and sculpted in 10 days!


How it works:
In addition to key ingredient, Alguronic Acid (algae-compound with the ability to protect and regenerate skin), the Firming & Lifting line incorporates proteins and peptides to restore and repair skin.

Firming & Lifting Cream ($94): Ultra firming and restructuring cream to lift and tighten while reinforcing skin structure


Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Avocado Oil, Phytosterols, and Olive Fruit Oil


This ultra firming and restructuring cream immediately lifts and tightens the skin by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.


By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.


Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.


The Firming & Lifting Cream's unique formula helps strengthen skin's structure to redefine facial contours, leaving skin smooth, sculpted and lifted. Avocado Oil, Phytosterols, and Olive Fruit Oil moisturize and nourish the skin


Directions for use:
Apply to entire face and neck twice daily.

Firming & Lifting Eye Gel ($68): Lightweight Eye gel to rebuild density while firming & lifting delicate skin around the eyes


Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Alfalfa Seed Extract, Lupine Protein, Caffeine, and Chamomile


This lightweight eye gel rebuilds density while firming and lifting delicate skin around the eyes by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.


By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.


Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.


The unique formula smoothes eye contours, revealing a revitalized, recharged and youthful appearance. Alfalfa Seed Extract, Lupine Protein, Caffeine, and Chamomile reduce puffiness and soothe skin around the eyes.


Directions for use:
Apply to the eye area twice daily

Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask ($52): Refreshing gel mask to firm, tone & sculpt facial contours


Ingredients: Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3, Jojoba, Green Tea, and Vitamin E


This unique gel mask immediately restores skin elasticity, structure and suppleness by leveraging the power of Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3: a never-before-seen anti-aging complex introduced through Algenist’s new Firming & Lifting line.


By uniting Alguronic Acid with ProPeptide3 (a combination of three active peptides and three active proteins), this anti-aging complex increases collagen synthesis by up to 209%, increases proteoglycan synthesis by up to 155% and prevents loss of firmness by 44%. Together these ingredients boost production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin's structure, this advanced formula reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the skin so that the complexion appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted.


Proteins and peptides (protein building blocks) are essential structural components of the skin, responsible for the structure, regulation and function of skin cells. The deterioration of these essential structure proteins affect the skin’s ability to restructure and repair itself, leading to a visible loss of firmness and elasticity.


The rich formula immediately tightens and firms leaving skin toned and lifted. Jojoba, Green Tea and Vitamin E moisturize, hydrate and strengthen skin.


Directions for use:
Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes and then remove using warm water or a warm, wet face cloth. Apply once or twice weekly, as desired.


The Firming & Lifting line is:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Dermatologist tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-irritating
• Not tested on animals

All Algenist products are formulated without:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic dyes
• Phthalates
• GMOs
• Triclosan

FingerPaints Motley

2012 is the year of the magnetics and the flakies!  I was so excited when FingerPaints announced their flakies collection and was able to purchase all 5 thanks to the lovely ladies of Sally's Beauty Supply's Twitter.  I wasn't sure which one I wanted to try first, so I just grabbed and that's how Motley came to be my first swatched.  I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, then FingerPaints Black Expressionist, then one coat of Motley on my index and ring fingers, and two coats of Motley on my middle and pinkie fingers.  I topped it with CND Air Dry.

Motley has a green and a blue flakie in a slight yellow base.  I talked to a nail tech who said the suspension base that the flakie is floating in has to be used over a darker color because of the yellow in the base, otherwise it can make the base color (black in this instance) look off.  Does that make any sense?  It did when she showed me over a light blue and it made the blue looks weirdest green.  Anyway.


While 1 coat does do wonders, I prefer 2 coats.  2 coats on my middle finger, 1 coat on the ring finger.

See what I mean?

In the shade, you can really see how pretty this is - reminds me of fish food - the colorful stuff, not the round brown pellet stuff.  

Seriously, indoors with the flash just makes this look blah.  Almost glow in the dark though, haha.  Not a good look for flakies - indirect sun/shade is the best way to see these pretties.  If you can still find them in Sally's, go get them!  They are limited edition.


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

Adele Shines at the Grammy's in Ciaté

Did you watch the Grammy's?  I'll admit, this year I passed.  I just didn't feel any pull to it like I have in years past.  However, there was lot of buzz about Adele's debut comeback, and she rocked some awesome nails to boot!  Please enjoy the following release from Ciaté!  (You may click the images to see them larger)

FingerPaints Black Expressionism

While purchasing the 5 FingerPaint flakies, I also got suckered into getting FingerPaints Black Expressionism, a black creme that dries matte.  Oh yes, matte.  Almost rubbery?  I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and no top coat.  I wished that had been a one coat black, but it really needed 2 coats to be fully opaque.

Now, the rubber/plastic/matte finish isn't as apparent here, but just give me a moment.  You can't see much because it is black with a black bottle, but yes opaque creme.

Now can you see the texture of this polish?  Kinda rubbery!  I'm calling it plastic, officially.  Anywho - nice creme base but I wish it was more of a one coat black.

Finally indoors with the flash - note how shiny this polish is without a top coat!  That part did make me happy.  :]


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

China Glaze Introduces Capitol Colours

I originally read the first chapter of the Hunger Games & immediately closed my iPad because I just wasn't really feeling it.  Well, one night I decided to open it back up & not only did I devour the first book but stayed up all night to read books 2 and 3.  While I'm not 100% pleased with the ending (and book 3 in general), it was a great book series, and I'm really excited about this polish collection just because it does corresponds to the books!  I know there has been a lot of ups and downs with this partnership for this collection but it's here and the only question is What Will You Be Wearing to the Opening Ceremonies?!  (I'm thinking of either a skittle of Districts 3-12 on my fingers or just District 12.  Districts 1 & 2 are too capitol for me.)

With THE HUNGER GAMES about to begin, Capitol citizens can show their support for their chosen district through China Glaze®’s exclusive Capitol Colours nail polish collection. The collection combines rich crèmes, soft shimmers and bold glitters to create the limited edition 12 shade nail polish collection inspired by the most anticipated movie release of the year.


The China Glaze® Capitol Colours collection includes the following shades:

Dress Me Up – A stripped down dark rose pink crème

Foie Gras – Decadent dark crème taupe

Fast Track – Soft sandy brown with a gold metallic shimmer

Hook and Line –Pearlescent light grey

Stone Cold – Matte slate grey with shimmer

Smoke and Ashes – Black-based teal with multicolored shimmer

Agro – Moss green with gold shimmer

Mahogany Magic – Reddish-brown crème

Harvest Moon – Crystalized copper shimmer

Riveting – Bright orange shimmer

Electrify – High-wattage gold and ruby red glitter blend

Luxe and Lush – A high octane flaky overcoat

The release of the collection follows the debut of the China Glaze® Capitol Colours consumer and beauty trade advertising campaign featuring the story’s Effie Trinket, who is assigned by the Capitol to escort and prepare the Tributes from District 12 for the 74^th Annual Hunger Games.  The ad features the tagline, “What will you be wearing to the opening ceremonies?,” encouraging fans of THE HUNGER GAMES to support their favorite tribute and district by wearing a corresponding shade.  Full-page ads will run in the March issues of teenVOGUE, People Style Watch and InStyle.

China Glaze® Capitol Colours will be available in early March 2012 at salons and specialty beauty retailers including Sally Beauty Supply and ULTA stores, coinciding with the release of THE HUNGER GAMES in theatres March 23, 2012.  Individual shades retail for $7.  The collection will be available in a 12-piece counter display as well as open stock colors.

China Glaze® is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze® nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook and Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze® is a division of American International Industries.

©LionsGate Films Inc. All Rights Reserved.  www.thehungergamesmovie.com

Lynnderella Shape Shifter

Another of my Lynnderella polishes today - this is Shape Shifter, a multi shaped silver/holographic glitter.  There literally is tons of different shapes - "shreds" (literally looks like someone cut up some glitter), bar, hexagonal, round, star, moon... here's a side bottle shot.

BAM.


I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, and 3 coats of Shape Shifter.  On my index and ring finger, I used a base of Sephora Black before adding the 3 coats of Shape Shifter.  I topped all nails with Lynnderella Glitter Tamer.

Now three coats doesn't really give me full coverage but it does give me lots of sparkle.  I still think I prefer it over black but maybe I do like it on the bare nail?  Oh I'm mixed.

Extreme sun!

Now, I love Glitter Tamer despite the smell because it makes my nails so smooth instead of having the glitter poke up and not be sealed well.

How many different shapes can you see on my nails?  Man I love this polish.

Finally indoors with the flash - not as exciting - the glitter tends to get lost in the nail and all the sparkle is hidden, but this is a great polish to play with in the sun.


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 etailer Llarowe for $15 a bottle.  Glitter Tamer sells for $8.00.

CND Daily Nail 2.14.12 Burgundy Bursts of Color at Naeem Khan

Down to the last 2 releases from CND for NYFW - please do enjoy!

CND Daily Nail 2.14.12

Burgundy Bursts of Color at Naeem Khan

February 14, 2012 - The CND Daily Nail wishes you a very Happy Valentine's Day! In tune with the heart pumping holiday, the runway showcased blood-red burgundy nails and gold metallic shades (engagement rings, anyone?):


At Naeem Khan, CND's Angi Wingle created a pure blood-red nail with CND Colour in Bloodline. This seductive manicure popped against the black, white, cream, and gold color scheme in the collection.

To accessorize Alexandre Herchcovitch's collection of excess and opulence, CND's Wanda Ruiz designed a "Midas Touch Manicure" with CND Colour in Gold Chrome topped with Air Dry Top Coat. This nail coupled with gold eyeshadow and metallic pieces on the runway amidst earthy neutrals, dusty rose and flesh tones.

Stay tuned for The CND Daily Nail during Fashion Week for show-by-show reports from:


• Milly
• The Blonds


To read Jan Arnold's daily backstage blog, please visit cnd.com. Track @CNDWorld during Fashion Week, on Facebook, Pinterest and on YouTube.

CND Muddy Rose

With all this CND news, I just had to check out a bottle that's been sitting in my box for awhile, unloved.  WHY HAVEN'T I LOVED YOU?  Muddy Rose is a core color - an opaque dark pink - mauve?  Whatever, I love this color.  I love you Muddy Rose.  I used a base of CND Stickey, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  I probably could have gone with just one coat of polish but I wanted to keep it super thin to make sure I had a proper manicure.

Interestingly look how much dark this polish appears on my nails than it does in the bottle!  Regardless, I'm in love - it's such a pretty neutral color!

In the shade, you get a bit more purple tone than pink - like a berry?  Are there berries this shade?  I want berries to be this shade.  Cough.

I think this indoors with the flash picture is probably the best color accurate picture - or at least the bottle looks like my nails!  Interesting that this creme is so much more than just a creme!  It's like - love in a bottle.  Okay, seriously, I love this color, you should get it.  Great application, great color.  Yep.


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

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’s Hot Nail Looks Ignite the Runway at Falguni & Shane Peacock’s Fall 2012 Show

Pure Ice has really been stepping it up! It's great to see them represented at NYFW. Please enjoy the following press release from Pure Ice.

Pure Ice’s Hot Nail Looks Ignite the Runway at Falguni & Shane Peacock’s Fall 2012 Show

Pure Ice by Bari Cosmetics is a line of cutting-edge nail enamels that are always on-trend and in style. As the nail sponsor of Falguni & Shane Peacock’s Fall 2012 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Pure Ice became the go-to for fall and winter’s hottest nail trends. Celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan used a combination of Pure Ice nails colors to achieve a nail look that was rocker-chic and completely unique, keeping in line with the ideals of the Falguni & Shane Peacock brand.

Inspired by dark, edgy glamour, Falguni & Shane Peacock’s Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection was based on pops of color worked into tribal prints. Since the Falguni & Shane Peacock brand was created with the philosophy that “life is too short to blend in” in mind, it’s no surprise that the nail look was dark yet beautiful with nails that were long, almond-shaped and painted to resemble flames.

Lisa created two nail options for the collection, all utilizing Pure Ice nail enamels, for a combination she described as “really grungy, but couture.” The first option was “Black Rage” (a black shade) as the base of the nail with “Siren” (a fiery red) at the tip, mixed with “Bite Me!” (a shimmery gold) and “Golden Ticket” (a gold glitter) on top. The second option was similar but Lisa used “Siren” as the base with “Black Rage” at the tip with “Bite Me!” and “Golden Ticket” on top. Lisa finished both looks by horizontally using a striping brush to create a look that resembled flames for nails that were bold, unconventional and provocative.

All Pure Ice nail enamels are free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP and contain Bari Cosmetics’ patented salon long-wear formula for a look that will last all season long. Retailing at only $1.99, these polishes are the perfect way to bring looks from the runway your way!

Visit the new blog www.pureicecosmetics.com

Pure Ice is available at Walmart stores and online at www.baricosmetics.com.

CND Daily Nail 2.13.12 Thinking Pink at Theory

Just a few more releases from NYFW - I've been watching BeautyJudy recreate some of them... now I want to! Please enjoy the following release from CND!

The CND Daily Nail 2.13.12

Thinking Pink at Theory

February 13, 2012 - During Day 5 of The CND Daily Nail, the catwalk showcased sophisticated and clean pink tones, and inky blue pigmented gem tones:


At Theory, Jin Soon Choi for CND designed clean and sophisticated pink nails with CND Colour in Marshmallow Rose. The designer preferred for both makeup and nails to provide a hint of color - and this subtle hint of pink shared blue undertones with the sheer lilac lip. The nail blended seamlessly with woven metallic and neutral fabrics, leather skirts and modern silhouettes.

CND's Wanda Ruiz designed "Deep Sea" digits at Karen Walker with inky CND Colour in Midnight Sapphire topped with Super Shiney Top Coat. This nail rocked the runway when paired with a coral lip and a "Sea Monsters"-inspired collection of mod jackets, high water trousers and pops of navy, fiery red and bold yellows.

Stay tuned for The CND Daily Nail during Fashion Week for show-by-show reports from:


• Alexandre Herchcovitch
• Milly
• Naeem Khan
• The Blonds


To read Jan Arnold's daily backstage blog, please visit cnd.com. Track @CNDWorld during Fashion Week, on Facebook, Pinterest and on YouTube.