Gimme That Glow

Introducing NEW Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy™

2012-05-25T18:19:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you're ready for summer but I sure am! As the temperature heats up one of my go-to styles is curly hair. Since I wear my hair naturally curly that means more conditioning and daily maintenance to make sure it remains healthy and in tip top shape. There's a new product that I'm really excited about that nurtures your hair starting with the scalp!

Did you know that 99% of hair's natural strength & beauty comes from the scalp? The brand new CLEAR SCALP & HAIR THERAPY™ takes a new approach to caring for hair. The entire new line is designed to start with the scalp, the true source of well-nourished, healthy hair.

Benefits

Stonger, more beautiful hair in 7 days (less breakage upon combing vs. non conditioning shampoo)
CLEAR MEN SCALP THERAPY™: Clinically proven 100% dandruff protection
CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ ULTRA SHEA: Formulated with Nutrium 10™ Moisture Lock System- a rich blend of shea butter and natural oils, including Vitamin E, sunflower, coconut, almond, soybean, argan, and palm
Have your #BestNightEver

What's your #BestNightEver? Dinner with friends, going out dancing, seeing a movie? Great hair makes you feel great no matter what you do so let CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ make every night your #BestNightEver!

Watch the videos at see.walmart.com/clear to see the results of real mom bloggers who experienced the new breakthrough approach in hair care for themselves.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Lunchbox.

Braun Silk-epil 7 Wet & Dry Epilator Review + Giveaway!

2012-05-24T01:54:00.001-04:00

Now that summer is swiftly approaching it's time to break out of those cool weathered clothes and show some skin! But before you hop into those summertime sundresses and swimsuits you've gotta make sure that your skin is ready to be seen. Personally, I've tried just about everything when it comes to removing unwanted hair and have yet to decide on just which method I like best. I was recently approached with the opportunity to try out an Epilator by Braun. I have to admit that I was totally clueless as to what exactly an epilator was because I had honestly never heard of it until now.

An epilator is basically an electronic device that removes unwanted hair by simultaneously grasping multiple hairs and pulling them out at once. You can think of it as a dozen tiny tweezers all working at the same time.The epilator that I got to try out is the Braun Silk-epil 7. The cool thing about this model is that it can be used either wet or dry. The device claims that it's able to remove the shortest of hairs even as tiny as a grain of sand. It features 40 tweezers with a close-grip technology for thorough hair removal. It's also cordless! All you have to do is charge it and its ready for use. If you've never used an epilator before I would suggest checking out Braun's epilation page which has a lot of helpful information!

The Silk-epil 7 comes with instructions, a charger, brush, an effcienctPro cap,

and a set of wet Pre-Epilation wipes.

Braun Silk-epil 7 Wet & Dry Epilator

An up close look at the tweezers.

Glow: I'm not sure where to even start other than this little device is simply amazing and oh so powerful! Braun also sells different attachment caps separately that can be used on different areas of your body such as underarms, bikini area and even your face! Since this particular model only comes with the standard caps I only used it on my legs. The epilator can be used dry or wet so I decided to test it on one leg completely dry and the other leg in the shower. Upon initial use it took a minute or two to get the hang of figuring out which direction was best to use the device. This all depends on what direction your hair grows in, which can sometimes vary. So I found that what worked best for me was simply an upward and downward motion. The hair came off effortlessly on both legs. The epilator has a dial wheel that powers the device on and it has 2 different settings; extra gentle and extra efficient. It also has a smart light that stays on while the device is in use which helps you see every hair. I like that it's very easy to clean, the attachment caps come apart and the small brush that comes with it allows you to get in all the corners to remove the stray hairs.

Glare: Well, prior to using this my main concern was "does it hurt" ? Yes, it does. In comparison to waxing, threading, and plucking does it hurt the worst? To me, it does. I can only speak from my personal experience as everyone's tolerance level of pain is different. I consider myself to have a pretty high tolerance which is why I believe I was able to get through both legs. It's definitely not excruciating or anything but it's surely an awkward feeling when you first use it. It feels sort of like tiny pinches going across your skin. After testing both legs, one wet one dry I found that wet worked best for me. Honestly using it in the shower under warm water really made a HUGE difference for me and it helped soothe my skin during the removal process. If you do decide to use it dry, just make sure that you put a towel down beneath you because the hair does fly out a little bit. The bottom line is that the pulling of the hairs does take some getting used to but much like any other hair removal process once you do it a few times you become more and more tolerable to it.

Would I Recommend It? I really would, while it's definitely not for the faint of heart it does deliver great results. Would this be my go-to method of hair removal every single time? Probably not. The results lasted for about a good week and a half before I felt the stubble growing back. Oh! And I'm so happy to report that I experienced ZERO skin irritation which is a huge plus for me ^_^ I'm also definitely considering buying a couple of the other attachments to see how it works in more sensitive areas such as my underarms.

Where To Buy: The Braun Silk-epil 7 Wet & Dry Epilator along with other models are currently available at various retailers nationwide. Prices and styles vary by store, to learn more or to find a retailer location near you please visit http://www.braun.com. You can also click here to see a video of the epilator in action and click here to learn more about their other models.

ON TO THE GIVEAWAY!!!

The people over at Braun were kind enough to offer this awesome epilator to one of our readers here at Gimme That Glow! One lucky reader will win their very own Braun Silk-epil 7 Wet & Dry Epilator. This contest is open to U.S. residents only and ALL entries will be verified! Use the widget below for instructions and to enter. Good Luck! (It may take a second for the widget to load, if you're having trouble please refresh or leave me a comment)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

Step Into Summer | What's Hot This Season

2012-05-22T03:44:00.000-04:00

Summer's almost in full effect and I'm definitely looking forward to the beautiful weather. One of the things that I love most about the season is being able to try some of the latest summer trends. From hair, style, and even vodka check out some of the things that made my Hot Summer Trend list below!

While I promised myself that I wasn't going to dye my hair again for a very long time, I have truly fallen in love with ombre hair!! Ombre has been around for a long time but I've seen a lot of celebs and stylists bringing it back front and center and I truly adore the look! I think it's such a fun summer style that can instantly brighten up your features and it's something different from typical highlights.

Mint green has become one of my current favorite colors and it's also a growing trend that I've seen pretty much everywhere. From accessories to clothes and even nail polish I think this beautiful hue serves as the perfect "step into summer " shade along with being a guaranteed conversation starter ^_^

Don't call it a comeback! Retro sunglasses are another style trend that just keeps coming back full circle. Sunglasses are definitely my summertime weakness and the perfect accessory for any look. Maybe you're headed to the beach or just want a stylish pair of frames to rock all summer long either way there's always a pair that has you covered!

There's nothing like winding down from a hot summer day than puckering up to a cool tasty drink! Pucker Vodka is a great way to express your fun, flirty and sassy self ^_^ They carry a range of six intense vodka flavors including Lemonade Lust, Raspberry Rave, Sour Apple Sass, Cherry Tease, Grape Gone Wild, and Citrus Squeeze. They even have a cool list of recipes where you can play bartender and mix your own drink ;o) check it out here!

Be sure to visit Pucker Vodka's facebook page and share which flavor sounds the tastiest to you! https://www.facebook.com/puckervodka

Break up with boring vodka! Pucker® Vodka is a premium vodka with unique flavors added that will give you a taste experience that’s as intense as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a house party or out on the town, the bold flavors are perfect for sipping, mixing and dancing the night away! http://www.puckervodka.com/

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Pucker Vodka via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pucker Vodka.

OPI Announces NEW! Pure Lacquer Nail Apps

2012-05-18T05:07:00.000-04:00

OPI launches Pure Lacquer Nail Apps for instantaneous manicures and pedicures created using precut nail strips made of 100% real nail lacquer – providing a high-gloss finish, long-lasting wear and zero dry time. Offered in both cream and shimmer finishes, Nail Apps are available in 14 different styles – ranging in design from edgy snake print and fishnet to feminine gold lace and floral.

“Nail art has become increasingly popular, with both consumers and trained professionals,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Pure Lacquer Nail Apps provide the perfect way to get a one-of-a-kind look that simply cannot be replicated by hand. Each nail strip is made of 100% real nail lacquer for a flawless final look with easy application.”

Combining base and color in one convenient product, Nail Apps adhere to nails in seconds and can be stretched for a perfect fit. Each pack contains 16 strips to ensure perfect sizing for all finger and toe nails. For best results, this product should not be finished with top coat. Simply remove with an acetone polish remover like OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover before trying a new design.

“To make Nail Apps last even longer, upgrade your service by having your manicurist cure the nail strips with a GelColor Top Coat. With this addition, Nail Apps will last up to two weeks,” explains Weiss-Fischmann. “If you chose at-home application, place each Nail App carefully, trimming where necessary. Top coat is not recommended. Within minutes, your nails will be uniquely designed like never before!”

Pink & Silver Lace and

Blue & Gray Rattlesnake

Fishnet and

Floral

Geometric Sparkle and

Gold Lace

Metallic Waves and

Parisian

Sequins and

Zig Zag Sparkle

Girly Glam and

Reptile

Pink And Black Lace and

Peacock

Pure Lacquer Nail Apps are available at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for the suggested retail price of $11.95.

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

Karmin Titanium Pink Flat Iron Review + My First Time Straightening My Hair In 4 Months, Lots Of Growth!

2012-05-18T04:28:00.001-04:00

Those of you who've been keeping up with my hair journey know that I've been wearing my hair curly for quite some time now. Well, this year marks my 4th year of being completely natural! Up until now it's been exactly 4 months since I've last straightened my hair. I was recently approached with the opportunity to try out the Karmin Titanium Pink Flat Iron. So I figured what better time to stretch my hair out and see just how much it's grown.

If you're not familiar with Titanium plates let me just be the first to tell you that they are absolutely amazing!! Last year a friend actually introduced me to a pair of titanium flat irons by another brand and when I tell you that it changed my entire life -i'm not joking lol I haven't touched a ceramic flat iron since. The Karmin Titanium Flat Iron prides itself on having superior performance and even boasts on being one of the best flat irons you'll ever use. Well, did it live up to it's claims? Check my full review below to find out.

2012 Karmin Titanium 1" Pink Professional Flat Iron

This is the before pic of my hair blown out right after washing.

My results after flat ironing. I was really shocked at all the growth!!

me being "extra"....lol

Check out that shine!!

Glow: Anytime I get a new flat iron I always inspect the body and the location of the power buttons and temperature settings. On the Karmin, all of the settings are located on a turn style wheel in the inner part of the handle, I love that it's about a good inch way from the actual plates which minimizes the risk of burning yourself. The flat irons can go up to a temperature of 460 degrees which is the setting I used on my hair. The irons also heat up super fast so I had less than a 60 second wait time. They also have an automatic sleep mode which shuts the irons off after 1 hour which is great to consider for safety. The thing that I absolutely love the most about this flat iron is that unlike ceramic the titanium plates use an ion field technology that evenly distributes heat, removes static, and seals in natural oils producing silkier, shiner hair. Even as thick as my hair is when blown out I was able to get super straight results on the first application without having to reapply the irons on the same section several times. I also noticed that my hair was incredibly shiny, smooth, and had a lot of body!

Glare: None! There's truly nothing I dislike about these irons. The only precaution that I can think of is to just be careful with the temperature settings. I used the max of 460 degrees but only because I know my hair is strong enough to handle it. If you have finer hair then of course you would want to use a lower temperature setting.

Would I Recommend It? I definitely would! With all honesty, after wearing my hair curly for 4 months straight I was a little skeptical on just how straight I would be able to get it. I must say that I'm very pleased with the results! For natural hair I highly recommend using an iron like Karmin with titanium plates. The bottom line is they get you the results you want and won't damage your hair in the process.

Where To Buy: The Karmin Titanium Professional Flat Iron comes in black and pink and currently retails for $89.98 at Hair Products Pro. To purchase or to learn more please visit http://hairproductspro.com.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

Budget Basics | How To Find The Best Deals On Everyday Beauty Items

2012-05-17T04:28:00.001-04:00

Anyone on a budget knows that trying to save money can be challenging. Sometimes we get so caught up in our goal that we forget to treat ourselves every now and then. Doing something good for yourself doesn't always mean having to sacrifice needs for pleasantries. In fact there are tons of deals within reach of our fingertips, the key is knowing where to look for them. Whether you're looking for everyday beauty items or even discounts on your favorite fashions, I have a few tips that will help you save and indulge without breaking the bank.

Coupons
And no I'm not talking about the old fashion coupon clipping we watched our mother do every Sunday. I'm talking about virtual coupons. One of the first things to remember about being a savvy shopper is that deals aren't going to just fall into your hands, you have to make the effort to look for them.
Tip: The next time you're filling up your virtual shopping cart at one of your fave e-retailers stop and do a Google search for coupon and discount codes right before you checkout. There are a variety of websites that provide special promotion codes for free shipping and various discounts. Imagine the amount of money you could save if you did this with every purchase!

Clearance
Another one of my favorite ways to find beauty deals is to to check the weekly flyer's of some of my favorite drugstores. Some of the most popular drugstores occasionally promote seasonal discounts and super clearances on drugstore makeup brands. During these sales you can save big, sometimes 20-50% off on merchandise. Some stores even offer BOGO deals on specific items.
Tip: Aside from checking the weekly store flyer's also make sure that you subscribe to their websites by email, that way all future promotions will be delivered straight to your inbox and you'll never miss out on an upcoming deal!

Circle The Discount Stores
I'm almost to the point where I don't shop at fancy Department Stores at all anymore. This is because I've discovered the joy of the mecca of bargain stores like Marshall's, Ross and TJ Maxx. Discount stores like these offer designer fashions that you'd find in high-end Department Stores at a fraction of the cost! I mean who wouldn't want to find those exact same sparkly $200 designer heels marked down to $80? But what's the catch? Most discount stores carry items that are cancelled orders and sometimes slightly flawed. So occasionally you have to weed through merchandise to find your treasure.
Tip: Use the buddy system when bargain shopping. Take a girlfriend along with you to help sort through items. An extra pair of ears and eyes can help you keep things into perspective and at the end of the day you both rack up on deals ^_^

How do you save on everyday beauty items?

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Fifth Third Bank via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of my own and are not indicative of the opinions of Fifth third Bank.

The True You | 5 Tips On How To Stay Fierce Without Compromising Yourself

2012-05-16T04:06:00.001-04:00

The older I get the more I'm able to see how much I've changed. Not just physically but also mentally and spiritually. I'm definitely not the same person I was a few years ago and I've come to realize that's perfectly fine. One of my biggest obstacles has been my journey to discovering who I truly am, completely and wholly. In my venture of finding the true me, I have incorporated a few things into my life that I'd like to share which have each helped me to stay true to myself without compromise.

5 Tips To The True You

Laugh:

Laughter is medicine for the soul. I'm a silly person by nature and I absolutely love to laugh. Laughter releases endorphin's which are the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals. It has the ability to relieve stress, relax muscles, and it even burns calories ;o) Try having a fun night out with friends or curling up to one of your favorite comedies.

Make Yourself Glow:

We often forget to take the time out to just take care of ourselves. Stress is one of the leading causes to medical problems but there are simple things that we can incorporate into our lives that can prevent it. Everyone deserves a moment to breathe without having to deal with the weight of the world. Take time out to get to know yourself. You can do this by treating yourself to a day at the spa, taking a walk in the park, reading a book, doing yoga, or even creating a personal blog or journal -writing is a great way to release things on your mind and help put things into perspective.

Don't Worry About How Others Perceive You:
Growing up, I was always shy and overly concerned about what people would think if I wore this or if I did that. Those very fears lead to me being afraid to take risks and I felt like I was living my life inside of a confined box. I've learned that in order to become the true you, you have to let go of these fears and just live life according to you. There's a famous quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that says "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." which is very true. Just remember that everyone's not always going to be in your corner but being confident and content with who you are sends the message "I am who I am and I will not conform based on others perceptions."

Be Open:
This has been probably one of the hardest things for me to do and I'll admit that I'm still a work in progress. I've always had sort of a quiet and reserved personality and it takes a lot for me to be completely open. But I've learned that being open about your feelings and insecurities can work as a healing process. People relate to honesty and just simply being yourself. We all have imperfections but it's all about how you choose to deal with them. If you can point out 5 things that you dislike about yourself try finding 10 things that you love. Creating a balance and re-positioning your thoughts can open your eyes in a whole new direction.

Live Freely:
Living freely can mean a lot of different things but for me it's all about doing what feels good. Whether it's buying a new bold shade of lipstick or taking a spontaneous road trip by yourself; the goal is to embrace self expression and individuality. About 4 years ago I started my journey to natural hair, not because I wanted to be a part of some type of movement but because it just felt good to me. Trying new things is an easy way to discover more about yourself.

How do you stay true to yourself?

Whether you're wearing your natural hair in tightly-coiled curls, loose ringlets, flowing waves or super straight, new Motions Naturally You products are specially-formulated to moisturize your hair with essential natural oils. Embrace the incredible beauty of your natural hair with Motions naturally You. For more information visit us at www.motionshair.com.

Beautiful hair deserves to be shared. Stay fabulous with Motions on Facebook and Twitter

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Motions via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Motions.

AMBI® Skincare Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser, Daily Moisturizer, and Fade Cream Review

2012-05-14T23:12:00.000-04:00

I recently got a chance to try out a few products from AMBI Skincare Regimen Collection. The products include AMBI's Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser, Daily Moisturizer, and their #1 rated Fade Cream. I face a lot of personal challenges when it comes to my skin. One of my most problematic areas is discoloration and hyperpigmentaion. I have oily skin that is prone to breakouts and scaring which is why I'm always eager to try products that can help even out my complexion.

AMBI's Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser and Daily Moisturizer are supposed to help visibly improve skin tone, texture and help clear and prevent breakouts. The Fade Cream helps to fade dark spots and to reveal a more even, natural skin tone.

Glow: I used all three products everyday over a two week period and via the instructions I used the fade cream twice a day to maximize my results. I'll start with what I liked about each product. At first glance the Foaming Cleanser by far is my favorite. I started my regimen each night by using the cleanser. The formula is really rich but also very lightweight and a little goes a long way so you really only need like a nickel sized amount to surface your entire face and neck. I love that the cleanser didn't leave my face feeling tight or too dry. After washing my face I followed up with the Daily Moisturizer for my next step. The moisturizer is packed with vitamins C & E and also contains SPF 30 which is a huge plus. I really like that the moisturizer isn't greasy which is very beneficial to my oily skin. Last, I applied the Fade Cream to all of my problem areas which suffer from discoloration. The fade cream goes on super smooth!

Glare: Honestly, I have no cons about this collection. The scent has sort of a natural aroma to it but it's nothing that lasts or stands out. I actually prefer my skin products not to have overpowering smells or fragrances so I am definitely pleased!

Would I Recommend It? Absolutely!!

Overall Glam: Even after just 2 weeks of use I have definitely noticed a significant difference in the texture of my skin. It's amazingly smooth and so soft, I literally can't stop touching my face!!! I have sensitive skin and I love that the products are very delicate and they don't irritate my skin at all. While I haven't been using the fade cream long enough to tell a major difference (the directions say it takes up to 3 months to notice a change) I have definitely noticed that the ares I've been applying it seem much smoother. My scars don't feel as rough as before and the texture has began to smooth out nicely. Overall, I'm extremely pleased with AMBI's skincare collection and I look forward to more results from the fade cream over the coming weeks!

The experts in skin of color, brings you a skin care regimen to help you achieve flawless skin. Use AMBI®’s Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser to help clear breakouts and reduce dark marks. Follow with Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, so skin will look even and smooth. And AMBI®’s #1rated Fade Cream, diminishes dark spots and discoloration, for a beautiful and natural skin tone.

Compensation was provided by AMBI® via glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AMBI®.

Own The Look | Stars Step Out In Style at the 2012 Met Gala + Hit and Miss Picks

2012-05-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

Last night tons of celebrities hit the red carpet at the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in New York. The night was filled with stylish and some well, um....questionable attire as Hollywood's well known stars came to show their support. Check out a few of my personal picks for hits and misses below.
Lets start with the HIT's!

I'm just gonna start with the showstopper, Beyoncé SLAYED in a black sheer heavily embellished dress by Givenchy. I honestly don't think anyone else could've worn this dress quite like Queen Bey! I also love that she wore neutral makeup and a sleek ponytail because with a dress like this you definitely don't need to over accessorize.

Check out her train!!! *faints*

I really do love Paula Patton and she usually gets it right in the style department. She looked stunning in a lavender gown by Vera Wang.

January Jones was another favorite! I absolutely love her gown, the color, the cut and the accessories! She looked like a fashionista superhero in Versace lol ^_^

Lala Anthony looked amazing as always alongside her hubby wearing a gorgeous blue Zac Posen gown.

Chanal Iman pictured alongside Tom Ford wore one of his gowns. I didn't get a chance to get a glimpse of the entire dress but from what I can see it's simply gorgeous very elegantly sexy.

Leighton Meester showed up in a gorgeous lace gown complete with tulle by Marchesca. I love her entire look!

Rihanna was sort of in between Hit and Miss for me. I do love her snake skin for fitted dress by Tom Ford BUT her hair is horrible! This would've been a great moment to pull out one of those backup plan wigs, the hair took away from her look to me.

Peep the back!

Oh Solange! How I love thee, let me count the ways!!! Let me just say that I am a huge fan of this girl and her style! She always stays so true to herself and it definitely shows. She looked absolutely AH-MAZING in a canary yellow dress by Rachel Roy. I also love her huge bouncy curls, flawless!
Her accessories were also drool worthy!

Now here are a few that just didn't quite do it for me.

Oh, dear....Let me just start by saying that I really want to like Lana Del Ray so bad but she just won't let me! She takes beautiful professional photos and sings really well -in the studio, but outside of that she's boring and weird. I love how she manages to look unenthusiastic about life and breathing at every function she attends. The cape is just uh...reminds me of little red riding hood, the sequin dress is by Altuzarra. You know the longer I stare at her dress the more I like it, it actually kinda works for her morbid style and personality. I just want her to fix her face (as in smile) for a change!

As much as I loved the Olsen sisters growing up, I hate to say it but their style always disappoints me :o( Being designers I just expect so much more from them. MaryKate Olsen wore a self designed black gown which was rather granny'ish in my opinion :-/ They just never look youthful to me and this dress certainly doesn't help.

This was a hard one to do because Janelle Monae is just so cute and lovable! She wore a black satin jumpsuit adorned with jewels at the waist. Something about this just doesn't feel quite right. Although I do appreciate the change because she normally shows up to events wearing her signature tuxedo, I'd actually love to see her in a dress!

This was another hard one because I LOOOOVE Eva Mendes with all my heart! But the Prada gown just isn't complete. I love the orange color it looks amazing on her skin tone. The gaudy black and white buttons on the top are what makes this dress a bust for me.

Full leather evening gowns are just never okay in my book. Rosario Dawson is a gorgeous girl and I feel like this Calvin Klein dress did her no justice. And I'm not sure who accessorized her but it looks like her dress, earrings, and clutch showed up for three separate events :o(
Well, those are my Hit and Miss picks from the entire event! Was there anything you loved or hated about some of these fashions? I want to hear about it!

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Introduces New Products for Summer 2012

2012-04-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

Summer fun under the sun can impart a healthy glow, but it can also leave you high and dry! Naturally revitalize and nourish thirsty lips this summer with Mighty Shiny Lip Gels. Available in seven refreshingly mouthwatering shades that are perfect for all skintones, Mighty Shiny Lip Gels are long-lasting and always petroleum, fragrance, mineral oil, and cruelty-free.

- Renew lips with Confessed, a juicy watermelon-red
- Exposed is a crisp, sheer grape
- Pucker up with Revealed, a sheer peach-pink with gold shimmer
- Go au naturel with hydrating Stripped -clear with an iridescent shimmer
- Bared is a ripe for the picking and is a sheer, soft peach
- Liven up with Unveiled, a sheer, shimmery bright pink

Key Ingredients include:
- Momordica Grosvenorii Fruit Extract -the "longevity fruit," rich in antioxidants to help fight free radicals that cause premature aging. - Jojoba Seed Oil - emollient source of Vitamin E; especially beneficial for chapped, dry skin - Meadowfoam Seed Oil - conditioning agent that revitalizes thirsty lips - Sweet Almond Oil - rich in oleic acid and linoleic acids, proteins and Vitamin D to soften skin

Youngblood also introduces two new shades of their Luminous Creme Blush. The oil-free forumla contains:
- Allantoin - a moisturizing bootanical that is an effective anti-irritant - Jojoba Esters - an excellent emollient
The two new shades include:
Plum Satin A rose-berry shade with a hint of shimmer

Pink Cashmere A lively, matter carnation pink

Photo Credit: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

GIVEAWAY | Win nuNAAT's Ultra Keratin Touch Smoothing Kit

2012-04-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

nuNAAT's Ultra Keratin Touch is a revolutionary, new volume reducing and smoothing treatment that works with the natural textures of your hair. This quick and easy, do-it-yourself hair smoothing system is suitable for all hair types and lasts up to 30 days. Very curly hair will become smoother, while naturally straight hair will appear healthier and shinier. Extremely coarse hair types will see a reduction in frizz and curl. All hair types will notice restored shine and bounce for an all-natural look.

Each kit includes Ultra Care Shampoo, Ultra Smoothing Gloss and Ultra Care Conditioner and is retailed at $24.99. For more info please visit http://www.ultrakeratintouch.com/ and http://nunaat.com/.

Two lucky winners will win their very own nuNAAT Ultra Keratin Touch Kit. This contest is open to U.S. residents only and ALL entries will be verified! Use the widget below for instructions and to enter. Good Luck! (It may take a second for the widget to load, if you're having trouble please refresh or leave me a comment)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

OPI | Minnie Mouse Inspired Collection | Swatches + Review

2012-04-24T06:55:00.002-04:00

If you're a Disney fan then OPI's new Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection should definitely be on your radar. The collection features 4 limited edition shades each inspired by Minnie Mouse -one of Disney's most beloved characters. The line includes a pink crème lacquer, one frosted red shade, a shimmery fuchsia, and a heart glitter confetti. Check out swatches and my full review below.

The Color Of Minnie

I'm All Ears

If You Moust You Moust

Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It

Paired with If You Moust You Moust

Glow: Like always with OPI the formula in each lacquer is consistent and goes on super smooth. If I have to pick a favorite out of the bunch it's definitely If You Moust You Moust - a prissy clear pink micro-glitter filled with light pink hearts.

Glare: The cremes didn't really do it for me this go round because the colors seem so typical and like something I've seen before. I really expected to see a wider range of shades than just reds and pinks. I'm hoping that they decide to expand this collection and include more variety.

Would I Recommend It? Eh, if you're a girly-girl and love all things Minnie then these just may be right up your alley. I'm not overjoyed about the selection of colors and honestly for a collection that sounds so exciting it's borderline boring :-/

Where To Buy: The limited edition Minnie Mouse Collection will be released this June. They will be available and selected retailers nationwide and each bottle retails for $8.50. To purchase or to learn more please visit http://www.opi.com/.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

OPI | The Amazing Spider-Man Collection | Swatches + Review

2012-04-24T05:08:00.001-04:00

OPI's new limited edition Spider-Man collection is set to be released this May. The shades are inspired by Sony Pictures movie The Amazing Spider-Man which comes out in July. This collection features six new shades along with a shatter. Check out swatches and my review of the full collection below.

Your Web Or Mine?

A pink frost

Into The Night

A blue shimmer

Number One Nemesis

A dark shimmery green

Just Spotted The Lizard

A gold/green duo-chrome

My Boyfriend Scales The Walls

A crisp creme white

Call Me Gwen-Ever

A bright coral

Shatter The Scales

Paired With Your Web Or Mine?

Shatter The Scales

Paired with My Boyfriend Scales The Walls

Shatter The Scales

Paired with Call Me Gwen-Ever

Glow: Out of all of these I think my favorite by far is Just Spotted The Lizard. I like it because it has such a 2 dimensional tone to it, the duo-chrome finish reflects gold and green. I also love that they included a shatter with this collection because when paired with a few of these shades it really gives way to the Spider-Man theme they were going for.

Glare: Well...I must be honest and say that when I initially saw this collection I would've never predicted some of the shades that are included. But I guess they were going for something less predictable. I just find some of the colors weird like the pink and coral. With Spider-Man being such a recognizable character I just expected colors like a bold red and maybe a bright blue. The green shatter looks amazing on the bright colors but it has much less of an appeal when paired with some of the darker shades.

Would I Recommend It? Any true Spider-Man fan would probably be more than pleased with this collection. I like the collection overall but I'm not sure that there are any must-have's in my opinion.

Where To Buy: The full Spider-Man collection is set to hit stores this May. Each bottle retails for about $8.50 and are available at selected retailers nationwide. To purchase or to learn more please visit http://www.opi.com/.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

Girls With Curls | Softn'Free's "Nothing But" Natural Hair Collection | Photos + Review

2012-04-23T10:56:00.000-04:00

So you know that I'm still on my quest to find the best natural hair products or at least the ones that work best for me. Which is why I'm always enthused to try new products! Softn'free has introduced Nothing But, their new full range natural hair care line. The collection includes seven products, each designed to take care of your specific natural hair care needs. The unique thing about Nothing But is that while they don't consist of 100% natural ingredients they are free of the 5 common harsh ingredients found in most hair products including; petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, colorants or phthalates.

Products in the collection include a Clarifying Shampoo, Cleansing Conditioner, Intense Healing Mask, Curly Pudding, Curl Wake Up Spray, Curl Sealer and Mold & Hold Wax. Check out my review of the entire collection below.

Nothing But

Clarifying Shampoo & Curl Wake Up Spray

The Clarifying Shampoo is designed to gently cleanse the hair and scalp. I really like this shampoo mainly because of its cleansing properties. I have oily hair which means that there's usually a build up when it's time to wash my hair so using a shampoo that has the ability to get my hair squeaky clean is ideal for me. The shampoo lathered really well and the formula is rich so a little goes a long way. I haven't had a chance to use the Curl Wake Up Spray yet but it is a virtually weightless natural shine booster, that is supposed to make curls rise and shine.

Nothing But

Cleansing Conditioner & Intense Healing Mask

The Cleansing Conditioner is a gentle co-wash that's designed to leave the curl pattern intact after cleansing. After shampooing my hair I followed up with the cleansing conditioner. The formula of the conditioner didn't have the thickness that I'm used to but I suppose that's because of its "cleansing" properties. It didn't really work well for my hair because the product didn't really help to detangle my curls. I have to admit that's a huge let down for me because detangling is the most important part of my hair routine.

The Intense Healing Mask is formulated to give curls the ability to absorb moisture from all sides, balancing each strand's porosity. Ringlets and spirals become strong and resistant to breakage, even when combed. After cleansing my hair with the shampoo and conditioner I followed with the Intense Healing Mask, per directions I combed it through my damp hair and left it on for about 10-15 minutes. While I haven't used this mask long enough to see it's healing properties I did notice that my hair felt smooth and tamed as I rinsed it out.

Nothing But

Curly Pudding, Mold & Hold Wax & Curl Sealer

The Curly Pudding is a smooth textured cream that's perfect for wash-and-wear styles including curls, locks and two-strand twists. I have to be honest that I don't have an avid interest in puddings and creams on my hair because they don't always give me much curl definition.

The Curl Sealer is easily my favorite out of the collection. It's designed to add shine and maintain moisture. It definitely delivered, it gave my hair tons of definition and minimized the frizz!

The Mold & Hold Wax supposedly has a non-flake formula that makes versatile styling of twists, locks and knots much easier. As soon as I opened the wax I was extremely intimated because the formula is really stiff and appears to be hard. I have semi-fine hair so using this all over my head was not an option for me because I feared it may cause crunchiness or breakage. Now it may work well with styles like braids and twist-outs but I don't do those much. Instead I used it to tame my edges and it definitely works like a gel. Unfortunately once it dried it did flake up so I'm glad I didn't use this all over my hair.

Nothing But

Curly Pudding

The texture is super creamy!

Nothing But

Mold & Hold Wax

The wax is really thick and sorta hard but it begins to melt as you rub it through your hands.

Below are my results after trying a wash and go using the Nothing But Curly Pudding As you can tell I didn't get a whole lot of definition and there was a little frizz and quite a bit of shrinkage but overall my hair came out okay once it dried.

I decided to try the Curly Pudding out on another style, this time a braid out.I separated my wet hair in four sections then set each section with the curly pudding and had a total of eight braids. I allowed it to air dry overnight and took them down the next day.

Here I separated each section with my fingers to make it fuller.

This time I tried my luck again at another wash and ago but using the Curl Sealer

I liked my results, my curls were more defined and less frizzy.

Glow: All of the products in the Nothing But Collection have sort of a citrus smell which is indicative of their cleansing properties. I like that about the shampoo specifically because I tend to gravitate towards shampoos that promote squeaky clean hair. I also really love Nothing But's "honest care" approach by labeling the key ingredients that are not included right on the front of every container. The entire line is also very affordable which is a huge plus!

Glare: The cons for me were that out of all these products none of them really brought focus on detangling and every curly girl knows that a good detangler is a must have! Also I didn't really feel as though the conditioner was that moisturizing on my hair and out of the bunch it is my least favorite.The Curl Sealer seemed to be the most moisturizing out of the entire collection for me.

Would I Recommend It? The important thing to remember is that everyone's hair is different and will react differently to various products. So the key is to discover what works best for your hair type. While a couple of these didn't necessarily work that well for my hair they may do wonders for someone else. I would definitely recommend the shampoo, curly pudding, and curl sealer. Each of these worked pretty well on my hair and I can honestly see myself using them again.

Where To Buy: Softn'Free's Noting But Collection retails from $7.99-$10.99 and is currently available at select beauty supply stores nationwide. To purchase or to learn more please visit http://www.nothingbuthaircare.com.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

Nail Junkie | Wet n Wild MegaLast Nail Polish | Review + Swatches

2012-04-16T07:07:00.001-04:00

I'm really starting to fall in love all over again with Wet n Wild beauty products. Mainly because they've really started to improve on the overall quality of their products. WnW used to be such a hit or miss with me but lately they've been producing nothing but hits! Which brings me to their new MegaLast Nail Polish collection. The collection has an all new formula and brush design and is formulated to get longer overall wear. I was at my local Walgreens a few weeks ago and picked up a couple colors from the MegaLast collection.

Wet n Wild MegaLast Nail Polish

Swatches

I Need A Refresh Mint

A minty green

Undercover

A deep mauve

Glow: I'm in LOVE with the thick brush! It's makes painting your nails such a breeze! I've noticed that a lot of brands are now trying to incorporate larger brushes on nail lacquers which makes me a very happy woman :-D It makes it easier to apply and get an even coverage within the first 1-2 coats!

Glare: The bristles on the brush are a little rigged so you may want to cut the strays away. Also the thickness of the stem of the brush was a little awkward, a lot of polish clings on to the stem which makes it necessary to make sure you wipe it off to avoid a drippy mess! While I love the actual size of the brush I think they could've constructed the stem part a little better, maybe thinner? Oh and one more thing, apparently China Glaze has a minty green polish with a very similar name that's caused a bit of an e-controversy...hmmm...I mean in retrospect there are a LOT of brands out there with a LOT of different names, so maybe it's just a pesky coincidence? ;o)

Would I Recommend It? YES! I'm really happy to see Wet n Wild stepping their nail polish game up. I can't really give my insight on how long they actually "last" just yet because I haven't had the chance to wear it long enough (as I'm always repainting my nails) but I do plant to try a couple more colors and will update you in a later review.

Where To Buy: WnW is sold at various retailers, I purchased these from my local Walgreens for about $3 each. I'm sure prices and colors vary per store so you can check out their website http://wnwbeauty.com/ for more info.

Product(s) in this post were purchase by me.

Mally Beauty Introduces NEW 24/7 Professional Gel Polish System

2012-04-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

When it comes to trailblazing new beauty solutions, Mally Roncal is no stranger to firsts: the first to create “bulletproof” makeup that really stays put and the first to develop a truly clear translucent powder with her one-of-a-kind Face Defender formula. Now, Mally is revolutionizing the beauty landscape again as the first makeup artist to create a gel polish manicure kit that includes everything you need from start to finish! Here are four reasons to try the Mally’s 24/7 Professional Gel Polish System:

· Lasts up to two full weeks; approximately twice the length of a traditional manicure.
· Easy to apply and provides a glossier finish than traditional manicures.
· Will not chip! It can withstand constant hand washing, typing, opening boxes, cooking, and is the perfois solution for that week-long vacation!
· Completely dries as soon as your manicure is done since the UV light bakes it right in!
· You can apply this easy-to-use Gel Polish System from the comfort of your home!

Mally will be introducing the 24/7 Professional Gel Polish System exclusively on QVC beginning April 13th at 10pmET, giving women the education they need to be their own nail experts at home.

Ellis Faas Introduces Spring Gift Set

2012-04-12T10:30:00.000-04:00

It's spring! Plants are coming out of their dormant state and flowers are appearing everywhere you look. This calls for fresh colours, which is exactly what Ellis has selected for their Spring Gift Set.

The set contains the Creamy Eyes E106, which is a lilac taupe - ideal to create a soft smokey eye. The lilac Light E304 can be used for amethyst-like sparkly highlights. And to complete the Spring Gift Set, Ellis chose the juicy, nude pink Milky Lips L207, which is a lovely combination with the eye products.

The Ellis Faas Spring Set Retails for $85

To purchase or to learn more visit http://www.ellisfaas.com/

3 Simple Steps For Sexy, Loose Waves - Perfect For Spring!

2012-04-12T09:30:00.000-04:00

Sexy, loose waves with lots of body, volume and shine are perfect for breezy spring weather. Celebrities are often seen wearing the look, but you do not need a professional stylist to get these gorgeous loose waves. All you need is a thermal protector, flat iron and shine serum to style at home. Check out the three simple steps below.

STEP 1: Before styling, spritz on a powerful thermal protector like Davines MELU Thermal Protecting Shield ($31 at www.davines.com) on to dry hair to prevent the damaging effects of high-heat styling. Vanessa Fernandez of Butterfly Studio Salon, says that “heat protecting sprays not only protect hair from the heat of the iron but to also create a shinier look.”

Flat irons create a more natural looking wave and will not leave a crimp on hair the way a curling iron clamp will do. ONE’s Crush 1 Inch Flat Iron ($80 at www.onestyling.com) delivers salon-like results while eliminating the appearance of unwanted static and frizz using tourmaline technology.

STEP 2: Begin by parting hair into sections and working layer by layer. Take a one inch section of hair, clamp the flat iron midway and twist your wrist inwards towards your head. Quickly slide the flat iron down the entire section of hair like you are straightening it. Maintain this position and then twist inwards once again at the ends to make sure they are not left straight. Work quickly to ensure that curls are loose and wavy. The longer time you spend sliding the iron over the hair, the tighter the curls will become. Continue on until all sections of your hair have been curled.

STEP 3: Once the style is complete, add high shine and an extra barrier against frizz with Philip B. Anti-Frizz Formula 57 ($35 at www.philipb.com) Lavender, Jojoba, Rice Bran and Soybean Oils lend hair a perfect dose of conditioning moisture that give lightweight definition, movement and shine without added weight. One drop is all you will need for a gorgeous frizz-free finish.

Own The Look | Christina Aquilera Rocks Sally Hansen Nail Strips on The Voice!

2012-04-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

Christina Aguilera wore Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in “Lust-rous” on this week’s episode of The Voice. Christina has gone through a complete transformation and the glam nails only make her look even more amazing.

Christina’s manicurist, Farah Songhorian, explains that the “Lust-rous” pattern “compliments the dress and adds some sparkle and glam to the nail”. Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips offer DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde Free, no dry-time nail looks for style that lasts up to ten days. This easy and affordable at-home nail technology puts bold color, high- shine, and intricate design at your fingertips—just peel, apply, file, and go.

Molton Brown Launches First Anti-Ageing Skincare Collection and Bodycare Range

2012-04-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Visibly Effective, Honestly Explained

April 2012 marks the launch of Molton Brown’s first Anti-ageing Skincare and Bodycare collection. Offering low maintenance, high performance products with clinically proven results, the new range is engineered to help significantly improve the skin’s health and ageing process. Visibly effective and honestly explained with no ‘miracle cure’ claims or exaggerated promises, Molton Brown’s innovative no-nonsense capsule skincare collection offers four daily steps to naturally balanced, beautiful and radiant skin.

Molton Brown’s skincare scientists have sourced the most potent plants and minerals from around the world. Each product in the 10-piece skincare collection has been designed for individual skin types and to target specific problems, including kalahari melon to keep skin supple, antioxidant rich malachite to pink toronja grapefruit which helps lift old surface cells to polish the skin. The new collection offers a comprehensive but easy to use skincare regime with targeted products for eyes and lips.

Clean and prep with Kalahari Melon Cleansing Fluid and Tamarind Fruit Refining Toner for normal to dry skin or for normal to oily skin, try Malachite Cleansing Gelle and Pink Toronja Refining Toner. The clinically proven Anti-ageing Hydra-crèmes help lock-in moisture and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to keep skin looking younger, choose from the Creole Grass Anti-ageing Hydra-crème for dry skin, Rosa Fruit Anti-ageing Hydra-crème for oily skin and Peruvian Maca Anti-ageing Hydra-crème for normal skin.

To shield from harmful UVA and UVB rays, Molton Brown’s Karanja Tree SPF30 sunshield has a light, matte finish to be worn under or over make-up. To help reduce the appearance of fine lines around the lips, the Pep-rich Lip Booster contains collagen-boosting peptides and African mango and papaya extracts to promote plumper, softer lips. The clinically proven Vita B3 Eye Concentrate contains vitamin B3 and ashbark to help fight dark circles and puffiness, with tetra peptides to soften fine lines and wrinkles.

Complementing the skincare collection and extending the benefits further, Molton Brown is also launching a clinically proven, anti-ageing bodycare range. To help fight wrinkles, uneven skin tone and creases that make skin look older, the three-piece range contains the secret ingredient, Polynesian kopara - a highly purified marine extract from the Polynesian island of Moorea. This exopolysaccharide is naturally rich in essential minerals (potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium) and helps maintain a healthy skin water balance, whilst protecting the body from pollutants that lead to ageing skin when blended with other ingredients.

The Polynesian Kopara Anti-ageing Neck & Décolletage Crème contains mineral-rich Polynesian kopara combined with a sugar pea complex to help even out skin tone, peptides to minimize wrinkle appearance and paracress for firmer, smoother looking skin. For hands, the Polynesian Kopara Antiageing Hand Crème promotes strong, healthy nails through a blend of red algae, nutmeg, apple and daisy for firmer skin and a more even skin tone. The Polynesian Kopara Anti-ageing Body Crème is proven to offer instant and long-term moisturisation through deep hydration, with brown seaweed to firm and protect from pollution, and oat polyoses to help tone.

Molton Brown’s innovative new anti-ageing collections promise time-poor women a touch of luxury with a simple regime that works. This is skincare as it should be - targeted, effective and intelligent.

Available April 2012 at www.moltonbrown.com

Molton Brown Anti-Ageing Skincare Collection from $42

Molton Brown Anti-Ageing Bodycare Collection from $48

Nicole by OPI | NEW Wel-Kim to My World Collection Inspired by Kim Kardashian

2012-04-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Last year Nicole by OPI partnered with the Kardashian's and introduced their highly anticipated Kardashian Kolors Collection then a couple months later they brought us exclusive Kardashian Kolors for CVS and now Nicole by OPI is back again with six brand new shades, this time inspired by Kim Kardashian! Wel-Kim to My World, features six pastel-hued shades in white, pink, blue and honey tones that give nails a subtle pop of color. Lacquers Lights, Kim-era, Action! and Here Kim’s the Sun feature glitter and opalescent shimmer to create an added element of glitz.

Nicole by OPI Wel-Kim to My World Collection

Kim Konfidential, Here Kim’s the Sun, Nothing Kim-pares to Blue

Up & Kim-ing Pink, Others Pale By Kim-parison, Lights, Kim-era, Action!

Up & Kim-ing Pink

Get in line! This cotton candy pink is THE pink of the season.

Nothing Kim-pares to Blue

There just isn’t another hue like this lovely lilac-blue.

Kim Konfidential

A honey-nude so stunning, it should be "klassified.”

Others Pale By Kim-parison

This breathtaking white is the fairest of them all.

Lights, Kim-era, Action!

A screen-stealing shimmering pearl.

Here Kim’s the Sun

Brighten up your day with this opalescent sparkle.

Glow: Stand outs in Wel-Kim to My World are definitely Up & Kim-ing Pink (soft pink), Kim Konfidential (neutral/beige), and Here Kim's the Sun (the micro glitter).

Glare: For starters I think some of the names of these polishes are just weird lol. I get the whole "Kim" direction that they were going for but I think it's a little overboard. Also the formula in a couple of these colors are a tad bit streaky and didn't even out as I would have liked them to.

Would I Recommend It? Ehh, there are a couple stand out shades in this collection that I personally like but also a couple that I could've done without. Although these are inspired by Kim, I would've loved to have seen a few less neutrals!

Where To Buy: The Wel-Kim To My World collection is currently available at various retailers nationwide. Each polish retails for $7.99 each. To purchase, locate a retailer near you, or to learn more please visit http://nicolebyopi.com/.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

OPI Celebrates Sony Pictures’ “The Amazing Spider-Man” with Limited Edition Polish

2012-04-04T11:30:00.000-04:00

OPI announces the launch of six limited edition nail lacquers and a new Shatter, inspired by Sony Pictures’ The Amazing Spider-Man. With an all-star cast including Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, this highly-anticipated series reboot opens in theaters nationwide in 3D on July 3, 2012.

“OPI is so excited to work with Sony Pictures in welcoming Spider-Man back on the big screen,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “This film explores a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy that’s going to be both dark and sexy. The colors created for this promotion capture the movie’s exciting atmosphere, with standout shades like the deep shimmering blue Into the Night and the metallic golden green Just Spotted the Lizard.”

The film villain’s reptilian look can be replicated with a high-fashion twist by using the new deep green shimmer Shatter coat. Shatter the Scales is inspired by graffiti art and works when painted over any dry OPI hue. Adding top coat takes Shatter the Scales from matte to glossy in seconds.

The line features six nail lacquers in addition to Shatter the Scales, ranging from white, coral and pink to mood-setting hues of blue, nickel and yellow-green:

Your Web or Mine?

The perfect pink for sticky situations.

Into the Night

This perfect midnight blue was made for prowling.

Call Me Gwen-ever

Girlfriend, be sure to pick up when this urgent coral calls.

Just Spotted the Lizard

Be seen in this reptilian yellow-green.

My Boyfriend Scales Walls

Climb new heights with this cityscape white.

Number One Nemesis

Show your metal in this sparkling nickel.

Green Shatter

As with all OPI nail lacquers, these shades inspired by The Amazing Spider-Man contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This limited edition promotion will be available beginning May 2012 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($9.95 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!

OPI Announces New Limited Edition Minnie Mouse-Inspired, Nail Lacquers

2012-04-04T10:30:00.000-04:00

OPI launches Vintage Minnie Mouse, including four limited edition nail lacquers, for summer. Created in honor of Disney’s beloved character, the colors encapsulate Minnie Mouse’s irresistible charm in playful, pretty shades of pink and red.

“OPI is so excited to collaborate with Disney and draw inspiration from one of the world’s most popular characters,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “This collection brings together the expertise of OPI and the iconic style of Minnie Mouse to inspire the distinct palette of vibrant, feminine shades for summer Nails will pop against summer skin in these classic, saturated hues – holding their own alongside the bold prints of the season.”

The line features a pink crème lacquer, one frosted red shade, a shimmery fuchsia, and a heart glitter confetti:

Nothin’ Mousie ‘bout It

Don’t squeak it – SHOUT IT! This confetti light pink is tops!

I’m All Ears

Tell me how much you love this magenta shimmer.

If You Moust You Moust

You gotta pink what you gotta pink.

The Color of Minnie

You had this little mouse at “red.”

As with all OPI nail lacquers, Vintage Minnie Mouse by OPI contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This limited edition promotion will be available beginning June 2012 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($9.95 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!

Nail Junkie | Zoya Nail Polish "Zara" and "Neeka" | Review + Swatches

2012-04-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

This post has been coming for quite a while now. I originally bought these polishes back in January when Zoya had their 2 "free" polish winter promotion where you only pay shipping. Zoya has a ton of colors so it was hard narrowing it down to just two but I managed. I've only tried Zoya polishes once before but that was so long ago I can't really remember how I liked them. Anyway I wanted to share the two colors I bought so check the swatches and my full review below.

Zara

A vivid blue-toned light purple with strong

golden duochrome shimmer

Neeka

A greyed amethyst with subtle red duochrome shimmer

and bright gold glitter accents

Glow: I've tried a lot of brands when it comes to nail polish and I must say that Zoya's formula is a top contender, if not one of the best! The polish is very easy to apply and goes on super smooth like silk. I only needed two coats for a full even coverage. Both Zara and Neeka have a metallic finish embellished with tiny micro-shimmers. The shades are soft and beautiful!

Glare: No gripes about the polish but Zoya's shipping process is a little bit flaky. I ordered these in late January and didn't receive them until almost a month later (a little over 3 weeks). Now I do understand that companies tend to get "overwhelmed" when they have these type of popular promotions however I thought it was a little unprofessional of them not to at least send out an email detailing or apologizing for the delay :-/ I'm just going to chalk this one up to them being "overwhelmed" (their own words after emailing them) because I've never placed a regular order so I can't really compare the difference in shipping when they're not having a promotion. I will say this though, the polish is really good which makes the 3+ week shipping thing forgivable lol -this time.

Would I Recommend It? Yes, I would! Although I really wish they would sell their polish in stores and more salons. I'm looking forward to buying more shades, possibly brights this time. They had a spring promotion last month where you could buy 3 and get 3 free but I procrastinated and missed it :-/ hopefully they'll have another one sometime soon!

Where To Buy: All Zoya polishes currently retail for $8 each and are available online and in select salons across the country. To find a salon near you or to purchase online please visit http://www.zoya.com.

Product(s) in this post were purchased by me.

Guess Introduces NEW Seductive Fragrance "Sunkissed"

2012-04-03T23:51:00.000-04:00

INTRODUCING GUESS SEDUCTIVE SUNKISSED

The new limited edition fragrance from the iconic fashion brand

Summer in a bottle…sealed with a kiss

New York, NY - Coty Beauty is pleased to announce the newest limited edition bombshell in the incomparable GUESS Parfums portfolio: GUESS Seductive Sunkissed. A coquettish twist on the timeless GUESS Seductive eau de toilette, this refreshing summer-worthy scent is as beguiling as its predecessor. The warm weather calls for plenty of bare skin, and GUESS Seductive Sunkissed will make sure you smell delicious from your bronzed shoulders to your strappy sandal-clad feet.

“GUESS Seductive Sunkissed is the perfect summer must-have accessory,” says Paul Marciano, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director at Guess? Inc. “This light-weight addition to the GUESS Seductive fragrance offerings is the perfect compliment to the existing scents in the GUESS Seductive family and a necessary addition to any woman’s assortment of fragrances.”

“Coty Beauty is thrilled to unveil GUESS Seductive Sunkissed, a playful and youthful reimagining of the classic Guess Seductive fragrance,” says Steve Mormoris, SVP Global Marketing for Coty Beauty. “Sunkissed perfectly captures the carefree spirit of summer, wrapped up in the retro glamour synonymous with the iconic fashion brand. We look forward to continuing our fruitful partnership with GUESS.”

Created by Symrise perfumer Bernard Ellena, GUESS Seductive Sunkissed is a tantalizing floriental woody musk…just the thing to tickle your summer scent fancy.

As the sun rises, sparkling, delectable top notes of pear, raspberry, black currant blossom and pink grapefruit dawn. The day unfurls into afternoon with seductive mid notes of jasmine, Brazilian orchid and vanilla. Finally, warm, sensual base notes of musk, teide violet and macassar ebony quietly linger on the skin long after the sun has gone down.

The perfect melding of fashion and scent, the GUESS Seductive Sunkissed design conjures up images of retro glamour: cat eye sunglasses, luscious red lips, kitten heels and teenie weenie polka dot bikinis. The shapely bottle encloses the feminine coral juice and is adorned with a flirty lipstick charm from the GUESS accessory collection. The eye catching carton is dressed in a graphic black and white polka dot pattern, and appropriately sealed with a kiss.

GUESS Seductive Sunkissed Collection

Eau de Toilette 50ml / 1.7oz – $52.00

Available worldwide Spring 2012 at GUESS retail stores, perfumery chains, department stores and www.guess.com. Please visit www.guessparfums.com for additional information on the GUESS fragrance collection