Soap & Paper Factory Shea Butter Hand Cream

Did the hard winter wreck havoc on your hands? It definitely did for me and so I've been looking at all kinds of new products to help take my hands back to their soft self.

Soap & Paper Factory Shea Butter Hand Cream in Bouquet ($18, 2.3 oz.) is a beautifully scented hand cream, loaded with the finest oils available in nature. Carefully selected, these oils will sooth and protect, leaving your skin feeling silky and bursting with vitality. Soap & Paper Factory’s Hand Creams are free of parabens, phthalates, and petroleum.



What are you using to soften your hands? Share with me in the comments!

Barielle Cream 'N Sugar

Press Sample 

If you work in an office setting, you may be quite limited on your polish choices. Thankfully, my boss allows me to wear any polish I'd prefer but if I ever got stuck in a stuffy place, Barielle Cream 'N Sugar is a perfect pink nude for the occasion. This is from Barielle's "Velvets" Collection.

I used a base of Cult Nails Get It On, 3 coats of polish and finished it with Digital Nails Ain't Nobody Got Time For That. I had hoped this was a creme like the name implies, but instead, I'm just calling this "holy sheer". Barielle calls it a "sheer soft beige" but either I don't know what beige is, or they don't.

I was pretty determined to make this opaque in three coats so this is a bit of a thick coated three but it still dried well with my top coat, so I'm calling it a win. You can see that it's almost a good mannequin hands polish for me.

In the shade, you can really see how sheer it is. I have VNL (visible nail line) on all nails. I don't know how this would fair for someone with stained nails, so if you're stained you may want to proceed with caution.

Indoors with some indirect sunlight. You have no idea how happy I am to have my new door and screen storm door so I can bring you photos like these. It's a little scary posting my hands all close up but I do my best to make them pretty. I don't Photoshop out my cuticles or any cuts, although I know that's a popular thing to do. Nothing against those bloggers, I just don't have time for that. Dat.

Overall this is a pretty office nude but too sheer for me to want to grab regularly. I would like to try it in a jelly sandwich (layering a glitter between sheer layers of polish) but that will have to wait for another day.

Barielle retails for $8/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.

Father's Day Gifts


Press Sample 


I am habitually late. The only thing I was on time for was my own birth, and that's only because the doctor pulled me a month early. Otherwise, I'm a lost cause.  There are some things I'll be on time for - massages... I was on time for my wedding... dessert. Anyway.

I was a bit at a loss at what to get Mr. PG for Father's Day. Being a beauty blogger, you'd think I'd have some idea. It was through blogging that I learned about a sake-infused shave cream that Mr. PG was pretty obsessed with for a year. 

When I got this fantastic package in the mail last month, I was excited to give it to him for Father's Day. Instead, however, he saw it and ran away with it. Literally.

First off, it came in a camo toiletry bag "Chapter" by Herschel Supply Company. Mr. PG is former Navy, current Navy Reserves, so if it's camo, it's his. He didn't even wait to look inside and just "Ooh mine!" Now he knows how I feel when I see polish. You can get one at Nordstrom here.

Inside was this awesome treasure trove of items. Now, yes, Father's Day was yesterday, but if you're like me either you didn't get your gift out on time OR (and I swear this isn't my fault) if you're like Amazon, you didn't mail my gift out to my father-in-law. Do you see the side eye I'm giving you? (True story, I purchased through Amazon on the 10th with 2-day shipping, and it still hasn't arrived.)

SO don't wait any longer and go search for the following items to make the father in your life feel and smell good. It's so much better than another tie.



American Crew Alternator is a styling and finishing spray that uses polymer based technology for all-day control while allowing the hair to remain flexible for styling and adjusting. The unique formulation of Alternator enables men to reshape their style and control their image. Unlike gels that can dry crunchy or tacky, Alternator is a pliable product that does not dry hard. Alternator provides a natural look with medium hold and medium shine. Suitable for everyday use and washes out easily. 3.3oz/100ml: $14.95 

American Crew Post-Shave Cooling Lotion is a dual-action formula that works as a lightweight moisturizer and calming aftershave. A blend of extracts promotes healing and healthy, balanced skin, while essential fatty acids help regulate sebum production. Active minerals inhibit inflammation and soothe the skin post-shave. Antioxidants in Post-Shave Cooling Lotion work to provide a barrier for skin against environmental stressors such as pollution and harsh winds. Post-Shave Cooling Lotion works well for all skin and beard types. Suitable for everyday use. 4.2oz/125ml: $9.95


CND Cucumber Heel Therapy is an intense, refreshing moisturizing complex to help heal and repair dry, cracked skin on heels, as well as knees, elbows and other areas prone to roughness. Thoroughly rub a dime-sized amount into the heels and other areas that are in need of intense moisture.  2.6 oz jar (US$15.50/Canada $18.80) or 15 oz jar (US $45.50/Canada $54.90)


SOLAROIL™ A “Manicure-In-A-Bottle.” A cuticle and nail oil made from an exclusive blend of four naturally light oils which penetrate the skin’s pores while sealing in valuable moisture. Massage into nail and cuticle area daily. SolarOil™ can also be applied directly to rough skin on knees, elbows and feet or poured into a hot bath for all-over body moisturizing. 1/4 oz. bottle (US $7.00/Canada $9.10) or 1/2 oz. bottle (US $11.00/Canada $14.30).

Thanks again to the lovely ladies at Rpr who helped hook me up for Father's Day. Mr PG thanks you too!

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 2014: Discover Beauty Program Update

DISCOVER BEAUTY PROGRAM UPDATE

Unveiling the Initial 2014 Lineup
The Discover Beauty program, an exclusive initiative of Cosmoprof North America (CPNA), returns for its eighth successful year of matching leading retailers with emerging beauty brands in 2014. Companies from all over the world must be approved 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; however, the area is open to all attendees throughout the three-day event. CPNA is proud to announce the Discover Beauty line-up for 2014: Coastal Salt & Soul, Doll Face Beauty, Drunk Elephant, Indie Lee, Karora Cosmetics, LightStim, Manuka Doctor, MD Solar Sciences, Monteil, Qiriness, Skin Nutrition, Skin&Co Roma and True Isaac Mizrahi

The Discover Beauty program is a high-end, curated section centrally located on the show floor combining the best of both worlds: a customized buyer program complete with pre-arranged face-to-face meetings as well as traditional exhibition presentation.  This allows the brands to enjoy the exposure to all attendees at the show, but it also guarantees the face-to-face time with select specialty retail buyers to secure placement into key accounts.

All Discover Beauty brands are automatically enrolled for the 2014 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 leaders, beauty editors and participating retailers. The Discover Beauty Award winner will be announced on the evening of Sunday, July 13, 2014, as part of a private reception.

2014 DISCOVER BEAUTY LINE UP:


COASTAL SALT & SOUL – USA: Coastal Salt & Soul is a collection of artisanal bath, body and home products that are handcrafted with a romantic, vintage and seaside spirit.  Breathing rustic chic into every product created, Coastal Salt & Soul combines the best of laid-back bohemian luxe with irresistible.  www.coastalsaltandsoul.com      

DOLL FACE BEAUTY – USA: Doll Face was born in the shadow of the famed Hollywood sign by a team of beauty “creationists” who have crafted a potent, clean skincare brand with modern ethos inspired by the glamour and style of retro Hollywood.  www.dollfacebeauty.com       

DRUNK ELEPHANT – USA: After years of trying products that weren’t right, Drunk Elephant Founder Tiffany Masterson made it her mission to develop a non-toxic skincare line that is as effective as the top clinical brands without any of the hazardous, irritating ingredients.  Drunk Elephant skincare is comprised of safe, hard-working and cutting-edge ingredients, ensuring efficacy and safety with zero interference from unnecessary additives. www.drunkelephant.com

INDIE LEE – USA: Unleash your inner and outer beauty with Indie Lee, an eco-chic collection of skincare products that combines style and sustainability without sacrifice.  Created after Indie Lee’s personal battle with a life-threatening brain tumor, the line embodies the message that what you put on your body is just as important of what you put in it.  www.indielee.com

KARORA COSMETICS – IRELAND: Hailing from the Emerald Isle, Karora is a multi-award winning botanical bronzing range with skincare status.  Whether a seasonal tan chaser or full-time fake tanner, women instantly fall in love with our bright and flirtatious products that are infused with the unexpected and brimming with skin caring botanicals and formulae free from nasties.  www.karoracosmetics.com

LIGHTSTIM – USA: LightStim LED Light Therapy devices shine a bright light on beauty and wellness by harnessing the health-promoting benefits of sunlight. These FDA-cleared high-tech tools deliver anti-aging, acne-fighting, or pain-relieving results for the face and body. With a heritage in the medical and spa industries, LightStim professional-strength tools are now available for home use. www.lightstim.com  

MANUKA DOCTOR – NEW ZEALAND: The Manuka Doctor ApiRefine collection of skincare presents the latest in high definition performance skincare, combining Purified Bee Venom (PBV ™), renowned for its anti-wrinkle and regenerating properties, with moisturizing Manuka Honey and new groundbreaking actives. www.manukadoctor.com   

MD SOLARSCIENCES – USA: Everyone knows the sun is the skin’s number-one enemy, but most of us still skip sunscreen, finding what’s available to be heavy, pore clogging, and filled with irritants.  Faced with this knowledge, dermatologic oncologist Dr. Robert J. Friedman, a Clinical Professor at the NYU School of Medicine, with a commitment to advance the science of photo (sun)-protection and skin cancer prevention, founded and created, with his dermatologic colleagues, MDSolarSciences™. www.mdsolarsciences.com

MONTEIL – GERMANY: : Intelligent concepts for your beauty. With its firm commitment to intelligent care concepts MONTEIL imposes the strictest requirements on every new product development.  Every development starts with a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence a skin condition and thereby the exact understanding of skin’s needs.
www.wilde-group.com

QIRINESS – FRANCE: Qiriness is a French brand with a unique “spa-at-home” concept combining efficacy with pleasure. The full range of face products includes a one-of-a-kind Ritual line that prepares, purifies and envelops the skin with unique balms and masks, for immediate and visible results.  The Swiss-made line is comprised of natural plant and algae actives, an exclusive EOS® de-stress complex, and is paraben-free and hypoallergenic. www.qiriness.com     

SKIN NUTRITION® - USA: Skin Nutrition Live® is a range of eleven organic topical superfood skin smoothies that contain patented active plant cells - clinically tested for results that match and exceed those of today’s best peptides.  A multitude of active organic superfoods drench the skin with rich phytonutrients  to further protect, nourish, and promote cell proliferation. This powerful combination delivers results previously unobtainable in natural and organic products, while feeding your skin from the outside in. www.skinnutrition.com

SKIN&CO ROMA – ITALY: In 1953, Giuseppina Balestra got the idea of bringing botanical oils based on her old traditional recipes into her skincare line. Science has now shown that the fresh ingredients in these oils, such as Truffle and Argan contain extremely beneficial compounds in their natural form and are now scientifically proven to have great anti-aging benefits. www.skinandcoroma.com

TRUE ISAAC MIZRAHI – USA: The legendary designer will now be able to dress his women from head to toe.  Color, confidence, charm: All words that have become synonymous with Isaac Mizrahi and the women who wear his designs.  The designer has teamed up with Being True Cosmetics, a leader in the spa industry for 10 years to create True Isaac Mizrahi, a high-performance skincare and full color collection.  He has handpicked every color to deliver “Healthy Glamour” to the marketplace.  www.trueisaacmizrahi.com   

Cosmoprof North America will take place July 13 - 15, 2014 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.  Stay tuned for regular CPNA show updates, and for more information, visit cosmoprofnorthamerica.com, Facebook.com/cosmoprofnorthamerica and Pinterest.com/cosmoprofna/.

Visitor and media registration for Cosmoprof North America (CPNA) 2014 is now open.  Registration allows access to the CPNA show floor and related events, including attendance to the much sought after 2014 educational conferences.  To purchase tickets, please visit cosmoprofnorthamerica.com.  Early-bird registration pricing will be in effect until June 13, 2014 providing savings of up to 30 percent off.  Don't miss the Keynote address from Mark Cuban of "Shark Tank" on Sunday July 13th.

Cult Nails Casual Elegance

Press Sample 

The fast selling Cult Nails Casual Elegance collection included this lovely periwinkle blue creme by the same name. I decided to randomly pull it out of my box after thinking I had put it somewhere else. Bottom line, I have too much nail polish right now.

I used a base coat of Cult Nails Get It On, 2 coats of polish and topped it with Cult Nails Wicked Fast. As much as I love Cult Nails, the formula on this polish was a bit watery. I was able to make it work with a little extra clean up efforts.

As you can see in the sun, this is definitely an opaque creme. No hidden shimmer or glitters anywhere - just lots of creme love. I'm definitely a fan of the color as well.

In the shade, you can see a bit of the flooding issues I had. Nothing a little acetone can't handle.

Finally inside with indirect light - not much else to say. This is another unique shade that I'm happy to own. I actually tried to pay for the collection but was gifted it by Cult Nails. There are 2 other gorgeous shades involved so stay tuned! This polish is currently discontinued but maybe she will bring it back one day!

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.