Hedy's Oke Doke - Bottle Shots

Oke Doke, pokey.

I had never heard of Hedy's Oke Doke, but from first sight it looked like a Toki Doki ripoff.  Considering I haven't been very impressed with the quality of Toki Doki products at Sephora, who's to say that a knock-off nail polish wouldn't be good?  These were $1.99 each at my local Rite Aid.  I will swatch soon, as soon as I can make it out of bed with this nasty flu.  


Camo Loco
Purple Nurple
Pink This
 
Hot Tomato

Katy Perry Collection with OPI with Black Shatter - Swatches, Photos and Review

Katy Perry Collection minis.
Katy Perry Collection for OPI.

Being a relatively new California Gurl, I don't have the affinity to Katy Perry as maybe some do.  But I do respect that she is a nail lover.  If you follower her on Twitter, it's not unusual to see her tweet photos of her manis.  So I know when OPI announced a collaboration with Katy Perry, I knew that it wouldn't just a celebrity name slapped on some bottles.

The collection consists of four new limited edition shades accompanied with OPI's Black Shatter.    Black Shatter is a new formula of shattering nail polish that you apply over 2 coats of your favorite nail color to create a smashed effect.  The result is an edgy, very different look that would please any nail fan.

The One That Got Away - a vibrant fleckled glass raspberry shade.
The One That Got Away with Black Shatter (no top coat).
Teenage Dream - pale pink with multicolored, multi-sized glitter.
Teenage Dream with Black Shatter.
Last Friday Night - a pale blue sheer glitter with multicolored and different size glitter particles.  Works best over another base color.
Last Friday Night with Black Shatter.
Not Like The Movies - a lavender pink, green duochrome foil metallic.
Not Like The Movies

 

Now, if you haven't found this collection already, it's been hard to come by.  These colors sold out quickly at etailers like TransDesign.com.  My local beauty supply store said that their order was backordered (this was weeks ago).  

Even though I'm iffy about Katy Perry as a singer, as a nail enthusiast, I give her two big and polished thumbs up!  This collection is has fun and pretty colors to get excited about! 

Lancome Ombre Magnétique Eyeshadow from Ultra Lavande Spring 2011

Do you have a passion for purples?  Ultra-Lavande Ombre Magnétique.

So what elements of a makeup collection equate to excitement?  I think there are a few elements that add to the formula.  1. The packaging - Yes, I know you're not supposed to judge a book (or blush for that matter) by its cover, but it does add to the "want-it" factor.  2.  The colors -the shades has to compliment the seasonality and the concept, but also be eye-catching enough to inspire the ooohs and ahhhs. 3.  The products - they have to be good and perform.  Add these bits together and you get wantzzz it!


Lancome Ultra Lavande Collection for Spring 2011.

Here is Lancome Ultra Lavande Collection.  It perfectly equaled makeup collection excitement for me.   The packaging is to die for.  I love colors and one product stood out for me.

Aaron de Mey was inspired by Chez Régine's in Paris, a night club covered with silver and gold mirrors. Ombre Magnétique eyeshadow is meant to catch light like a disco ball.   I can't wait to do a pretty lavender look with this eyeshadow.   Leave a comment below if you have any suggestions for pairings.

 
Spectacular Sparkle - Extremely Long Wear Crease-Resistant.

This was very similar to some limited edition eyeshadows from Giorgio Armani that were released for holiday 2010.  See the review for them here.  I was impressed by the new technology in the formula.  It was literally something that I had never seen before!  These eyeshadows were a hybrid of wet/dry, cream/pressed eyeshadow.  The overall result was saturated color and smooth, long-wearing application.  Now Lancome repeats its version of those eyeshadow.  Lancome's version, Ombre Magnétique, are limited edition and available in four shade. These are slightly dryer.  Eyes to Kill Eyeshadows are  4g 0.14oz each at $32 ($228.5 per oz), and the Lancome is slightly cheaper at $25 for 3.5g, 0.12oz ($208.33 per oz).


Ingredients.  What makes it so vibrant?
 
Swatches: dry and wet with MAC Mixing Medium.

Lancome Ombre Magnétique  is $25 for 3.5g, 0.12oz and is available in three shades is available at lancome-usa.com and at Lancome counters nationwide.

It's Like Baby, Baby, Baby - Justin Bieber One Less Lonely Girl Collection from Nicole by OPI - Me+Blue

 
Me + Blue, your mama and your cousin too.

As much as I love tween hysteria and am sympathetic to the symptoms of puppy love at a pre-pubescent age, something about coming today's biggest tween bop idol, Justin Bieber combining with nail polish was something I find initially unsettling.  This comes from a woman, who recently went to go see her jr. high school idols, New Kids on The Block, at their reunion tour.  But with that aside, it just felt like an area where Bieber Fever did not belong.

But, then I saw the nail polishes.  I actually was really into quite a few of the 14 colors from the One Less Lonely Girl Collection.  Who really knows nail polish better than tween girls?  It's no wonder that the collection sold out quickly upon it's first release in December.  Now released, but still limited in stock, the collection is back for those who didn't get a chance to get them the first.

I guess I will Never Say Never again to Bieber. 

 Me + Blue - a royal blue with micro holographic glitter.
 A portion of this collection is donated to Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds sustainable schools for children in developing countries.
"Perfect Stroke" brush.


One Less Lonely Girl Collection from Nicole by OPI are $8 each and available at Walmart, Target and Ulta stores nationwide.

Sunday - Week In Review - Blogger Link Love


Happy Sunday everyone!  How was everyone's week?  I am almost over an injury I had a week ago which resulted in a bruised face and two black eyes.  Yuck!  However, I did get a chance to test out a lot of concealers.

February is almost coming to a close, and I can almost feel spring at the door.  Spring for me means 1. getting my pedi on and getting those toes out of hibernation.  2. girly, pretty pink spring makeup.  3. light, crisp floral scents. What does spring mean to you?

For next week, I have some really exciting stuff.  I have been experimenting with my China Glaze Crackle nail polishes, and I will have a post and video for you next week.  I also got a huge RMK package from Asia that I can't wait to play with and show you guys.

Here are some posts from Beautyburg and some blogger friends this week:

Want to see what a $180 eyeliner is like?  Check out this video on eyeliners from Giorgio Armani, Stila and Tarte. 




Check out Scandalously Polished Ange's franken of Imperfectly Painted Stephanie's Rescue Beauty Lounge submission.  It's absolutely stunning!  Not sure why this wasn't picked.

Karen D from Frazzle and Aniploish swatches chunky glitters on a nail wheel.  Really useful!

Confessions of a Polishaholic's Orlica shows us how she's quicker than a ray of light with her pretty holo light mani.  She even posts a step-by-step on how to do it.  I'm going to have to try this soon.

Helg, aka Elena, from Perfume Shrine, suggests sunny fragrances to beat the winter blues!  My favorite is Alien Sunessence.  It's warm sunshine in a bottle for me.

Have a great weekend everyone!  More beautifying next week!

Dove, I'm In Love With You - Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner

 Show me some Dove!

I used to go to great lengths to deal with my long hair.  Pricey products, tedious treatments (e.g. hair mask that say leave in for 20 minutes... who has that kind of time?!).  Can't a girl with long locks have it all?

I found Dove's Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner at my local drugstore and was intrigued by the picture on the bottle.  The illustration showed conditioner + treatment in one bottle.  Hmmm interesting.

Do you think Dairy Queen would hire me? 

Inside, the conditioner was infused with treatment in one rich swirl!  Now even more interesting.  But, I had to try it on my hair.  I have long straight hair, and without proper conditioning, the ends can get ratty, frizzy and frayed, but with too much conditioning, my hair can look oily and flat.

I have been using this for a week now, and Dove's Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner definitely beats my old conditioner.  The moisture really saturates my hair in the shower, and then out and after drying, my hair seems smoother and softer in comparison with my old brand (hint: it comes in a green bottle and starts with G).  What I also like about this is that it's not so heavy that I can't use it everyday.  I love hydrating hair masks, but daily use can cause buildup and make hair greasy, heavy and flat.  This conditioner leaves my hair soft but doesn't weigh it down too much.  This will definitely be a repeat purchase.  I may also check out the shampoo.

Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner is about $6 for 8.0oz at drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

What do you use to treat your hair?  What's your hair washing routine?

Eyeliner Road Test! Giorgio Armani vs. Stila vs. Tarte - New Video!

 Eyeliners from our road test.

Eyeliner technology has really advanced.  I used to never be able to wear eyeliner for fear of raccoon eyes, but the chemistry that goes into these products has really improved.  Waterproof isn't just a dream anymore.  Some products really do resist smudges, tearing and actually stay put.  I took three different brands with similar gel-style formulas and tested them against each other.  See the video to see who won!

Giorgio Armani's La Femme Bleue Long Wear Waterproof Eye Pencils are limited edition for Spring 2011.  KarlaSugar raved about these, so I had to check them out for the road test.  These are $27 each, which seems pricey for an eyeliner, but considering how much product you actually get in comparison with these other two brands, it's actually a better value.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner and Tarte emphasEYES Aqual-Gel Eyeliner both boast long wear and high pigmentation.  But, if you watch the video, you will see that the Armani beats them out in value and beats the Tarte in wear.

Let's geek out for a moment and do a math break down:
Giorgio Armani - $27 for 0.04oz, 1.2g = $22.50 per gram
Stila - $20 for 0.01oz, 0.28g = $71.42 per gram
Tarte - $18 for 0.003oz, 0.1g = $180 per gram

 We tried them out.... check the video for results!

  Black, Bark Brown, Leaf Green.
 Black, Bark Brown, Leaf Green.
GA's Bark Brown on the eye.


Giorgio Armani La Femme Bleue Long Wear Waterproof Eye Pencils are $27 for 0.04oz, 1.2g and available at www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner is $20 for 0.01oz at ulta.com and stilacosmetics.com.

Tarte emphasEYES Aqual-Gel is $18 for 0.003oz, 0.1g at tartecosmetics.com and qvc.com.

China Glaze Crackle Collection - Preview

 Swatches coming soon!

I am soooo excited about this!  I just tried a crackle polish for the first time last week and I'm converted!  Here is the press release from China Glaze.  Look for swatches soon!

Roughed up grunge meets gorgeous glam! China Glaze brings a whole new level to the game with “Crackle” polish! Create endless edgy looks and make a statement with fun, fearless, color. Everyone has asked for it, and now China Glaze is giving it to them! The six different Crackle colors include:

  • Lightning Bolt – White Crackle
  • Black Mesh – Black Crackle
  • Broken Hearted – Pink Crackle
  • Cracked Concrete – Grey Crackle
  • Fault Line – Purple Crackle
  • Crushed Candy – Teal Crackle
An innovative technology allows you to play with a wide array of color combinations and achieve an edgy, new wave look. This unique formula was developed to give your nails a “crackled” design over traditional nail color. Contrasting colors are used one over another to achieve a deconstructed shatter look that takes place right before your eyes. Instant art for your nails!

How do you do it? It’s easy! Apply your favorite China Glaze glitter, shimmer or crème. Depending on the color you are using, apply either one or two coats for full coverage. When the colored enamel is dry, brush on a thin layer of the Crackle color. Allow the Crackle to work its magic during dry time. After approximately 5 minutes when the crackled design has completely formed, apply a top coat to seal the design for prolonged wear.

China Glaze Crackle will be available starting February 2011 at Sally’s Beauty Supply and BSG in 12 piece displays and 3 pack color kits which will include a base color, a crackle glaze (Black Mesh, Broken Hearted or Crushed Candy) and a China Glaze Top Coat.

Do you think that's an OCC Lip Tar on the display pic?  Which shade are you most excited about?  I can't wait to try the purple!

Congrats to the Finalists! My Rescue Beauty Lounge Fan Collection Entry!

 The photo from my Rescue Beauty Lounge fan collection submission.

A little over a month ago, Rescue Beauty Lounge held a contest for fans for to submit their idea for their dream nail polish.  The finalists have been selected!  Out of over 500 submissions, Ji Baek, founder and owner of RBL, narrowed it down to 11.  You can vote for them here.  Unfortunately, my submission didn't make it, but I wanted to congratulate all the finalists and wish them the best of luck and also thank Ji for holding this contest. 

I also wanted to share my entry with you.  Here is the paragraph that I wrote for my submission.  It was based on something that I discovered early in my relationship with my now husband, and it lead to be my inspiration for my wedding dress, which I designed and made.
I first discovered moonstone while killing time at Lucy Barnes boutique before meeting friends for drinks.  In a crowded store, it felt that all the light was being pulled in and redirected as rainbows through a tiny bracelet.  The rough cut stones on this moonstone bracelet transcended into blue, green, red, yellow, violet from different angles in the light.  These seemingly white stones shifted and morphed, mesmerizing and drawing me in.  Moonstone is not only the idea for this nail polish, but it was the inspiration for my wedding dress.  I created the dress to capture the light and to be iridescent just like the stone.  This photo shows moonstone pieces that I used on my wedding gown on top of fabric from the dress.   I envision Moonstone, the nail polish, to be a semi-sheer soft luminous white creating a rainbow of opalescent effects in different lights.  I want this nail polish to make the wearer feel that all the light in the room is drawn through her and that she radiating rainbows.
I know so many of you had beautiful and creative ideas, and it's a shame that some of them weren't showcased.  Many of you have already shared your submission ideas on Twitter, but feel free to post them in the comments below (with links to the pictures if you have them)! 

My runner-up photos.
Do you like moonstone?
My wedding dress with had moonstone on the bodice. 
Photo courtesy of Paul Johnson Photography.

Thanks for indulging me everyone!  I would love to see your entries! Please post them or links to them in the comments.

Lighten Up Your Lipsticks With MAC Lightfully Bright Lipglasses in Atmospheric and Ethereal

 Would Rainbow Brite wear these?

Hi everyone!  I haven't been feeling well lately, so today's post will be quick.  When I went for my MAC Wonder Woman makeover, I found that my local MAC store was carrying the Lightfully Bright collection.  Lightfully Bright is an Asia exclusive and was supposed to be online only, but I guess there are displays at a few free-standing MAC stores.

I picked up two of the limited edition Lipglasses from the collection.  These shades are sheer and probably best applied as accents on top of lipstick.  Their light reflective micro glitters makes them pretty, but I wouldn't go to the trouble of hunting these down.  I think they are easy to dupe and relatively similar on the lips.  Astro Cool, which I didn't purchase, was a less shimmery/duochrome-y version of Atmospheric, which I picked up.  Atmospheric is a sheer fuchsia pink with bright pink, violet, blue irisdescent shimmer.  Ethereal, my favorite of the collection, is a sheer milky baby blue with pink and violet shimmer.  If you liked Best of Breed, from Fabulous Felines, but found it too gray on lips (I know I did), you will like Ethereal!  Outer Space, the fourth Lipglass of the collection, is a sheer soft off-white, but I had similar products.

 Atmospheric, Ethereal
 Click to enlarge to see the shimmer.
 Ruby Woo alone.
 Ruby Woo with Atmospheric.
  Ruby Woo with Atmospheric.
  Ruby Woo with Ethereal.
  Ruby Woo with Ethereal.

As you can see, Ethereal is slightly milkier which lends to more of a color change on lip colors.  Do you *need* both or four?  Probably not.  But it would be nice to have one or one that similar to add a little brightness to your lips when needed.

Lightfully Bright collection is available at maccosmetics.com.  Atmospheric and Ethereal lipglasses are $14.50 for 4.8g, 0.17oz

Don't Stop Believin' - Gleek Out with Glee Mini 6 Piece Set from Sephora by OPI


Glee transcended from guilty pleasure to cult following.  I am home every Tuesday religiously!  Something about Glee just fills me with... glee?!  I seriously bursting with anticipation every week, so when I heard that Sephora by OPI was coming out with a lacquer collection for the show, I was thrilled.

 The six mini bottles.  Three are exclusive to this set.

Sephora by OPI launched 11 new, limited edition shades, three which are exclusive to the mini set.  I picked up the "6-pack" mini set, but I may have to go back for some of the other colors.  I really want Hell to the No, just for the name! 
 Gleek Out
A shimmering lime green micro glitter.  This took 3 coats for good coverage.
 Express Yourself to Yourself
A sparkling coral pink with raspberry shimmer.  This is a kit exclusive.  This also took 3 coats.
 Slushied
A bright blue creme that's a cross between torquoise and robin's egg blue.  This color is available in regular-sized bottle.
 Slushied with Celibacy Club on top.
 Miss Bossy Pants
A pretty raspberry with iridescent violet.  I feel like this is so electric to be a Rachel shade! 
 Miss Bossy Pants with Celibacy Club
What?  Rachel and Quinn together?  I am not sure it works in theory, but on the nails it's cute!  What do you think?
 Sue vs. Shue
A shimmering navy blue.  Is this the color of a Sue track suit or a Mr. Shue vest?  This is in the mini kit exclusive.   How would Sue feel about that?
 Right: Celibacy Club Left: China Glaze in Fairy Dust.
Celibacy Club is a top coat holographic mini micro-glitter.  This is also a kit exclusive.  I found this to be very similar to China Glaze's Fairy Dust, which has become slightly harder to find (though I believe it's going to be relaunched in an upcoming collection). 
 Right: Celibacy Club Left: China Glaze in Fairy Dust.
 Fairy Dust is slightly less dense and the glitter is finer than Celibacy Club.  
Right: Celibacy Club Left: China Glaze in Fairy Dust.

Glee 6 Piece Mini Kit is $24 and available at Sephora.com and at Sephora stores.

Who is your favorite Glee character?  Do you have a favorite song?  What's your favorite nail "mash-up"?

My Superhero Transformation with MAC Wonder Woman Collection! Plain Jane No More!

 Me glamazon-ed (minus the height).

My local MAC store had a makeover event, and I decided to check it out to get my glam on.  The Wonder Woman collection is all about empowerment and getting larger than life.  It's about stepping out of your daily plain Jane routine and being a feminine force to be reckoned with.  So you best come correct.
 My Plain Jane look. (Before)  Save me Wonder Woman!
 Makeovers, photos, glamorizing!
 Inette, my makeup artist and my AFTER look.

The products from my look:
FACE:
Prep + Prime Skin
Mineralized Foundation SPF 15 in NC30
Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus
Cremeblush in Uncommon
Mineralized Blush in Warm Soul

EYES: 
Fluidline in Dipdown for brows
Paint Pot in Painterly
Wonder Woman Eyeshadow Quad in Valiant
Wonder Woman Opulash in Victorious
My own lashes

LIPS:
Creamstick Liner in Creamola To Shop
Wonder Woman Lipstick in Marquise d'
Wonder Woman Lipglass in Emancipation


 Wonder Women! 
 The goddess herself overseeing all beautifying!
 A comic come to life!
 I wonder how this feels?
 Pink Power!  Me comic-con'ed.
After my makeover, you got to transform once again into a comic with your own custom caption! 
Pow! How powerful can makeovers be?

Wonder Woman Collection is available at maccosmetics.com and at your local MAC counters.  Check your local store for events.

Hold Me Closer, Shiny Dancer from Sephora by OPI - Swatches, Photos and Comps to Milani Silver Dazzle

 Will you hold me closer?

Happy Monday everyone and Happy Valentine's Day!  I thought I would do something a little different for those who are less sweet on Vday.  Here is Shiny Dancer from Sephora by OPI.  This shiny microglitter, charcoal foil is from the Urban Ballerina collection.   This shimmering slate grey is a tough, cool antidote to those who aren't for mushy, love-y dove-y stuff.

Shiny Dancer - not your typical Valentine's Day mani.
 Milani vs Sephora by OPI.  

From the bottle, this reminded me of a Milani color that came out a little before Christmas that I had a hard time tracking down, and then it didn't seem relevant to swatch it.  The Milani is more of a dense glitter vs. the foil-y finish from Shiny Dancer.   Silver Dazzle is from the Milani One Coat Glitter family, but I find you need two coats to get good coverage, not to mention the two coats top coat of a smooth finish.  I think both are pretty, and they are different enough to warrant both.  But if you have a preference for glittery - less glittery go for your pick!  Also one is about half the price of the other, if that helps?

Milani One Coat Glitter on pinkie and ring.  Shiny Dancer on middle and index.

Sephora by OPI Shiny Dancer is $9.50 available in Sephora stores and at sephora.com.
Milani Silver Dazzle One Coat Glitter is $4.99 and available at milanicosmetics.com and at drugstores nationwide.

What mani are you sporting this Valentine's Day?

Sunday Love - This Week's Highlights. See What We've Been Up To - Blogger Link Love

Sunday Love.

Happy Sunday everyone!  Grammys tonight.  Valentine's Day tomorrow.  Hope everyone has been having a great weekend so far!   Here are some posts you may have missed this week from us and from some of our blogger friends!

Get cheeky with blushes from Wonder Woman!


Saturday Stash #001 - Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Color Compact in 102! A New Series!

 Jewel inspired lip compact.

So here is a new feature on Beautyburg, a weekly peak into my stash.  I will be pulling an older item or something that I've loving and share it with you guys.  Feel free to share some of your favorite items from your stash in the comments or tweet it to me!  I love seeing different collections.

Here is one of my most elegant pieces of lip lacquer.  Clé de Peau Beauté put out a couple of these gorgeous lip cases inspired by gems.  The lip color part applies very light but super rich in pigmentation.  The gloss has tiny micro glitters and is really slick.  The combination is actually very long lasting.  This formula lasts on lips for up to 4 hours.  I think it's pretty impressive considering how slippery and shiny the gloss part is. 

The red lipstick portion.
 With the gloss on top.  Enlarge to see the tiny glitter.
 This case comes with the best retractable lip brush.  
A rounded tip lip brush on one end and a spatula for gloss on the other. 
Sadly this product isn't available anymore!  There are some newer formulas out from CdP that I am dying to try.  But these products are pricey, so it might have to be one at a time.

So what's your favorite thing from your stash!?

I've Got The Power! Pink Power Mineralized Skinfinish from MAC's Wonder Woman Collection

Pink Power!
I finally got my hands on Pink Power, the jumbo sized Mineralized Skinfinish Trio from MAC's Wonder Woman Collection.  Whooo, let me tell it was hard to track down.  Very few MAC counters in my area got shipments, and Pink Power has been sold out on maccosmetics.com almost since it launched online!

A HUGE amount of product.  
Pink Power in all forms: highlight, bronzer, blush, mixed.
 Pink Power vs. Stereo Rose
There have been talks that when blended, Pink Power was similar to Stereo Rose.  I swatched the two next to each other and they are somewhat close.  Stereo Rose is pinkier and more shimmery.  Pink Power also lends itself to being brown because of the bronzer.  But the biggest difference is that Stereo Rose is more pigmented.  I also swatched the blush portion of Pink Power for comparison. 
Blended Pink Power vs. Stereo Rose
Pink Power's blush portion vs. Stereo Rose
The display.
 Pink Power on cheeks. 

So was this Glamazon disc worth the hunt?  Yes and no.  I jumped minor hurdles to get it, but I don't know if I would fully inconvenience myself for it.  The value makes it nice trophy if you can find it.  But if you are looking for a Stereo Rose dupe, this isn't exact.  And if you can't find Pink Power in your area, fret not!  You can also easily duplicate the shimmer, bronzer and blush portions with other products (though it may cost you more if you decide to stick with all MAC).  

So what does this all mean?  I'm happy to have it, but it's not back-up worthy.  But I got the power!  Let's dance now. 


Remember this jam?

MAC Pink Power Mineralized Skinfinish is part of the Wonder Woman collection and is 20g, 0.70oz for $35 and limited edition and maybe at MAC counters nationwide. Have a great weekend everyone!

Hey DJ Keep Playin' That Polish - Sephoa by OPI Who's Spinning Tonight

 Please don't stop the music.

Happy Friday everyone!  Do you have your dancing shoes on?  Whether you're off hitting the clubs or rockin' out while singing into your hair brush at home, who doesn't love good music?

Sephora by OPI's Urban Ballerina collection sets the stage with six new colors that combine edgy twists on classic pretty colors.  Who's Spinning Tonight is an vibrant eggplant puprle creme with micro-mini purple shimmer.  If Mila Kunis' character from Black Swan was planning on doing her nails before a night out of dancing, this would be the color she would rock.

 Who's Spinning Tonight?
Enlarge to see the micro shimmer.

So you at home DJs, what's on your playlists?  What do you spin on your iPods?

Get Red Hot With CND for Valentine's Day - Just Red and Red Sparkle Effect - Photos and Swatches

 Does this say amour to you?

I know it's cliché, but what is better for Valentine's Day than red nails?  As much as I love all the weird darks, blues, greens, greys, purples, there is something refreshing about putting on a classic red shade. 


Creative Nail Design has put out a duo for Vday called Red Hot.  It holds one classic red nail polish and one ruby red glitter CND Effect.  Just Red, is just that, a straight up primary glossy red.  The application is so smooth, and the color isn't overwhelming.  The overall result is a glossy, wet looking finish.  Red Sparkle, is a CND Effects shade, that you can put over any color.  I want to try this over black, but over Just Red, it's a pretty perfect combination.  I own a few of the CND Effects and find them handy to have in my nail arsenal.  They are great for jazzing up a blah shade or refreshing a 2 day old mani with a shiny new topping!

 Just Red.
 Just Red.  Just classic.
Just Red with Red Sparkleon top.

Red Hot duo is available where CND products are sold.  Check their website for salons and locations. www.creativenaildesign.com

What's your Vday mani going to be this year?  Do you like classic reds?

Jo Malone Tea Fragrance Blends - Limited Edition Fragrances for Spring 2011

Jo Malone Tea Fragrance Blends
Spot of tea anyone?  This spring, Jo Malone will be launching five piece limited edition collection of colognes inspired by the art of tea.  Tea Fragrance Blends are five new and modern fragrances interpreting the most British of ideals: tea.  The collection consists of: Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber, Fresh Mint Leaf, Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk. 

Jo Malone's philosophy of Fragrance Combining lends the wearer to create a unique and immensely personal perfume for themselves.  I love the idea of layering scents like painting a portrait or creating a sumptuous dessert. It just makes everything so much more personal.

Here are descriptions of the fragrances from the press release.  I think some of them sound delicious!

Assam & Grapefruit Cologne
Invigorating and upbeat, Assam & Grapefruit captures the qualities of that first cup of morning tea.  Refreshing grapefruit and herbaceous Assam are blended with undertones of warm patchouli, spicy cardamom and almond.
Add a creamy richness with a splash of Sweet Milk to deepen and sweeten the scent of black tea.

Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne
A playful twist on the British tradition of high tea, cucumber sandwiches served with Earl Grey, distilled into a modern, intriguing scent. Fresh and fruity bergamot is cooled with cucumber and warmed with a base of beeswax, vanilla and musk.
Refresh and uplift by layering with zesty Sweet Lemon.

Fresh Mint Leaf Cologne
A refreshing tisane of freshly picked mint, translated into a crisp, clear cologne.
A blend of mint, basil and maté infuses this cologne with a green, leafy clarity, while a warm base is created by the partnership of cedarwood with musk.
Think pretty and fresh by adding a mist of zesty, fruit-infused Sweet Lemon.

Sweet Lemon Cologne
Mirroring the custom of adding a slice of freshly-cut lemon or a sprinkle of sugar to a cup of just-brewed tea, Sweet Lemon is given a fruity twist with pineapple, peach and fresh green cypress.

Sweet Milk Cologne
Utterly English, a dash of sweet, creamy milk gives tea a rounded richness. The unique milk accord combines star anise, almond and vanilla to create a warm, comforting scent.  Addictively sweet and unexpectedly fresh.

These limited edition fragrances will launch in stores in early March 2011.  
The Tea Fragrance Blends will be $55 US / $70 CAN for each 30ml Cologne and available at www.jomalone.com, Jo Malone boutiques, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s stores nationwide.

I know acids and bases don't mix, but I am most looking forward to the Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk Colognes.  I love perfume, and I love tea.  So I am really excited about this collection! 

Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow Palettes Swatches and Labels

My Freedom System Eyeshadow Palettes with homemade labels.

Since I started this blog, I have been raving about Inglot.  It took me until I left NYC, where I passed the store to and from work daily, to get into Inglot, which is now more difficult to get for me.  New stores across the country have popped up, but there isn't one close to my new location.  Like most of you, now I don't have easy access to Inglot.

Haven't heard of Inglot?  It's a Polish brand started over 20 years, but it is fairly recent to the US.  There are stores now in NYC, NJ, Las Vegas and Southern California.  Check Inglot's website for more info.  Inglot's website leaves a lot to be desired.  It's a global site, so it's not specific to the US.  It doesn't have prices or a lot of information on the products, but it does have pretty good visuals.  If you are not close to an Inglot store or can't make it to a trade show,  you can order by phone.

I decided to swatch the palettes that I currently have so if any of you are interested in their eyeshadows, you could maybe have some reference to work with.  There are quite a few finishes of Inglot shadows: AMC Shine, Matte, DS, Pearl.  The quality of these shadows is excellent.  They are pigmented, rich, buttery smooth and blend like a dream.  The Freedom System 10 Square palette is $50.  Each pan is HUGE (2.7g, 0.09oz each.  MAC eyeshadows 1.5 gram, 0.05 oz and $14.50 each!)  Big, big, big difference!  These eyeshadows are not only my new favorite formula, but they are also an amazing value.  I highly recommend checking these out!
DS 496, AMC Shine 08, AMC Shine 30, AMC Shine 463, DS501
AMC Shine 29, Matte 352, Matte 390, Matte 363, DS465
 AMC 50, DS 473, AMC Shine 41, AMC 60, AMC 51
AMC 58, Matte 388, DS 491, Matte 372, Matte 371
AMC 63, AMC 66, Matte 392, Pearl 412, Pearl 414
Matte 373, Pearl 446, AMC Shine 40, AMC Shine 17, AMC Shine 41
Now Inglot doesn't have a US online store yet, so you have to make phone orders.  The store at Garden State Plaza in New Jersey takes orders over the phone.  Email GSP@inglotusa.com or call them at 201.843.8600.
Have you tried Inglot yet?  Is there an Inglot store in your area?  What would you put in your Freedom System?