Cult Nails Alter Ego

Another crazily deceptive color from the new Cult Nails fall collection is Alter Ego, which looks like this pretty pearlized pink but come on, you should know by now that nothing is what it seems with this collection.

I started with the ever important base coat by Cult Nails Get It On, then one coat of Nevermore, next was one coat of Alter Ego, and finished with Cult Nails Wicked Fast top coat.  Wait for it.

Howdy.  That pretty pink is actually a lovely olive green/gold when paired with black.  It reminds me of the base of Always Winning by Cult Nails, which I own and did wear once (I promise).  But seriously, how cool is this?

This is indirect light.  Sadly, trying to take pictures of color with the flash just wasn't really happening.  The awesome sparkle shimmer in the polish was playing with the camera and it was just a blurry mess.  Promise.

I did attempt to set up an indoor studio.  I have a spare bedroom in my house that I'd love to turn into my polish room but for now, I attempted with my dining room table.

It didn't really work.  It's hard to tell the color of the polish and I have issues with lighting.  I have like 5 lamps but was only using one?  

See what I mean?  Hello lamp!  I love lamp.  This bottle shot doesn't look anything like the bottle shot up top.  Which do you like?  Properly lit indoors pictures or shot outside my house?

Cult Nails [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram: CultNails] is available in their shop for $12 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.

Nail Files: Down The Rabbit Hole Breakdown

Image Courtesy of TV Guide Network Facebook Page

In The Salon
Katie is having the party for the grand opening of the Hair and Makeup Bar with an Alice In Wonderland theme and from the promos last week, it looks like the party is going to be a big lights out.  I am with Katie on the Photobooth thing - you need a Photobooth to market.  Jin, you suck and Jim, thanks for calling him out.

So it's party time and when Katie realizes her "photobooth" (the photographer with a big printer) is putting out the logo the PRINTED NAIL, oh hey - the power goes out... because of the printer.  Oh but it gets better... the cops show up because a disgruntled neighbor doesn't want the smooth sounds of Kenny G.  The cops tell them to just pipe down a bit and the rest of the party is a hit.  Congratulations Katie!

Celebrity Sighting!
I spy Amy and her amazing cupcakes!  Go buy some cookies from her (she ships!) - you won't regret it.  Additionally there were a ton of people at the party - Sheryl Burke, Kenny G, Peggy (Housewives of OC)... and Katie's siblings!!!!

In Katie's Life
The comment about Katie's about "down the rabbit hole" for a pair of shoes...  So did she get her shoes?

The Mish Mash
Did those guys SERIOUSLY ask how to spell "LOVE"? And did they seriously spell it wrong?

Random, in case you missed it, Katie is now repping imPRESS nails - the commercials you see during Nail Files with Nicole Scherzinger.  Katie's favorite is the "color me" because they are clear and she's able to wear several different colors at once - super helpful when she's choosing new colors for her collection (speaking of, I bought Barbara, Marilyn and Coco - will be reviewing soon!).

Did anyone else feel like Katie was a little Snooki "Party's here."  I'm serious!!!  Snooki, season 1... Katie, this episode.  Someone mishmash it for me.  

I can't wait until next week - looks like I have more Joyce time.

PBA BEACON Program

Hello friends!  While I regroup and get ready to post lots and lots of pretty nail polish, I have some light reading for you coming up, including some New York Fashion Week news.  Please enjoy the following from PBA and how the BEACON program can help cosmetology and esthetic students!  (All images courtesy of PBA)

BEACON 2013 - Offering Cosmetology & Esthetic Students a

Jump Start on a Career in Beauty

Applications Accepted Starting December 1, 2012 ▪ Entries Due March 2, 2013

The Professional Beauty Association's (PBA) BEACON program provides the nation's most promising cosmetology and esthetic students with education and opportunities to network with the industry's highest profile salon owners and stylists during PBA Beauty Week. Held each July in Las Vegas, BEACON students attend specialized classes with the biggest names in the industry, get up close and personal with NAHA finalists and get a firm understanding of the beauty business and how they can excel in their careers.

2012 BEACON students with BEACON leader, Geno Stampora

For BEACON 2013, entry applications will be accepted starting on December 1, 2012. All applications are due by March 2, 2013. For their applications, students must submit a resume detailing their education and professional experience, a letter of recommendation from a school administrator, a portfolio showcasing their talent and creativity, and a professional marketing piece (i.e. website, brochure, commercial) summarizing who they are and their career aspirations. Full entry details can be found at www.probeauty.org/beacon.

"BEACON is the perfect opportunity for cosmetology and esthetic students to learn from and network with the best in the industry at the industry's top event. BEACON truly focuses on teaching how to be the best beauty professional one can be in every aspect," said Jessi Marshall, PBA Director of Industry Programs & Education.  

All entries will be judged by a panel of top salon and spa owners, manufacturers and distributors. Applicants will be notified via email by April 30, 2013 as to their admission status in the 2013 BEACON program. One hundred first place winners will be named, along with 200 Honorable Mentions. All 300 winners will receive free admission to PBA Beauty Week and have access to specialized classes and networking opportunities.  

BEACON is part of PBA Beauty Week, North America's largest, most inclusive beauty event, offering unlimited networking, education, and professional growth opportunities to all sectors of the beauty industry. The event will be held July 13 - 16, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. PBA Beauty Week is produced by the Professional Beauty Association and hosted by Cosmoprof North America.

  

The Professional Beauty Association's (PBA) purpose is to advance the professional beauty industry by providing its members with education, charitable outreach, government advocacy, events and more. PBA is the largest organization of industry professionals with members representing salons and spas, distributors, manufacturers and beauty professionals/NCA. Visit probeauty.org or call 800.468.2274 (480.281.0424) to learn more.

Cult Nails Two Timer

More from the Cult Nails Deception Collection, this is Two Timer - a sheer yellow pearl with green shimmer that can transform your lacquer into a beautiful jade shimmer, which is what happened for me when I paired it with Cult Nails Nevermore (the 1 coat black creme).

Here it is in the sun - I love how instead of being a swirly gold like I thought it would be, it's this lovely green - perfect for fall!  I need to test this over more polishes to see what results it yields.

Here it is in the indirect light - very sweet green - happy times.

September 1-8, Maria is offering all 5 of the Deceptive Collection top coats for $40 (+ shipping).  If you want to wait, then you can purchase Charlatan for $10.  Definitely a fast favorite for me, and I can't wait to try it on other polishes (not just black).

Cult Nails [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram: CultNails] is available in their shop for $12 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.

C.O. Bigelow Highlights Italian Beauty Imports

I've always loved looking at C.O. Bigelow products but it's a bit hard to come by for someone in Texas.  Regardless, they are expanding their lines with some amazing Italian imports.  Please enjoy the following press release!  (All images courtesy of Tractenberg)

C.O. Bigelow has long been a New York Institution, known for carrying wonderful and unique products from around the globe. Their eclectic selection is one of the reasons that C.O. Bigelow has such a loyal customer base. New Yorkers-in-the-know and celebs have been flocking to C.O. Bigelow for years to pick up their fave items.

Italy has long been known for its exquisite craftsmanship and deep rooted traditions. This is the case for C.O. Bigelow’s latest Italian beauty imports, Alighiero Campostrini Season Soap Collection, Alighiero Campostrini Soap in Origano (Oregano) and Proraso Refreshing and Toning Formula Collection.

Alighiero Campostrini Season Soap Collection

§  For over a century Alighiero Campostrini in Florence, Italy has been producing luxurious, high-quality artisan soap using ancient Tuscan soap-making recipes and techniques. These coveted formulas have been used and guarded by the family since 1894, as well as the great cultural heritage of Italian soap production. True to this honored heritage, Alighiero Campostrini continues to produce soap according to these ancient traditions as it always has done, since its founding. Each unique bar is made by hand using antique bronze molds cherished by the company through the generations. 

§  Season Soap Collection is available in:

§  Bar Silk (Seta) - Vegetable Natural Bar Soap with Lettuce Extracts.

§  Linen (Lino) - Vegetable Natural Bar Soap with Marine Extracts.

§  Cotton (Cotone) - Vegetable Natural Bar Soap with Rosa Mosqueta Oil.

§  Cashmere (Cashmere) -  Extra mild vegetable bar soap.

Price: $10 each

Where to buy: Exlusively at C.O. Bigelow

 

Alighiero Campostrini Soap in Origano (Oregano)

This beautiful soap evokes a walk through warm Italian oregano-covered mountain paths bathed in sunlight. The speckles inside the soap are made with real oregano, renowned for its antiseptic and tonic properties, which give this soap a extremely gentle exfoliating property without scratching the skin. This bar produces a wonderfully creamy lather that leaves the skin feeling soft, fresh and lightly scented. Great for both men and women.

Price: $26

Where to buy: Exlusively at C.O. Bigelow

 

Proraso Refreshing and Toning Formula Collection

This refreshing and toning formula offers an immediate cooler feel after shaving. Eucalyptus oil purifies and tones the skin. Menthol invigorates and revitalizes, leaving skin feeling renewed and fresh. No parabens, No silicons, No mineral oils.

Price: Pre Shave Cream ($13), Shave Foam ($9), Shaving Cream ($10), Shave Soap in Jar ($9), After Shave Lotion ($14)

Where to buy: C.O. Bigelow & www.bigelowchemists.com