Tuff Scent - Dream and Stardust

Hi ho, kittens!  Today I'm really excited to share my review of two polishes from a "new to me" company called Tuff Scent.  Before I get to that, let me share a little bit of background info from their website, tuffscent.com:
"Relaunch of ‘Tuff Scent’ Scented Nail Polish

Reno, Nevada (July 19th, 2011) – Lisa Arnbrister and 18 year old daughter, Sylvana Barbash, have relaunched ‘Tuff Scent’ scented nail polish and this time they’ve added a charitable edge. The brand which has been previously carried by reputable stores such as Sephora, Nordstrom’s, Saks fifth Avenue, Fred Segal, Planet Blue and so on, will now donate $1.00 of every bottle sold to breast cancer awareness in a commemorative effort to support the cure.

“Scented nail polish has a fun twist, you can apply it, smell it and it brings a smile to your face,” says Barbash, whom originally gave her mother the idea while coloring her finger nails with scented markers as a young child. The mother daughter duo have not only set their brand apart by giving each polish an original scent but they have also given the new line affirmative names such as “Faith”, “Hope”, “Believe” and “Dream”."

Seriously, fun, right?  Now, on to the reviews.  Tuff Scent was kind enough to send me two samples to review for you.  They are *Dream and *Stardust.  First up, Dream:

I do have to preface this by saying that, as a general rule, I am not overly fond of sheer colors or nudes, and Dream, without question, falls under both categories. However, I think it would be lovely for French manicures. It is quite sheer (I applied two coats over a clear base coat) and the formula was quite thin which made it easy to apply. Application was very smooth. Of course, one cannot discuss scent infused nail polish without getting to...the scent. Dream happens to have a Gardenia scent and I have to say, as someone who is also not overly fond of floral scents (go figure), this scent is light and pleasant, not the kind that makes me wrinkle up my nose or gives me a headache, which happens with many florals for me. As the polish dries, the scent is released and it is strong but not overly so. It's kind of a pleasant background fragrance that you catch a whiff of every now and then (unless, of course, you sniff your nails, making the scent much stronger). Overall, I am quite pleased.

Next up, Stardust.

As you can see here, I applied a coat over Dream just on my thumbnail so that you could see the contrast between the two colors. Here is my entire hand with one coat of Stardust over Dream.

Lastly, here is a shot of the same hand with the bottle:

Now, as much as I'm "meh" about sheer pinks is as much as I L-O-V-E holo glitters. This one is outstanding! It is a bit gritty, not unlike most glitters, but not to the point where it really bothers me and certainly less so than many others I've tried. If you want a POW, in your face, gorgeous holo glitter, chock full of rainbow shine, this would be a great choice for you. I absolutely ADORE this color and I can't wait to try it out layered over some darker colors. Trust me when I tell you, this color will be worn and worn often! This one is infused with a scent called "Ocean Breeze" and while it is difficult to describe, it is certainly, in my estimation, fresh, clean and lovely. Again, not overpowering but a pleasant background fragrance.

Overall, I love Tuff Scent's adorable bottles, the caps of which look like beautiful flowers. I think the concept of scent infused polish is fun and unique. While Dream would not have been a color I would have chosen for myself, that, in no way, reflects the quality of this product, any more than the fact that Stardust is one I definitely WOULD have chosen for myself does. However, my general opinion, based on my experiences with these two polishes, is that Tuff Scent makes some fabulous stuff. I look forward to trying out other colors in the future.

Tuff Scent polishes retail for $14 and can be ordered directly from the website HERE. As of this publishing, they also offer FREE domestic shipping in the United States.

If you have tried this brand, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xoxo,
K

*Disclosure: Where indicated by an asterisk, the product(s) in this post were provided to me by the company for review. Please click my disclosure tab for further information.

Barielle Review - Nail Strengthener Cream and Positive ZEN-Ergy

Hello, kittens!  Today is my long-awaited review of Barielle's *Nail Strengthener Cream and *Positive ZEN-ergy polish.  I've been using the Nail Strengthener Cream for a good solid two weeks, at least once a day, sometimes more.  This product was created "for healthier stronger nails" and I can definitely say that it is working for me.  My nails feel stronger, no longer peel and just seem healthier, all around.  Here is a shot of my nails with the amount of cream I use each time.

and here is a shot of my nails, post-application:

To use, I simply apply the small amount pictured and rub it in to my nails in a circular motion. What is neat about this product is that it can be used on bare nails OR over polished nails. For polish junkies like me, this makes it really easy to use. I would definitely recommend this product to others. Here is a shot of the tube.

This product retails for $10 for a .5 oz tube.

Next up, Positive ZEN-ergy. I have been wanting to try this color for a while now but life sometimes gets in the way of my wishes, lol. It is a unique shimmery light olive green but, unlike most greens in this color family, it looks great on my cool skin-tone. I find that most olives don't suit my fair, cool complexion. Here, I applied a base coat of Avon Nail Experts Nutri-Boost Nutri-Plus, followed by two coats of Positive ZEN-ergy.

I found it fairly easy to apply, though, to be honest, my applicator brush was slightly "wonky" (a little bit crooked). It was not that difficult to overcome the weird brush, which I'm sure was just a fluke. The formula of the polish itself was rather thin, which I like, because I find it easier to apply, and the color was nicely opaque in two coats. The bit of silver-y shimmer gives this color a really pretty finish and I like it so much. Here is another look at it.

I am very pleased with both of these products and I'm looking forward to seeing how the Nail Strengthener Cream continues to improve the appearance and texture of my nails. If you try either of these products, I'd love to hear about your experiences.

*Disclosure: Where indicated by an asterisk, the product(s) in this post were provided to me by the company for review. Please click my disclosure tab for further information.

UPDATE:  I've just been made aware of an awesome promo that Barielle is running right now.  For the entire month of September, Barielle is offering 50% off storewide at www.Barielle.com for those who sign up for its newsletter via Facebook.  Click HERE, fill out the form and Barielle will e-mail you a code that is valid for 50% off storewide until September 30th.  Yay!

Press Release - Sally Hansen at Spring 2012 Fashion Week

INTRODUCING

COMPLETE SALON MANICURE

LIMITED EDITION SPRING 2012 DESIGNER NAIL COLOR COLLECTIONS

FROM SALLY HANSEN

THINK: Trend-setting spring polishes, hot off the runway.

WHAT THEY ARE: A designer spring wardrobe for your nails. Nail leader Sally Hansen took New York Fashion Week by storm, joining forces with Tracy Reese, Prabal Gurung, and Alexander Wang to create exclusive nail colors to complement each of their runway collections. Sally Hansen’s limited edition fall collections put exclusive runway nail looks at your fingertips.

The designers looked to Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure to create their custom colors. Complete Salon Manicure is an all-in-one formula that combines the components of a professional salon manicure—base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, rich color and top coat in a single multi-tasking polish. Backstage Beauty fixture and nail expert, Jin Soon Choi, created the manicures at each of the three shows.

Tracy Reese joined forces with Sally Hansen for the twelfth consecutive season to create seven bold shades that mirror the designer’s relaxed, romantic spring aesthetic. On the runway, models wore Complete Salon Manicure in Temptation.  

For video of  Tracy Reese Spring 2010 Behind The Scenes with Sally Hansen Style Advisor Mary Alice Stephenson, please click HERE.

Prabal Gurung’s three-color Complete Salon Manicure collection features eye-catching brights and creamy pale hues with an edge that reflects the designer’s spring collection inspired by Nobuyashi Araki’s photographic series, “Sensual Flower.”On Prabal Gurung’s fall runway, models sported Loves-Me-Not, a deep plum.

For video of  Prabal Gurung Spring 2010 Behind The Scenes with Sally Hansen Style Advisor Mary Alice Stephenson, please click HERE.

Alexander Wang enlisted Sally Hansen for a first-time collaboration to create a clean, natural-looking runway nail to offset his spring collection which channels a tropical speed racer using perforation and lasering. Models wore Parchment, a sheer nude Complete Salon Manicure shade on the runway—the perfect accent to Wang’s downtown cool looks.

For video of  Alexander Wang Spring 2010 Behind The Scenes with Sally Hansen Style Advisor Mary Alice Stephenson, please click HERE.

Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure:

·          Buttercup

·          Fired Up

·          Honey Whip

·          Olive Branch

·          Temptation

·          Parrot

·          The Sky’s the Limit

Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure:

·          Barely Bluebell

·          Loves-Me-Not

·          Purple Posy

Alexander Wang with Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure:

·          Oxblood

·          Parchment

·          Petrol

WHAT THEY COST: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, $7.99 each.

WHERE TO FIND THEM: Sally Hansen products are available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally starting April 2012

How excited are you guys for these new collections? You all know how much I ADORE Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure (which includes my favorite brushes EVER) so I, for one, CANNOT wait!

Press Release - China Glaze Halloween 2011 Collection

HAUNTING BEAUTY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

China Glaze Introduces a Daringly Dark Collection of Purely Pigmented Crèmes and High Coverage Glitters for Halloween 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (July 2011): Halloween is all about over-the-top style and China Glaze has just what every girl and ghoul needs to complete their costume. Put the finishing touches on any look with the new China Glaze HAUNTING collection – a six-piece set of mysterious colors and effects perfect for All Hallows Eve, including a glow-in-the-dark Top Coat and a ‘crackling’ top coat for a cobweb effect.

China Glaze captures the spirits lurking in the dark in six sexy, sophisticated shades that are on trend, exciting and will be on every costume crafter’s “must have” list. Whether a look is dark and mysterious, or bold and dramatic, China Glaze’s HAUNTING collection pulls together any ensemble and will undoubtedly make heads turn – just like China Glaze’s celebrity followers (Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicole Ritchie and Dita Von Teese, to name a few)! Colors in this collection include:

·        Haunting: Shadowy black with shimmering silver glitter

·        Crimson: Deep purple crème with a hint of blood red

·        Near Dark: Rich mossy green crème

·        It’s Alive: Vibrant green glitter

·        Ghoulish Glow: Glow-in-the-Dark top coat

·        Black Mesh: Crackle Glaze top coat for a cobweb-like crackle effect

The China Glaze HAUNTING collection will be available as open stock colors, 18 piece counter display, and as part of a special “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” set featuring China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat. 

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, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For nearly 40 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 Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com. 

Dr.'s REMEDY Would Love Your Help!

Passing on some exciting news from Dr.'s REMEDY:

DR.'S REMEDY IS A NOMINEE FOR THE HBA BREAKOUT BRAND OF THE YEAR!!!!!

Dr.'s REMEDY is proud to be in the running as an HBA Honest Beauty Breakout Brand of the YEAR but we need your help!!!! We need votes - can you please get the word out to vote? Voting is free of charge and you can vote more than once for the same brand. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011HonestBeautyAwards Thank you for all of your support. Dr.'s REMEDY is a line of doctor-inspired cosmetics that is dedicated to using clean, hypo-allergenic ingredients. The birth-child of two New York-based podiatrists, Dr. Adam Cirlincione and Dr. William Spielfogel, Dr.'s REMEDY proves quintessentially-perfect for any person looking to better the condition of her skin and nails; their Enriched Nail Polish is the first-ever nail polish on the market approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr.'s REMEDY is sold online at www.remedynails.com or by calling 1-877-323-NAIL.

I've had nothing but lovely experiences with Dr.'s REMEDY and their products so I'm happy to cast a vote. Feel free to do the same, if you so desire. :)

NYC New York Color Fall Reviews

Today I'd like to share two of the new fall 2011 limited edition NYC New York Color In A NY Minute Nail Color polishes in *Scenestealer Grey and *Underground Purple.  I recently received these for review and let me tell you, I'm loving them.  I started with a base coat and added two coats of the NYC polishes, using Underground Purple as my accent nail.  Here they are indoors with flash:

and outdoors, without flash:

I found the formula SO easy to work with and the brushes were fairly wide, reminiscent of the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure brushes that I've sung the praises of so often in previous posts. Scenestealer Grey has a gunmetal look, though there is definitely a hint of blue mixed in, to my eye. Can you say LOVE? Underground Purple is a winner too, with a hint of shimmer and, like the grey, beautiful opaque coverage in two coats. I found that they dried relatively quickly too, though not too quickly that they were difficult to control in application. I have not yet top coated and the colors are super-shiny already. I truly love these polishes! They retail for $1.99 and became available this month so run, don't walk, to give them a try!

As always, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. I love to hear what you all have to say!

xoxo,
K

*Disclosure: Where indicated by an asterisk, the product(s) in this post were provided to me by the company for review. Please click my disclosure tab for further information.

Press Release - Sally Hansen Halloween Salon Effects

INTRODUCING

SALON EFFECTS REAL NAIL POLISH STRIPS

IN HALLOWEEN PRINTS

FROM SALLY HANSEN

THINK: Spooky style at your fingertips—just peel, apply, file, and go.

WHAT IT IS: No dry-time, nail polish strips for instant Halloween hands. This fall, make a chic seasonal statement with Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips in new Halloween-inspired prints. Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips offer DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde Free, no dry-time nail looks for style that lasts up to ten days. This easy and affordable at-home nail technology takes your Halloween costume to the next level.

Each Salon Effect Real Nail Polish Strips kit includes 16 nail polish strips, a cuticle stick, mini file/ buffer and instructions for easy at-home application. When you’re ready to change your nail strips, simply swipe nails with your favorite Sally Hansen polish remover for an instantly clean slate. Choose from five Halloween-inspired styles:

• Numbskull: Spooky skull and crossbones print
• Wishnets: Witchy black fishnet print over bright fuchsia
• Ghoulie Girl: Google-eyed ghosts in orange and white
• Spun For You: A scary black spider’s web
• Hot Wired: Bad-girl barbed wire over lime green backdrop

WHAT THEY COST: $9.99 each.

WHERE TO FIND THEM: Sally Hansen products are available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Kari Cares - Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Welcome to September which is, among other things, Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. I am proud to show my support for this worthy cause by joining many of my friends and fellow bloggers by wearing Diamond Cosmetics Don't Teal My Heart Away polish in support of the Teal Toes campaign (teal being the color for Ovarian Cancer Awareness). For more information on Teal Toes, you may click HERE to visit their facebook page. Here is a picture of the bottle, a gift from my generous friend, George, complete with teal ribbon on the neck.

I applied a base and top coat of Gelous and, in between, two coats of Don't Teal My Heart Away, as you can see here.

My intention is to keep my toes teal for the entire month of September. Aside from the cause being so important, this also happens to be a beautiful color, perfect for someone like me who adores blue and green. If this cause speaks to your heart, I'd love to hear stories of your teal toes, fingers, clothing or anything else you decide to "teal up" in support of this cause.

xoxo,
K