Pantone, today announced Radiant Orchid, a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple, as the color of the year for 2014. “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love, and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

A modern and surprisingly versatile shade, Radiant Orchid enlivens the skin, making all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Blending both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing hue for distinctive combinations and flattering to many hair, eye, and skin tones.

This multifaceted hue is seductive when combined with red and pairs well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink, which provides an assortment of lipstick and blush options. Radiant Orchid’s exuberance also acts as a brilliant finishing touch to nails.

Today, I'm sharing another mono-chromatic manicure.  Today's theme is purple. I recently found a purple I had been wanting for ages.  During a trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond, I found it...Color Club's Disco Dress had been on my wish list since I saw it  posted on someone's blog. This color is absolutely, drop dead, GORGEOUS!!! It doesn't lean red and it doesn't lean blue...IMO, it is the perfect royal purple. 

For this manicure, I used Color Club Disco Dress (Index, Pinkie, & Thumb), Jordana Purple Punch (Middle), and Sinful Colors Purple Gleam (Ring).

I've never really been big on a lot of nail art but I do love a mono-chromatic, multi-textured manicure.  It gives the the look of nail art without having to have the artistic abilities...LOL!  I think this will make for a great holiday manicure.

I was inspired by one of the shades from the China Glaze 2013 Holiglaze Holiday Collection. One of the shades I purchased was China Glaze Mingle with Kringle, a gorgeous cool yellow gold foil.  

Once I decided on using Mingle with Kringle for my next manicure, it was easy to decide on the rest. Today's manicure includes, China Glaze Mingle with Kringle, OPI Honey Ryder, Orly Luxe, and Sally Hansen Glitter Gun. These four shades are all in the same color family but have different finishes.

I also love that it almost gives the mannequin hand look but with that extra bling. 

The colder months are upon us, yes even here in Florida; we've gone from running the air conditioner to running the heater. And the Winter gift-giving holidays are within weeks. ChapStick, the brand that has been around for over 100 years, has provided some great stocking stuffer possibilities as well as some fun gifts for friends, teachers, and co-workers. 

I'm always very appreciative and humbled by every milestone I reach on any of my social media venues. This morning I awoke to an Instagram milestone I never thought possible, 1K Followers.  I have a few other giveaways planned for the near future, but I had to do something to say "Thank You" for this point in my lG existence.  So what to do? Yesterday I posted on Instagram the Limited Edition Revlon Nail Appliqués By Marchesa.  

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw a recent post in which I displayed the brush defect with one of my recent Hard Candy purchases. Hard Candy's PR firm replaced my defective bottle, along with several other polish, but they also sent me the entire set of new polishes they added to the Hard Candy nail polish collection.  To show my appreciation for the Instagram followers, I've decided to give one lucky follower the entire set of 9 new  polishes.  

Several weeks ago I was introduced to a jewelry line and given the opportunity to review a piece.  Aside from the very unique yet gorgeous pieces, what really made this line stand out for me is that they give back. 

Please allow me to introduce to you the Sayta Jewelry line; particularly, the "Arm Yourself" bracelet. This striking bracelet...the "Arm Yourself" bracelet comes in six vibrant colors. It really took me a while to decide on a color.  I went with the mustard yellow, thinking that it would best complement my skin tone.

But first, more about the Sayta Jewelry line; the line was started by two longtime friends Satya and Beth.  The company's Mantra is:

Satya Jewelry is handcrafted with the modern, fearless woman in mind. Designed for the journey, each Satya piece empowers adventurers to inspire and be inspired by the world. Meaningful, radiant, symbolic and powerful, Satya designs incorporate semi-precious stones and sacred symbols into pieces destined to become heirlooms. Satya Jewelry strikes a subtle balance between tradition and ever-evolving style, honoring the infinite potential of all who wear it.

I couldn't let this opportunity pass without let you know about it. Due to the great success of their two Sweepstakes this Summer, tomorrow Barielle is kicking off the Welcome Fall Sweepstakes.  As I mentioned, it starts tomorrow, September 12 and runs through September 26. 

One Grand Prize winner will receive of a Cole Haan Silver Satchel, RSP of $175.00 and a Barielle kit including some great Barielle nail products:

1. Two of the Fall Collections 5 Packs (Sophisticated Lady and Nude & Naughty) - $50
2. One Nail Rebuilding Protein Base Coat - $17.50
3. One No Chip Speed Dry Top Coat - $12.50
4. One Nail Strengthener Cream - $17.00

The value of the total Grand Prize is more than $200.00
The Grand Prize will include the fashion accessory plus the Barielle Kit.

One of my favorite parts of the week are the days I designate my DIY Spa Nights. So as a lover of scrubs and exfoliants, I was excited when iFabbo presented me with the opportunity to try the Perlier Volcanic Thermal Spa Scrub. I have tried several different scrubs and through my tries, I have definitely developed a list of likes and dislikes in scrubs. I am not a fan of oil-based scrubs. But that is not the case with this Perlier Volcanic Thermal Spa Scrub.  It is unlike any other scrub I've ever tried.

Before I go into my experiences with Perlier Volcanic Thermal Spa Scrub, let me share with you the their claims:

"More than a scrub, it's a true beauty treatment for the skin!  Perlier has extracted, from volcanic rocks, micronutrients that are essential and vital to the cells in the skin. ...it delivers dual rejuvenating and smoothing action! ...The larger mineral particles work with the Thermal water to stimulate regeneration deep in the epidermis while the finer powders smooth the skin, removing dead cells and rough areas, leaving the skin soft and velvety like truly 'new skin'."

• Complex of key ingredients contains water from the hot spring concession located in the municipality of Abana Terme (Padua)
• Helps optimize skin's elasticity for a more youthful appearance
• Helps combat visible signs of aging such as the appearance of dull-looking skin
• Formulated with key ingredients that are rich in mineral salts
• Contains minerals of different particle size for dual rejuvenating and smoothing beauty action
• Finer powders smooth skin and rough areas  
• Made in Italy

My experiences: 

As I mentioned, I have tried several different scrubs, but again, I must say that this Perlier Volcanic Thermal Spa Scrub is unlike any I've ever tried.  This is a gel-based scrub.  The instructions suggest that it is massaged onto moist skin, but as I do with all my scrubs, I start with a dry skin application.  After massaging is onto my body parts, I rinsed it off and proceeded with my shower.  The scrub left my skin velvety smooth and soft.  

Living in Florida, I can't really tell, but my calendar tells me that the cooler months are fast approaching.  And like clock work every year around September/October, my skin starts to really peel.  It's during this time that I start to use scrubs even more frequently. Unlike some scrubs I've used, these granules are not harsh so I feel fine using this product several times a week.  I also found it great to use prior to shaving my legs.  You can see the various sizes of granules in the pictures below. Also, the scent is a bit "perfumey", but its not offensive and doesn't linger.  One thing I found odd when using this Perlier Volcanic Thermal Spa Scrub. With other scrubs, I tend to be heavy-handed with the amount of product I use, but for a reason, which I can't explain, I don't seem to use or need as much to get the same great results. Money-saver, LOL!

This Perlier Volcanic Thermal Spa Scrub can be purchased on HSN.com. To find this product in particular go to HSM.COM-Perlier Volcanic Thermal Spa Scrub. Also, a thanks to iFabbo, HSN and Perlier.  In order to share with you, my readers, they have provided a coupon code for $5.00 off your next Perlier purchase on HSN.com At checkout use: iFabbo5



Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

I was late getting my hands on the Milani Baked Blushes but now own 8 of the 9. Ever since, I've been hoping that Milani would release another collection of baked blushes & shadows. I recently received a press release on their latest collection, Roses Powder Blushes. I knew that they weren't baked but I hoped that I would like them as much. Add to that, the fact that less than 24 hours after Milani sent out the notice announcing the release of the Roses Blushes, they sent out another notice explaining that the Roses Blushes had already sold out on their website.  

This evening when I went into my local Walgreens I stumbled across the Limited Edition Milani Roses Blushes display. There are 4 shades in the collection - 3 more matte-satin and one shimmer.  They are pressed to give a rose bud appearance.  I've always loved these textured/patterned compacts that so many cosmetic companies release.  They are almost too pretty to use. I also appreciate the packaging. With other Milani blushes, many complained/commented on the bulky packaging and useless brush.  with this collection the compact is sleek and the omit the brush that no one used anyway. Good Move Milani!

Today's NOTD is Color Club's Eternal Beauty from the 2013 Halo Hues Collection. The is just a gorgeous polish.  The 2013 Halo Hues collection was gifted to me by my god-dog, Rudy, and his polish loving mother-NayButterfly as a birthday present and I love every one of the polishes in this collection.  Holo, purple, good coverage...what more could a girl ask for?

Last week my favorite local beauty supply store mentioned on Instagram that they had the newest customizable shadow palette from Ruby Kisses. Shortly thereafter a few mentioned seeing them so I was determined to make a trip this weekend to get a look myself.  Ruby Kisses is one of those brands that is often overlooked. It's most often found in smaller locally owned beauty supply stores (BSS). Last year there was much talk about their HD Set n' Forget Setting Powder that is supposed to be similar to the Ben Nye Banana Powder. They also have a concealer, Face Creator, that has been compared to MAC Studio Finish Concealer.  

Orly Polish Family Portrait

The redesigned orlybeauty.com features video tutorials, how-to tips, and insight on color and nail trends.  I have already started making my shopping list by reviewing the true-to-life color swatches. We all seen other brands' swatches that looked nothing like the actual polish.

I've always been a history buff so the company video that Orly released explaining the history of the Orly line is very interesting to me.  An isn't quite interesting that the founder's nail is Jeff Pink.  

NYX Cosmetics has been a product line that I have loved and used for a while.  I love their lip glosses, lipsticks, blushes, lip & eye liners. I've even purchased several of the NYX Girls nail polishes, but until now I have never tried their Advanced Salon Formula Nail Polish line. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I have paid several visits to my favorite beauty supply store's newest location in my town.  They have one of the largest NYX collections I've ever seen in any one location. During one of my trips to this BSS, I picked up some of my first NYX Advanced Salon Formula nail polish.

So today I'm sharing with you the first 4 that I purchased.  Any surprise that my first would be a blue?  Here is Ocean Blue. This is a light denim blue with silver shimmer. The formulation was great, almost a one-coater, but I went with two coats to achieve a full opaque finish.  But be sure to wear a good base coat because I did experience some staining, but not a lot.

One (1) Moroccanoil® Volumizing Mousse, $28 value
One (1) Moroccanoil® Extra Volume Shampoo, $24 value
One (1) Moroccanoil® Extra Volume Conditioner, $25 value
One (1) Moroccanoil® Luminous Hairspray in Strong, $23 value
One (1) Moroccanoil® Treatment, $43 value

My campaign to have a Lush Cosmetics store open in Jacksonville started almost 3 years ago when I first started blogging. I posted my desire to have a store open here several times on their Twitter and Facebook pages. Imagine my excitement when my wish finally came true. Lush Cosmetics has entered the Jacksonville market by opening their first store here at the St. John's Town Center and to my surprise, today they announced that a 2nd store will be opening in the Avenues Mall, which even better, is only 5 minutes from my office-can you say lunch runs to Lush...  

My introduction to Lush Cosmetics was the product called "Lemony Flutter", their cuticle butter, that just about every nail blogger raved about. But back then the closest Lush Store was in Orlando, 2 1/2 hours away.  I am a touchy-feely shopper and when purchasing beauty products for the first time, I like to be able to smell them.  So, with the announcement of the 1st Jacksonville store, I has offered the opportunity to receive several of their products to try. I jumped at that chance.  I have a love for DIY Spa Nights so of course I chose exfoliants, scrubs, masks, and hand care products.  The first of these products I want to share with you are products I've been recently using in my nail & hand care regimen.

We take time to care for our facial skin but, so often neglect our hands.  As a nail blogger and one that just loves to care for my hands and nails, my nail regimen includes doing a scrub, so from the Lush line, I chose to add one of their top sellers - Ocean Salt.  This is a Face & Body Scrub, while excellent for Face & Body, I also like it as my manicure scrub. I dampen my hands and apply about a teaspoon of the Ocean Salt scrub and rub it over my hands and cuticle for a few minutes, than rinse. The consistency is almost whipped and the results are OMG!!! My hands are so soft and smooth. I can't remember the last time I touched a baby's bottom, but I would bet that my hands are even softer.  The scent is soft and fresh. Ocean Salt contains avocado and coconut for hydration and lime and vodka for their antibacterial benefits; which is great for any issues you may with with dry and cracked hands and cuticles. (4.2 oz - $21.95)
Side note: some settling of the product may occur so mix before using.

After drying my hands, I applied the Lush Handy Gurugu Hand Cream. The cream is made up of several butters and essential oils, including more than 25% shea butter. It's not overly greasy and absorbs quickly.  There is a light herbal and fresh scent. (3.5 oz - $18.95).  This is the product that I like to keep at my desk. The soap at work is so drying that only an uber hydrating hand cream revives the moisture levels.

Lastly, I was really excited to try the product that first introduced me to Lush Cosmetics, Lemony Flutter.  I have been beating the "moisturize moisturize moisturize, your cuticles" drum long before I ever started blogging.  Another part of my nail regimen is to moisturize my cuticles at least 2-3 times a day.  Lemony Flutter contains one of my favorite natural oils-avocado oil and several essential oils.  I posted my own cuticle oil mix and I expressed my appreciation of natural oils. This cuticle cream includes many of the ingredients that I include in my own oil.  The scent is a cross between Lemon Pledge and lemon cake batter.  Of course would prefer that the scent would lean more toward the lemon cake Batter, but it's not offensive. (1.5 oz - $16.95)

So this being my first experience with Lush Cosmetics, I am really anxious to visit one of the new stores and to try some of their other products.  It's great knowing that Lush does not test any of their products on animals and for those concerned, is 100% vegetarian.

For those who are already familiar with Lush Cosmetics, what are some of your favorite products and which would you recommend that I try?

It has never been a secret that blue nail polish is my favorite. This past May I did a blog post on all my blue Zoya polishes.  Recently, during one of the many Zoya sales, I picked up a few more.  I remember, when I first started blogging, up until that point, I had never tried Zoya polish. But I saw that many other bloggers where constantly raving about the brand. So I finally gave the brand a try and my Zoya collection is quickly growing.  

One of the latest additions to my collection just may be my new favorite blue nail polish.  Today, I'm sharing with you Zoya Tallulah.  This was part of the Summer 2009 Oh-La-La collection.  Tallulah is described as a "medium electric cobalt blue with fine bright aqua shimmer."  This is one of those polishes that had me glancing at my hands all day.  If you don't have Tallulah in your collection, you are definitely missing a stunner.

Here I am wearing two coats along with my usual base coats and top coat. I already have a good number of Zoya polishes, but really need to get more; especially more of their blue polishes.

I posted a picture of this manicure earlier on Instagram and Twitter, but those office pictures really did no justice in showing the real beauty of this polish.  I still have several other Zoya shades to share with you. I recently picked up 3 of the Zoya Pixie Dust.  Anyone have any insight to the next collections to be released? 

Ever since OPI released its Pink Friday a few seasons ago, I've been loving pink cream polishes and it appears that most brands are releasing similar shades.  I recently went though my stash and found just a few similar polishes. A recent addition to my collection comes from the Barielle brand. I received today's shade, Smarty Pants Pink, as part of the Barielle Brilliant Colors collection.  I don't know what it is about this color family, it doesn't appear to be anything really special but it is certainly a shade that needs to be in our stash.  

Here, I'm wearing 2 coats to achieve true bottle color.  The formulation was smooth with no application issues.

As I mentioned above, just about every brand has at least one shade similar. Here are those in my stash. L to R: Barielle Smarty Pants Pink, SC Cotton Candy, OPI Pink Friday, Barielle Pink Flip Flops, SC Over It, SinfulShine Yours Truly.

What are some of your favorite pink creams?