Budget Friendly Beauty Stocking Stuffers – Holiday Gift Guide

When it comes to selecting the perfect stocking stuffers for friends and family this holiday season, skin care and beauty solutions are always a safe.  Consider products from Retinol Skincare, MoodMatcher and Altchek MD. With all of their products priced under $30, these budget friendly buys are perfect for every price point.

  • Retinol Skincare – an affordable range of multi-benefit products formulated to improve skin texture through exfoliation, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • MoodMatcher – lipsticks and glosses that are smudge-proof, fade-proof and kiss-proof, as well as hydrating and vitamin enriched
  • Altchek MD – preventive and corrective skin care products that are formulated to reduce the visible signs of aging

Gifts Under $30

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Altchek MD Starter Kit Anti-Aging Starter Kit ($25)

This starter kit contains the four key products in the Doctor’s skincare regimen:

  • Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (2fl oz / 60 mL)
  • Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 (0.5oz / 15 g)
  • Glycolic Renewal Pads (15 Treatment pads)
  • Night Treatment Restorative Serum (.5fl oz / 15 mL)

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Retinol Anti-Aging Facial Oil (1oz – $26.00)

Retinol Anti-Aging Facial Oil delivers an ultra-light, non-greasy facial oil that utilizes nine rich essential oils plus Vitamins A, C and Argan Oil (Vitamin E) to promote anti-oxidant protection and multiply the effectiveness of daily skincare regimens. This facial oil infuses African Marula Oil and Sea Buckhorn’s Omega 7 & 9 Fatty Acids to hydrate and protect skin and supply key nutrients to combat wrinkles, dryness and loss of elasticity.

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Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum For Men (1fl oz – $22.00)

Anti-Wrinkle Serum is an effective Retinol formula that focuses on giving you a youthful appearance by targeting the visible signs of aging. Helps to soothe razor burn when applied after shaving.

  • Exfoliates and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves the appearance of firmness and tone
  • Moisturizes to improve skin texture and clarity

Gifts Under $20

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Retinol Anti-Aging Starter Kit ($20)

The Anti-Aging Starter Kit contains smaller versions of 3 of our skincare products to help you become familiar with our Retinol-based skincare line:

  • Anti-Aging Cream Cleanser (2fl oz / 60 mL)
  • Night Cream (0.7 oz / 20 g)
  • Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum (0.5fl oz / 15 mL)

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Eye Gel Pads (10 pairs – $20.00)

Eye Gel Pads help reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness while hydrating the sensitive and fragile skin under the eyes. It is a perfect treatment before a night out.

  • Immediately refreshes and revitalizes fatigued eyes
  • Retinol Palmitate helps renew and improve skin’s resilience
  • Smoothes to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

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Doctor’s Skin Remedy (1.7oz – $14.00)

A multi-purpose cream that protects, softens, soothes and calms the skin—perfect for combatting winter dryness and chapped skin.

  • Soothes, calms and helps relieve minor skin irritations
  • Softens rough or dry skin on hands, feet or cuticles
  • Relieves chapped or burned lips
  • Helps minor sunburn and calms dry, irritated or sun-exposed skin

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Retinol Daily Moisturizer For Men (1.7oz – $20.00)

Multi-action, non-greasy Daily Moisturizer reduces the signs of aging while improving skin texture, firmness and tone. Retinol (Vitamin A) works to renew skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines while it improves firmness, so your skin looks healthier and more youthful. Your skin will appear more hydrated and feel protected.

  • Exfoliates and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Moisturizes and helps to improve texture, clarity and tone

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Retinol After Shave Balm (2.4oz – $12.00)

Retinol Men’s After Shave Balm’s dual action formula works as a lightweight moisturizer and a calming aftershave, restoring hydration as it soothes irritation and razor burn. Enriched with Vitamins A, C & E, Allantoin, Provitamin B5 and Green Tea Extract, it softens your skin and helps reduce the visible signs of aging.

  • Hydrates and nourishes
  • Calms skin and reduces post–shaving irritation
  • Revitalizes skin and promotes a healthy look
  • Protects against environmental aggressors such as climate, wind and pollution

 

Gifts Under $10

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Moodmatcher Twist Sticks – ($8.00)

A collection of 6 vivid, hi-definition long-wear lipsticks with 12 hour staying power. The lipsticks react with your lips to create the perfect shade that matches your vibe.

Moodmatcher Moodgloss – ($10.00)

A collection of youthful, long-wear glosses that change according to individual body chemistry and temperature for a personalized pink shade. The glosses are enriched with soothing Aloe Vera and moisturizing Vitamin E.

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Retinol Anti-Aging Cleansing Towelettes (30 Towelettes – $8.00)

Gently cleanse, tone, and remove make-up and impurities trapped within pores. Dual-action cleansing towelettes blend Retinol & Vitamin E, Ginseng, Green Tea, and Aloe Vera to carefully resurface skin texture, lift away dead skin cells, and restore pH balance, for softer, smoother, and more radiant skin.

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Altchek MD – Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF30 (1.5oz – $10.00)

Vitamin C Ester, Panthenol, Vitamin E

Improves the texture, moisture and luminosity of your skin as it targets fine lines and wrinkles. Sunscreen protects against the damaging effects of UVA/UVB rays. Preventive anti-oxidants shield against environmental stressors replenishing and smoothing the skin.

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Altchek MD – Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (2 oz – $5.00)

Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Vitamin C, Calendula Extract

Cleanses as it treats blocked pores, impurities, dullness, uneven texture and tone. Micro-polish particles reveal clean, smooth skin that is radiant and ready for the next step in the regimen.

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Natures Bounty Hair Skin and Nails Vitamin – Review

Here’s a well-known fact, after having kids and lack of eating a balanced meal (everyday) my nails were very brittle. The slightest manipulation would split my nails; aside from years of wearing acrylics and using the wrong chemical products.

While shopping in the grocery store, I ran across a new line of vitamins call Natures Bounty Hair, Skin, and Nails.  I was skeptical because some vitamins do not produce the results they proclaim on the bottle. Needless to say, I purchased the gummy vitamins and here’s what I discovered:

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1.  They taste really good!  I almost forgot I was chewing a vitamin and took one too many.  No worries, I didn’t have any side effects.

2.  They gave me a boost of energy which is the normal deficiency in my body.

3.  They did not make my stomach ache.  This is a common problem (for me) with other hair, skin, and nail vitamins.

The ultimate result is that my nails look amazing!  I’ve never had long nails but the health of my cuticles look so much better.  The strength of my nails have also improved and signs of deficiencies are not as noticeable.

In regards to my skin, I have a natural glow and thankful I added this vitamin to my skin care regimen.  I am waiting for the hair growth results because it’s in a natural (chemical free) state and will have an official update in May 2016.

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I wanted to share Natures Bounty Hair, Skin, and Nails Gummies vitamins with everyone because it’s really an awesome product!

Nordstrom Beauty Event – October Beauty Tips

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With the cooler weather finally upon us, I wanted to invite you to an upcoming Nordstrom in-store events to help you transition your beauty routine to fall. From liberating your lips with ultra-rich, stand out shades to achieving the perfect winged eyeliner, these in-store activities will give you the chance to learn amazing tips from top brands and industry experts! See below more details on the Nordstrom Beauty Trend Weeks/Shows and events happening in your area this October:

 

About Beauty Trend Event Week:
Join Nordstrom Beauty for one-on-one time with savvy beauty experts. They will share the latest fall beauty tips and tricks while you’re pampered with a free makeup or skincare consultation. Afterwards, get access to FREE deluxe samples and exclusive gifts with purchase (while supply lasts). Admission is free — so don’t miss it! *This season enjoy the perk of scheduling appointments throughout the entire week!

 

About Beauty Trend Event Show:
Here, you’ll watch top industry insiders reveal fall’s best beauty trends during a high-energy runway show hosted the Saturday ending the Beauty Trend Event Week. Then, get complimentary makeup, skincare and fragrance consultations full of DIY tips and tricks. Plus, score an exclusive (and free!) Nordstrom tote bag – just for attending! Tickets at $20 and redeemable toward your beauty purchase day of the event. The show starts around 8am, so don’t miss out!
October Baltimore/D.C. Events:
*All locations hold a beauty trend week, however those with asterisk also have a beauty trend show!
  • October 11th:
    • Nordstrom Annapolis Mall **

Details:http://shop.nordstrom.com/st/nordstrom-annapolis-mall/Beauty-Trend-Week/68560

  • October 18th:
    • Nordstrom The Mall in Columbia

Details:http://shop.nordstrom.com/st/nordstrom-the-mall-in-columbia/Beauty-Trend-Week/68563

Follow Nordstrom Beauty:
Twitter: @Nordstrom
Instagram: @Nordstrom
#Nordstrom

Spa Week 2015 Treatments and Deals

Spa-Week

Spa Week starts October 12 – 18, 2015 at various locations throughout the U.S.  During this week, participants can find $50 treatments and wellness tips.  There’s also the opportunity to win gifts, sample products, and join the spa week book club.  See more details below:

Unique and Over the Top Spa Week Treatments

Spa Week is quickly approaching on October 12-18th. Over the top treatments, seasonal ingredients and unique rituals will be offered at participating spas across the country. Keep the following top spas on your radar as they are giving guests the ability to be immersed in incomparable wellness offerings, and the latest outrageous and noteworthy therapies. During Spa Week, you can take advantage of the below plus thousands of other amazing treatments at a fraction of the cost, with all spa treatments being offered at just $50. The full list of participants is available on www.spaweek.com.

50 Min Charcoal Facial (Reg. $260, Spa Week $50)
Ling Skin Care – Union Square | New York, NY | 212-989-8833
This perfect post-summer facial from Ling Skin Care uses a special mask made from an item most of us have in our backyard – charcoal. Known for it’s cooling effects, charcoal purges the skin of impurities, can help clear up acne or blemishes and also purifies the skin of free radicals. With this facial, you’ll get to try the special charcoal mask leaving your face flawless, smooth and radiant.

50 Min Sothys Pineapple and Guava Seasonal Facial (Reg. $100, Spa Week $50)
Hey Gorgeous! Spa and Wellness | San Antonio, TX | 210-684-6844
Fashion isn’t the only thing that changes with each passing season, facials do as well. This special facial incorporates pineapple and guava to create a delicious cocktail of fruit extracts packed with natural vitamins and minerals sure to restore your skin’s natural radiance and beauty. If you want to keep your summer glow through fall and winter, this is the facial for you.

60 Min Revitalizing Red Wine Mud Wrap (Reg. $115, Spa Week $50)
Elizabeth Adam Salon and Day Spa | Chicago, IL | 312-944-4311
This indulgent seasonal treatment will transport you across the Atlantic, to the vineyards of France just in time for a harvest. A warm mixture of red wine, bentonite clay, five deep-cleansing essential oils and nourishing grape-seed oil envelops the body in a sumptuous, soothing cocoon. This nourishing and fortifying wrap leaves your skin feeling deeply cleansed, silky soft and revitalized.

60 Min 24 Karat Gold Japanese Facial (Reg. $245, Spa Week $50)
Onsen Spa | Los Angeles, CA | 323-475-1890
It’s rumored that Cleopatra slept with gold masks every night to maintain her youth and beauty. So, it’s no wonder that this service has become a favorite of the Hollywood elite. The 24-Karat Gold Japanese Facial uses the ionic benefits of gold during the service to leave you with a brilliant, glowing complexion just like your favorite Hollywood starlets.

50 Min Toasty Marshmallow Massage (Reg. $150, Spa Week $50)
The Woodhouse Day Spa – Plano | Plano, TX | 214-473-9955
Your average, everyday stress-relieving massage with some ‘marsh-mellow’ on top! If you need some serious relaxation, then imagine being lulled to sleep as you’re drizzled and massaged with a rich melt of emollient shea, cocoa and mango butters. Not only will your muscles get the tension relief you need, but your skin will be left with soft notes of marshmallow and a silky-fine touch.

Orange Blossom Sugar Scrub (Reg. $120, Spa Week $50) or Ginger Root Body Wrap with Swiss Shower (Reg. $175, Spa Week $50)
Catamaran Spa | San Diego, CA | 858-539-8820

  • Orange Blossom Sugar Scrub: After a long summer of sunshine and tanlines, you’ll need to rejuvenate your skin heading into fall. Relax under a cascade of water as your skin is polished to perfection with an Orange Blossom Sugar Scrub and lotion application.
  • Ginger Root Wrap: If summer-long indulgences left you with the need to detox and purify your system, then you’ll want to try this service. It uses a ginger root masque to boost circulation, stimulate your metabolism and rid your body of harmful toxins.

Standard Hydrafacial Medical Grade (Reg. $169, Spa Week $50)
Advanced Laser & Skin Center | Woburn, MA | 781-935-7333
If you’re looking for the next big thing in anti-aging services, then this might be a good option for you. The HydraFacial® resurfacing procedure thoroughly enhances the skin using patented Vortex Technology™ to simultaneously cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate. The treatment is not only pain-free, but relaxing and has noticeable and immediate improvements to your skin tone and elasticity.

90 Min Hot Stone Therapy Massage with HydroLuXe Dry Water Massage Table Session and Hydra Amino 18 Scalp Treatment (Reg. $152, Spa Week $50)
Massage LuXe-Davie | Davie, FL | 954-380-8554
If you like your services to explore both traditional and non-traditional techniques, make sure to check out MassageLuxe. This service includes a traditional hot stone massage to warm and loosen tight muscles and a scalp treatment. But, you’ll also get to test out the HydroLuXe Dry Water Massage which places you in a unique capsule as your body is massaged from head to toe with the gentle force of water (all without ever getting wet!).

50 Min Guac Star Facial with Avocado Treatment (Reg. $85, Spa Week $50)
Spa Botanica at Embassy Suites | Concord, NC | 704-454-1750
Ahhhhvocado to the rescue! Bask in a Guac Star revitalizing and cooling facial that nourishes skin with avocado oil, butter, essential fatty acids, moisture-locking ingredients and skin feeding super antioxidants – green tea, goji fruit and pomegranate. Once you’ve hit your happy shade of green, you’ll walk away with smooth and completely refreshed skin.

Amethyst Facial with Yavapai Swedish Massage (Reg. $150, Spa Week $50)
Amethyst Spa at Wekopa Resort & Conference Center | Scottsdale, AZ | 480-789-5300
Dreaming of a desert oasis? Indulge both your face and body with these Yavapai inspired services. The hydrating acai berry facial blended with a full body therapeutic massage are sure to relieve stress and restore balance to your mind & spirit.

50 Min Spa Week De-Stress Body Treatment (Reg. $255, Spa Week $50)
Red Door Spa | 29 Participating Locations Nationwide | www.reddoorspas.com
Based on a 110 minute Stress Melter Ritual, this treatment is inspired by Red Door’s signature service and includes exfoliation, an aromatherapeutic body wrap and a relaxing scalp massage to melt stress and rebalance spirit.

Drugstore Beauty Buys on a Budget

There’s no better place to find quality beauty treasures than at the drugstore – who doesn’t love a good deal? From lotions and shampoos to oils and frizz serums, we’ve rounded up six drugstore favorites that won’t break the bank and are sure to make you look like a million bucks!

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See below for these tried and true drugstore beauty musts:

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula – $5.50

  • Provide deep hydration all over with this velvety soft formula that locks in moisture leaving skin smooth, supple and beautiful!

Loved by Candice Swanepoel, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry

Jennifer Lopez

La Bella Los Caballos Shampoo and Conditioner – $3.99

  • Relieve dry and damaged hair with this enriched Coconut and Olive Oil formula for soft revitalized locks!

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil – $10.95

  • Perfect skin with this advanced multi-purpose product for all over the body use that helps to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry and damaged skin, uneven skin tone and fine lines and wrinkles!

Zero Frizz Keratin Corrective Serum – $7.99

  • Eliminate frizz and flyaways and protect color-treated hair for longer, lustrous color and shine! 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick – $3.50

  • Moisturize and soothe dry, cracked, chapped lips and provide on-the-spot help for marks and blemishes!

La Bella Cosmetic Gel with Snail Extract – $7.49

  • Accelerates skin cell reproduction and hydrate and heal skin wounds and blemishes!

Louise Roe Emmy Award- Lancome Look

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Louise Roe looks stunning at this evening’s 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards. A bronzed, dewy look to complement her simple, long, white dress from @Halston. The warm smoky eye look was created to harmonize with Louise’s delicate rose gold accessories.

FACE:
•Hydra Zen Day Cream
•Miracle Cushion 310 Bisque (C)
•Star Bronzer in Bronze Lumiere & Star Bronzer Palette

EYES:
•Auda{city} in Paris Palette
•Drama Liqui-Pencil in Brûlée
•Grandiôse Mascara

LIPS:
•Shine Lover in Spontanee
•Lip Lover in Corail Cabriole
•Lip Lover in Rose Ballet

#LancômeRedCarpet

   @LancomeUSA

Sally Hansen – Spring 2016 Fashion Week Inspiration

Sally Hansen once again amped up the runway looks with stunning nail designs for amazing designers Misha Nonoo, Adam Selman, Tanya Taylor, Phillip Lim and Prabal Gurung.

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THE INSPIRATION

 

Misha Nonoo’s Spring Summer 16 collection was inspired by the idea of a movement in all senses. A movement can be a graceful motion with grand results. From the colorfully bold, modern lines of the 60s’ minimal art movement to the simultaneous spirited beginnings of the women’s rights movement, Misha has created a playful yet powerful wardrobe that brings us to the present day. Misha’s goal has always been to create a uniform for women as well as embracing the individual. Embracing the strength of the individual, Misha invites the modern woman to her world.

 

 

THE NAIL LOOK

 

Misha Nonoo turned to Sally Hansen, the #1 Nail Color and Nail Care brand in the US, and Madeline Poole, Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador, to create two exclusive looks. To complement Misha’s Spring Summer 2016 collection, Madeline envisioned a minimalistic look with a bold twist. For the first style, models wore Complete Salon Manicure in Almost Almond with gold star accents, while the second look featured Complete Salon Manicure in Red My Lips with a lightning bolt detail. Madeline then used Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Gilty Party to create the detailing on the pinky and middle fingers, giving the classic colors an unexpected edge.

Almost Almond, Red My Lips and Gilty Party are part of Sally Hansen’s award-winning Complete Salon Manicure collection that infuses trend-setting shades with an expert-quality formula to deliver salon-caliber results. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure delivers seven salon manicure steps in one bottle. Chip resistant strength joins gel-quality shine. Must-have color meets nourishing benefits. Plus, with a built-in base and top coat, it’s everything you need to achieve a professional manicure at home. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Almost Almond, Red My Lips and Gilty Party cost $7.99 each.

 

THE MANICURIST

 

Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador Madeline Poole is a nail expert working in New York and LA. Trained as a painter, Madeline worked odd jobs like vintage poster restoration as an art student in Baltimore. Her unique talent in crafting innovative designs, emphasis on skin care and attention to the hand as a whole makes her one of the most sought after names in the beauty industry. As part of the collaboration with Sally Hansen, Madeline will help set the artistic direction for a new generation of modern nail looks and collections with her fashion-forward vision on a worldwide basis.

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THE INSPIRATION

 

A collection inspired by a long-forgotten nudist colony in Hawaii; full of prints, bright colors and frills, we wanted a nail that gave the girls a more tomboy edge to balance the femininity of the clothes.

THE NAIL LOOK

 

For Adam Selman’s highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2016 Collection, he turned to Sally Hansen, the #1 Nail Color and Nail Care brand in the US, and Madeline Poole, Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador, to create an exclusive nail look.

Madeline explains, “Adam Selman’s collection was inspired by a long-forgotten nudist colony in Hawaii, and features bold prints, bright colors and frills to evoke a tropical feel. We wanted to balance the feminity of the clothes with a nail look that gave the girls more of a tomboy edge. The nails were ironically painted with nails: we used the head of a construction nail dipped in Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Dark Hue-mor to paint haphazardly placed circles on clear nails. The look feels as if the girls painted it on themselves with a marker.”

Dark Hue-mor is part of Sally Hansen’s award-winning Complete Salon Manicure collection that infuses trend-setting shades with an expert-quality formula to deliver salon-caliber results. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure delivers seven salon manicure steps in one bottle. Chip resistant strength joins gel-quality shine. Must-have color meets nourishing benefits. Plus, with a built-in base and top coat, it’s everything you need to achieve a professional manicure at home. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Dark Hue-mor costs $7.99.

 

 

THE MANICURIST

 

Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador Madeline Poole is a nail expert working in New York and LA. Trained as a painter, Madeline worked odd jobs like vintage poster restoration as an art student in Baltimore. Her unique talent in crafting innovative designs, emphasis on skin care and attention to the hand as a whole makes her one of the most sought after names in the beauty industry. As part of the collaboration with Sally Hansen, Madeline will help set the artistic direction for a new generation of modern nail looks and collections with her fashion-forward vision on a worldwide basis.

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THE INSPIRATION

 

The Tanya Taylor Spring Summer 2016 collection focuses on vibrant pigments, novel textures and ornate architectural motifs. Inspired by a recent trip Tanya took to Kenya, Tanzania and Morocco, this season’s woman is wrapped in painterly oversized floral prints, loose silk knits and reinterpretations of classic plaids. There is a focus on fluidity in both fabric and mood. Playfully proportioned silhouettes are enhanced with embroidered lasercutting, laced ties, and featherweight crystal embellishment.

THE NAIL LOOK

 

This season, Tanya Taylor turned to Sally Hansen, the #1 Nail Color and Nail Care brand in the US, and Madeline Poole, Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador, to create exclusive nail looks.

Madeline explains, “Tanya’s collection is an homage to the hand-made textiles, delicate beadwork and vivid dyes used in Africa, and I wanted to continue that aesthetic. I designed a striped nail look that mimics the multicolored, layered jewelry of the Maasai people, giving each model her own unique combination of five different stripe colors in various thicknesses.”

Arm Candy, Kook A Mango, Ruby Do, Water Color, Dark Hue-mor and In Full Blue-m are part of Sally Hansen’s award-winning Complete Salon Manicure collection that infuses trend-setting shades with an expert-quality formula to deliver salon-caliber results. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure delivers seven salon manicure steps in one bottle. Chip resistant strength joins gel-quality shine. Must-have color meets nourishing benefits. Plus, with a built-in base and top coat, it’s everything you need to achieve a professional manicure at home. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Arm Candy, Kook A Mango, Ruby Do, Dark Hue-mor and In Full Blue-m cost $7.99 each.

THE MANICURIST

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Sally Hansen Fall 2015 Designer Inspired Shades

The new Sally Hansen much anticipated fall 2015 designer inspired shades from Prabal Gurung, Tracy Reese, Rodarte.

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THE DESIGNER

Prabal Gurung launched his eponymous collection in February 2009 with a philosophy encompassing modern luxury, bold femininity and an astute sense of glamour.

Gurung was born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. After beginning his design career in New Delhi he moved to New York to finish his studies at Parsons The New School for Design. Upon graduating, Gurung spent two years with Cynthia Rowley’s design and production teams. Soon after, he was appointed design director at the iconic Bill Blass, a post he held for five years until launching his own collection, PRABAL GURUNG.

A focus on quality and innovation has placed Gurung at the forefront of American fashion with designs worn by leading ladies including First Lady Michelle Obama and The Duchess of Cambridge, to name a few. In 2010 he was the recipient of the Ecco Domani Fashion Fund Award and selected as runner up for the 2010 CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund. In 2011 Gurung was honored as one of USA Network’s Character Approved Award recipients, named goodwill ambassador of Maiti Nepal, a finalist of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award and was the recipient of the 2011 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear. Prabal Gurung was the official 2013 designer collaborator for Target and in September 2014 launched footwear on the Spring 2015 runway.

THE PARTNERSHIP

Prabal Gurung collaborated with Sally Hansen for the tenth consecutive season to create three exclusive nail polish shades to compliment his Fall 2015 collection, which is a graphic, modern take on effortless glamour.

THE SHADES

The exclusive Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen collection includes: Complete Salon Manicure in Midnight Affair, Complete Salon Manicure in Leaf Peeper,  Complete Salon Manicure in Concrete Jungle

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These three custom colors can be found in Sally Hansen’s award-winning Complete Salon Manicure collection that infuses trend-setting shades with an expert quality formula to deliver salon-caliber results. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure delivers seven salon manicure steps in one bottle. Chip resistant strength joins gel-quality shine. Must-have color meets nourishing benefits. Plus, a built-in base and top coat, it’s everything you need to achieve a professional manicure at home. These three limited-edition colors will be available beginning September 2015 for $7.99 each.

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THE DESIGNER

With an innate desire to create beautiful things, Detroit native Tracy Reese headed for Manhattan in 1982 to attend Parsons School of Design where she received an accelerated degree in 1984. Upon graduation, Reese apprenticed under designer Martine Sitbon while working for the small contemporary firm, Arlequin. Reese has also worked at the some of the industry’s top fashion houses, including Perry Ellis where she was the design director for Women’s Portfolio.

In 1996, Reese launched her eponymous collection to rave reviews. Perfect for the modern woman, Reese’s debut showcased ultra-feminine, polished pieces layered with intelligent nostalgia, charm and glamour; a distinctive look that the designer has since become known for.

A member of the CFDA since 2000, Reese has severed as a member of the Board of Directors since 2007. She is also a key player in selecting recipients to receive grants from the CFDA’s AIDS-Fund initiatives.

THE PARTNERSHIP

For the nineteenth consecutive season, Tracy Reese collaborated with nail color leader Sally Hansen to create three exclusive nail colors that complemented her Fall 2015 Collection.

THE SHADES

The exclusive Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen collection includes: Complete Salon Manicure in Yummy Yam,  Complete Salon Manicure in Maasai Red,  Complete Salon Manicure in Winter Sky.

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These three colors can be found in Sally Hansen’s award-winning Complete Salon Manicure collection that infuses trend-setting shades with an expert quality formula to deliver salon-caliber results. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure delivers seven salon manicure steps in one bottle. Chip resistant strength joins gel- quality shine. Must-have color meets nourishing benefits. Plus, a built-in base and top coat, it’s everything you need to achieve a professional manicure at home. These three limited-edition colors will be available beginning September 2015 for $7.99 each.

 

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Inspired

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THE DESIGNERS

Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy launched Rodarte in 2005 and quickly became known as the go-to house for couture, known for their intricate hand stitching and romantic details.  They have won numerous fashion awards such as the 2008 CFDA Swarovski Emerging Womenswear Designer award and the 2008 Swiss Textiles Award.  Leading ladies like Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst, Michelle Obama, Chloe Sevigny, Tilda Swinton, Elle Fanning, and Reese Witherspoon have all worn Rodarte’s idiosyncratic yet sophisticated styles.

 

THE PARTNERSHIP

For the fifth season in a row, Rodarte has once again turned to nail color authority Sally Hansen to create three limited edition Complete Salon Manicure nail polish colors. The designers’ highly anticipated Fall 2015 Collection served as a muse for Sally Hansen’s nail color creations. The Fall 2015 nails are inspired by translucent color and the subtlety of watercolors.

THE SHADES

 

The exclusive Sally Hansen inspired by Rodarte collection includes: Complete Salon Manicure in Gold Glass, Complete Salon Manicure in Beige Glass, Complete Salon Manicure in Rose Glass

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These three custom colors can be found in Sally Hansen’s award-winning Complete Salon Manicure collection that infuses trend-setting shades with an expert quality formula to deliver salon-caliber results. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure delivers seven salon manicure steps in one bottle. Chip resistant strength joins gel-quality shine. Must-have color meets nourishing benefits. Plus, a built-in base and top coat, it’s everything you need to achieve a professional manicure at home. These three limited-edition colors will be available beginning September 2015 for $7.99 each.

Target Beauty Box Launch – Fall 2015

Love sampling the latest beauty products?  Apparently lots of people do which is why Target announced the release of another much-anticipated Beauty Box on September 8th!  This Beauty Box goes for $7 and will more than likely sell out in a few days.

Target Beauty Box includes:

Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner:
Lightweight spray offers a protective barrier against damage for fragile, color-treated or relaxed hair.
Retail value: $3.99 – Sample size included in box

Curls Créme Brule Whipped Curl Cream:
A cream styler that defines, de-frizzes, and moisturizes tresses, leaving curls soft without hold.
Retail value: $2.99 – Sample size included in box

Dove Quench Absolute Crème Serum:
A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that tames frizz and keeps curls defined.
Retail value: $5.99 – Full Size included in box

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil:
Oil-based lotion restores moisture and shine to color treated or chemically processed hair.
Retail value: $3.99 – Sample size included in box

Aquaphor Healing Ointment:
Multipurpose ointment helps soothe and protect dry, chapped or irritated skin.
Retail value: $1.99 – Sample size included in box

Colgate® Optic White® Platinum Express™ White Toothpaste:
Breakthrough formula whitens teeth in just three days, with best results after 4 weeks.
Retail value: $1.00 – Sample size included in box

The links in this post contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

How To Remove a Gel Manicure – Skyy Hadley

There are many positives to having a gel manicure – It stays for two weeks without chipping and looks shinier than a normal manicure. However, all good things must come to an end and it’s important to learn how to safely and effectively remove a gel manicure at home. You may not have the time or money to get your gel mani removed at a salon and it’s essential to learn because it can be harmful to your nails when removing gel improperly. By peeling off a gel manicure, you are not only removing the gel, but also the top layers of your nails. This can result in white patches and textural irregularities throughout the nails.

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Skyy Hadley, owner of As U Wish Nail Spa provides tips and a step-by-step tutorial to safely remove your own gel manicure:

  • File – Use an emery board to lightly buff each nail to remove the shiny top coat so you’re left with a powdery finish. Be careful not to over buff so you don’t hit your natural nail underneath the gel.
  • Soak – Next you must soak your nails in 100% acetone polish remover. To do this, take a piece of cotton ball the size of your nail and pour the acetone on it, place it on your nail and cover your nail with a piece of aluminum foil or tape to keep it in place. Do this on every nail and let soak for 15 minutes to relax the gel.
  • Remove – Remove the cotton pieces from your nails and take a wooden cuticle stick to push the gel polish off your nails. If you have trouble, instead of forcing it, soak your nails with a cotton ball for 5 more minutes and try again.
  • Moisturize – After the gel has been removed, wash your hands and apply a cuticle oil to the nail and cuticle. This will rehydrate your nails after using acetone on them to keep them strong and healthy between polishes.
Beyonce $36,000 Manicure
Beyonce $36,000 Manicure

It’s important to take your time when removing a gel manicure yourself as it can be a slow process and you want to treat your nails very delicately and carefully to avoid weakening them.