Rite Aid Glam Camp!

I am so proud to announce that PolishGalore has once again been allowed the opportunity to work with Jesse's Girl Cosmetics in the 2012 Rite Aid's Glam Camp!

Last year, we did a water marble and this year we worked on the Galaxy manicure and had a bonus on how to remove Glitter Polishes.


I haven't seen the booklet this year yet but it will great on my wall (haha)!  I'm hoping to get both framed this year to place in my office.  THANK YOU AGAIN to Jesse's Girl!

Salon-de-Lis, Kingsville, Texas

Image courtesy of Salon-de-Lis Facebook Page

I was once told that living in South Texas and being into beauty was an oxymoron... that we were 10 years behind the trends.  I wouldn't say 10 years, but it does seem like we do tend to fall behind in what's going on in the world of beauty and fashion.  I had heard of Salon-de-Lis from my Mom originally, when her hairstylist moved to this location, and then I physically visited the location during their ribbon cutting for the Chamber of Commerce.  When I first went by, the nail room was in the front, with the normal China Glaze and OPI in the room, but because they were busy with the ribbon cutting, no one could really tell me what nail services were offered.

Fast forward a few months, and while I was reading my Facebook feed, I saw that Salon-de-Lis was now offering Shellac by CND!  I immediately jumped to make an appointment for a pedicure due to my upcoming Las Vegas trip and I knew that I didn't want to have my toe polish flake off or chip while out of state at a beauty convention.  I was able to sign up straight from their Facebook Page (bonus!) which leads to the website Vagaro - a web based appointment calendar.

I received a phone call a few days later asking to reschedule my appointment.  The woman who was going to perform my services was no longer available on that day, and in the end, it worked out better for me to move the appointment.  The owner, Lisa, offered to even come in early to the salon so I could get in and out in time for my flight, which was a nice gesture.  At this point, I had not spilled that I was a nail blogger, but she saw we had mutual Facebook friends and remembered my blog through other conversations I had with said mutual contacts.

I went into the salon a few days early to see (a) if Salon-de-Lis offered the entire Shellac process and (b) what colors she had available.  I had printed off some color combinations from the CND website because I knew I wanted to layer my colors.  The polish room had moved to another part of the salon since the last time I had been there, and the new room had a neat display of all their polishes.  I asked to see the Shellac set up and was pleased to see the official CND lamp, Shellac polishes, base and top coats.  I narrowed my choices down to 3 possibles, and was set to return the following Saturday.  Turns out, I didn't even need my printouts because Lisa had the same printouts available in her salon, with the colors that she offers already pre-marked.

On Saturday (July 21), I was running a bit late (if you saw my Instagram, you'll see I packed in 16 minutes, nervewracking!), so I called to let them know I was about 15 minutes behind.  I arrived and was offered a drink (I chose water), and was seated in a nice plush salon chair with a pull out drawer for the pedicures.  I didn't need a pedicure, just my nail lacquer removed and the Shellac applied, and since Lisa now knew I was a nail blogger and understood Shellac, she asked if 2 shadows (new hires) could watch.  I didn't mind at all, so the duo came in to observe.  (It was actually a brother & sister that just graduated from cosmetology school and were still new to nails.)

Lisa is very adamant about using the entire Shellac system from start to beginning and not short changing the client by mixing and matching products or systems.  I chose to put on one coat of Purple Purple and one coat of Moonlight & Roses which resulted in a nice lilac shade.  Lisa took care to make sure no gel was on the cuticle area during the pedicure, my foot was relaxed during the UV lamp, and that she wrapped the tips (which is difficult on toes but not impossible!).

There were only 2 downsides.  The first was that I was the first Shellac pedicure, and so her pedicure chair was not set up properly for Shellac.  In order to make me comfortable, she would polish one foot, then hold the lamp on the foot rest while I placed my foot inside.  While that cured, we'd small talk until the light went off, then she'd polish the other foot and hold the lamp during that foot's curing.  It made the procedure last longer only because instead of being able to polish one foot while the other was in the lamp, she was making sure my foot was comfortable.

The other downside was that when it came time to remove the sticky layer, she used 91% isopropyl alcohol instead of 99%.  While it removed the sticky layer and kept the shine, I knew it wasn't "right".  Salon-de-Lis is still working on getting their CND Certified certification and being added to the CND website - all in good time.  Edit: I talked to CND and they said that 91% IPA is 'okay' but the 99% IPA is the professional grade and makes the nail the glossiest post-service and is what is recommended for the Shellac procedure.

The best part of my Shellac pedicure?  As soon as it was done, and I mean the second it was done, I put on my shoes.  Yep, just slipped them on.  No need to wait for anything - just put them on.  I went to the reception area where another woman was waiting and asked what I had done (because my nails were bare) and I said "Oh, I had a Shellac pedicure."  She was freaking out that I was wearing shoes.  NO smudging, nothing.

I paid $30 for my pedicure which is now almost 2 weeks old and you can't tell one bit.  It's still extremely shiny, no chipping, and the grow out is nearly non-existent.  My toe nails grow much slower than my finger nails so I figure I'll get easily another 2 weeks out of this pedicure before having to go again, and I definitely will go again.  I'm not sure how much a spa pedicure with Shellac would cost, but I'll be finding out.

I don't have current pictures of my pedicure because I'm not fond of feet to begin with but I did take this one picture (no filter) for Instagram, so please don't look if toes aren't your thing.  This was taken on the day of the Shellac pedicure, after putting on and taking my shoes off.

Salon-de-Lis is located at 506 E. Kleberg in Kingsville, Texas.  Their phone number is (361) 592-5472 or you can book an appointment via their Facebook Page

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

What do you think of the Magnetic craze?  Are you all about it?  Over it?  There are so many brands doing magnetic polishes - even in gels!  It's a great instant nail art, I have to say, but at the same time I feel like once you've seen one magnetic, have you seen them all?  (Maybe not, with some new magnets coming out!) 


In addition to the new Magnetic Nail Color from Sally Hansen that you'll read about below, Sally Hansen is having a #GetMagnetic contest with the grand prize of $1000!

Register your name, e-mail and username on Sally Hansen's Facebook App: https://apps.facebook.com/sallyhansen/

Visit the Instagram app, snap a photo of your nail art and include #GetMagnetic into the caption

Show the "Love!" for your favorite nail art photos on the Facebook App: https://apps.facebook.com/sallyhansen/

 The contest ends on 9/17 and the grand prize is $1000! 

Please enjoy the following release from Sally Hansen (all images courtesy of SH).

INTRODUCING MAGNETIC NAIL COLOR

FROM SALLY HANSEN

THINK: Magnetic Appeal.

WHAT THEY ARE: Create a gorgeous 3D nail art effect in just seconds using these magnetic polishes. This unique formula has been specially developed with metallic particles to create a pattern on the nail using magnetic forces. As the magnet is held over the nail, the iron filings in the formula gravitate toward the magnet forming the pattern/design secretly hidden in the magnet for an astonishing finish!

Applies in 2 Steps:

Step 1 – Apply 1 coat of base coat. Shake Magnetic Nail Color to activate. Remove overcap with magnet and set aside. Apply 1 coat of Magnetic Nail Color to all 10 nails and let dry.

Step 2 – Apply a thick second coat of color to 1 nail and immediately hold the built-in magnet over the nail. Rest the guide just below the cuticle without touching the wet nail polish. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat for all 10 nails and let dry. Finish with a top coat.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Ionic Indigo, Red-y Response, Kinetic Copper, Silver Elements, Golden Conduct, Electric Emerald, Graphite Gravity, Polar Purple

WHAT IT COSTS: $9.99 each

WHERE TO FIND THEM: Drugstores nationwide

The Painted Nail Fall 2012

Image Courtesy of The Painted Nail Facebook Page

Last year, I was super excited to meet Katie Cazorla, owner of The Painted Nail salon in LA and star of the TV Guide reality show Nail Files.  It was great to get to know her and her story.  Well this year, Beauty Judy tweeted that we would be at Cosmoprof this year and she came back with "Let's do dinner again!"  You can pretty much imagine my shock (and squeals of delight) when Katie texted me and asked "So where's dinner?"  After a much frustrating day of phone calls, my miracle from Ninja Polish booked us at the Beach Cafe at Tropicana.


Dinner was fantastic, and Katie was able to talk a bit about what's coming up in Season 2.  Special thank you to TV Guide for allowing us to screen Episode 1 of Season 2, and while I can't tell you what happened, all I can say is DO NOT MISS THE EPISODE ON AUGUST 19TH!  I'll hopefully have some more teaser clips as time goes on, but seriously, it's hilarious.  One thing that I do love about Katie is that she is not prepped to say things, or staged... she's a comedian!  This girl is quick with words, so watch out.  (But always good humor, nothing bad or condescending.)

Somehow I missed the side of the table I was sitting so I'm borrowing from Kimberly!

Claudia from Chromatic Misadventures; me; Judy with Beauty Judy; Maria from Cult Nails; Kimberly from Libby's Pink Vanity; Gia with Bottles and Bottles of Polish; Sinead owner of Self Tanning Queen.


Yes, I look like a dork.  You can see my tights AND my bra.  I'm classy like that.

Bloggers unite!


So Katie had a BUNCH to share with us.  First was her set of nail jewelry (as seen on my pinkie).  They are small rings that fit above the knuckle to accent your nail.  This is a prototype so it may not look like this in the end but they were really cute!  They will probably run around $35 when completed.  Thankfully they fit snugly and did not slip or feel like it was going to fall off.  (My polish is OMG! Gorgeous by Painted Nail.)

Next is Katie's own line of "3D Nail Couture".  It's a set of false nails with the regular designed nails and then three accent nails that have been hand-created.  Katie felt inspired by celebrity manicures that she sees in LA that go for hundreds of dollars, but wanted something that had the elegance and chic look without the hefty price tag.

The best part of these is that you can use self-adhesive tabs and when you're ready to change, just peel the nail off, discard the tab, and you can reuse the nail!  These nails are made tough so you literally keep them until they get destroyed.  Price and release date not available by press time.

Here they are in a carrying case (final design not complete).


For the "bus tour" promotion of Season 2 of Nails Files, Katie is coming out with 8 new colors and 4 new "top coats".  Brace yourself.

The first row contains a red coral creme, followed by the perfect Louboutin red creme (Katie LIVES in Louboutins).  The second row is a neon yellow green, a neon orange, a neon pink, a neon purple and the PERFECT highlighter neon yellow.  I have never seen a yellow neon THIS yellow or THIS neon before.  Best part?  Katie said that these are opaque in fewer coats and do NOT need a white coat underneath to make them pop.  I do apologize for the scuffed look of the nail wheels... Katie received them THAT morning and stuck them in her purse and they got a little scuffed up.  The third row (second picture) contains the last color - a dark inky blue.  Her inspiration for this one was if someone opened up an ink pen and just pooled it across the table.


Now we have these top coats.  Okay, I know they don't look amazing here, but let me tell you.  The first is a crazy blue/green/purple glitter that contains the same type of ink found in US currency!  The second is a smokey purple/blue/green that contains the same type of ink found in passports.  The third is a pretty pink that is great for a princess look and the final top coat is a shredded iridescent bar flakie.  Please check out the closer pictures by Beauty Judy here.  The new line should be available in her online store in the next week or so.


One of the big surprises for me is that Katie is now representing imPRESS and Kiss nails.  She brought us a samples that I'll have to try out later.


The other BIG surprise for me was the announcement that Katie and nubar have amicably split ways.  Katie will still be using nubar products in her salon (and she does really love their products), but her own bottles will be changing completely.  Katie's inspiration was the old 1940s/50s perfume bottle - Hollywood romance if you will.

While they are still a 0.5 fl oz/15 ml, they are now rounded design but flat on the front and back - think American Apparel bottles (old design) but with a curve to the sides.  A crown is engraved on each top.


I was able to chat with Katie for a bit on a personal level, and it was really great to see that human quality that makes her so enjoyable to watch on TV.  She was telling Beauty Judy and I how she came home from work the other day and Barbra Streisand was just casually sitting upstairs with her husband James Brolin and Katie's fiance Walter.  Katie had a tiny fan girl moment and that's the stuff that I love seeing.  Yes, she is super poised and elegant, but she can fan girl out that Barbra is just chilling in her upstairs studio.  Word.


The other thing that I really respected was that Katie has told those with her that she does not want to be pinched/tucked/photochopped in her pictures.  We all know that photochopping (photo editing) is rampant in media, but Katie doesn't want to be one of those women that you see looking amazingly perfect in the magazine and then in real life you question if you're looking at the same person.  In today's world, that says something.  (Mind you, I think she looks amazing but we all see ourselves in different ways.)


Thanks Katie, for meeting up with us crazy bloggers and much love and luck to you for the rest of 2012!

Myself, Katie and Judy from BeautyJudy

China Glaze New Bohemian

I was able to check these out at Cosmoprof and even received one to take home (thanks AII!) but I can't wait to see them at my Sally's and snatch some up.  Please enjoy the following press release from China Glaze (all images courtesy of AII).

“NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST.”

~J.R.R. Tolkein

China Glaze® Introduces Six Radiant Luster Chromes for Fall 2012

Los Angeles, CA – (June 2012): Say the word “Bohemian” and most people automatically think bell-bottoms and fringed vests.  Today’s Bohemian look is refined, feminine and carefree, epitomized by fashion icon Nicole Richie’s modern Bohemian look.  China Glaze® gives the free-spirited look a fresh, trendy spin with its latest specialty collection, New Bohemian.  China Glaze® New Bohemian will leave you mesmerized as the color shifts and moves across the nail, traveling with the light.  The chrome-like finish radiates with high shine and intense color, captivating your senses with every twist and turn.

Push the boundaries of color and fashion with the unconventional collection of six lustrous shades including:

Unpredictable
Multidimensional gorgeous green

Rare & Radiant
Extraordinarily rich gold

Swanky Silk
Brilliant beige with peach undertones

No Plain Jane
Lavish lavender-pink  

Want My Bawdy
Sexy sapphire blue

Deviantly Daring
Adventurously bold peacock teal

The China Glaze® New Bohemian collection will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in August 2012.  Individual polishes retail for $6.99 MSRP.

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 (@ChinaGlaze), Twitter (@ChinaGlazeOfficial) and Pinterest (www.pinterest.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, Nail Tek, 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.