ProductWhores

Pixie Dust by Zoya!

Zoya is my favorite nail polish brand and it's not just that they're free of all the nasty, toxic chemicals but they also always have the most amazing collections!  I have been alternating recently between Blu from the Lovely collection (Spring 13) and Chyna from the PixieDust collection (Fall 12).  Both colors (and collections for that matter) are spectacular and get me tons of compliments - even though it's recently come to my attention that I'm terrible at painting my own nails - looks like my toddler did it.  Actually, he'd probably do a better job as I look at my nails again right now.  Anyway, Blu is a stunning light blue color (robin's egg blue) and Chyna is a deep glittery red.  When I went onto the Zoya site to check out the spelling of the Chyna color, I came across the new upcoming PixieDust Summer collection and squealed with delight. First of all, if you haven't checked out their PixieDust nail polishes you are missing out!  PixieDust is a textured nail polish which leaves nails looking like you've applied specs of glitter to them, but it's matte which really surprised me.  The colors look amazing (I like to use the lighter ones as top coats over darker colors) and the darker PixieDust colors look beautiful with two coats (vibrant, deep colors).  The new Summer PixieDust collection is available for pre-order now and will start shipping as soon as April 15.  The collection features Solange, Beatrix, Destiny, Miranda, Stevie and Liberty.   I need to have the whole set (yeah, I know, I need more nail polishes about as much as I need eyeshadow palettes... or hand lotions... and the list goes on and on...)

Hard Candy Revolutionizes Nails... Again

Okay, I admit it, it's been a long time since I was like, "Ooh, Hard Candy!  I must go buy something from them!"  But back in the day, their nail polishes were fabulous.  I seriously think I owned them all at one point.  Also, there isn't a Walmart anywhere convenient to me, and since that's where Hard Candy is sold now... well, it kind of just fell through the cracks.  But then I saw online that they had just released a collection of new nail polishes - and not just any ol' collection, but one with a whopping 45 shades and I knew I had to seek them out.  So yesterday, I went on a special Walmart run (hilarious!) and it wasn't until I got all the way there that it occurred to me that since they're new, they might not even be there yet.  And then I got very grumpy.  But I turned the corner and - miracle of miracles - there they were!  I think I heard angels singing (or maybe that was just the bad Muzak the store was playing).  

The 45 new shades are divided into 5 different groups - Candy Sprinkles, Crushed Chromes, Crystal Confetti, Glitteratzi and Itzy Glitz.  There are SO many different colors and finishes and kudos to Hard Candy because I can honestly say I wanted about 90% of them.  I even liked all the greens and greens are usually the color I covet the least.  I think I loved all the chromes the most, which is also weird because I almost never wear chromes, but they were all just so, so pretty.  I might've bought, uh, 5 of them.  Because here's the even better part - each shade is only $4.00.  Thank you, Walmart!  (And I can say that as a girl who loves her Target runs!)  I also bought a few of the Candy Sprinkles because honestly, as much as I love the thought of those, I don't know if I'll love them on me, so if I can only pay $4.00 to find out that I only want to wear them a few times, all the better.  My love for glitter polishes also means that I bought some of the Glitteratzi shades because who can resist a good glitter?  Not me!  I love using glitter for a pedicure.  There's just nothing more fun than a pair of sparkly toes peeking out of a pair of my favorite high heels.  Love!

I just bought them this weekend, so I haven't tried them yet, but from what I'm reading online, people love them, so I'm super excited for my next mani-pedi. I can't wait to try a few of them out.  And, uh, now that I'm home and looking at them online again, I might just have to make another Walmart trek to pick up some more.  At only $4.00, it's like I would be stupid not to, right?  RIGHT?!   

Get Your Nails Ready For Fall

Celeb manicurist Tom Bachik (seen in the photo prepping Eva Longoria's nails for a recent shoot) has just been named L'Oreal Paris' new Consulting Nail Expert (a job that I kind of now want because really, isn't that title just the coolest?  So much better than 99% of job titles out there).  Tom recently talked about fall nail trends and what he forecasts being huge this autumn and since I can never resist a good reason to expand my polish collection, here they are:

Trend #1 - Mixing texture and dimension

“I think mixing texture and dimension is important.  If going with a chunky metallic on toes, go with a rich deep ‘creamy’ color (as in no shimmer) on finger – and vice versa.  If wearing a full-coverage nude on toes, then pair with a rich deep shimmer shade with dimension to the fingers.” ­

Trend #2 - Antique metallics and full-coverage nudes on toes

“I love antique metallics and full-coverage nudes on toes, so there’s no competition with all the great shoe colors for fall.  Keep color on the fingers to play off lips and eyes.”  (Not only is this trend making me excited for fall, it's making me want to shop for shoes!)

Trend #3 - Classic looks in deep, rich tones like burgundy and eggplant

Trend #4 - Sheer shimmery lace

“Sheer shimmery lace is a big fall trend.  A great look I've started to do as summer wraps up is to use a single coat of a shimmery metallic on nails, so the color stays sheer but sparkly.  It’s a great modern take on nudes that stays sophisticated and chic.”

To stay on top of these trends, check out the L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nail display at your local drugstore.  They have a really great range of shades and they're less than $6 apiece, so you can go crazy AND still afford to pick up a stack of magazines and a bottle of wine.  (Well, if you're in Los Angeles you can, because they oddly sell wine at CVS here.  California is a weird, weird place sometimes).   

Prom Time!

Hey everybody, it's nearing prom time!  For some of us whose prom was a far, long-ago memory (so long ago, in fact, I wore a crocheted chocker - not sure if that was ever in style actually) we love to live vicariously through all the prom-goers by checking out some awesome new products.  Whether or not you're going to prom (if you are, you're especially going to freak out), I've found two awesome items that no one should be without.

Nails, Inc has released the most awesome colors for prom - three new shades of Special Effects 3D glitter!  The three different glitters are Marylebone (pastel pink), Hammersmith (teal pastel) and Maida Vale (silver/blue).  Because of this unique 3D effect it almost looks like you glued glitter on top your nails which looks stunning.  I have been wearing Hammersmith and have gotten so many compliments I've started to lose track.  Seriously, I had people stop me at the grocery store because they sparkled so bright.  I can't even imagine how amazing they would look paired with a sexy LBD.

 The other fantastic discovery is Stila's One Step Illuminate!  This beautiful serum actually primes and illuminates the skin.  I've been using alone or under my foundation and both ways make my skin look fantastic.  It leaves a beautiful sheen (not too glittery, but more subtle glow) and I was shocked at how moisturizing it is.  This stuff is perfect for anyone going to the prom because it really helps foundation last for hours and gives skin that healthy kick it needs to really shine (in a good way).

Caviar For Your Nails

Hhhm.  I don't know how I feel about this.  It could be really cute or it could be hideous.  I think I have to reserve judgement until I see it in person.  Ciate's Caviar Manicure is a two step process that was created in London and features a nail polish and a second "coat" with pearlescent beads that go over it for a 3-D effect.  I mean, it seems like it could be really cool for a night out, but I don't know that I'd want it on my nails on a daily basis.  Also, the system costs $25, which isn't outrageous considering how much some polishes are going for lately, but it isn't exactly cheap either.  It does intrigue me though, so if I get a chance to get my hands on it, I might have to test it out just to see. The money I spend to satisfy my curiosity...   

Top and Tails

 

 

I love butter LONDON and I REALLY love sales, so whenever I can combine the two, I get slightly giddy.  This coming Monday, March 26th only, you'll be able to pick up butter LONDON's Tops & Tails Set for only $19 (it's valued at $45 and usually costs $25) at ULTA.  The set includes their Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat and Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat, both of which have a 3 Free formula.  Here's some more info about the two products: 

Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat – A silk-finish, stain resistant non-toxic basecoat provides the perfect foundation for butter LONDON 3 Free Lacquer.  Matte results so beautiful, you can wear it alone. This treatment hides and smoothes tiny ridges and imperfections in the nail. It is like cover-up, or foundation make-up for the nail. This makes it an excellent product for MEN who want an invisible, but immaculate manicure.

Hardwear P.D Quick Topcoat – Our quick dry, ultra-glossy, non-toxic topcoat protects your lacquer, extending the life of your manicure. Nails look wet, vibrant, and freshly painted even when they are dry. Of course it’s also 3 Free, like all our products. In case you were wondering, P.D. Quick stands for ‘Pretty Darn Quick’!

I love butter LONDON's polishes but I've never tried either of these, so this might be just the push I needed to pick them up.  To take advantage of the offer, click here on Monday.  Aren't sales the best?!  

Zoya Spring 2012

It's release time for Zoya which means some new, awesome, collections for Spring!  The two new sets have the same awesome qualities of all Zoya nail colors (vegan-friendly and none of those nasty chemicals) and are so gorgeous you're going to want to own both.  The True Collection features Farah (stunning flat khaki color), Cho (lighter tan with shimmer to it), Beven (beautiful green), Lotus (shimmering deep plum), Tru (deep glittery purple) and Skylar (glittery denim blue).  Each and every color looks stunning on, but I have to say my two faves are Farah (LOVE the flat neutral khaki color for spring) and Skylar (definite stand-out shocking blue).  The second collection made me shriek in delight when I saw it - the Fleck Effect Sampler.  The Fleck collection contains three new clear shades which each have a slight color, tons of mylar flecks and a beautiful irridescent glow when the flecks hit the light.  These little flakes of golden goodness are fantastically beautiful, especially over darker shades.  Over the lighter shades, I found the colors have a beautiful sheen but you can see the individual flecks as well, which is the coolest part!  Collection sampler contains Chloe (pink base), Maisie (blue base) and Opal (green base).  These are so freakin' fantastic, I can't stop staring at my fingers! Thanks, Zoya for making me that weird chick at work who stares at her hands all day...

Note: Samples of the above collections were sent by a PR representative working with Zoya

Jamberry Nails

I am not very good at giving myself manicures, especially if I use a dark color (honestly, it usually gets all over the sides of my nails and looks like my toddler took a stab at it).  So, when I was introduced to Jamberry Nails, I was super psyched! Think the Chic Prints by OPI for Sephora, but with WAY many more awesome options!  Each sheet costs $15.00 (which does about 2 full manis or pedis) and right now if you buy three sheets you get an extra one for free (I love me a bargain).  The first time I tried Jamberry, it took me forever to do my fingers (to the tune of an hour!) and they didn't stay as well as I would've liked.  I quickly realized that I had messed up and not followed the directions (if I was on "The Amazing Race," I would've gotten a 30 minute penalty).  SO, I tried again and they worked.  My nails came out perfect and the decals stayed put for almost 2 weeks!  Just a few tips so you all don't make the same mistakes I did the first go-round.  Definitely trim them the right size (if they are even a hair larger than your nail bed they will not stay well).  Make sure you use a cuticle stick to help the edges stay (with the heat of a blow-dryer) and I even put a bit of top coat on the tips to make sure they stayed.  I LOVE the way they look and now that I know what I'm doing, it's easy to do (I guess practice does make perfect - you were right, Mom).  These would be an awesome holiday present and there are patterns for anyone in your life.  A few of my faves are the Mauve Dot and the Black Paisley, but I have to say I did try the Turquoise and Pink Polka, which are surprisingly fun! Jamberry Nails look great even on my very short nails, so I suggest you give them a go.  If anyone else has tried them, let me know what you think!

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a representative working with Jamberry Nails

Nails Inc. Finally Comes To America

You guys, I am super, super excited about this.  Nails inc. is finally available here!  I first discovered the brand a few years ago on a trip to London, but I was stupid enough not to stock up on it then, so once the two colors I bought were gone, I was out of luck.  It was tragic.  They've been on Sephora's website for a few weeks now, and then this weekend, I finally got a chance to go to the Sephora in Santa Monica which has its very own nails inc. display.  (I tried to take a picture of it to put up here, but there were at least three women crowded around it at all times and I just couldn't bring myself to ask them to move.  It seemed kinda rude).  I fell in love with many, many of the colors, but I talked myself out of my first impulse, which was to buy them all instead of paying my rent this month, and made myself stick to buying only two, with the promise that I could come back another weekend and pick up a few more).  I grabbed Foubert's Place, which is described as a "fatigued olive."  (I couldn't resist because I don't own any colors like it).  It looks more green in the bottle than on my hands indoors - it actually looks dark grey on me when I'm inside, but when I look at my nails in the sunlight, the green definitely comes across.  It's a very pretty, perfect for fall shade.

The other bottle I couldn't resist was the Special Effects Electric Lane Holographic Glitter Top Coat.  (I know, it's a mouthful).  It's a clear polish with holographic glitter in it that you can use alone or as a top coat over any shade already in your collection.  I love, love, love this polish.  It's such a great way to make those shades that you adore but have grown a little sick of seem new again.  I can totally see myself using it all the time.  Love!

Some of the other shades I'm coveting are Maddox Street (a metallic dark smoke), Basil Street (a beige camel), and Tate (a deep garnet).  I also got sent a few shades and out of those three, I'm totally obsessed with The Thames, a deep cement gray.  I wore it all last week and I loved the formula, the fact that it didn't chip quickly, and the classic neutral color.

Nails inc. polishes are available now on Sephora's website and in select stores (you can call them to find out if yours is one of them).  They're a very reasonable $9.50 and up (which is apparently cheaper than they are in London.  Crazy!)

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with nails inc.

Zoya Mod Mattes

Okay, when I first saw these colors I was instantly transported back to the 80's where I had the white jean jacket, permed hair and light blue mascara (thank you, Maybelline for that one!).  Then, I threw caution to the wind and checked them out and fell in love with the Mod Matte collection!  All three colors look amazing and are definitely hot right now (everyone's getting into these neon colors for the summer).  Aside from the amazing colors, the fact they are matte is so interesting and looks incredible on the nails.  I really love this collection.  The polishes don't last as long as my other Zoya colors, but who the heck cares when they are so fun and so easy to re-apply.  A definite must for this summer, especially since they are (gulp) Limited Edition!  As is the standard with all Zoya - polishes are formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and camphor free.  Love, love these!

Note:  A sample was sent to me by a PR representative working with Zoya.