Pink Wednesday: OPI Ate Berries & I Lily Love You

I realize that it has been quite some time since my last pink posting for Pink Wednesdays. So here is a really pink posting. I started with OPI Ate Berries in the Canaries layered with OPI I Lily Love You. 
The OPI Ate Berries is from the the 2009 Espana Collection. In my opinion it is nearly a perfect pink; it is a medium blue pink creme. It is good for any season. Over ABITC, I layered I Lily Love you, which is from the 2011 Nice Stems Collection.  This is a multi-colored glitter suspended in a pink jelly base. This glitter contains several difference sized glitters, some of which appear to be flakes also.

Review: 
  • Available: Ate Berries in the Canaries is part of the permanent collection and can be found at Ulta, Trade Secret & most other places that sell OPI. I Lily Love You is a limited edition, but as it is a new collection, I also found this at Ulta.
  • Price: Reg Price $8.50
  • Bottle Size: 15 ml, 0.5 fluid ounces
  • Application: ABITC: Smooth, two coats for achieve bottle color (opaque); ILLY: As with most glitters, to help smooth out the finish, needs a top coat 
  • Selection: Large Selection, including neons, and glitters
  • Brush: Wide brush
 Remember, treat your nails and jewels not tools. Grace and Peace.

These are a few of my favorite things, this week...

Julie Andrews is not the only one that can claim a few of her favorite things. I am thinking that from time-to-time I will post about some of my favorite beauty products. These are items that I either consider my holy grail items or are products i've recently come across and am currently loving. I will be listing items from Hair Care, Skin Care, Bath & Body, Make-Up and of course Nail Care. I hope that my experiences with these items will be able to help someone...As my blog title touts, For Me, It Works.

Category: Hair - Proclaim Intense Hydrating Masque
About 20 months ago, I started on a healthy hair journey. Since then I have experimented with a ton of products to help me along my journey. In that time, my hair has grown from ear length to just above arm pit length. One step in my regimen is moisture deep conditioning on dry hair. Argan Oil is one of my absolute favorite oils. I recently came across Proclaim Intense Hydraying Masques with Argan Oil at Sally Beauty. So I did a dry hair deep conditioning session. I applied to my hair, wrapped it in a plastic shopping bag (my help to recycle, LOL!) and sat under my heat cap for about 30 minutes. This can also be done without the heat, just extend the length of time you allow it to sit on your hair. I then followed up with my normal wash day process and my hair came out uber soft. I am loving this product and look forward to try the other products in the line (shampoo, conditioner, & argan oil treatment) 

Stats: African-American, with relaxed hair, stretches my retouches to about 10-12 weeks. Avoids products with mineral oil, and petroleum.

Category: Nail Care - Blue Cross Cuticle Remover
Many nail bloggers, Make-Up Alley participants, and Nail Twitters, have been talking about Blue Cross Cuticle Remover for some time now. Pros: It works! You get 16 ounces for $5.99. It's readily available at Sally Beauty. Cons: Watery so application can get tricky. I use a cotton swab.

Category: Make-Up - Sephora "Tricks of the Trade" Anti-Shine Primer
I have tried a few facial primers over the past few years. I am currently using and am liking Sephora "Trick of the Trade" Anti-Shine Primer. The fact that I have repurchased this product, this tells me that I like it. I don't use foundation but this products adds a matte finish to my make-up. It lasts a good 6-8 hours. I have been trying several of the Sephora Brand products and must admit, I have liked what I have tried thus far.

Category: Skin Care - Aveeno Clear Complextion Moisturizer
My facial skin is not sensitive and is fairly durable so there aren't many products that causes an adverse reaction to my skin.  But because I have had allergic reactions to heavily perfumed products, I tend to stick with a very short list of products. One of the facial moisturizers that I come back to time and time again is Aveeno Clear Complextion Moisturizer.  This product has been on my short list for several years. When I don't want to spend department store prices on a facial moisturizer, I turn to Aveeno. Simple and straight forward, It works! It contains acne fighting Salicylic Acid; it's oil-free and helps to even out skin tone. It also has a clean smelling scent.  I plan to try the anti-aging line soon. This is a brand that will continue to be in my skin regimen.

Stats: Combination to Oily skin with minor monthly acne.

Category: Body Care - Palmer's Foot Magic Foot Moisturizer*
Looking for a invigorating, moisturizing foot balm? Give Palmer's Foot Magic a try. It contains, Cocoa, Mango and Shea Butters, Vitamin E and Peppermint Oil. It helps to moisturize and soften my tired feet. I love to apply it at night with cotton socks.

I blog for the fun of it and hope that along the way, some of my experiences can help someone.  What are some of your favorite beauty products?

Grace, Peace, and Blessings.

*Note: I won this product from Palmer’s. I was not compensated for this review nor was I asked to review any of their products.

NOTD: Butter London - All Hail The Queen!

Butter London was a brand that I had never tried. The $14 a bottle was what prevented me from trying it.  To date the most I had spent for a single polish was $12.50 and that was for a Nfu-Oh and for an OPI DS polish.  I would look at the Butter London whenever I was in Ulta but just could not bring myself to spend the money. But fortunately during the month of September Ulta had their 21 Days of Beauty promotion.  Each day they offered "Beauty Steals" for the more high-end products and on September 20th, they had Butter London nail lacquer Buy 1 Get 1 free. Here was my chance to try Butter London for the first time.  Many awaited this promotion.  I checked the Ulta.com website about 2:00 PM EST and they were already Sold Out. WOW!  I thought long and hard on which shades I would try. So about 7:30 that evening I went to my local Ulta, not knowing if they would still have any in stock, but fortunately they did and I was able to pick up four polishes. 

So here is my first posting on Butter London nail lacquer. I have an interview Thursday so to comply with the normal conservative interview look, I choose Butter London All Hail The Queen.

I had no expectations when starting to this manicure. First, coat, applied good; not runny. Second coat, gave me complete coverage and bottle color. The Butter London website claims that this is a "holographic beige". At best I would say it is a very slight scattered holo.  The color is a cool beigey-taupe. The one negative is that I am experiencing some shrinkage having used Seche Vite' Top Coat, so with the next Butter London manicure, I will use OPI Top Coat first, than SV.

Review:
  • Color Family: Tans & Browns - Cool tone
  • Finish: Slight Scattered Holographic
  • Opacity: 2 coats for bottle color
  • Bottle: 11 mL – 0.4 Fl oz.
  • Brush: Standard narrow brush
  • 3 Free Status: contains NO Formaldehyde, Toluene, or DBP
  • Price: Reg. $14.00 but I purchased B1G1 during Ulta's Sale
  • Availability: Ulta, Ulta.Com and Butter London.com are the places I have found them
  • Application: Smooth. In these pictures, I am wearing BC, and 2 coats of NP. I am seeing slight shrinkage so with the next application I will use another Top Coat before I apply Seche Vite'.
Remember, treat your nails as jewels, not tools. Grace and Peace.

NOTD: China Glaze Blue Sparrow (Neon)

Once again I am presenting you with a well blogged about polish. But some polishes are so pretty that they deserve multiple viewings.  So, today I am reminding you of China Glaze's Blue Sparrow from the Ink Collection released during the Summer of 2008.  For those who are not familiar, China Glaze Blue Sparrow is a medium blue neon glitter.  It contains a micro teal glitter. It you require a smooth finish or glossy finish, you will than need a top coat. Surprisingly, since I normally prefer smooth finishes, I was able to wear this polish without a top coat. When I first started blogging, I read several other posts and they all said that these neons dried matte. Personally, I would not equate this to the matte of true matte polishes. In these two pictures, I did not add any top coat and as you can see, while the finish is somewhat matte, there is still a shine of sorts. 

So if you haven't tried China Glaze Blue Sparrow or it's been a while since you have worn it, give it a try.  It's one that needs more exposure.

Review:
·Color Family: Blue - Cool tone
·Finish: Neon Micro Glitter (Matte)
·Opacity: 3 coats for bottle color
·Collection: Ink Collection 2008

·Bottle:14 mL – 0.5 Fl oz.
·Brush:Standard narrow brush
·Price:Reg. $5.99 but can be often found on sale at Sally and other e-tailers.
·Availability:This is part of the China Glaze permanent collection. Ulta and Sally Beauty are some of the major retailers that carry China Glaze
·Application: Smooth. In these pictures, I am wearing BC, and 2 coats of NP, but I could have used 3 coats to prevent VNL.

Remember, treat your nails as jewels, not tools. Grace and Peace.

PRESS RELEASE: China Glaze Haunting Collection - Fall 2011

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.
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A Prayer for 9/11


Dear God:

Thou who has been our help in ages past, thou who dispenses your comfort to all those who mourn. We seek your grace to strengthen us as we commemorate the lives of loved ones who have been lost on this day of anguish for our country and our world.

Wipe away the blinding tears that plummet down our cheeks like gushing streams of an overflowing riverbank. Our heavy hearts still search for the solace of your guidance through the maze of pain and the myriad of complex issues such tragedy releases.

Though hurt, we are compelled to commemorate those who are fallen on this day. Remember those who may not have lost a life but instead they lost a limb, those who gave their health for our wholeness, those who lost their emotional stability to help us regain our national security.

From first responders to heroic citizens we ask for your grace for these hurting heroes who often suffer in total silence. Fill the arms of mothers left empty and heal the hearts of fathers whose ears strain to remember the sound of fading laughter and frolic of children now gone. Wrap your arms around those who lost wives and husbands, parents, friends and confidantes on this day of terroristic espionage. Let that day which exhibited the worst in man be the catalyst of also revealing the best in our human hearts to love each other.

In spite of such pain we honor you as the God and guide who has enabled us to endure what we thought was impossible. Thank you for your sovereign grace that guides us beyond one moment of terror to a collective and individual destiny beyond that moment. Thank you for the occasional smile, the splendor of sunsets and the brilliance of sunrise. Since then you have granted us new friends and a renewed sense of purpose. Like stars in our night you have given us light in the midst of dark places for which we are so grateful.

Watch over us with your omniscient eye grating us your continued protection. Our enemies remain unrelenting. In the true spirit of our faith, we also pray for our enemies. Let the message of your love and light extend not only to those who mourn but to those who hate, that they might realize that hate will not replace the better choice of debate nor will destruction reconstruct the common chord of our shared brotherhood as human beings. Have mercy on the pain and misguidance that would make them seek the horrific option of destruction. Guide them to the light of your love.

Teach us collectively, the power of that love, the simple riches of your peace. Show us that the indomitable spirit of self-preservation need not lead us to the selfish indulgence of blind devastation and the malicious disregard for each other.

You are the God of all people, the father of every soul. Lord, teach your children to love each other as much as they profess to love you.

In Jesus Christ's name we pray.
Follow Bishop T.D. Jakes on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BishopJakes

NOTD: Rimmel Violet Metal

This is a brand I have never blogged about as I have never tried it before.  I only have 2 shades in my collection.  Today, I am sharing Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro in Violet Metal.  I came across this polish on clearance at my local CVS. It was 75% off. That's always good when trying a brand for the first time. 
Rimmel London Violet Metal is a gorgeous shimmery irridescent violet. It has a durchrome quality with blue, purple, magenta, and teal. I guess you should really call it a multi-chrome. You can see the duochrome quality from both the bottle and on the nail. These pictures where taken inside under an Ott-Light. Next time I must see the qualities under our Florida sunlight.



Review:
·Color Family: Red violet duochrome - Cool
·Finish: Irredescent
·Opacity: 2 coats for bottle color

·Bottle: 0.45 Fl Oz
·Brush:Wide brush. This was a negative point for me. The width of the brush is just slightly less than the bottle neck. Not like the OPI Pro-Wide brush.
·Price:Reg. $3.99.
·Availability:Ulta, CVS, Target, Walgreens and Walgreens are some of the major retailers that carry Rimmell.
·Application: Smooth. In these pictures, I am wearing BC, and 2 coats of NP

Remember, treat your nails as jewels, not tools. Grace and Peace.

Product Review: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Rejuvenating Facial Serum

Earlier this summer, as a private citizen, not a blogger, I attempted to win a Palmer’s Tote full of products from their Facebook page. WOW! I won their Fan-of-a-Week. Unlike many gift prizes, Palmer’s actually allowed me the opportunity to pick some of their products that I wanted to try.  I had already been using from their new facial line, the Cocoa Butter Formula Night Cream and Line Smoothing Eye Cream.  I really wanted to try their Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Rejuvenating Facial Serum.  I had previously contacted Palmer’s trying to locate their serum and unfortunately they currently do not sell it within the US so this was my opportunity to try it. 

So I have been using Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Rejuvenating Facial Serum for well over a month, which in my opinion, gives me an honest period of time to judge the effectiveness of the product.

First, what does the product claim:
"Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Rejuvenating Facial Serum helps smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles by encouraging skin's natural repairing process with Retinol and Vitamin C, helping to reduce the look of discoloration, dullness and fine lines. Natural extracts provide a luxurious feel and leave skin looking radiant. Suitable for all skin types."

Now, what has been my experience with the product:
I have been using the product twice a day (AM and PM) after cleansing my face. The serum is the first product applied after cleansing.  Each application is 2 pumps applied to my face and neck.  It is very lightly scented; almost none existent. It is not oily, greasy, or tacky, so there is no need to be concerned if you have oily or combination skin, as I do. 

It absorbs quickly into my skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and velvety. It does not leave my skin feeling heavy or weighed down.  It feels like nothing is on my skin.  After applying the serum, you can continue with your normal skin regimen.

In the 30+ days that I have been using this product, I have noticed an overall improvement in my skin. The fine lines around my mouth and on my forehead have the appearance of decreasing.  My pores  appear to have shrunk.  At 46, like it or not the lines of life had started to show more than I would like and now they are not as noticeable.  

I had used another brands retinol product, so I was aware of the benefits of retinol, but I was also aware of some of the issues people can have with retinol such as redness, and stinging.  None of these issues have I experienced with this product.  I had also been doing some research on Vitamin C and its benefits. So another reason that I wanted to try the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Rejuvenating Facial Serum was not only because it contains retinol but that it also contains Vitamin C. Research shows that it helps improve the skin’s overall tone and texture. It is also shown to help slow the overall aging process.  I, at no point claim to be a skin care professional, I just know what works for me.

So after using the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Rejuvenating Facial Serum for more than 30 days, what is my opinion and more importantly would I use this product again?  This is a keeper and yes, I will continue to use this product.  I can only hope that Palmer’s starts selling this  product in stores in the US very soon.  In addition to the Retinol and Vitamin C, there are several beneficial ingredients in this product: Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Evening Primrose, Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter are just a few. 

For Me, It Works, rating for this product:
(The only reason I did not rate it 5 stars is that I can only purchase online. I want to be able to purchase in local department stores.)




Palmer’s has all types of products, Facial, Skin, Bath and Body, Hair, and Baby are just some.  If you haven’t tried any of their products, you are really missing out. Check out their website (www.palmers.com), follow them on Twitter (@palmersworks), and "Like" them on Facebook (palmers).

*Note: I won this product from Palmer’s.  I was not compensated for this review nor was I asked to review any of their products.

NOTD: Orly Rage - Rose Gold

Rose gold is trending very big right now in the fashion industry, so I guess it stands to reason that nail polish would follow suit.  My post earlier this week talked about the Orly Foil FX collection that Orly introduced a few years ago; and in that first post I presented you with Luxe, a cool yellow gold foil. Today, I am showing you Orly Rage, a beautiful rose gold foil. 

Review:
·Color Family: Gold (rose gold) - Cool tone
·Finish: Foil
·Opacity: 2 coats for bottle color
·Collection: Foil FX 2009

·Bottle:18 mL – 0.6 Fl Oz (20% more than the average polish)
·Brush:Standard narrow brush
·Price:Reg. $5.99 but can be often found on sale at Sally and other e-tailers.
·Availability:Ulta, CVS, and Sally Beauty are some of the major retailers that carry Orly
·Application: Smooth. In these pictures, I am wearing BC, and 2 coats of NP

Remember, treat your nails as jewels, not tools. Grace and Peace.