Nail Art - Artistic Expression?

I got this press release in my email and point blank, I was a bit confused and also strangely interested.  Nail art.  We're awesome.  Also shout out to ChalkBoardNails - I recognized her nails immediately!  SERIOUSLY SERIOUS.  Please enjoy the following from PBS Arts.

The latest episode of PBS Arts’ weekly Web series, ‘Idea Channel’ – a program that looks at modern creative enterprises and compares them with artistic movements throughout history – focuses on nail art. According to host Mike Rugnetta, nail art can actually be viewed as an argument in the continuing battle between art and craft.

For as long as art has existed, it has lived alongside other activities that are thought to be creative pursuits, but are considered more functional and lacking in higher meaning. The ongoing argument between art and craft comes down to what the beholder considers to be a “serious idea”, but nail art can transcend that line – to some, the time and thought required of some designs can, at times, go beyond basic craftmaking and push this creative pursuit into the realm of artmaking.

China Glaze Jungle Queen

Even though it's 100 degrees outside here in South Texas, the fall nail polish collections are rolling into your stores.  I swear, if I see Halloween items, I'm going to have to dance in a circle or something (negatively).  I hate feeling rushed through seasons.  Regardless, today, I pulled Jungle Queen from the On Safari! collection brought to you by China Glaze.  This is a smoky purple with this awesome purple shimmer running through it.  Trust me.  I've heard it's a dead on duplicate for Chanel Paradoxal (which I reviewed a year and a half ago) but I think this is more smoky in color.

No, I don't normally paint my thumb nail when I'm swatching nail polish.  I do paint all 10 fingers from time to time.  I'm wearing a base coat of Poshe, only one coat of polish and a top coat of nubar Diamont.  The formula was pretty excellent - no pooling, no spotting.

See that flash of purple?!  Love it.

Here in the shade took some heavy photo correcting because my hands kept looking lobster red.  The reflection on my nails that you see (especially on my index finger) is just me - nothing wrong with the nail itself.  (You can almost see my camera!)

Finally indoors with the flash and that purple shimmer jumps out and wants to eat you.  Rawr.  Jungle Queen.  Put a tiara on it.


China Glaze [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] can be found online through several etailers, including my favorite Head2Toe Beauty, Sally's Beauty Supply as well as TransDesign.

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

ICMAD Announces the 2012 CITY Trunk Show Dates

I got a press release today that really had me wishing I lived in New York, Los Angeles or Las Vegas.  Or that I just had my own private jet - I'm not that picky.  ICMAD has creatively come up with a way for the winners of the CITY (Cosmetic Innovators of the Year) Awards to really show off their new concepts, packaging and innovation into the beauty world.  If you're in one of the above three cities, do try and check it out!  Some of the companies listed are old friends to my beauty line up, some are brand new!

ICMAD Announces the 2012 CITY Trunk Show Dates

Inaugural Trunk Show Featuring CITY Award Winners

Palatine, IL (August 2, 2012) - The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD) announces the first-ever CITY 2012 Beauty Trunk Show taking place this August in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The winners of the 2012 Cosmetic Innovators of The Year (CITY) Awards were announced on June 20th in New York City. Along with this honor, the display is another step to gaining additional exposure for excellence in innovation, packaging and beauty concepts.

An all-new initiative, the beauty trunk show gives the CITY Awards winners a platform to display their award-winning products at national retailers, which include: NewBeauty at Fred Segal, Ron Robinson Apothia, C.O. Bigelow, Henri Bendel New York and Skins 6|2. The CITY Beauty Trunk Show will take place simultaneously at all retailers August 21–28. Elevating its profile, the CITY Awards have evolved into a high-profile program, giving winners "bonus”’ launch pads to success. For the inaugural trunk show, ICMAD created a special unit for the winners so they can be available for purchase at stores and online at Beauty.com. This is just one example of the association’s commitment and determination ~ ICMAD prides itself as the catalyst to growth for their members.

2012 CITY Trunk Show Beauty Brands:

IT Cosmetics - Vitality Cheek Flush Anti-Aging Powder Blush Stain

Murad - Rapid Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare- Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body

Lux Beauty Group/Royal Apothic - Holland Park Eau De Parfum

Oribe - Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray

NYX Cosmetics - Haute Jersey Leopard Couture

Hevia MD Skin Care – Hevia Skin Science Line

Dayna Decker - Essence Wash & Lotion

Crafting Beauty - It's Me by Jacomo

Besame Cosmetics - Crimson Cream Rouge

Jack Black - DIY Power Peel Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads

Swedish Skin Care - Razor Burn Freedom for Women

lacc la couleur couture

 While at Cosmoprof North America Las Vegas, I spotted lacc la couleur couture in the Spotlight Beauty section.  They are a vegan line of polishes that are big 3 free and highly pigmented.  

For the salon, their displays are stack-able allowing more product to be shown.  You'll notice a lot of cremes, but I was told that for Holiday 2012, you'll see some glitters!

I absolutely loved this purple!  The polishes are named by years so the purple is called 1972.

Please click to see larger

Only problem with this line?  I have no idea where to buy it or how much they cost.  When I went by their booth, the founder was actually at lunch and I didn't have a chance to stop back by.  As soon as I find out, I'll let you know!

Edit!  I have more information!  The lacc nail lacquer is priced at $16 a bottle - same for the base/top coats.  The polish is manufactured in NY but the company is incoporated in Vancouver BC (Canada).  They will be launching in September at the Shangri-la Hotel in Vancouver - the Chi Spa in the hotel will be carrying the lacquer as well.  AND by the end of August, they will have a website where you can purchase online!  Last but not lease, the designer colors are highly pigmented, with toxins removed, a UV protector and my favorite part: "All the colors are made by me with love."  That's directly form the owner, Farmia.

They also have their own base and top coat which reportedly help block UV rays.

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!