iFabbo 2nd Annual Social Media Conference 2013

I joined iFabbo in June 2011 but I had been pretty quiet with them. They recently revamped their SHOP and I'm waiting for some awesome nail polish to possibly hit because PolishGalore is all about polish ^_^ (and well, sometimes I'll review something else but it has to be pretty special for that to happen). When they announced the 2nd Annual Social Media Conference this summer to be held in San Francisco, I wavered on going. What was I going to learn? How could this benefit me? After some brief inner dialog (and a small push from co-founder Sinead Norenius, whom I adore), I bought my conference ticket, booked my hotel and booked a flight to SFO!

The conference was held at the Merchants Exchange Club in the Financial District so I took an UberX car (affiliate link where you and I both earn $10 off our next Uber ride) down there (which was only $55 with my $20 iFabbo Credit woo!) and arrived JUST as the conference started. I actually ran into Sinead right away and it was like no time had passed between our last visit (which was summer 2012!). I missed the Welcome/Opening Remarks but I was able to grab a seat before the PR Panel started, which was fab.

I tried to live tweet and Instagram for the bulk of the conference. Highlights for me included meeting Laurie Mueller, Product Manager at Facebook & Lifestyle blogger at Eye for Elegance; Jen Mathews, President of Top Tier Media & Founder of My Beauty Bunny; Serge Jespers, Evangelist at Adobe, and the one I squee'd about the most, Sarah Price from Google Glass who was sitting behind me during half the conference.

I won't tell you EVERYTHING about the conference because thanks to the wireless sponsor/PPV sponsor Spreecast, you can watch the entire conference via PPV! Check this blog posting by iFabbo to purchase the all access pass or just watch a few panels.

I also got this fantastic press bag that had SO many goodies in it that the handle broke before I even left the conference. But even better, PolishGalore will be giving away some of the amazing goodies to readers! Stay tuned as I review the product and then give you a chance to win it for yourself. (How cool is that?)

Finally, I wanted to just share a few of the awesome fellow bloggers I met while out there. I was awake for 21 straight hours and I can tell I was on cloud 9 to begin with, but I was so impressed with the caliber and professionalism of each person I met at the conference.

First up is Linda from Beautzyblog [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram] - we just randomly said hi to each other and gushed about nails. Oddly enough, we are both members of the Beauty Blog Coalition and I didn't even realize it at the time! She has a great beauty blog, so be sure to check her out!

Next was Lisa from The Makeup Social [Website | Facebook | Twitter]. This girl is a go-getter. She is all about pro-self esteem for all people and is looking at hosting a conference next year in the midwest. I'm really excited to watch her grow and I gave her a few nail contacts to help her hopefully get started. 

At one of the breaks, I got to talking to Claire who works with Vitabath. Vitabath [Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest] was one of the Goodie Bag Sponsors (so look for a giveaway soon!). Their tagline is luxury in a bottle, so I'm pretty stoked to try out the goodies I received.

Our keynote speaker, Jacqueline Wales of The Fearless Factor, told us to turn to our right and ask the person next to us who they are and what they need. I was sitting next to Brandy from Will Bake For Shoes. Okay for starters, let's talk about that name. HOW cute is it?! Brandy is a fashion blogger and cake decorator in California and she was just so super cute. I hope she gets a chance to update her blog soon because I really enjoyed it. You can follow her social media here - bloglovin', Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, Twitter.

During the cocktail hour, I bumped in to Elba from Live Colorful. She is a designer and big lover of color! She was a bubbly person too so it was neat to run into her. You can follow her on various social media channels as well - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+.

One of the things I was looking forward to the most was getting to finally meet my nametwin Krystal from Beauty by Krystal. She is SO fantastic. I could have spent hours with her, just chatting about makeup and our kids. Follow her social media already! Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, & Pinterest. I'd love to do a collaboration with her in the future - Twin Power!

With Krystal was the online clothing and accessory boutique IndulgEra. If you're looking for a cute new look, check out her site!

While iFabbo was full of amazing bloggers, there were also some great brands there too. Crown Brush is a professional private label makeup brushes, brush sets, cosmetics and more. They are currently looking to revamp their online presence so be looking for some great things very soon. Their social media is as follows: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram and Flickr.

Finally, I wanted to say thanks to Jen Mathews for letting me take an Uber to her hotel before I headed back to my own hotel. Jen was rooming with Cheryl of Unite Socially & The Skinny on Beauty who was very nice and helped me down to my Uber back home.

Sorry for such the wall of text - want to see my nails?!

I wore a gradient of Zoya Sunshine and Carter from the Pixie Dust collection.

I ended up wearing this manicure for 5 days before it finally chipped on my index finger of my Cinderella hand so I took it all off to let my nails breathe. I wore a base coat of Cult Nails Get It On, put a full coat of Zoya Sunshine and let it dry, then dabbed on Zoya Carter from the cuticle up. I used an e.l.f. Concealer Brush for my clean up (my favorite - and only $1!) and off I went!

The iFabbo conference really helped me recenter myself. PolishGalore had gotten away from the polish and I'm not willing or able to turn this into a beauty blog. My passion is in the polish! I also was really glad to make new contacts, see Sinead, and just get out of town for a bit. I was barely in San Francisco for 24 hours but it was so worth it.  Be looking for new great things!

butter LONDON Holiday!

So if you've been following PolishGalore for some time, you may remember that December is my favorite month - ever. Not only is it the birthday for PolishGalore, but it's also my birthday, my wedding anniversary and oh yes, Christmas. And with Christmas comes great gift sets from the various nail polish companies, and butter LONDON has some great ones. (Dear Mr. PG, take note.) All images courtesy of butter LONDON

First up is the Deluxe 12-Piece Fashion Size Set.  

The 10 "fashion size" lacquers include 2 new exclusive shades and the butter LONDON Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat and Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat. A $120 value for only $65. This launched on October 1st on the butter LONDON website.

Next is the Fashion Size Duo.

This will launch on Black Friday so get your fingers ready to get the Fashion Size Duo of Slapper and Knackered. (Fashion Size = mini). A $20 value for just $10.

Check out this collection! The Illusionists Lacquer Collection combines lacquers and overcoats together for a bold and unique clash of texture and opulent hues. Class lacquers Come To Bed Red and Union Jack Black  are paired with a new lacquer Bramble and three new overcoats, Petrol, Stardust, and Stratford Honey. Price is $15 per lacquer.

The Fire & Ice Double Take 2-piece sets contains 4 completely new shades (Rebel Fox, Brass Money, Bluecoat and Leccy) that will have you heat up or looking cool at all your holiday parties. Price is $24 per set.

Finally we have the Glam Rock 6-piece set. This is also a "Fashion Size" (or mini) set of polishes that includes classics All Hail The Queen, Pillar Box Red, Slapper, Trout Pout and West End Wonderland. New to this set is Buckle. Price is $39.

And there you have it! What are you most excited about?

Nail It! Magazine Goes Coast to Coast

Nail art is at an all-time high. And the first-ever nail fashion magazine for consumers, Nail It!, nails it by providing a multitude of information on nail trends on TV  ~ coast to coast! Nail It!’s Beauty Director Karie Frost appeared on NBC New York to share the top three Spring/Summer 2014 trends seen backstage at New York Fashion Week, while Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Lavery appeared on FOX5 Las Vegas to show off the hottest in do-it-yourself nail art and proper nail care.

From the East Coast to West Coast – Nail It! was everywhere last week. Both nail experts raved about the resurgence of nail art and how it is now the perfect fashion accessory. While Karie showcased the top three nail art trends (Lines, Glitz and Tip Twist), Stephanie demonstrated an easy way to create a stunning Leopard Print design. They also explained how investing in simple tools such as a dotter or a striper can really facilitate “drawing” beautiful patterns and can also save money by reducing trips to the salon.

“Nail art has this amazing staying power and has now become part of everyday wardrobe,” said Karie. “We love to show you how to get these great looks at home and take care of your nails so they look their best all the time.”

Watch Karie’s segment by clicking HERE, and Stephanie’s segment by clicking HERE.

Sally Hansen Updates

Sally Hansen had quite a few collections come out this year and more than a few have snuck into my home on random trips to Walgreens & CVS/pharmacy. 

On trend, Sally Hansen had their Fuzzy Coat Textured Nail Colors come out this summer in June. The official description was "blurred, woven and marbled fiber looks resembling hand-spun yarn are combined in a multidimensional network of color to create a matte finish with a fibered texture effect." In the words of fellow blogger Glitta Gloves, "it's hairy glitter." Shake gently and apply 2-3 thin coats over a base coat or base color and leave matte or use a top coat to smooth down the glitter and add shine. Cost is $5.99 each. I picked up a bottle of Tweedy - a black and white polish.

Also in June, Sally Hansen launched their Sugar Coat candy coat texture nail colors. Texture has been all the rage in 2013 with each brand putting their unique spin on each polish. This sugar-like texture leaves a 3-D volumized, color-saturated nail look. To apply, shake gently and use 2 thin coats. Cost is $5.99. I do have a 2 bottles - Cotton Candies and Sweetie but I cannot find either one to save my life. I'm currently reorganizing my stash for my sanity and to make a sweet stash blog posting (with video!).  Let's just say I've been super inspired by work/play/polish's blog and her Mani Cave.

Don't forget the spring relaunch of the Complete Salon Manicure, which I wrote about here.

Now, coming this November, Sally Hansen is coming out with a whole new line called the Triple Shine Nail Color Collection! Not only are these bold, bright, shiny colors but this formula features an "Ultimate Shield Complex" that is designed to help your polish withstand the wear and tear of every day living. (Science note, there's Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E!) There are 29 colors in 3 trend setting color palettes.

Iridescence - 8 ethereal, pearlescent pastels and shimmering metallics

Pop - 10 saturated bold brights

Fanta-Sea - 10 aquatic tones that evoke the sun-dappled sea

Additionally there will be a Triple Shine Top Coat. Each polish is only $4.99 which makes my wallet super happy.

Now, you KNOW I'm obsessed with glitter so I cannot wait for this collection. Images courtesy of Sally Hansen.

Pearly White

Sparks Fly

Hypnautical

Hello Hypnautical, you will be mine.  Again, launching November 1st at chain drug stores and mass retailers nationally.  

Sally Hansen [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram] can be found at several stores including CVS/pharmacy [official website] and Walgreens [official website].

Gelish Mini Updates

Are you a gel fan? While we all have our preferences, I have to say, I've been super happy to see all the colors coming from Gelish and Gelish MINI. You may not understand the difference so here it is simply. Gelish is the professional line (bigger bottles). Gelish MINI is the "consumer" version that you can purchase at Sally's Beauty Supply. (All images courtesy of Gelish.)

This fall, Gelish came out with the Under Her Spell collection. I got to see these at Cosmoprof North America this summer and they were nice and vampy.

A Touch of Sass
Jeweled Black Cherry


I'm No Stranger To Love
Rich Navy-Teal

Love Me Like A Vamp
Jeweled Black Violet

Lust At First Sight
Smoky Dark Taupe

My Nightly Craving
Creamy Greyish Pink-Lavender

Want To Cuddle?
Creamy Greyish Mauve

I'm showing the MINI bottles which can be purchased at Sally's Beauty Supply for $14.95/bottle.

Finally, this winter Gelish & Gelish Mini are coming out with a great holiday set of reds. Again, these are the MINI versions that can be found at Sally's for $14.95

Stand Out

Deep red creme

Hot Rod Red

Red creme

Red Roses

Red creme

Queen of Hearts

Deep red shimmer

Good Gossip

Red glitter

Rose Garden

Blue red frost

Additionally, Gelish will have 2 limited edition polishes available only as full sized (for professionals/salons). Be sure to ask your favorite salon about them!

Dancer, Prancer & Cranberry Vixen

Deep red creme *Limited Edition*

With His Red So Bright

Red glitter *Limited Edition*

And there you have it! What Gelish MINI color are you most excited about?