Super Hot Fashionista Nail Divas Ginger + Liz

What nail brand is lighting the fire of many a beauty addict, fashionista, celebrity and tweep alike? Ginger + Liz!

You're going to be hearing a LOT more about this fab beauty brand in the coming season, and if you're a twitter fiend you're already well aware of Ginger + Liz Colour Collection. They are setting the twitterverse ablaze with love shared from their instant fans.  I say "instant" as it seems these ladies certainly have the chemistry needed to attract a loyal following.  Style queen herself Rachel Zoe has been known to don the delicious polishes, as has Rihanna, Eva Longoria, a Kardashian sister or two, Beyonce' and well the list goes on and on. Understandable. Here's why.

Ginger + Liz's nail lacquers are reminiscent of candy coated loveliness.  Can that be a description? Sure it can.  However it's not only the visual beauty of the polishes that appeal to so many devout beauty industry and celebrity divas.  The polishes are vegan friendly and toxin free, therefore garnering a well deserved appreciation.  That the colors are right on trend certainly doesn't lose them any fans either.

L-R: Swagger, Got My Groove Back, Boy Toy and Tough Luxe (click images to enlarge for detail)

These are the particular shades enjoying a huge following at the present mo'.  Swagger is a sexy, tough luxe metallic with rose gold undertones. Rock Glam, Casual Chic and Bohemian styles of dress are perfect contenders for Swagger. And apparently Rachel Zoe agrees as this is the little gem she raves about in The Zoe Report.  Got My Groove Back is Swagger's big sister and she can handle it all. Not for the faint at heart, Got My Groove Back is a gold foil metallic that looks good on every haute girl!  Boy Toy is a fun and flirty robin egg blue shade with an aquamarine base. The peacefully cool shade is a mix of relaxed bohemian and pretty prepster. Tough Luxe is army green with a feisty attitude…think Troop Beverly Hills. This deep dark forest green hue is infused with a beautiful shimmery gold that keeps the dark colour from looking drab. A favorite of the Bohemian and Rock Glam trendsetters, the colour lends a hint of rebellion to any ensemble.

click to enlarge for better detail

New to the collection are Blowin' Money Fast (dark emerald green metallic), Ivy League (creamy, bright pastel minty green), Not on the First Date (taupe with a little kick of creamy lavender) and Tuck Me In (metallic silvery color sister of Swagger and Got My Groove Back).

S. Liz Pickett (L) and H. Ginger Johnson (R)

The brand was created by model/author S. Liz Pickett and entrepreneur H. Ginger Johnson. Ginger and Liz have a decade of individually unique experiences in the fashion, beauty, and marketing industries, which fueled by their insatiable love for fashion and beauty, led to the development of the Ginger + Liz Colour Collection. They were quick to call the matte nail trend before many last year and have kept ahead of trend never looking back.


Looking forward to bringing you more delicious-ness from Ginger + Liz near future.  In the meantime, please do check out their gorgeous nail collection of fabulous colors (retailing about $12/bottle) at GingerandLiz.com.

Chanel's Trend Defining Nail Shade

Oh what love this gorgeous shade has already accumulated!  From first peeks on the fashion show runways to magazine editorial teasers, Chanel's nail lacquer shade Particuliere is enjoying quite the celebrity and beauty afficionado following. 

A mixture of all the good parts of chocolate brown, grey, cream, mauve and khaki and described as "putty" by those in the know, this little gem rocked Chanel's catwalk during the Spring 2010 runway show and everyone has been clamoring to get their hands on it since then. They still are!  This shade will definitely bring you into Fall 2010 in stunning glory with no problem, peeps. 

Take a look at how Chanel Particuliere measures up against Essie Mink Muffs and other taupe-y nail shades by skipping over to Michelle's swatches at All Lacquered Up and Jeanette's Swatchaholic.  It's the best of all of them me thinks.

For more information or to shop Chanel's Particuliere, visit Chanel beauty counters, Chanel.com and Nordstrom.

Intrigued by Leighton Denny Nail Laquers

I've discovered a nail brand new to me to get excited about, though the man behind the brand has enjoyed years of prestigious award winning history.  While perusing Glamour magazine (the UK version), I stumbled across this beauty of a collection in their giveaways for July section. Woot!

Leighton Denny is the UK's leading nail technician with a host of awards to his name. He has his own salon in Harrods and has won the prestigious Nail Technician of the Year award so many times they've banned him from entering and made him a judge instead.

"I am passionate about nails and know how vital it is they look groomed in today's society. I developed my own range to share my expertise so that others can have the confidence that comes from knowing their hands, feet and nails are beautiful and healthy."

~Leighton Denny

For more information and to shop these gorgeous nail varnishes, visit Leighton Denny online.

Essie Island in the Sun Summer Coolness

So proving you can have your cake and eat it too, Essie debuts their Island in the Sun, Life's a Beach Collection.  In it, we find jewel tones, neon, frosty metallic, brights, coral, pinks, lavender and barely there shades.  This collection has something for everyone. 



I really can't wait to get my hands on some of these.  Island Hopping, Fruit Sangria, Need a Vacation and Aruba Blue - all calling my name!



Aruba Blue - a frosty sapphire blue
Bermuda Shorts - a high-voltage creamy neon violet
Capri - a fiery, hot creamy orange
Fruit Sangria - a hot pink cocktail with a dash of sugar
Island Hopping - a rich plum mauve
Like Linen - a soft and creamy neutral
Need a Vacation - a soft bubblegum pink
St. Lucia Lilac - a creamy pale lilac
Vinyl Bikini - a sheer, silky white; perfect for a french mani






Essie Island in the Sun polishes retail for $8 each and are currently available online at essieshop.com. Receive complimentary shipping with your purchase of $40 or more by entering code: FREESHIP40.

Dior Nail Lacquer in New Bronze Libertine Giveaway by Allure

Starting June 1st and all month long, enter to be one of 50 winners to snag Dior Nail Lacquer in Bronze Libertine courtesy of Allure magazine!

I want, I want, I want! But I'll still share the link with all of you ... xo

Click HERE for your chance to win.

Introducing A Beautiful Life Nail Lacquers

Ohhhhh how I adore A Beautiful Life!  I became obsessed with ABL after learning about their trendy, off-beat, rocker-chic boutique in New Hope, PA by owner Tony Artur.  This little gem of a shop is fabulosity in concentrated amounts! LOL

Seriously, though, it is.

A Beautiful Life is one of those shops that you pass by, see something all-too-interesting in their window, must dart in, and end up staying for hours delighting in all the unique offerings.  Perfumes (some they make themselves - Smitten), makeup (some they make themselves), hair accessories (some they make themselves - Vivienne Pickle), vintage clothing, haircare products (some they make themselves, like the wildly popular The All Nighter Styling Powder). You get the drift. 

Always the enterprising duo, Tony and wife Jennifer drive this creative force, the Arturs have developed a nail line taking the beauty industry by storm with unique colors, a formula with true chip-resistant staying power and soy-based, non-toxic 3 Free (No DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde).



I mean, how does one pick a favorite shade here.  Of those I've tried, I love them all, my top three are probably Frosh, Rockstar and Vexed. Though I know I'm prone to change my mind or add in a few others as time goes by because really they're all fantastic! 

Each recyclable bottle retails for $12, available at A Beautiful Life.

Summer Nail Trending with Havana Nights Sephora by OPI

Rumba Romance, Caliente Coral (LE), Teal We Meet Again, Caribbean Cocktail (LE), Read My Palm (LE), Havana Dreams (LE)

Suddenly, I'm really into summer nail polishes, and one collection that can't help but draw the eye is Havana Nights by Sephora by OPI. I think I'm enchanted with every one of these colors.

Inspired by the glamorous, sultry scenes seen in classic movies set in Havana, this vivid collection is packed with ideal shades for summer. A rich, vibrant blue captures the bright sky while glistening gold references the sizzling nightlife. With salsa rhythms, forbidden rendezvous, passion, and romance as inspiration, these polishes show the true colors of the famed Cuban city.

Dare to get as creative as you want to be with this collection. Mix and match, polka-dot, stripe, enhance, whatever makes your heart happy and your eyes delighted.

Havana Nights is available in store at Sephora and at online at sephora.com.

The Dazzling Allure of Chanel Limited Edition Orient Extreme

Have you laid your eyes on these visions of gorgeousness (my word)?

Well, darling, you simply must! The Orient Extreme line was introduced back in late March following Chanel's PreFall 2010 Paris Shanghai Expo which took to the runway in December 2009.  A bit of geisha with a chic, golden allure.

Opulent nail and eye shades, sophisticated and surprisingly versatile, are this season's must-have colour accents.  Though certainly statement making shades and shimmers, these are very easy to play with and one may delight in the variety of artistic options here. Each product in the line deserves a little exporation, at the very least.

LIGNE ET OMBRE DE CHANEL
Eyeliner and Eyeshadow Duo - Limited Edition $45
A dramatic pairing of eyeliner and eyeshadow for a decidedly glamorous makeup look. Jet black eyeliner glides on with a deep, matte finish, while shimmering gold eyeshadow imparts a lush, luminous glow.

Nail Color - Limited Edition $25
LE VERNIS BLACK VELVET, LE VERNIS GOLD LAME, LE VERNIS ILLUSION D'OR
Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application.

Chanel Orient Extreme is available at Chanel Beauty Boutiques and online at Chanel.com.

photos: Chanel, Luscious Babe

Priti for Spring at Spirit Beauty Lounge

From Kim D'Amato's world-famous Priti Organic Spa in New York's East Village come Priti 3 Free, Non-Toxic Nail Polish and Soy Polish Remover. "Three Free" means no carcinogenic Toluene, Formaldehyde, or DPBs. The word Priti has many meanings in Sanskrit such as out of satisfaction, with love, and pleasurable sensation. It's no surprise that Priti's fashion-forward colors can be found on celebrity tips everywhere.

Introducing Priti colors for spring

Red Spangles - a juicy watermelon shimmer
Fairy Thimbles - something blue
Green Goddess - a creamy, minty green with a slight shimmer
Prairie Blue Eyes - an exotic starry plum
Bovey Belle Carnation - luscious, grown-up hot pink

Priti polishes retail for $12.50 each and are available at Spirit Beauty Lounge. With any Priti purchase of $25 or more at SBL receive 50% off Priti Long-Wear Top Coat (code: PRITITOP) or Priti Soy Polish Remover (code: PRITIRE). Offer expires 3/1/10.

CND Rocks an Eclipsed Moon Manicure at Ruffian

CND

The so-called "moon manicure" is nothing new for Ruffian's Brian Wolk and Claude Morais. Changing things up ever so slightly for their Fall RTW 2010 collection's planetary theme, they still managed to work in the 40's era nail design.

“Instead of a moon, I did an eclipse,” CND’s Roxanne Valinoti told the press yesterday, explaining how she essentially turned the classic technique on its head. Starting with an opaque gold polish, Valinoti applied a layer of navy on top, so the sliver of metallic lacquer that remained visible curved toward the nail bed instead of away from it.

I'm in love with the soft look of the makeup and those hot pink and fuschia lips. Gorgeous!


Backstage at Ruffian

images: nymag, Exit Art, NYC

Essie Deliciously Wicked New Season

Essie has gathered some favorite and deliciously dark shades together for a wicked celebration of the new season. Whether wearing them shiny or matte, alone or variations of many, these classic colors will give your fingers and tootsies a chic look.

Decadent Diva - a daring dark brown with a hint of bronze shimmer

Lady Godiva - creamy, chocolately brown

Licorice - sweet like candy, but dark as night

Marshmallow - sheer, playful white, perfect for a French Manicure

Wicked - a malicious, yet playful deep, dark red; an essie cult favorite

Matte About You! - mattify your color for the new fashion-forward look

And of course, wear pink this October...on your fingers and toes in an effort to raise breast cancer awareness. To join in the fight against this disease, essie cosmetics has created Yes We Can, Pink!, a new nail color, for which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women affected by the disease.

Available online and in fine spas and salons. Please visit essie cosmetics for more information and to shop all the gorgeous shades and products. Enjoy free shipping with your order of $40 or more with promo code: FREESHIP40.

Fall's Obsession-Worthy Nail Colours by Chanel

Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris. Chanel's top five Le Vernis Nail Colours for fall:

Gondola - a richly shimmering maroon

Dragon - a glamorous true red

Vendetta - a deep glistening aubergine

Blue Satin - a lustrous midnight blue

Cosmic Violine - a warm glittering plum

Chanel Le Vernis comes in a treasure chest shades for every season, each retails for $23. For more information, please visit Chanel online or at your favorite beauty counter.

Butter London Nail Polishes Fall 2009 Collection

butter LONDON is a 3 Free company – No Formaldehyde, No Toluene, and No DBP. As well as providing the safest nail products on the market, butter LONDON is devoted to bringing high fashion to your nails. They boast a unique and fashion-forward colour palette created by their Creative Director, Nonie Creme, backstage at the world’s top catwalk shows.

As seen in Vogue, W, Lucky and People Stylewatch magazines. The international motor racing colour of Great Britain. This green used to be the standard paint colour on all Formula One racecars in the days before sponsorship. AND, dark, “hunter green” was the backstage darling when used at this season’s shows.

For more information on butter LONDON, check them out at b-glowing. They have a great little special for you right now:

Purchase $50 at b-glowing.com & receive their Deluxe Fall Fragrance Sampler Set. These fragrances feature notes of Amber, Vanilla, Cocoa, Chocolate, Spicy Carnation & other warm sensual scents ideal to become your Fall Signature Scent!

*Voluspa Cocoa Tamarind
*Sarah Horowitz Perfect Bliss
*Mistral Balinese Vanilla
*Lily Lambert Pavo
*Zorica of Malibu's Gratitude
*Filles des Iles Solaire

Enter promo code: sensual at checkout for the offer. Offer ends 9/21/09.

CND's Backstage Weapon

Hair! Makeup! ... nails?

Yes. With the explosion of attention the nail industry has experienced over the past year, it's really no surprise that nails have become just as important a runway accessory as anything else trotting down the designer catwalk.

Case in point, backstage this morning at BCBG Max Azria, models were getting one coat of Ridge Out to create a blank canvas for two coats of Putty, a semi-sheer neutral from CND’s new Colour and Effects line. Style.com editors site Creative Nail Design's Colour and Effects as the best collection of cream colors to debut this fall. CND has launched 50 shades, in three intensities—sheer, semi-sheer, and opaque—plus three chromes to round out the range.

The vastness of pure color choices is impressive, however what sets its cream lacquers apart from the myriad others to debut since August is the addition of 15 “effects”—Pearl, Shimmer, and Sparkle—clear polishes that, when layered with your base color of choice, enhance and in some cases completely change the original finish. Well, one does expect a semblance of artistic genius from a brand using "Creative" in its very name.

This season's fashion event will enjoy advanced showing of these delicious paints, but the Colour and Effects collection won’t hit shelves until October. You know what they say, good things come to those who ________ !

Visit CND for more information and view these gorgeous shades for yourself.

source: style.com, elle, onsugar