CND Crimson Sparkle

I absolutely love the CND effects line, which I know I've said several times.  Now you may notice, that my bottle is stained red at the bottom and the label is all over the place - it was stained totally red but I tweaked it so you can at least read it.  Crimson Sparkle is a red shimmer inside of a clear base.  I used my existing Desert Suede manicure for this effect, except for my index finger, which I put a coat of black on.  This is just 1 coat of Crimson Sparkle with a top coat of CND Air Dry.

Boo cloudy weather.  What I love about Crimson Sparkle is that it's subtle and jam packed at the same time.  Obviously, over a nude, it's not going to give much punch.  You can see it, which is great for some office action but look at it over black!  I love that it almost takes on a duochrome with gold at the edges and crimson red at the tips.  Lovely.

Kind of the same story in the shade.  I really should have just picked a different base color but at the same time, I love how you can have an office appropriate nude and play it up with some sparkle.  :]

Finally here's this crazy flash shot... the camera didn't want to focus on anything.  So do you need this color?  Yes.  But then again, I'll say that about every single CND effects I have.  :]  Oh yes.


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

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

CPNALV: Discover Beauty 2012

Cosmoprof North America - Las Vegas is coming up fast (only 90 days away!) and while media registration hasn't opened yet, so I'm not 100% certain I'm going, I am super excited to read all the press coming from the lovely people behind this amazing convention.  Last year, I did a lot of wandering around (ending up at Zoya and China Glaze several times, cough) until I finally found the white Holy Grail of Cosmoprof North America... the Discover Beauty section.  This is where new, up and coming brands are given the opportunity to be discovered by not only visitors but also important retailers.  Please enjoy the following press release and congrats to the 2012 Discover Beauty brands!  (All images courtesy of Y! PR).

DISCOVER BEAUTY 2012 OVERVIEW

ANNOUNCING THE INITIAL LINE-UP FOR THIS YEAR'S PROGRAM

 

Las Vegas, NV (April 18, 2012) – The Discover Beauty program, an exclusive initiative of Cosmoprof North America (CPNA), returns for its sixth successful year of matching leading retailers with emerging beauty brands in 2012. Companies from all over the world must be selected to participate in Discover Beauty, ensuring an exclusive array of unique, cutting-edge brands that are sure to be the "next big thing." For these brands, CPNA show organizers arrange pre-scheduled sales meetings and events with important retailers, although, all show visitors are invited to discover these brands. CPNA is proud to announce the initial Discover Beauty line-up for 2012, which include: GOLDFADEN MD, Hevia Skin Science, Layla Cosmetics, KARORA Cosmetics, Marula by The Leakey Collection, Niki Saint Pierre Botanical Cosmeceuticals, Recipe for men and TEMPTU.

Discover Beauty participants are provided with high-profile visibility and key placement on the show floor to help ensure they receive a high return on their investment, which translates into strong retail buyer partnerships. In addition, they’re guaranteed one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments with specialty retailers on the first day of the show.

The Discover Beauty Affiliates are Layla Cosmetics, KARORA Cosmetics and TEMPTU. These specific brands have limited distribution and are now working toward continuing to increase their exposure nationally and internationally. These brands receive the same key exposure on the show floor as the other Discover Beauty brands, although, affiliates are not guaranteed pre-scheduled meetings by CPNA show organizers.

All Discover Beauty brands are automatically enrolled for the 2012 Discover Beauty Award. This award is given to one brand, which is recognized for its creativity in concept, packaging and overall ability to succeed in this competitive retail market. The winner is selected by industry influentials, beauty editors and participating retailers. The Discover Beauty Award winner will be announced on the evening of Sunday, July 22, 2012, as part of a private reception.

Below is the initial list of the 2012 Discover Beauty exhibiting companies:

GOLDFADEN MD – USA

GOLDFADEN MD is the only physician strength, dermatologist developed, natural skincare line in the industry. The highly efficacious, non-prescription skincare solutions utilize state-of-the-art technologies with active plant cells and anti-oxidant rich botanicals. GOLDFADEN MD’s problem-solving skincare remedies target a range of specific skin concerns inspired by treatments developed in Dr. Goldfaden’s South Florida dermatology practice.
goldfadenmd.com

HEVIA SKIN SCIENCE – USA

Created by Oscar Hevia, MD, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of The Hevia Center for Research, the Hevia Skin Science line uses scientifically formulated active ingredients to help prevent skin aging and encourage rejuvenation. Highly effective and innovative, this line also contains proprietary, patent-pending and exclusive ingredients.
heviaskinscience.com

LAYLA COSMETICS – ITALY

Layla Cosmetics has been creating trend setting and cutting edge products from Milan for over 70 years. Fusing the latest in technology along with an Italian fashion influence, Layla reveals their newest collections for the first time to the U.S. market unveiling ground-breaking innovation and nail art to the industry.
luxcongroup.com

KARORA COSMETICS – IRELAND

Irish beauty brand KARORA, offers modern women a glamorous choice in the natural beauty category with a true skin caring approach to faux tan. KARORA’s botanical bronzing collection delivers World first custom colour technology, with natural and organic bronzing formulas enhanced with signature ingredients of açaí berry and argan that provide intense skin treatments. This is pure bronzed perfection with a botanical twist at luxe for less price points.
karoracosmetics.com

MARULA BY THE LEAKEY COLLECTION – USA

Marula by The Leakey Collection, is an oil that boasts higher levels of antioxidants than Argan or Grape Seed Oil, offering better absorption and hydration. Clinically-proven and physician-endorsed, this product offers superior protection against environmental stressors and damaging free radicals, which can lead to signs of premature aging.
marula.com

NIKI SAINT PIERRE BOTANICAL COSMECEUTICALS – USA

Niki Saint Pierre Botanical Cosmeceuticals is a groundbreaking facial skin care line of intensive overnight treatments that support the skins natural functions, restores nutrients and revitalizes suppleness. Free of parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances and coloring, the end result is a healthy, radiant and youthful look.
nikisaintpierre.com

RECIPE FOR MEN – SWEDEN

Created by men specifically for men, Recipe for men is pure hydration and energy for the skin.  Developed in the harsh winters of Scandinavia, the formulations are carefully selected to fit a man’s needs.  With oil-free textures that guarantee quick absorption and minimize shine, Recipe for men stands for logical skincare without fuss.
recipeformen.com

TEMPTU – USA

TEMPTU, the leader in AIRbrush Makeup was founded in 1981. With the introduction of the AIRpod Makeup System, TEMPTU has revolutionized makeup application for every woman – it’s fast and easy to use, and in just three steps and less than three minutes, you get results that are truly flawless.
temptu.com
 
Cosmoprof North America will take place July 22 - 24, 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.  Stay tuned for regular CPNA show updates, and for more information, visit cosmoprofnorthamerica.com and Facebook.com/cosmoprofnorthamerica. 

NCLA Summer of '69

I love Oldies music.  I grew up listening to it while my parents jammed in the front seat.  Now I hope my son doesn't think I'm as weird as my parents when he catches me singing to Britney Spears or Christina Perry or Goyte...  Anywho, I was super excited to sing a long when these polishes hit my desk - reviews to come before the end of the month!  Please enjoy the following from NCLA - all images courtesy of them (and how fantastic are these press images?!)

NCLA Summer of 69' Summer '12 Collection

www.shopncla.com

Releasing April 2nd, 2012

Featuring 3 new hot nail lacquer colorsEnough of the grey, enough of the cold! We are ready again for the crisp smell of a spring morning, feeling the warm blanket of hot air on a summer night and bringing out our favorite summer fashion!


We want beautiful flowers in our hair, happy music in our ears and start a revolution of color and style on our nails.


Inspired by a generation that re-defined music, that pushed fashion forward and that breathed the essence of freedom, the Summer of 69’ collection is bringing back timeless style with a little touch of LA love!

The nail polish part of the collection consists of three stunning new colors: A beautiful, bright coral crème, a rich fluorescent berry and a gorgeous, lush, violet lavender. These truly exquisite new lacquers will make for a brilliant summer! And they are all 5 Free.


To round the collection off, the three nail wrap designs pick up the superb color schemes in a unique mix of old school design elements, sprinkled with a dash of distinct NCLA style. The result is a beautifully crafted blend that is perfect for the season ahead!

Well…, Let’s rock the backstage areas, let’s sing out loud under the blue skies, let’s laugh with our friends in the warmth of the night. Let’s make this the best time of your lives. Glorious summer is finally back!

www.shopncla.com 

  

All products MSRP at $16. Available April 1st at Kitson, Nordstrom, www.shopncla.com and other high-end retailers.

CND Desert Suede

Considering I'm almost at 1600 bottles of nail polish, you'd think I basically have every color there is.  And on days like today, I'd have to agree.  Today's polish is CND Desert Suede, a "warm opaque nude".  I used a base coat of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  Formula was nice and smooth.

So not quite mannequin hands but quite close!  The color is smooth like butter while still being opaque enough to wear alone.

In the shade, this color tends to wear a bit darker - looking more like milky caramel.  Love it!

And stranger still, inside with the flash, you get more a yellow tint - like butter scotch.  Thank you for the nude fun, CND.  There's a tag line for you.


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

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

Stages of Beauty - Toners

Do you use a toner?  I just started using one as part of a face system that I had received last year.  While I'm still not sure what all a toner does (at least I'm honest!), I am always willing to learn - and there are some good facts at the bottom of this release!  Please enjoy the following from Stage of Beauty (images courtesy of Marlo Marketing).

This month, Stages of Beauty launched a collection of four toners, each with ingredients and formulations specific to different ages (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s). Additionally, Founder of Stages of Beauty, Jasmina Aganovic, who is an MIT-trained Chemical & Biological Engineer, shared with us interesting information on incorporating a toner into one’s skincare regimen, below. 

• Tightens pores and reduces pore size

• Restores the skin’s natural pH
• Reverse and defends against free radical damage
• Brightens the skin’s complexion
• Deliver nutrients to smooth and plump the skin
• $19.99 for 4 oz. bottle


Unique Ingredients:


Monk’s Pepper Berry Extract – Anti-oxidant complex shown to dramatically improve the vitality and appearance of skin while fighting signs of aging, promoting a radiant glow and increase hydration.


Red Tea Extract – Found in mountains of South Africa and has been shown to contain SOD, which acts an both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in the body, neutralizing free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and aged skin. Red tea is full of vitamins and minerals that increase capillary strength and promote younger, healthier looking skin.


Western Dock – The extract of the Western Dock plant contain Tyrosinase inhibitory enzymes that lighten the appearance of unwanted dark spots.




Facts on Toners:


• Toners rebalance the pH of the skin after cleansing. Did you ever notice how sometimes your skin is red or pink after cleansing? That’s because cleansing can actually be quite abrasive on the skin. The pH is altered and toners help to normalize the pH on the surface of the skin.


• In Asia, toners are known as the “holy grail” of products – they consider it to be among the most important step in their skincare routine.


• The best way to apply a toner is to dispense (or spray) the toner onto a cotton ball and lightly dab the skin. There’s no need to be rough! Some women feel the need to use the toner again if the cotton ball comes back dirty. That’s not true. All that means is that the cleanser didn’t cleanse effectively or you should exfoliate more often.