LVX Avireo

I cannot believe I haven't been actively blogging in almost 2 months now.  Being sick really takes it out of you!  My desk is overflowing with pretties, so it's time to get back into it!  With Daylight Savings Time ending this weekend, it's going to be hard to get any swatches done during the week but I'll make it work.  :]

Now, LVX has just announced their fall/winter line but I still have half the collection to show you!  I really think I may have left the best 3 for last because these colors really rocked my world.  First up is Avireo, an avocado green creme.  Now, you may notice that my bottle appears to have "streaks" in it.  Avireo was actually pulled off production to see what the deal was, and here's what the creator had to say.

"Our lab chemists came to the conclusion that this particular color was really heavily pigmented and the ball bearings have a tendency to make marks within the color. However, it in no way does it effect the color or how it performs. If it is mixed or shaken a few extra times, these flaws seen within the bottle disappear.

We had the option to reproduce it with less pigment, however it would most certainly not be the same color. We devoted hours and hours of research of hard work to develop our Summer collection colors and we do not wish to change this hue--doing so would go against our philosophy of only releasing thee top colors of each season.

  

With this being said, you can freely use Avireo, again, the streaks from the heavy pigments in no way shape or form affect the performance or application of the gorgeous green!"

I can attest that it didn't harm application to have some streaks in the bottle.  I used a base coat of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and topped it with Cult Nails Wicked Fast.  The polish was very smooth to apply but I did have a tiny bit of brush strokes in the finish, which you can see in my pictures.

I had just chopped my nails when I took these pictures after ripping my pinkie nail off (ow), so I apologize for the messy hands.  I was in need of a manicure!  However, in the sun you can see how well this applied and how pretty it is.  I know this is a "summer" color for LVX but I think it's wildly appropriate for fall.

Pretty much the same story in the shade.  I absolutely love how glossy the polish looks when paired with Cult Nails Wicked Fast top coat - it's quickly one of my favorite top coats on the market.

Finally I took a picture inside with the flash.  Now, with the flash this polish has much more of a yellow undertone which I don't care for, but thankfully that's just the photography - not the actual polish.  I can't think of another color right off that is like this that I own, so I'm very happy with it!

LVX [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram] is available on their website. It is 10-free to include Toluene and Camphor, vegan and cruelty free. Use promo code POLISHGALORE for 20% off your purchase!

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

Cut It Out: Turn Tragedy in to Action

CUT IT OUT: Help Turn Tragedy in to Action to Help Stop Domestic Violence Sign Up Now To Receive Complimentary CUT IT OUT Materials For Your Salon

Phoenix, AZ (October 22, 2012) - Having recently marked the one year anniversary  of the salon shooting tragedy in Seal Beach, California, and now two more tragedies at salons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Clearwater, Florida, in the past week, domestic violence continues to plague our society and was a root cause in all of these incidents. While sending heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and the broader salon community, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) urges beauty professionals to pledge their support for the CUT IT OUT program to help end domestic violence. CUT IT OUT is a program of the PBA Foundation and is dedicated to mobilizing salon professionals and others to fight the epidemic of domestic abuse in communities across the United States. CUT IT OUT builds awareness of domestic abuse and trains salon professionals to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients and fellow salon professionals to local resources. Salon professionals have the extraordinary opportunity to give hope and help to clients and co-workers who are in abusive relationships. What you can do: Go to www.probeauty.org/cutitout. Sign the online pledge form and select the complimentary CUT IT OUT materials for your salon, spa or school. Display the CUT IT OUT materials at your salon / spa's front desk, individual stations, break rooms and the restroom. Materials are discreet, available in English and Spanish and have a toll free number that can be easily removed where victims can call to get help, regardless of their location. Schedule a one-hour CUT IT OUT training for your salon, spa or school. Visit www.cutitout.org/training.html for additional information. Share your salon's involvement in CUT IT OUT by promoting it through social media channels. Using the "power of beauty," our industry can help women and men across this country know they are not alone and help them to get the help they need. PBA urges the industry to come together and support CUT IT OUT so that tragedies like these do not happen again! www.probeauty.org/cutitout

LVX Fall/Winter 2012

LVX has just recently launched their Fall/Winter 2012 collection and I cannot wait to see that teal in person again!  In addition, LVX is offering an amazing 20% off their polishes when you purchase on their website with the code BEAUTYBLOG20.  If you haven't tried LVX yet or are looking to expand your collection, take advantage of this discount!  It went live on 1 November and will continue until the end of the month.

Fashion forward and vegan, LVX launches their second nail lacquer collection for the Fall & Winter season.

Just as LVX shocked us with the unexpected use of black in their Summer collection, you can expect some profound choices for this seasons lavish hues. From bridging neon into Autumn and Winter, to creating luscious autumnal hues with a touch of optimism, LVX has triumphed in giving consumers the top colors for the season. Drawing inspiration from renowned designers such as Ackermann, Balmain, Balenciaga, Galliano, and others, LVX has determined the top shades that are going to define the Fall and Winter
season.

The LVX Fall 2012 Collection includes the following shades:

Greige

The perfect blend of gray and taupe, this dynamic color grounds the Fall & Winter palette.

Prussian

A deep green-blue teal and a perfect transition as we enter the darker and longer nights.

Koko

A rich espresso that is expressive and adds stability to our transitioning wardrobe.

Midori

A muted neon green that bridges our summer hues into the cooling Fall season and provides us with a positive attitude.

Sanguine

A seductive crimson that exuberates strength and drama while maintaining the passion and sensuality of the color red.

Legendaire

A unique majestic hue with complex gray undertones, it offers a romantic and soft touch that will span across the seasons.

The long lasting, chip resistant and non-streak formula is free of harsh and toxic chemicals. LVX products are VEGAN and formulated without the use of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluene, and Camphor. The brand is dedicated to providing top quality, socially responsible, and eco-friendly, luxury products without compromising quality, durability and finish. LVX nail lacquer is cruelty free. All products are produced in the U.S.A. The new collection will be available October 22, 2012 on www.shoplvx.com.

Creative Bioscience Challenge: Check In

I am not a doctor.  The following post is written with my opinions and the information provided from the Creative Bioscience website.  You should discuss any weight loss treatment with your doctor before you start it.  

Well it's been a month since I started my 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge from Creative Bioscience who is sponsoring my product trial of African Mango 1200TM for 90 days in my effort to lose weight.  Now, while the website says to take one capsule 30 minutes before meals twice per day, the bottle says take 2 capsules in the morning, which is what I've been doing.  The capsules aren't hard to swallow but I don't care for the smell which lingers just a bit.  It reminds me of dry cinnamon but without the good smell of cinnamon.  I have to take both capsules by themselves with plenty of water.

Now, as you may have read, I was pretty sick for 30 straight days.  Started as a cold, turned into an upper respiratory infection and ended with me in the emergency room with pleurisy.  Three rounds of antibiotics later and I'm a million times better.

Because of being sick, I frankly didn't work out at all during the month of October.  When I finally started feeling better, every time I tried to get to the gym, something came up.  Additionally, my gym membership ended at the gym that's open 7 days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.  I do still have a membership with a 5 days a week gym but they are only open from 7 a.m. to noon & 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  It's going to be much trickier for me to get there (I really can only go between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.) but this month I want to make more of an attempt as I have Engagement/Save The Date photos with Macy Ryan Photography [Website | Facebook] at the end of the month!

Now for my update.  The good news is that I didn't gain any weight!  The bad news is that I didn't lose any either.  I'm only one-third of the way there so we'll see what happens next month - especially with Thanksgiving (nom nom nom).

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

China Glaze Holiday Joy

I loved seeing this collection at Cosmoprof North America, now it's heading to stores!  Please enjoy the following press release.  (I totally went to Sally's Beauty Supply and bought the gift set with the shot glass.  Totally me.)

MAKE YOUR MANI MERRY AND BRIGHT

China Glaze® Debuts 12 Glittering, Shimmering, Ravishing Colours for Holiday 2012

The holiday season: it is truly the most wonderful time of the year – for nails!  From gorgeous glitters to rich crèmes, ‘tis the season to add sparkle and shine to any manicure and pedicure.  Celebrate the season in colour with the new China Glaze® Holiday Joy collection!

Bringing tidings of good cheer, the China Glaze® Holiday Joy collection features 12 merry crèmes, glitters and shimmers including:

Glistening Snow

Fine diamond-like silver glitter

Champagne Kisses

Bubbly rose gold glitter

Angel Wings

Delicate gold dust glitter

Winter Holly

Gold-flecked dazzling green glitter

Glitter All The Way

Exciting multi-color glitter

Pizzazz

Twinkling multi-dimensional glitter blend

Blue Bells Ring

Icy blue shimmer

Pure Joy

Fiery red glitter with gold particles

Red Satin

Silky blue-based red crème

With Love

Classic red crème with a hint of orange undertones

Merry Berry

Rich berry red crème

Cranberry Splash

Ruby red shimmer

The China Glaze® Holiday Joy collection also features 13 seasonally-inspired gift sets perfect for stocking stuffers, Hanukah gifts, Secret Santa, co-workers and Teacher’s gifts.  Gift sets include:

Ho Ho Ho: Merry Berry, Cranberry Splash, Red Satin, With Love, Pure Joy with First & Last base/top coat. MSRP $35.00

Holiday Charms: Mini bottles of Merry Berry, Red Satin, Winter Holly and Glitter All The Way. MSRP $16.00

Puttin’ On The Glitz: Cranberry Splash, With Love and Pizzazz. MSRP $14.00

Keepin’ Cozy: Merry Berry, Glistening Snow and Cranberry Splash with fingerless gloves. MSRP $21.00

Let It Glow: Champagne Kisses, Red Satin and Winter Holly with a pine scented candle. MSRP $21.00

Brrr…It’s Chilly: With Love, Angel Wings, Pure Joy and a mini snow globe. MSRP $21.00

Wings of Wonder: Blue Bells Ring, Champagne Kisses and Cranberry Splash with an angel key chain. MSRP $21.00

Santa Paws: Red Satin and Pure Joy with your very own plush puppy – “Joy”. MSRP $14.00

Trimmin’ The Tree: With Love and Glistening Snow with a festive snowflake-embellished ornament. MSRP $14.00

Cheers!: Angel Wings and Glistening Snow with a frosted shot glass. MSRP $14.00

Jingle All The Way: Pizzazz and Merry Berry with an adjustable Jingle Bell ring. MSRP $14.00

Makin’ Memories: Red Satin and Winter Holly with a “JOY” picture frame. MSRP $14.00

Stocking Stuffers: Pure Joy and Champagne Kisses with a mini stocking. MSRP $14.00

The China Glaze® Holiday Joy collection will be available in November 2012 at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide.  The collection will be available in 24- and 36-piece counter displays, a 36-piece rack and 36-piece prepack.

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, please visit www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook (@ChinaGlaze), Twitter (@ChinaGlazeOfficial) and Pinterest (pinterest.com/chinaglaze).

China Glaze® is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For 42 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 Andrea, Ardell, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, It’s So Easy, Jeris-Lustray, LASH BeLONG, Nail Tek, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Poshe, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.