CND VINYLUX Weekly Polish: Field Fox

Retail: $9.95

 

 With nude colors taking over this season, I couldn't resist PR's offer to try out CND's Field Fox Weekly Polish.  Field Fox is a neutral from the Flora & Fauna Collection  and is described by CND Co-founder and Style Director Jan Arnold as "as wearable and simple as a barefoot stroll through the grass.”

 

VINYLUX® Weekly Polish by CND is an alternative to gel polish with a 2-part system, featuring a self-adhering Color Coat and a Top Coat that gets stronger with exposure to natural light over time. VINYLUX® can be applied at home and removes like traditional polish. 

 

I was given Field Fox in the Weekly Polish and a bottle of the Weekly Top Coat.  The polish is designed to give you the durability and glossy finish of a professional looking gel manicure without the need of a UV or LED light.     

Advertised as lasting up to 7 days without chipping, I'd say it finished pretty strong.  That week had been so hectic for me, that by the end of it, I momentarily forgot I was wearing the VINYLUX polish and caught myself wondering how my nails hadn't chipped yet.  The very tips of some nails looked slightly dulled, but nothing noticeable to the naked eye (just my ODC self, and it should be noted that I pound away on a keyboard daily).     

 

 

The application process is easy and no different then when applying regular nail polish.

 

Directions:

1.) Cleans nails with scrub brush

2.) Apply two coats of weekly VINYLUX Weekly Polish

3.) Finish with one coat of Weekly Top Coat

 

 

Now, I don't know what the scrub brush is so I skipped that step and settled for swabbing my nails with anti- bacterial wipes and rinsing them with water.  No base coat is necessary, so I was able to jump right in and apply the polish.  The two coats dried surprisingly fast (roughly 5 or 6 minutes) with no streaking.  Its formula is a little thicker then regular polishes, but still achieves nice coverage.  The color appeared to be a slate gray/ lavender mixture.  Very soft and feminine.  The top coat is definitely on the thicker side, but managed to apply evenly without any gooeyness.   

 

The whole process took me around 15 minutes from start to finish (before bed) and I woke up without a trace of smudging and NO bed sheet marks.  I used traditional nail polish remover to take it off and didn't have any trouble.

 

 

I loved this polish and the fact that there is an alternative to gel polishes that works.  I've tried other polishes that promise that gel-like finish, but didn't have the same success.  The whole Weekly Polish Collection has 48+ colors to chose from, so you're bound to find one you love.  If you're someone who loves flaunting sexy nails but doesn't always have the time to maintain them, this is a totally functional option.    

 

 

Have you tried the Weekly Polish gel manicure from CND?  How was your experience?

Vionic Preview: Fall/Winter 2015 Collection

 

Any shoe lover will be psyched to learn about Vionic shoes.  I was only slightly familiar with the high end brand before I attended its Fall/Winter 2015 Collection preview showcasing its good-for-you heels, city chic boots and athleisure styles.   

 

 

We all own that sexy pair of pumps the universe absolutely commanded us to buy, only to want to rip them off and fling them against the wall an hour later because of the pain. The nice thing about Vionic is it hits all trend marks without compromising your comfort.

 

Vionic uses an orthotic design known as Orthaheel Technology in all its shoes.  An innovative contour is built into the footbed and works to provide proper alignment and alleviate aches and pains.          

No doubt you'll find pair to lust after because the styles and colors are endless.  Check them out below! 

 

athleisure: Action Tourney Sneakers $129.95

Made with a breathable patterned textile upper is complemented by an action-lacing system and durable, flex grooved outside.

 

 

athleisure: Action Sunset $99.95 

Mary Jane style that features a hook and loop closure across the vamp with partial mesh for breathability and lightweight comfort.   

Chill Piper $129.95

A chic, mocc- inspired flat with removable micro fiber covered EVA

 

 

Spark Willow $119.95

Micro- studded ballet flats with slight elasticity in the topline for added comfort

 

Country Cresent $159.95

A short boot constructed in lush suede with edgy chain trim and a slightly taller shaft for more coverage on the ankles

 

Summer styles available now:

Tatiana Toe Post Sandal $119.95

 

 

 (L-R)

Jada Toe Post Sandal $109.95

Floriana Toe Post Sandal  $79.95

 

Guests were treated to a complimentary pair of the Tide Rhinestones and my feet definitely weren't complaining!

 

 

Have you worn Vionic shoes?  What did you think?

Cosmopolitan Welcomes Nexxus to New York

Last month I attended the swanky Nexxus relaunch event and got a first hand look at the new Nexxus salon in Tribeca.  Hosted by the one and only Cosmopolitan , the event was nothing less then classic chic.  There were signature cocktails, hair consultations, and even custom fashion illustrations for the guests. 

To say I was excited would be an understatement.  The salon was absolutely gorgeous, and the ambiance screamed relaxation and elegance.

Couldn't you just imagine melting into one of these while you enjoy a nice scalp massage?

Katy of AllintheBlush, Lesley and myself all sipped on some delish champagne while browsing the new space!

The event also unveiled the latest and greatest in products from Nexxus:

Emergencee Reconstructing:  

Unique keratin formulation stops damage by reconstructing the foundation of hair

Oil Infinite Nourishing Oil:  

Smoothes and nourishes hair, formulated with a blend of previous oils, including Babassu, Marula, Buriti, Sweet Almond, Macadamia and Sunflower Oils

Humectrss Encapsulate Serum:

Concentrated condition oil that has been encapsulated in pearls and suspended in a water- rich rebuilding serum to improve control and manageability.

Nexxus salon is located at:

39 North Moore, New York, 10013

 Book an appointment here

BeautyBox 5: May Reveal

Hello darlings, it's time for this month's BeautyBox5 reveal!  For those of you that don't know, BeautyBox5 is a monthly subscription that selects five beauty industry favorites and delivers them straight to your door.  There are various subscription options to chose from, but my lucky self receives a complimentary box each month in exchange for my thoughts :) 

Each month, the box comes with a special theme:

"When you're in a beauty bind, its nice to find products that have your back- and your face!  Forget distress- our "S.O.S." stands for Super Outstanding Skin, which is what we're all about this month.  Give May a 1-2 punch of complexion- saving finds that give you quick make up fixes, pops of color and major moisture in a snap."- BB5  

Ready for this month's goodies?  Let's check them out...

Bio Swiss Stainless Steel Mini Tweezer

Retail: $4.99

Described as sharp and precise, and comes with a travel tube to prevent dirt and dulling, making them perfect for tossing in your purse or make up bag while on the go!

Dermalogica Active Moist

Retail: $60.00 3.4 oz

This oil free moisturizer comes to the rescue with silk amino acids to even out skin texture all day long.  

Styli- Style Blush/ Highlighter Stick

Retail: $5.99 .21 oz 

Advertised as one that picks a sweet punch of pigment and shimmer for your cheeks and are easily build able for your own custom coverage.

Coastal Scents Classic Synthetic Brush

Retail: $1.95- $2.49 

You can never have enough soft bristle applicators for your eye makeup! 

Essenza Luxury Hand Soap

Retail: $4.99

The invigorating scent of this new fave comes from pure essential oils and is advertised as being able to deeply moisturize while simultaneously cleansing skin. 

Overall, I liked this month's box.  Most of the items are great for travel, especially considering summer vacation will be coming up!

Do you receive BB5?  What did you think of this month's box?

Cadiveu Professional: Detox Treatment

 Last month I attended a special event for Cadiveu Professional , a Brazilian hair brand, where I was able to experience one of two new treatments: Plastica dos Fios or the Detox cleanse. Plastica dos Fios is described as a thermo- reconstructing process for all hair types that makes hair smooth, straight, radiant and frizz free for up to 3 months. The Detox cleanse is designed to cleanse the scalp and rid it of impurities and build up, while also helping to rejuvenate and revive dull hair. 

 

Even though I'm no stranger to frizz, I chose to try the Detox treatment.  I apply so much product to my scalp daily that I'm always worried about buildup dulling the color, and thought this sounded like a great remedy. 

 

My treatment and finished look was done by the fabulous Brazilian hair and makeup artist Igor Santos.  Throughout the process, I kept oohing and ahhing over how good the products smelled.  At one point I felt a cooling, tingling sensation on my scalp that was really invigorating.  

 

Before treatment

 

After treatment



 

 After the treatment was over and my hair was blown out, the difference was huge.  My scalp felt like a weight had been lifted off of it and when I ran my fingers through my roots, the movement was so easy and free.  It left my hair super soft and full of incredible body.   

 

 

 

 

Detox Treatment include:

 

1.) Detox Hair Protein- Pre Shampoo- Protects hair from the astringent action of the shampoo.  Intensely nourishes the fiber, leaving no residue

2.) Detox Green Juice- Detoxifies the scalp, eliminating oiliness and flaking.  Tones and stimulates growth of healthy hair.

3.) Detox Multi- Nutrients- Promotes deep nutrition to the hair bulb.  Reinforces the DNA, making hair stronger and resistant to breakage.

4.) Detox Shampoo- Eliminates oiliness and flaking of the scalp.  Promotes cell renewal, strengthening and brings shine to the hair.

5.) Detox Conditioner- Ensures nutrition and increased softness to the hair, without weighing it down.  Makes the hair stronger and resistant.

 

 

 

Overall, it was really effective for me and I would definitely recommend it to anyone whose hair needs a pick me up.  The results are instant and they're not only visible, but you can actually feel the extreme improvement on your scalp.

 

Plastica dos Fios (Hair Plastic Surgery)

 

Products include:

1.) Pre- Reconstruction Shampoo

2.) Thermal Hair Reconstruction

3.) Sealing Mask

Are you planning to try a special treatment to prep your hair for summer?  Are you interested in either of these new treatments?

Wedding Salon Hosts Premier Luxury Bridal Event

 

 

While beautiful and joyous, planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful.  Wedding Salon is the nation’s #1 premier luxury bridal show, and connects brides with the top names in bridal in five markets across the country.  I had the opportunity to attend the opulent event held Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City and get an up close look at the all fabulous vendors ready for this years bridal season.  

Immediately guests were greeted by a romantic canopy produced by Décor Galore and strolling table by Athena Entertainment.  It was impossible not to admire the array of gorgeous gowns from designers like Jenny Yoo, Yumi Katsura, Glamour Closet, M&J Bridal Salon, Book a Taylor and Steed & Wall.

 

I browsed row after row of breathtaking center pieces and table settings from event stylers Décor Galore, and artfully designed wedding cakes and menus from Tuthill House House at the Mill.

 

 

 

 The highlight of the show is the reveal of the biggest wedding trends, and gives insight into what we should expect to see for the 2015 season:

1. Headpieces Instead of Veils: Top designers, including M&J Bridal and House of Trends, featured glamorous headpieces rather than traditional veils. Head pieces have increased in popularity as brides feel that a lavish head piece is really only suitable for a special day such as a wedding.

2. Earthy Tones: Wedding Salon vendors including Big Dawg featured the Garden Style Farm Tables that have become popular all over America. Having originated in the South West, New York City put its spin on this style with vintage china, chandeliers, soft romantic flowers, and candles.

3. Men & the Wedding Planning Process:  In 2015 men are getting more involved in wedding planning. As the tradition of parents paying for weddings fades, men have become more involved in the planning process as they are footing more of the bill. This has resulted in a growing pale blue and navy blue accent trend.

4. Location of the Destination Wedding: Destination Weddings are expanding to include both “local destinations” as well as “travel destinations”. Local destination weddings take place at beautiful resorts just a drive away from home, providing couples with venues for their large weekend weddings.  Couples with smaller destination weddings are flocking to the Caribbean and tropical resorts as they hop on a flight with their closest friends and family.

 

Before leaving, I was treated to an AWESOME swag bag filled with various bridal essentials from: Essie Nail Polish, Gold Ink Tatoos , Acure Organic Skin Care, merArmore Sample Suite, Essence Lip Liner, Inova Professional Hair Care Sample Suite, Kenra Hair Spray, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar and more!

 

 

Are you or any of your friends planning a wedding?  Are you or your friends interested in attending the Wedding Salon Bridal Show?

Review: Jessica Robertson Facial Bronzing Powder

 

The creators of Podz and Dr. Sun RX have teamed up with Duck Dynasty's own Jessica Robertson to launch a series of nourishing beauty products that will help achieve that luminous look we all obsess over. 

 

Retail: $20.00

 

I like this bronzer a lot.  I prefer to keep my look more natural looking and the Jessica Robertson Facial Bronzing Powder is perfect because it's visible but subtle.  My skin is on the fair side so sometimes bronzers can be a bit harsh and appear more like dirt against my complexion.  Advertised as "tinted powder that gives sheer, natural-looking color while being skin- conditioning providing a smooth, never splotchy application" I'd say it is exactly that.  It has a buildable formula so it works for various skin types and I found it to blend really easily.  Another aspect I loved was that the shimmer effect was SO subtle.  There was just enough to catch the light and add a soft, believable glow.  I can't stand it when I'm nearly blinded by the shimmers in a bronzer.  I get so nervous applying those kind because even half a dab too much will make my head look like it belongs on a shelf at the MOMA.

 

 

 

Overall, we love this!  It has the added bonus of prolonging your tan and also contains a nice moisturizing formula.  Whether it's summer or not, I can see myself using this year round for contouring or achieving that healthy glow. 

 

 

 

Available at:

Drsuncosmetics.com

 

Also available at local tanning salons

 

 

Have you tried this bronzer or any of the other Jessica Robertson collections? 

FreeBeautyEvents: May Giveaway

My love affair with FreeBeautyEvents.com continues!  You've heard me rave about them being an awesome beauty resource and a great way to snag some killer free samples.  Each month the site gives away an amazing bundle full of beauty goodies, and this month's looks exceptionally awesome...

Was I wrong?? It includes some mouth watering deelies from Revlon, CoverGirl, NYX, St. Ives, Olay and more! The Contest runs from now through 5/31/15, winners will be chosen on 6/5/2015 and notified by 6/15/2015. To enter, just visit them on Facebook (don't forget to like them! :) or enter directly on their website.     

 

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog.  Like any of the products you read about?  Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up!  Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples.  It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.      

 

Get more on FreeBeautyEvents.com :

 

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2015 Summer Fragrances: Issey Miyake & Jean Paul Gaultier

 

 

L’Eau d’Issey Summer Limited Edition Eau de Toilette 

Retail: $76.00 3.3 fl oz.

 

Summer fragrances are my absolute favorite.  The sweet scent of a breezy, fruity floral takes but seconds to cast an addictive spell over this girl.    

 

Launched yesterday, Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Summer Eau de Toilette has a cheerful and feminine feel, drawing on the tangy notes of pink grapefruit and lychee.  A lively freshness combines with sparkling accents in the middle notes with passion fruit and guava.  To give a feminine touch, very subtle aquatic floral notes soften the overall fragrance before blending with the roundness of the woods and the vanilla infusion. 

 

This has all the makings of a beautifully, sophisticated scent that is reminiscent of exotic beaches and summertime escapes.  It has a mature, lux feel to it, which makes me envision one wearing it to luxurious yacht parties on the water.  But at the same time, it's airy and wears lightly enough to be perfect for a morning brunch with friends in Central Park.  It is dominated by the citrus notes so the floral sweetness is only a suggestion and not overly evident.  For those that prefer subtle sweetness, this is ideal.  I'd recommend it to anyone seeking a functional summer fragrance that is long wearing and classy. 

 

 

 

Classique

Retail: $71.00 3.3 fl oz.  

 

 

Newly launched, Classique Summer by Jean Paul Gaultier Parfumes  is a gorgeous fragrance and I've worn it practically everyday since I opened it. 

 

Inspired by a print from Jean Paul Gaultier's 2013 Spring- Summer Haute Couture show, wild animals, Hindi dancers and gods and goddesses mix together in a palette of warm tones and lush foliage- joyful chaos brimming with surprises.  A majestic panther painted in a swirl of pink and gold tones, gracefully blends into the feminine curves of the classic torso shaped bottle.

   

Top notes: Rose flirts with orange blossom, showered with Sicilian Clementine zest. 

Middle notes: Sambac jasmine, ylang- ylang, woody lily of the valley and white iris compose a bouquet of pure flowers. 

Base notes blend absolutes of vanilla, fresh musk and vegetal amber. 

 

This is the most addicting scent I've tried in a long time. After spritzing it on, I was transported through each and every layer of notes.  I was able to clearly detect certain notes and it was an amazingly beautiful experience.  It is quite sharp at first with a blast of the clementine zest, then it softens into the freshness of jasmine with a woodsy twist, ultimately settling into a beautiful musky mix where both the vanilla and amber are very evident. It isn't long before it relaxes into a sweet, powder-like aroma that isn't overpowering and leaves you wanting more.  It's appropriate for day or night, and I can easily see myself finishing the bottle by the end of the season.

 

 

Both fragrances are available at fine retail stores.

 

 

 

 

Have you discovered your go-to scent for this summer?