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Orizée hydrating cream review

Tuesday, August 20, 2013 2

A few weeks ago the company Orizée contacted me and asked me if I would like to review a product from their skincare line. 

What I found out about Orizée is that they are located on Granville Island in Vancouver, B.C.  The main ingredient in their products is SakeKasu, this is the nutrient dense, probiotic fermented rice paste that results from sakemaking.

Orizée's skincare line is gluten free, cruelty free, and paraben free.

What I thought was really neat was that their packaging is made with Cougar paper. FSC® Certified, SFI® Certified Sourcing and Rainforest Alliance Certified™. Featuring 10% post-consumer recycled content and certified fiber.

 Orizée sent me their Yuzu and Shiso hydrating cream to review on my blo..  I am always looking for a new face cream to help with my skin so I decided to experiment with the cream.  I have very difficult skin to work with because I suffer from eczema and rosacea. 



I have been using the hydrating for almost two weeks now so I thought it would now be appropriate for me to do the review


First of all, the instructions state that you should use the cream in the morning and at night again. I only used the cream at night because in the morning I wanted to use something with SPF in it.  

When I first put the cream on my face it burned a little bit.  Not a horrible burning feeling but a slight tingly feeling similar to having vicks on your face.  This wasn't painful so I left it on.  I have had face creams that have burned my face so badly that I had to wash the lotion off my face immediately.

When I first started using the cream I had rough skin on my face. I had tried a lot of different moisturizers but none of them really helped with the rough skin on my face.  Now, after about two weeks the patch of dry skin on my face is almost gone.  I am actually quite pleased with the product.  

The product is very light weight and is absorbed in to the skin very quickly.  It does not leave a greasy feeling behind.



Here is some info on the hydrating cream:

Benefits
  • Stimulates circulation and promotes skin elasticity.
  • Stimulatescell rejuvenation
  • Deeply hydrates the skin
  • Anti-aging

Ingredients
  • SakeKasu Extract (oryza sativa)
  • Rose Hydrosol (rosa damascena)
  • Pacific Red Algae Gel (callophyllis flabellulata)
  • Rice Bran Oil (gamma tocopherol)
  • Extra Virgin Coconut oil (cocus nucifera)
  • Avocado Oil (persea americana)
  • Evening Primrose Oil (oenothera biennis)
  • Manuka honey
  • Rosemary Oleoresin (rosmarinus officinalis)
  • Licorice Root Extract (glycyrrhiza glabra)

If you are interested in learning about  Orizée click here



Press Release: OPI San Francisco Collection for Fall/Winter 2013

Monday, July 8, 2013 1


Urban-Inspired Nails!
OPI Launches the San Francisco Collection 
For Fall/Winter 2013

San Francisco by OPI brings street chic style with West Coast flair to nails and toes for Fall/Winter 2013. This new collection features a palette ranging from sky and sea-colored hues of blues and gray to reds, burgundies and browns inspired by some of the city’s most iconic elements – Chinatown, the Golden Gate bridge and the Embarcadero. This fall mélange is mixed with texture, seen in three new Liquid Sand™ nail lacquers in earthy hues of taupe, blue and gray: It’s All San Andreas’s Fault, Wharf! Wharf! Wharf! and Alcatraz…Rocks. Liquid Sand lacquers dry to a textured, matte finish, infused with reflective sparkle.

“To me, the women of San Francisco and the city itself really epitomize today’s multifaceted beauty consumer,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “San Francisco offers a European flair with distinct West Coast attributes. These elements inspired a collection of urban chic nail lacquer shades, thanks to the sophisticated combination of high fashion and eclectic street style.

“With twelve colors ranging from moody grays and blues to garnet and ruby jewel tones, these lacquers are designed to accessorize fall’s hottest looks, from military details to winter whites,” continues Weiss-Fischmann. “On fall runways, models were seen wearing luxurious textures from head to toe. The three new Liquid Sand nail lacquers incorporate the texture trend through nails, with rich matte finishes in colors to complement the season’s fashion.”


San Francisco by OPI includes the following shades:






Muir Muir on the Wall -This trailblazing plum is the fairest of all. 
In the Cable Car-Pool Lane -Good golly, Miss Trolley, this rich burgundy takes me away! 
Embarca-Dare Ya! -Betcha can’t pass up this marvelous magenta. 
First Date at the Golden Gate -You and me and this shimmery ruby make three.





Keeping Suzi at Bay -There’s no holding back this assertive navy blue. 
Incognito in Sausalito -You better keep this almost-black blue under wraps. 
Lost on Lombard -Oh garn-et! I’m all turned around! 
I Knead Sour-Dough -Are you bready to wear this toasty warm brown?




A-Piers to Be Tan -I shore do like this chocolaty tan. 
Dining al Frisco -Just feast your eyes on this fresh-air blue! 
Haven’t the Foggiest -Can’t tell you why I love this misty gray...I just do! 
Peace & Love & OPI -This holographic sage and eggplant is far out!




It’s All San Andreas’s Fault -I’d move mountains to get this textured earthy taupe!
Alcatraz...Rocks -There’s no escaping this arresting textured gray.
Wharf! Wharf! Wharf! -Dog-gone it...fetch me that textured matte blue!

San Francisco nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Liquid Sand nail lacquers should always be worn without top coat. San Francisco by OPI will be available August 7, 2013, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.
For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

Duri Cosmetics "The Showstopper" Spring Collection

Monday, June 10, 2013 0

I was sent the Duri Spring "Showstopper" collection for review.

I have been packing my things for my big move to another town so my nails are in terrible condition so I had to swatch the colors on swatch sticks.

The bottles remind me of Essie bottles but they do have wider brushes than Essie.
Duri polishes have a volume of 15 mL,  Essie has a volume of 13.5 mL.




All these swatches are 3 coats.

Left to right:
Call me maybe, Satin Treat,  Dream Catcher,Afterhours, One Night Only, Showstopper

Before my big move I did manage to swatch Call me maybe

Here is 3 coats of Call me Maybe.  Isn't it a fabulous color?  I think this is the spring/summer it color. It looks really nice on toes and fingers.






I also stamped over call me maybe with a stamping image from Cheeky Beauty



China Glaze A Sunsational Neon Summer

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A SUNSATIONAL NEON SUMMER BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHINA GLAZE®
Introducing 12 Smooth Crèmes and Juicy Jellies
Los Angeles – (May 2013): Make waves this summer with the new China Glaze® Sunsational collection.  This fun palette of six brighter-than-bright crèmes and six juicy jelly polishes create a bold pop or sheer hint of color that are sure to see you through every highlight of your summer.

Mix and match these hot hues and different finishes from China Glaze® Sunsational for a vivid and bold expression on your tips and toes:
Sun of A Peach: Popping peachy crème
Neon & On & On: Flirtatious pink crème
Bottoms Up: Passionate bubblegum pink-purple crème
That’s Shore Bright: Playful purple crème
Too Yacht to Handle: Teasing teal crème
Highlight of My Summer: Mellow mint green crème

Shell-O: Juicy coral-pink jelly
Heat Index: Enticing pink jelly
You Drive Me Coconuts: Panic causing purple jelly
Are You Jelly?: Vivacious purple jelly
Isle See You Later:  Marine blue jelly
Keepin’ It Teal: Totally Turned Up turquoise jelly

China Glaze® Sunsational will be available in July 2013 at fine salons and beauty supply stores.
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.

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Notoriously Neon!
Nicole by OPI Announces Two New Limited Edition Neon Mini Kits, the Brand’s First Neon Lacquer

Nicole by OPI launches its first neon nail lacquer with two limited edition mini kits. Scandalous! Neons includes vivid shades of blue, purple and pink while the Notorious! Neons includes vibrant shades of green, fuchsia and orange.

Each Neons kit includes a special white base coat, to be applied before adding color, allowing true neon pigments to pop. “These kits offer the hottest hues in a mini size to complement summer styles,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “Think of your nails as a blank canvas.  With these color combinations, there are endless options for creating works of art.”

In addition to the white base, Scandalous! Neons includes: Blue Neon (this blatant blue is deliberately belligerent), Purple Neon (this attention-seeking purple is a real publicity hound), and Pink Neon (this pink’s purpose is to provoke your senses).
scandal
Along with white base, Notorious! Neons includes: Green Neon (this gossip-stirring green is the talk of the town), Fuchsia Neon (this fuchsia is famous for being unabashedly bold), and Orange Neon (this outrageous orange doesn’t know the meaning of meek).

notorious 
“The shades included in both sets are perfect for accessorizing fingers and toes with bright pops of color,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “The first step is to apply the white base coat followed by the desired neon shade; finish with one coat of Nicole by OPI Top Coat Plus to achieve intense neon color with a glossy finish.”

Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality.   Scandalous! Neons and Notorious! Neons mini packs will be available in stores beginning May 2013 for $10 each at retailers including Meijer, CVS, Duane Reade, H-E-B, Kroger, and ShopKo.  Top Coat Plus will be sold alongside the kits for $7.99. In Canada, the kits will be available for $12.50 each and Top Coat Plus for $10.99 at Loblaw, Jean Coutu, Rexall, London Drugs, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

About Nicole by OPI:
Nicole by OPI offers a salon-quality range of bold, fashion-forward nail lacquers. The brand’s heritage is based in OPI’s well-established foundation of excellence in both color and technology, providing premium products to a broad range of consumers looking for trendsetting nail lacquers.

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“Sugar” Coated Nails!
Nicole by OPI Announces NEW Limited Edition Gumdrops Nail Lacquers
Nicole by OPI launches Gumdrops – six new limited edition matte texture shades designed to give nails a mouthwatering manicure.  With a “sugar-like” finish that lightly shimmers with fine glitter particles, Gumdrops features brilliant candy colored hues.
 “These shades are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Co-Founder & Artistic Director.  “By combining groundbreaking texture technology with some of the hottest trends including matte and shimmer finishes, Nicole by OPI has created a new line of lacquers for cutting-edge manicures.  Worn without top coat, Gumdrops lacquers dry to a textured matte finish to give nails a “sugar” coated appearance.




I Lilac Gumdrops
But I love this sugar-frosted lavender.

My Cherry Amour
You're the one magenta I adore.
Candy is Dandy
This sweet pink is my favorite guilt-free treat.

Cinna-man of My Dreams
I dream in shades of this warm spice pink.
Blue-Berry Sweet on You
I’ll be true to this berry blue hue.
A-Nise Treat
This shimmery licorice is everyone's favorite.

Nicole by OPI Gumdrops nail lacquers should always be worn without top coat to achieve the unique textured matte finish.

Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality.  This limited edition collection will be available beginning May 2013 for $7.99 each at retailers including select Walmart (May 2013), CVS (June 2013), Rite Aid, Kmart, Kroger, Ulta, H-E-B, and Duane Reade locations (August 2013), In Canada, these shades will be available for $10.99 each at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart Canada (July 2013), Jean Coutu, Loblaw, and London Drug (August 2013).
For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!
About Nicole by OPI:
Nicole by OPI offers a salon-quality range of bold, fashion-forward nail lacquers. The brand’s heritage is based in OPI’s well-established foundation of excellence in both color and technology, providing premium products to a broad range of consumers looking for trendsetting nail lacquers.

Sunday, June 9, 2013 0

Barielle’s May Sweepstakes was a HUGE success, so they decided to do a June Sweepstakes too!

The June Sweepstakes will start on June 10th and end on June 30th.  There will be 10 prizes and one Grand Prize of a DKNY Blue Leather Handbag, RSP of $175.00. The Barielle kit will consist of:

 Two of the Summer Collections 5 Packs (Brilliant Colors and Summer Brights) – $50
         One Nail Rebuilding Protein Base Coat – $17.50
             One No Chip Speed Dry Top Coat – $12.50
              One Nail Strengthener Cream – $17.00
Total value of $97.00
The Grand Prize will include the DKNY Blue Leather Handbag plus the Barielle Kit.

Keep an eye on the Barielle Facebook Page!  Not only for this Sweepstakes opportunity, but also for other sweepstakes as well as sales!

Barielle's Tips to Toes Sweepstakes from Monday May 5th thru Monday May 27th

Monday, May 6, 2013 0



There will be 10 winners and one Grand Prize Winner. 
The prizes are Mani-Pedi Spa kits and the Gran Prize includes one Michael Kors Wallet in addition to the Spa Kits.

The lucky winners will get:

1-      One 5 Pack Nail Color Set – Retail $25
2-      One Nail Rebuilding Protein – Retail $17.50
3-      One Nail Strengthener Cream – Retail $17
4-      One No Chip Speed Dry Topcoat – Retail $12.50
5-      One Total Foot Care Cream 2.5oz – Retail $12.00
6-      One Professional Protective Hand Cream 2.5oz – Retail $8.00
Total Value of $92.00!!!

The Grand Prize includes the Spa Kit plus a Michael Kors wallet ( value over $100.00)


Enter Barielle's Tips to Toes Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Michael Kors wallet plus over $100 worth of Barielle products. Check out the link below for full details. Good Luck!
http://www.facebook.com/barielle/app_28134323652

If you are entering using a mobile device please use this link: http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/323659

Cagedbird Nail Lacquer Review

Sunday, April 28, 2013 0

Sarah of Cagedbird Nail Lacquer sent me two mini polishes to review on my blog.

Today, let's learn about Cagedbird Nail lacquer:


 cagedbird nail lacquer is:
handcrafted in the usa
cruelty free
big 4-free (no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene or dibutyl phthalate)
made with ♥

You can purchase the polishes here: http://cagedbirdnl.etsy.com 
mini bottles(5ml) retail for $5 and the full bottles(15ml) retail for $10. 

You can learn about Cagedbird nail lacquer here: https://www.facebook.com/cagedbirdnaillacquer
 Cagedbird nail lacquer packages all her bottles with a small bow she hand ties and a cagedbird label.  
 

The first polish is Miss Mouse.  Miss Mouse is an adorable clear polish filled with large black hex glitter, medium and small sized white hex glitter, medium and small red hex glitter

In these pictures I used only 1 coat over a pale yellow based.

**Note: I had some issues with the large black hex glitter curling. After talking to Sarah, she told me that it is due to a bad batch of glitter reacting to the new polish base. The previous batches did not have curling.  But NOT TO WORRY!!! Sarah has already started to go back to her old polish base and has fixed the issue with Miss Mouse :)




The next polish I have is Equinox

To tell you the truth, when I first took Equinox out of the box I wasn't super impressed. A copper polish...ok.  But after I actually took some time to look at it I realized it is much more than just a copper polish.  It has tiny particles of gold in it giving it a gold shimmer.  It also has different tiny colors of copper in it giving the copper color more dimension.  I had a lot of difficulty capturing the different dimensions in the polish.

I used two coats in these pictures

 If you look closely you can see the glass copper flecks in this picture



I took this picture in natural sunlight. You can see the flecks of gold shimmer in the polish in this picture.


Design Glassware by Mont Bleu Review

Thursday, April 25, 2013 2

Design Glassware by Mont Bleu sent me some goodies to review a few weeks ago, here they are:


The large glass file sent to me is about 5.32 inches long and once again very sturdy.  It comes with a black cover like the small one.  This file  retails for about 10 Euros. PThe crystals are glued on very well and I am certain none of them will fall off.



The mini portable glass file sent to me is about 3.5 inches long and very sturdy.  I really like the soft cover that comes with it because I can throw it in my bag and it wont file down the other stuff in my bag e.g my phone.  This file  retails for about 8 Euros. 



I was sent blue tweezers with crystals on one side.  I really like the crystal detail, it makes the tweezers super cute. I am going to use the tweezers for gluing crystal on my nails. I feel that the tips of the tweezers aren't sharp enough to pluck my fine eyebrow hairs.


 


 
My favorite item that was sent to me was the Callus remover.  Design Glassware by Mont Bleu
describes the Callus remover as a: "Scraper foot file for removing callus (hard skin) from heels - great alternative for taking care of your feet. Red color."  16 Euros. I think this callus remover is worth the money. it is the best file ever.



Lastly I was sent Austrian Crystal Earrings 8 Euros.  These are very pretty multi-chrome earrings, it takes on a different color at different angles.  The problem I had with the earrings was that I couldn't wear them very long.  I have very sensitive ears so I am thinking that was why after a few days the earrings irritated my ears. I am glad that I can wear the earrings for a day or two so I'm still happy with them.


Mother's Day is around the corner and eos has the perfect sweet gift idea!

Thursday, April 18, 2013 0





Mother's Day is on May 12, why not get Mom a practical gift this year?  Evolution of Smooth has a few products out that Mom would definitely enjoy:


  • The shave cream - a 24Hrs moisturizing shave cream to keep her legs hydrated and smooth 
  • The hand lotion in Berry Blossom - easy to find in a handbag and perfect to keep her hands soft all day long
  • The iconic lip balm in Pomegranate - a delicious lip balm with a new scent to keep her lips soft 
EOS products are:
• Dermatologist tested & hypoallergenic
• Paraben-free formula
• Not tested on animals
• No animal by-products



Major Retailers Include:
• Rexall
• London Drug
• Loblaw’s
• Jean Coutu
• Uniprix


Fantastic Groupon deal!! JulieG Frosted Gumdrops Nail Polish set for $12.99

Thursday, April 11, 2013 1


JulieG Frosted Gumdrops Nail Polishes

JulieG's collection of snappy nail polishes can add an element of delicious-looking texture. Once dry, the polish's glittery finish is reminiscent of sugarcoated gumdrop candy. Opt for a single color on hands and feet or create a rainbow-like effect using multiple colors for one manicure.
Features
  • Six-pack of glittery nail polishes by JulieG
  • Textured finish reminiscent of gumdrop candy
  • Apply one or two coats
  • Textured effect looks best without topcoat
  • Long-wear formula
  • Click here to view a list of ingredients

The Deal

  • $12.99 for a six-pack of full-size JulieG Frosted Gumdrops textured nail polishes ($23.94 list price)
  • Includes the following colors: blueberry fizz blue, crushed candy purple, rock candy green, tangerine dream orange, sugar rush burnt orange, and hot cinnamon red
 USA only
http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-julieg-frosted-gumdrops-nail-polish-set

OPI Oz The Great and Powerful Swatches

Monday, April 1, 2013 0

Today I have 4 polishes from the OPI Oz The Great and Powerful collection.  This collection is part of the annual OPI Soft Shades collection 

The first polish is Don't Burst My Bubble.
This is a soft pink/ white jelly polish that is quite sheer. In my pictures I used two coats.  


Right after I put on Don't Burst My Bubble I knew that  I had to put on Which is Witch?
Which is Witch? is a top coat full of random holographic glitter. We have hex glitter, bar glitter, micro glitter....a mix of everything.  I used one coat in my pictures.  this would be my favorite polish from the entire collection


Next I have What Wizardry Is This? This is a Liquid Sand polish that is a copper gold brown shade. I loved this polish, the copper color made it look very unique and different to me. I used 2 coats in my pictures



Next I have When Monkeys Fly! This is a nother clear top coat polish that I layered on top Don't Burst My Bubble.  This polish if made up of giant gold holographic hexagon glitter and small holographic glitter.  There have been a lot of issues about the formula for this polish.  Many people have had curling glitter issues.  I didn't have really bad curling glitter issues but the glitter wasn't 100% flat.  I wasn't a fan of this polish and kind of just slapped it on. 
 
 


 

OPI has  addressed this issue on their Facebook page, if you are unhappy with your bottle please follow the instructions on their Facebook page

the products in this post were provided to me for review.  Please see my Disclosure page for more information 

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