Illamasqua Kink

I haven't worn a green in awhile, so today's post is from Illamasqua's Theatre of the Nameless collection - Kink.  I had previously reviewed Vice in January (whoa was it really that long ago?) and loved the rubber/plastic finish.  I used a base coat of Poshe and 2 coats of polish.  I did not use a top coat to keep the rubber/plastic look to my nails.

This is a great forest green that did not stain my nails.  I love how the rubber/plastic finish makes it look so complete.

Please excuse my camera reflection in my nails.  Despite not having a top coat, this polish has a lot of sheen and shine to it, even in the shade.

And finally indoors with the flash - this almost has a murky blue/green tone to it, but it's just the bad lighting, nothing more.  Perfectly pigmented and very smooth formula.

For those in the States, you can purchase Illamasqua from Sephora [official website] for $14 a bottle.

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

NCLA Santa Monica Shore Thing

I feel like a robin egg/Tiffany blue today!  Thankfully, NCLA has my back with Santa Monica Shore Thing, a lovely Tiffany blue creme.  Formula on this polish was fantastic - I used a base of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.

YAY SUN!  Look how lovely this color is!!!  Great opacity, great coverage, fabulous color.  (Yes, I know I didn't paint my thumb nail >_< I rarely do when swatching polishes.)

Here in the shade, you can see that this perfectly pigmented polish still shines even when there isn't any sun around (oh yeah, I just wrote that).  My hands got a bit red looking under the shade - not sure what's up with that one.

Finally indoors with the flash - still awesome.  AWESOME I TELL YOU.  I'm quite happy with this color, if you haven't noticed - great for a wedding even!


Bonus picture, I was looking at another location for my bottle shots - thoughts?

Also, NCLA has now added Pinterest and Instagram (name: shopncla) to their social media... They just had a mini giveaway/contest on Instagram 2 days ago where 5 winners won their favorite product, so make sure you're following all their social media!

NCLA [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Tumblr] is available on the website for $16.00 a bottle and in a variety of stores.

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

China Glaze Crackle Glitters

Mmm glitter.  Oooh crackle.  Glitter Crackle?  Well, let me tell you - I like it.  I have these all sitting on my desk but for now, please enjoy the press release!  (All images courtesy of China Glaze.)

SPARK YOUR SUMMER STYLE! 

China Glaze® Introduces Four New Crackle Glitter Polishes May 2012 

Los Angeles, CA – (March 2012):  Sparkle all summer long with China Glaze®’s new Crackle Glitters collection.  Once again taking crackle technology to the next level, this third-generation polish pairs the edgy innovation of crackling nail lacquer with glamorous glitters.  The China Glaze® Crackle Glitters features four shimmering shades including:

Luminous Lavender: Luscious light purple

Jade-d: Radiant bright green

Glam-More: Bold fuchsia

Gleam Me Up: Bright sky blue

Create glamorously different looks with just one sweep of China Glaze® Crackle Glitters.  Layer over different base colors to create bold styles.  Use a lighter coat to create a fine crackle, a thicker coat for a deep shatter effect.  Brush sideways or on an angle to create different looks.  As versatile and edgy as China Glaze®’s biggest celebrity fans (Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicole Ritchie and Kelly Osbourne, to name a few), China Glaze® Crackle Glitters add a spark(le) to one of the hottest nail art trends!

The China Glaze® Crackle Glitters collection will be available as open stock colors and four-piece counter display.  Individual polishes retail for $9 MSRP and will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in May 2012.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook and Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

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.