Cult Nails Two Timer

More from the Cult Nails Deception Collection, this is Two Timer - a sheer yellow pearl with green shimmer that can transform your lacquer into a beautiful jade shimmer, which is what happened for me when I paired it with Cult Nails Nevermore (the 1 coat black creme).

Here it is in the sun - I love how instead of being a swirly gold like I thought it would be, it's this lovely green - perfect for fall!  I need to test this over more polishes to see what results it yields.

Here it is in the indirect light - very sweet green - happy times.

September 1-8, Maria is offering all 5 of the Deceptive Collection top coats for $40 (+ shipping).  If you want to wait, then you can purchase Charlatan for $10.  Definitely a fast favorite for me, and I can't wait to try it on other polishes (not just black).

Cult Nails [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram: CultNails] is available in their shop for $12 a 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.

C.O. Bigelow Highlights Italian Beauty Imports

I've always loved looking at C.O. Bigelow products but it's a bit hard to come by for someone in Texas.  Regardless, they are expanding their lines with some amazing Italian imports.  Please enjoy the following press release!  (All images courtesy of Tractenberg)

C.O. Bigelow has long been a New York Institution, known for carrying wonderful and unique products from around the globe. Their eclectic selection is one of the reasons that C.O. Bigelow has such a loyal customer base. New Yorkers-in-the-know and celebs have been flocking to C.O. Bigelow for years to pick up their fave items.

Italy has long been known for its exquisite craftsmanship and deep rooted traditions. This is the case for C.O. Bigelow’s latest Italian beauty imports, Alighiero Campostrini Season Soap Collection, Alighiero Campostrini Soap in Origano (Oregano) and Proraso Refreshing and Toning Formula Collection.

Alighiero Campostrini Season Soap Collection

§  For over a century Alighiero Campostrini in Florence, Italy has been producing luxurious, high-quality artisan soap using ancient Tuscan soap-making recipes and techniques. These coveted formulas have been used and guarded by the family since 1894, as well as the great cultural heritage of Italian soap production. True to this honored heritage, Alighiero Campostrini continues to produce soap according to these ancient traditions as it always has done, since its founding. Each unique bar is made by hand using antique bronze molds cherished by the company through the generations. 

§  Season Soap Collection is available in:

§  Bar Silk (Seta) - Vegetable Natural Bar Soap with Lettuce Extracts.

§  Linen (Lino) - Vegetable Natural Bar Soap with Marine Extracts.

§  Cotton (Cotone) - Vegetable Natural Bar Soap with Rosa Mosqueta Oil.

§  Cashmere (Cashmere) -  Extra mild vegetable bar soap.

Price: $10 each

Where to buy: Exlusively at C.O. Bigelow

 

Alighiero Campostrini Soap in Origano (Oregano)

This beautiful soap evokes a walk through warm Italian oregano-covered mountain paths bathed in sunlight. The speckles inside the soap are made with real oregano, renowned for its antiseptic and tonic properties, which give this soap a extremely gentle exfoliating property without scratching the skin. This bar produces a wonderfully creamy lather that leaves the skin feeling soft, fresh and lightly scented. Great for both men and women.

Price: $26

Where to buy: Exlusively at C.O. Bigelow

 

Proraso Refreshing and Toning Formula Collection

This refreshing and toning formula offers an immediate cooler feel after shaving. Eucalyptus oil purifies and tones the skin. Menthol invigorates and revitalizes, leaving skin feeling renewed and fresh. No parabens, No silicons, No mineral oils.

Price: Pre Shave Cream ($13), Shave Foam ($9), Shaving Cream ($10), Shave Soap in Jar ($9), After Shave Lotion ($14)

Where to buy: C.O. Bigelow & www.bigelowchemists.com

Layla Magneffect Softouch Deep Violet

I had written about the new Magneffect Softouch Effect polishes coming down the line from Layla Cosmetics, but the other day I decided to take a bottle with me to work and see how easy it is to apply!  Softouch mimics a matte polish but it's not really a matte because if you add a top coat, the polish remains matte - it doesn't get all shiny and sparkly like a normal matte polish would.  For this manicure, I did not use a base or top coat, just 2 coats of Deep Violet polish.  Layla Cosmetics does not stain and actually advocate that you do not use a base or top coat with their polishes.

As with most magnetic polishes, you have to work a bit quickly.  I would polish a nail, let it dry, add a second coat and then immediately flip over the cap where a line magnet is located.  I'd hold the magnet there for about 5 seconds, then admire the nail.  If the magnet effect looked off, I just painted another coat and tried again.  Thankfully I got it down on most fingers, the first time but had issues with my thumbs.

Here in the sun, you can see that it's a lovely deep blue purple polish that is fully opaque in 2 coats.  I don't mind the bar line magnet, even though Layla did just come out with more magnets but I left them at home.

Now in the shade it almost looks like I have a bald spot in my index finger, and I wonder if the polish was a bit thin there or not.

Indirect light - nothing new to report.  I wore this polish for over a day and I didn't have any problems with chipping or staining.

Indoors with the flash - need I say anything else?

Layla Magneffect Softouch Effect is available for $15.50 a 10ml bottle.

Layla Cosmetics is distributed to the US through the Luxcon Group who has a Facebook Page to several online websites including Ninja Polish, Zappos, AVEYOU, Brigette's Boutique, Amazon, and Drugstore.  It is also available at Ulta.

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

ORLY Fired Up

I first saw this collection at Cosmoprof and now it's available!  Please enjoy the following press release from ORLY!  (Images courtesy of LaForce-Stevens)

ORLY Fired Up 

Break free in fall 2012 with rich, high gloss shades

Set sprits ablaze this fall 2012 as ORLY introduces Fired Up - a dynamic collection created to showcase inner power. High gloss shades mimic the inner workings of the human body, providing a natural explosion of color. The collection ranges from fiery red and deep wine tones to bright accents of golden yellow and vibrant orange balanced by hues of pewter and chocolate brown. Lacquers in the Fired Up Collection offer a dynamite seasonal touch of color to fingers and toes.

The six lacquers in the Fired Up Collection include: 

Glow

Taupe Crème 

Flare

Pale Gold Shimmer 

Flicker

Rust Duo Chrome Shimmer

Ignite

Red Crème

Smolder

Deep Wine Shimmer

Rapture

Chocolate Brown Crème

All ORLY Nail Lacquers including the Fired Up Collection are free of DBP, Toluene and all traces of Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Resin.

The Fired Up Collection Lacquers will be available starting September 2012 for $8.50 each. ORLY Nail Lacquers and Treatment products are available at orlybeauty.com, Sally Beauty, Ulta and other purveyors of beauty throughout the U.S. and in over 100 countries worldwide. 

For more information visit us online at www.orlybeauty.com. 


Jeff Pink founded ORLY in 1975 with a simple idea: to innovate natural nail care. By creating leading-edge products and tools designed not only to beautify, but to respond to the needs of salon professionals, ORLY’s beauty experts have redefined nail care and nail fashion. ORLY’s dynamic color palette includes over 150 Lacquer shades that are completely free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene. As much a trendsetter as a nail care innovator, ORLY also introduced the first-ever iconic nail look: the Original French Manicure® and reinvented Lacquer application with the award-winning Gripper Cap™. ORLY embodies quality that beauty professionals in over 100 countries worldwide rely upon.

Sea Lore Attina

Image Courtesy of Sea Lore Facebook Page

I know I don't feature a lot of indie brands on PolishGalore but I'm trying to include more in my rotation.  Sea Lore was created by a woman in love with the sea and her first collection was named after the mermaids in The Little Mermaid.  I may not have seen the movie in almost 2 decades but I do recall the sisters in the beginning of the movie.  Today I have Attina, the oldest sister at 21 years young, who had an orange tail and seashell bra, brown hair in a up-do with a small crown.  

Image Credit: Disney Wiki

The bottles are sold in 7.5 ml and 15 ml bottles - this is the smaller bottle.  Attina is listed as a coral jelly polish with golden shimmer and golden iridescent flakies.  I thought maybe I could layer it over my LVX Ecru so the jellyness wouldn't be so sheer, but it didn't seem to be a good combination.  This is 2 coats of Attina.

After realizing that nude peach wasn't the best base, I decided to try over Sephora black, and then on its own (index finger).  Here in the sun, it looks more like gold shimmer and nothing else.

I flipped the bottle around here in the shade to try and show you more of the color.  Still a bad choice to layer it over nude - you really can't see all the color in the jelly.  However, the jelly is very sheer and not very buildable - best used as a top coat I feel.

Finally here in the indirect light you can see how well it covers in 2 coats over black but everything else just looks lost.  I'm not sure how much I'd wear this even though I love how unique the shreds of shimmer and flakies are irregular and place well on the nail - no need to fish them out.

Sea Lore [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram: sealorepolish] is sold in her shop in both 7.5 ml bottles for $5.50 and 15 ml bottles for $10.00.  She does ship internationally and offers gift certificates.

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

Nicole by OPI Fall 2012

Even though the nearest Target is over an hour away, I do stop in there from time to time and check out what they have in the beauty section.  Please enjoy the following from Nicole by OPI!  (All images courtesy of Harris Shepard)

Accessorize with Lacquer!

Nicole by OPI Launches Five NEW Fall Shades, Exclusively at Target

Nicole by OPI announces five new nail lacquers to be sold exclusively at Target this fall. With richly pigmented formulas in shimmering shades of deep blue, gold, purple, mauve and green, these five hues can be worn as the ultimate accessory to the season’s hottest styles, from military-inspired jackets and heavier brocades to micro floral prints and leather.

 “Nicole by OPI is excited to bring the fashion-forward Target guest new lacquers for the fall season,” remarks Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “Not only do the shades add the final touch to runway trends, the shimmery finish adds elegance and depth to these trendy colors.

The five new lacquers include:

For Gold Times Sake

Go on and try on this gold…

 

Iris My Case
Because this purple is amazing.
 
Just Busta Mauve
You will want to put on your dancing shoes to wear this one.
 
If the Blue Fits…
This blue fits all!

Mer-Maid for Each Other
This green is so hot it was made just for you!

  

Nicole by OPI nail lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. These new Target exclusive shades will be available August 2012 for $7.04 each at select Target locations nationwide and online at Target.com.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan! 

LVX Ecru

I first introduced you to LVX during Cosmoprof, and now they have launched their summer collection for sale on their website.  Today I was in need of a good "palette cleanser" so I chose Ecru, an opaque pink nude creme - super popular during the spring/summer season this year.  As you can see on the product page for Ecru, LVX was very inspired by the all nude looks that were on the runway.  I used a base of Poshe base coat, 2 coats of polish and a top of Cult Nails Wicked Fast.  Unfortunately, I felt like this specific polish was a bit chalky but it did even out after the second coat.

As you can see in the sun, it's a good color for mannequin hands, a trend I saw a lot last year on blogs.  I did really like how opaque this was in just 2 coats.

In the shade, you can see that it leans more pink than yellow for a nude (it looks more peach in the sun picture) but still is a great color.

This is probably my favorite picture of this polish - it's taken in some indirect light and just looks really smooth and pretty.

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.

Nail Files: Pageants & Parties & Plumbers, Oh My! Breakdown

Image Courtesy of TV Guide Network Facebook Page

Okay, seriously, I don't know what's wrong with my DVR, but I'm slightly angry (#firstworldproblems). First it didn't record Nail Files because "no new episode was airing" (uh what?), and then when it was time for the repeat at 11:00 CST, the episode was showing the information for Episode 2 when this is clearly Episode 4. Come on DirecTV, you're killing me here. 

In The Salon
Katie is hosting a party but Jin (the sponsorship guru) is not able to secure any money/sponsorships and Katie is going to have to dish out $10k.  Girl, that's like... a lot of months of work for me.  Sponsorships are definitely important when you're hosting a party.  With just a few days to go, Katie has to really kick it into high gear to get this party started ('on a Saturday night?') but then....

So above the shampoo bowl (are you kidding me?), the bathroom is leaking and a huge water bubble is puckering.  The girls have the bright idea to just pop it, but thankfully they call Katie first who thinks to call a plumber... who fixes the pipe but then leaves a hole in the ceiling.  Katie pulls in some awesome barter skills to get a contractor there TODAY and he pulls through.  No more worrying that your face will be covered in sewage while getting your hair washed.  (Ugh, I'm shuddering at that thought.)

Joyce - man I don't know what to even think about you.  Long story short, after apologizing to Katie for walking out last episode, she then texts Anna and gives a 2 week notice.  Hey real worlders: don't give your 2 week notice via text message.  It's a great way to be blacklisted from other jobs, especially when you do it and you're being filmed for a reality show.  Seriously?

Celebrity Sighting!
The amazing people of Quigley-Simpson.  They are seriously know what they are doing and I am so glad that Katie was able to meet with them.  They have worked with Chase, Oral-B, Olay, & Jillian Michaels to name a few.

In Katie's Life
In case you forgot, Katie was judging the Gold Coast Toddler's Pageant, and one of the pageant coaches was after Katie because she wasn't doing his niece's nails the way he wanted them (French tip).  Enjoy your 15 minutes dude, I'm sure it was worth it.  Meanwhile, the pageant is in full swing and Katie has said what a lot of us are thinking and it rhymes with "mutty."  Oh and time for the zinger - Katie deducted for French manicures on the kids.  HAH!  Can I high five you please?  

The Mish Mash
Katie, what is up with the smashed iPhone screen?  You need an Otterbox, fast.

Ah!!! Okay, so while I was at dinner with Katie, she showed us these 3D nails - and now on this episode she's TALKING about it!  Now, I know they were still in prototype in July but she had several designs in the works.  You can check my post here to see what she had set up - can't wait to see the final product!  (Also, you might recognize a certain someone in the pictures, but my mouth is hush hush on that part in case it's talked about later this season!)

Cult Nails Charlatan

Today I have my absolute favorite new top coat, from the new Cult Nails Deceptive Top Coats, this is Charlatan, a swirly pink and purple shimmer in the bottle but oh, just you wait!

I decided to layer one coat of Charlatan over my existing Nevermore manicure.  I did not use a top coat and still had exceptionally amazing results.

First in full sun, you can see that Charlatan transforms the normal black creme of Nevermore into a bright blue shimmer which is lovely on its own, no doubt.

Then I turned around to the shade and hello.  All of a sudden that royal blue is a light lavender!

Or is it purple and blue?

Multichromal goodness rawr.

I mean really, how lovely is this top coat?

And then I thought - hey, let's see what it looks like in some indirect sunlight.

Bam.  Winner.  Go buy it.

September 1-8, Maria is offering all 5 of the Deceptive Collection top coats for $40 (+ shipping).  If you want to wait, then you can purchase Charlatan for $10.  Definitely a fast favorite for me, and I can't wait to try it on other polishes (not just black).

Cult Nails [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram: CultNails] is available in their shop for $12 a 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.

Cult Nails Deceptive Top Coat Collection

Image Courtesy of CultNails.com

Cult Nails is coming out with a new 5 piece collection called the Deceptive Collection in September.  These are color shifting, color changing top coats that can be painted over your choice of colored lacquer.  You can see a mini-review on The Glossy Pages of Two Timer and Alter Ego (and buy them on Gloss48.com until the end of the week for $7!)

Here are my 2 teaser pictures for now.

Index to pinkie finger: Charlatan, Two Timer, Doppelganger, & Alter Ego.

One coat of top coat over one coat of Nevermore.  Started with Get It On base coat and sealed with Wicked Fast top coat.

Now for the goods.  Maria is having a special "preview pricing" September 1-8 with all 5 top coats offered for $40 (+ shipping).  Enjoy!

Cult Nails Nevermore

Coming soon to Cult Nails - it's this amazing one coat black creme Nevermore!  This will be launching in September along with the 5 new "toppers" or color changing top coats that Maria hinted about back in May 2012.  Right now, you can sign up for Gloss 48 for free and get 3 of the new toppers as well as many of your other Cult Nails favorites for only $7.  Fortunately, Nevermore is one of the colors on sale right now, so I have to show you how awesome this is.  

I used a base of Cult Nails Get It On, one coat of Nevermore and no top coat.  Yes, I have Cult Nails Wicked Fast but frankly, you don't need it.  Maria put something magical into this polish so that it dries to a super shiny finish - not rubbery, not matte, no shimmer... perfect.  While I love my cheap Sephora black, it's hard to find.  I love my CND Blackjack, but it's also hard to find.  Cult Nails?  Shop online and shipped with reusable cotton balls for packaging?  Fun times.

I have to apologize for the far away photos.  I was using my DSL camera to try and get some good pictures for Gloss 48, and well - I still need to learn how to use it.  Plus I want to buy a macro lens and well - I need to save some pennies up for that one (like 30,000 of them).

Look how amazingly shiny this polish is!  And opaque?  Oh yeah buddy.

To consistently have a one coat black creme for just $10?  Sold.  I'm sure this will be the second polish that I use until it's empty (the first being my CND Blackjack).  Love love love!  I'm a Cultie!

For your first look at the Color Altering Top Coats, please check out the post here written by moi on The Glossy Pages.  I'll be writing about them too but check it out on Gloss48... the sale only lasts until August 31st!

Cult Nails [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram: CultNails] is available in their shop for $12 a 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.

OPI New DS Shades

Please enjoy the following press release from OPI - all images courtesy of Harris Shepard.

Indulge in Luxurious Lacquers!

 OPI Launches New Diamond Dust-Infused Designer Series Shades for Fall 2012

            OPI releases two new high-shine hues – DS Indulgence and DS Luxurious – to join the Designer Series by OPI collection this fall. Fusing fashion and technology, the Designer Series lacquer formula is enhanced with real diamond dust, offering light reflecting, multidimensional color.

DS Indulgence, a radiant red-violet with a shimmering, golden finish, will launch along with DS Luxurious, a captivating coral-red with a golden glisten. With these two additions, Designer Series by OPI will offer 12 glitter-filled, highly-saturated, breathtaking colors.

            “Red nails are the epitome of glamour, and this fall OPI is adding two dazzling reds to the Designer Series line,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “With vivid color and intense shimmer and shine, these lacquers create a bold, high-fashion accessory statement. DS Indulgence provides a deeper, classic red look, while DS Luxurious incorporates rich auburn pigments.”

Designer Series by OPI nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. DS Indulgence and DS Luxurious will be available beginning September 2012 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $12.50 ($14.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer. 

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com.  Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

###

ABOUT OPI

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.