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Posted by on Dec 10, 2009 in Uncategorized | 66 comments

Giveaway: Zoya Color Lock System & Nail Polish of Choice

Zoya is giving away a full Color Lock System and a nail color of choice to one lucky Solessence reader!

zoya_colorlock

This giveaway ends Thursday, December 17th Pacific Time 11:59pm.
You must check back on the site to see if you have been selected as we have had difficulty contacting people.

How to Enter:

1. Place a comment in the section here about your current nail care routine.  Please use valid email address.

* For a Bonus Entry:

2. LIST/Add  Solessence on Twitter and/or join our new and lonely Facebook Page to keep updated on upcoming giveaways (and the best in unique beauty/fashion news, ‘natch!). You can leave individual comments here that you did both of these actions too. That will total 3 entries for the person doing all actions.

3. Check back on the site to see if you have been selected.

That’s it!  Good luck.

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Posted by on Dec 10, 2009 in Uncategorized | 9 comments

Perfect Gifts: Zoya’s Color Lock Nail System

Introducing a teen to the world of beauty? Looking to gift a woman who needs a little TLC for nails? A kit is the perfect answer, and Zoya has the perfect kit for nails.

zoya_colorlock_banner

The Color Lock System provides everything the at home manicurist needs for a perfect polish.  Included in the totes cute tote (oh yes, I went there) is the following:

zoya_removeREMOVE: Zoya’s nail polish remover comes in a big spill proof container with a flip top.  Just like the pros use.  It is flat out one of the best things in the kit.  A gentle pump action is used to prime the pump, and the formula of the remover is gentle but effective.

This is also available in larger sizes for refills.  Highly recommend.

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zoya_anchorzoya_armor

Anchor & Armor: Anchor basecoat provides protection against polish staining the nails, and provides a better base for color to cling.  Armor topcoat has been mentioned as one of the ‘best topcoats of all time’ in the UK Telegraph.

zoya_geteven

(Alternate to Anchor base)  GET EVEN: This is another favorite of mine.  Get Even is Zoya’s ridge filler.  This option is for someone with a less than perfect nail plate.  If you are going through a chipping phase, have ridges, or any other issues that could cause your polish to be anything less than mirror smooth, a ridge filler is key to perfection.  Get Even is nice because it seems to apply smoothly and dry quickly.  Ridge fillers often stay tacky to the touch and require more drying time.

zoya_hurryup

HURRY UP: Nail polish sets through evaporation, and a minimum of 2 hours is needed to truly get things dry.  However, there are times when you need to speed things up and get out the door.  Drying drops harden a thin bit of the surface providing a bit of protection.  Nail drops are a must have in the arsenal.

zoya_renew

RENEW: This item is for maintenance of your 3 free polishes.  Nail polishes harden through evaporation, on your nails and from the bottle.  This is why your polish gets thick and clumpy over time!  Instead of using your nail polish remover to thin (which can actually ruin your polish), RENEW is designed to work with Zoya’s formulations.

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All of Zoya’s products are toluene, formaldehyde and DBP free for an eco and body friendly treatment.  It can’t get any more perfect than that.

Zoya Color Lock Nail System and a dazzling array of color choices are available at www.artofbeauty.com

Item reviewed provided by Art of Beauty.  This site does not provide advertorials for content.  All submissions by brand or brand representatives are carefully tested and considered, but are not guaranteed coverage.

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Posted by on Dec 6, 2009 in Uncategorized | 11 comments

No More Drama: Why Do I Hate My Eyelash Curler?!

This week I’m responding to a question on eyelash curlers – one of my favorite topics!

eyelash

Beth asks: Have you ever tried heated eyelash curlers? I have a standard but don’t really like it, may just need a different brand. I usually heat it w/the hair dryer. I have had it for years. Don’t even remember how long.

Curling your eyelashes is the fastest and easiest way to open up eyes and look more refreshed and flirty.  If you had your curler for ‘years’, chances are the curling pad has curled up and died. They need replacing every 3 – 6 months (1 year max) for best performance. Things to know about curling pads:

  • You often get one replacement with your curler
  • You often cannot buy the same pads to replace the worn ones (yes, that means you need to invest in a new curler every year or so)
  • Shape of your curler and material of pad determine good curl or not for your eyelash type

While there are safe and decent heated eyelash curlers on the market, I’ve never found them to give the dramatic look we expect from curlers.  A few ways to achieve the bold look:

  • Start with a great model curler and clean curl pads
  • Curl before mascara, placing curler as close to lash line as possible. Pressing firmly once, then repeat mini-presses 3x. Don’t press too hard and remove lashes.
  • Curl after mascara, repeat above process

A good curler and a steady hand will avoid the unfortunate crimping that is a blight for many curler newbies.

Start with great tools. Here are a few recommendations:

Shu Uemura

Long considered the gold standard in the beauty industry, Shu Uemura is legendary for curling the most difficult of lashes.  – $19   A posh 24k gold version is available.

shuuemura_eyelashcurler

Revlon Gold

This drugstore winner creates a compatible curl for around $5. Stick with the gold for this price range.

revlon_gold_eyelashcurler

Sonia Kashuk

This line is created for Target.  I have previously professed my love for the BCA model. The curl pads are phenomonal!

$10

soniakashuk_deluxeeyelashcurler

Billy B Beauty

Gaga’s makeup artist and long time pro Billy B keeps his clients lovely with his own model curler. He also has an incredible line of pro makeup artist brushes.  $15

billyb_eyelashcurler

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Posted by on Dec 5, 2009 in Uncategorized | 2 comments

Chicago, IL: Louboutin & Blahnik Resort Collection Preview – Neiman Marcus

louboutin_resort_damasknottedplatformpumpHello Kittens! The  Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik resort preview collection is live until 5pm today at Neiman Marcus in Chicago.

Shoe Salon – Second Floor

When
 Fri Dec 4 10am – Sat Dec 5, 2009 5pm Central Time
Where
 Neiman Marcus – 737 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL

Look at these beauties. Place your orders early.  One can never have too many espadrilles for over-winter romps.

louboutin_espadrillelouboutin_ribbonandchainprintshopper

manoloblahnik_resort_neimanmarcuslouboutin_sequinedpouch

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Posted by on Dec 4, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

How Dior Decks the Halls by John Galliano

What does a Dior decked Christmas tree look like? A combination of icy & tropical scenes is made complete with leopard. The 20 foot Dior tree was created by John Galliano and launched with a cocktail party featuring 20 handpicked dresses from Dior’s archives. The tree will be on display in the Claridge Hotel lobby until January 6th. Behold:

galliano_diortree

I am thrilled that Dior is collaborating with Claridge’s this Christmas. I love to visit Claridge’s when I am in London, particularly at this time of the year – and I hope to bring a twist to the traditional tree. I want to combine the festive with the innovative, the spirit of Dior with the beauty of Claridge’s, and create something spectacular that will inspire the perfect start to the season!

~John Galliano, Dior Creative Director

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