Category: nails

Bobbi Brown Pink and Red Collection

After flipping through what were probably hundreds of pages of fashion magazines this weekend, I was struck by how much pink and red there was everywhere. Granted, much of it is for Valentine’s Day – but a lot was seen on the Spring 2013 runways and in editorial shoots. I’ve always liked the modern clashing of a pink and red. I think it is a little edgy while still being ultra feminine. So I am swooning over this recent Bobbi Brown collection.

The neat set of little duos features a true red and true pink for the cheeks, lips (gloss and lipstick) and nails. Everything is designed to be mixed and layered. The possibilities are endless. I can see a quirky pink accent nail, dual-toned lips, contoured cheek tint… you name it.

The cheek tint is lightweight and sheer but buildable. Both limited edition shades – Sheer Cherry and Sheer Pink – are classics albeit on the cooler side. The matte lip colors are pigmented with staying power – also with two new shades: Hot and Heart (limited edition). The glosses offer more of a very sheer hint of color. Cherry is new and Pretty in Pink is limited edition. Last, Valentine Red and Pink Valentine are two limited edition nail shades.

The collection is available on counters, but the couple I visisted this weekend didn’t have everything in stock. I encourage you to order quickly if you are interested from BobbiBrownCosmetics.com or shop using the widget below.

NARS Spring Color 2013

Today marks the day! NARS Spring Color Collection is available now on shelves. I have been wearing three peices of the collection for a week or so. All three have a sort of subtle punk glamour. However, the whole collection is more assertive:

Fresh and fierce, strong and sexy; the Spring 2013 Color Collection introduces a vibrant, ‘90s-esquepalette that sets the tone for a season of audaciously feminine looks.

Cythère Velvet Lip Gloss is a soft, metallic rose. I’m a long time fan of these pencils (see review here) which are glossy and hydrating while still uncannily long-wearing. The rose slants slightly more brown than pink, making it an almost nude and really feminine – a great shade to balance so many of the bolder shades in the collection. It does have that suggestion of frost a la 90’s but not in a cliche way.

I was new to the Soft Touchshadow Pencils. They are a relatively new product designed for smooth, long wear color. I’d like to note: these shades look really brillant in the package. I was slightly intimidated to wear these. (I still hadn’t worn Aigle Noir, part of the holiday collection). So, I grabbed Corcavado, a true 24 karat gold and part of Spring 2013 Color, and Aigle Noir and started playing.

These pencils give just a wash of color making them so much more wearable than I expected. I suppose you could layer for a full, opaque color, but I love using Corcavado for a wash of gold. Aigle Noir is perfect for the lower last line when you have a smokier, sultry eye. The shimmer is a festive level, but not adolescent I’m treasuring these for priming or layering under other looks to add some oomph.

Lastly, I’ve been rocking Disco Inferno Nail Polish. I was hoping this would be slightly more opaque. But I am so smitten with the shade, I’ll let it slide. This is three coats and I am almost tempted to add a fourth. That was the case with Desperado and Space Odyssey, reviewed here and here. It has the perfect iridescence reminiscent of holograms seen all over the runways, like this clutch from Proenza Schouler.

Shop the post here:

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Birchbox + Color Club Nail Art Kit

Birchbox does it right. I’m already hooked on the sample delivery service and now they have introduced a nail art kit with Color Club that is just too good (and for only $30). The kit contains:

Nail Art Duo Pens in White and Black with a skinny striper brush on one end and a pen on the other end for precise designs
Mini French Tip Polish, a pure white lacquer
Mini Look Book Polish, a deep, true red hue
Gold Flakes, real gold leaf that can be applied to nails with tweezers
Sealer, a top coat that prevents chips

You can do any of the above designs just using the detailed how-to on Birchbox here!

And remember, shopping at Birchbox means:

Free shipping on all products from December’s sampled brands.
Free shipping on all orders over $25 until 12/31.
Free returns within 90 days of purchase

Floss Gloss Polishes – Part 2

My love affair with Floss Gloss continues. After falling hard for these colors, I had to experience more. At the top of my list was Tanlines, a peachy nude, and Partybruise, a rich purple brown that almost looks black on. I like the unexpected nude with the inky black. And Stun remains my all time favorite glitter polish. The gold flecks are fine and can be layered easily. I’ve been using Floss Gloss’ base and top coat, Baseline and Gloss, with loads of success.

Floss Gloss Tanlines and Partybruise Bottles from Belle Belle Beauty

From now until Novemeber 22nd, get 25% off all Floss Gloss orders. You can purchase them at flossgloss.com.

Essie + Bauble Bar

Two of my favorite brands have come together for the coolest little collaboration. What possibly can be better than jewels and nail polish? The winter Essie collection is paired with your custom set of bracelets. Here is how it works:

choose your polish and a custom bracelet
then, stack on a bangle or cuff
and then add a wrap bracelet to finish the look!

All four items are $50 and come in an adorable pouch. Such a great gift idea or little treat for yourself.

Dermelect Resort Nail Lacquers

Following up on a summer launch, Dermelect is releasing three more shades for the resort season. I fell hard for these polishes back in June. They wear really well and contain a peptide technology that heals fragile, weak nails. Infused with ProSina, a pure protein peptide extracted from New Zealand sheep’s wool, the lacquers deliver a fast drying, high gloss shine while providing an unequaled level of strength for stubborn nails to grow longer and more resistant to chipping, peeling and splitting.

The three new shades are

All The Envy, a bright, metallic chartreuse
Lust Struck, a bold coral cream opaque
Moon Kissed, a shimmy off-white with silver accents

These shades are available now at www.dermelect.com.