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.

NICOLE RICHIE LAUNCHES BIRCHBOX COLLABORATION

Birchbox, a leading beauty and grooming retailer, has partnered with vH1 and Nicole Richie, Creative Director of House of Harlow 1960 and star of Candidly Nicole, to celebrate the show’s second season, which premiered July 29. The Bohemian-chic fashion designer, author, actress and television personality has added “Birchbox’s August guest editor” to her multi-hyphenate bio, creating an exclusive box filled with beauty samples that reflect the show’s theme, a “fresh take on funny.”

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The “Candidly Nicole Birchbox,” gives fans a new way to engage with Nicole and her signature style.“Nicole Richie is constantly breaking the mold with her ever-evolving style,” said Katia Beauchamp, Birchbox co-founder and CEO. “Her strong sense of individuality is something we truly value here at Birchbox, so we are proud to support her show and can’t wait to see how our subscribers use the product picks in this box to create their own unique looks.” From a cheeky lip tint to an in-shower tanning lotion, the specially designed box (inspired by art from the second season of Candidly Nicole) features five deluxe samples that give subscribers an insider look at Nicole’s Birchbox picks.

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“I’m thrilled VH1 is partnering with Birchbox for our second season of Candidly Nicole,” said Richie. “Each month, Birchbox is like a little gift that magically appears full of goodies and I like to think that I am also like a magic gift filled with goodies. So the partnership feels like destiny, essentially perfect.” -Nicole Richie

Beginning July 27th, Birchbox subscribers can select to receive this limited-edition assortment as their August box. New subscribers can sign up by August 25th to receive this Candidly Nicole collection as ($10/month or $110/year). This box is also available for purchase as a standalone item on Birchbox.com for $15.

Sally Hansen Reformulated Miracle Gel Top Coat and Shades

These days, bigger is better when it comes to beauty. Following the major success of the first Miracle Gel launch, Sally Hansen has done it again, developing  the new & improved volumizing Miracle Gel Top Coat – adding to the award-winning Sally Hansen Miracle Gel collection: the most buzzed about at-home nail system and the closest thing to a salon gel manicure at home.

When partnered with the Miracle Gel shades, Miracle Gel Top Coat volumizes as it protects. The Top Coat formula delivers 2x the volume to your manicure – creating dramatically fuller-looking nails with a high-gloss, mirror shine finish.

The result: the look of a gel manicure at home, without the trip to a salon! Miracle Gel’s simple application takes just two steps. First, apply two thin coats of Miracle Gel color to clean, bare nails. Then, apply one coat of the new Miracle GelTop Coat. Natural light does the rest, creating a manicure that resembles a UV / LED cured gel polish and up to 14 days of color and shine. The next best thing to a salon gel manicure, without using an UV / LED light AND removes easily with regular nail polish remover.

To coincide with the release of the new top coat, Sally Hansen announces a total of 20 new vibrant colors of Miracle Gel.

The Tribal Vibe collection adds seven new sun-baked shades to the permanent line up: Cream of the Crop (ivory with a hint of warmth), Tribal Sun (fiery coral like the setting sun), Rhythm & Blue (mirrors the hue of a bright blue sky), Totem-ly Yours (an appealing dusty rose),  Per-Suede ( the color of rich reddish leather), Terra-Coppa (melds the gleam of copper with the earthy appeal of pottery) and Buffalo Nickel (a cool, classic silver white).

5 4 3 2 1 unnamedAnother new collection, Boho Chic, brings together seven festival-ready saturated shades for free spirits everywhere: Rhapsody Red (updates classic cardinal red with a blue undertone), Tipsy Gypsy (a bubbly, bright pink), Boho a-Go-Go ( a deep, creamy eggplant), Beatnik ( a statement-making cobalt), Mintage (a medium-toned mint), Fish-teal Braid (an aquatic turquoise), Miss Wanderlust (packs colorful glitter into a soft stunning coral

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In addition, limited-edition duo packs pair the new Miracle Gel top coat with one of six summery colors: Blue Hue (a subdued, milk-glass blue), Teal Twin (a dark gemstone teal), Geo-Mint-ric (a vibrant spearmint), Get it Bright (the color of freshly sliced watermelon), Block Party (a tigerlily orange, tinged with coral),Up the Ante ( a medium-toned plum)

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Epsom Salt Beauty Tips – Beach Survival Guide

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As beach season draws near, here’s an unusual idea that could prove useful: Epsom salt. Doctors say it can help treat sunburn and it also helps with summer beauty, as you’ll see in the two news releases below, which quote experts who have worked with celebrities:

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  • One quotes a celebrity skin care guru: Summer Skin Care Tips who says you should exfoliate before going out in the sun to rev up circulation, facilitating the elimination of toxins or impurities that may be trapped in the skin. In addition to detoxification, Ole Henriksen says exfoliation leaves the skin luminous, smooth and soft in texture, and it removes any excess dead skin, allowing for better absorption and easier application of sunscreen or lotion.

 

Here’s Henriksen’s recipe for an at-home dermabrasion resurfacing treatment he calls the “Shower smoothie:”

Ø  Ingredients: 4 oz. of Epsom salt, 4 oz. coffee grounds, 1 TSP eucalyptus oil and enough sesame oil to form a smooth paste.

Ø  Mix the Epsom salt and coffee grounds in a medium bowl, then add the oils and stir thoroughly until you have a smooth, but not runny paste.

Ø  Get in the shower, get wet and turn off the water. Use the entire palm of each hand to vigorously scrub your body for several minutes, from your neck to your feet.

Ø  Afterward, just rinse and glow. Your skin will feel smooth, and you’ll notice an immediate lifting and constricting of the skin.

  • The other quotes an award-winning celebrity manicurist Summer Beauty Tips who recommends bi-weekly pedicures to ease aches and pains, reduce swelling and disinfect blisters or lesions.

 

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Marsha Bialo’s suggestions:

Ø  Give your feet a comfortable place to rest by folding a bath towel and positioning it at the bottom of a bucket.

Ø  Mix half a cup of Epsom salt with some warm, soapy water to soften skin and calluses and dry out the bacteria from blisters.

Ø  Remove old polish with a cotton pad soaked with nail polish remover, cut nails straight across with clippers then file them square to remove sharp edges.

Ø  Soak for five minutes, dip a file into the water and use it to smooth your heels, the balls of your feet and the outer edges of your pinkie toes.

Ø  Add Calcium Gel Fortifier or Ridge Filling Base Coat by China Glaze followed by a bright, summery coat of polish, and then finish with Seche Vite top coat for a lasting shine.

Sally Hansen Special Effects for Summer Nail Collection

This summer, it’s time to get cultured—with pearls, that is. Sally Hansen introduces Pearl Crush™; a collection of eight new Special Effect polishes that give nails an eye-catching, shimmery finish. Inspired by the season’s iridescent trend, the Pearl Crush™ polishes have a unique combination of pigments that interact with layers of large, faceted glitter particles. The resulting effect: a 3D crushed pearl look that plays off light, lending a lustrous, vibrant look to summer manicures. Choose a softer tone or go dark—either way; you’ll want to wear these precious “pearls” everywhere you go!

SHADES: Oy-ster It Up!: Aw, shucks—this true white with faceted glitter catches the light beautifully, She Sells: Whether on the seashore or the city streets, this pale blush hue is pretty, pink perfection, Lady Crab: No need to pinch yourself—this dreamy hot pink really is as steamy as it gets!, Rainbow Fish: Casting off icy tones, this iridescent blue is quite the catch, Shell & Tell: The secret is out: A lovely lilac like this doesn’t come around every day, Mer-Mint: This splashy, soothing seafoam green is loaded with sea-inspired shimmer, Silver Scallop: Reflect on this modern take on metallics—a shape shifting silver that appears constantly in motion and Clam Digger: This lava-rock black stands out with flecks of phosphorescent-green glitter.

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PRICE & AVAILABILITY: This limited-edition Pearl Crush™ collection, SRP $5.99, is available beginning June 2015 at chain drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

REATE A DAZZLING GRADATED LOOK WITH NEW SALLY HANSEN® INSTA-OMBRE™ NAIL COLOR

 

It’s official: Ombré is the look of the decade. From runways to red carpets, from highlights to home decor, a gradated wash of color is perpetually on trend. Now, Sally Hansen makes it easy to create a sparkling ombré manicure with new Insta-Ombre™ Special Effect.

Available in eight high-impact glitter shades, this clever and innovative ombre-in-a-bottle makes it easy for women to achieve the look in just three simple steps. First, apply one coat to clean, dry nails. Next, apply a second coat from mid-nail to the tip. Finally, apply a third coat to only the nail tip. Voila: A radiant, wash of ombre color at your fingertips.

As the first and last word in nail color, Sally Hansen offers eight shades to match every mood: Copper Cap: Beige that grows into a warm, copper glow, Cobalt Coat: Blue, from barely-there to intense, Layer On Lilac: A cool-toned take on purple,  Scarlet Spark: A true red that fades into a whisper, Gold Grade: Metallic glitter, from quiet to saturated, Fuchsia-Nista: A bright pink with the slightest hint of violet, Jade Fade: An enviable emerald hue, Grey-diant: A stunningly sparkled fade from light to black.

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PRICE & AVAILABILITY: This limited-edition Insta-Ombre™ collection, SRP $5.99, is available beginning June 2015 at chain drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

SALLY HANSEN INTRODUCES BIG PEELOFF BASE COATTM

Everyone wants a manicure that looks perfect, resists smudges, and removes easily. Traditionally, it hasn’t always been easy to achieve those desired results. Now, however, Sally Hansen introduces a nail essentials to simplify and improve the at-home manicure regimen: Big Peel Off Base CoatTM .

For nail-art aficionados, glitter girls, and anyone else who lives for regular manicures, Big Peel Off Base Coat changeseverything. Nail polish remover can be harsh on nails, leaving them dry and brittle—and therefore, prone to breakage. Hard-to-remove special effects such as glitters, textures, and shimmers can damage nails further by scraping the nail surface and can be a time consuming removal process.

That all changes with the introduction of Big Peel Off Base CoatTM. This fast, convenient easy base coat makes it easy to remove glitters and other special effect polishes in a single step. Just paint on the base coat, which quickly dries to a transparent finish. Apply nail polish as usual and enjoy the manicure. When it’s time for a change, simply peel off the polish in one fluid movement. No scrubbing, soaking, or fussing—just a clean, healthy-looking nail.

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PRICE & AVAILABILITY: Sally Hansen’s new Big Peel Off Base CoatTM , SRP $5.99 each, will be available in June 2015 at chain drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba Review – Must Have Product

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There are so many wonderful uses for the natural moisturizer Jojoba Oil.  This is considered to be a liquid wax that’s proven to work wonders on the hair, skin, and nails.

My first introduction to Jojoba Oil was through a routine hair appointment.  My hair is in a natural state (relaxer free) and my beautician suggested using JoJoba Oil on my scalp for nourishment.  I was excited to try this product because it’s important to understand your individual hair and follicle needs.

Jojoba Oil this is the perfect product for moms because pregnancy can often alter the skin.  For example, some women experience dryness or even worse stretch marks.  It’s suggested that you simply place a small amount in your hand (a little goes a long way) and massage into the skin.  The oil can be used on your face, legs, stomach area…basically the entire body.  It works as an all – over body moisturizer so don’t hesitate to apply as needed.

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Lastly, I am someone who has dry cuticles and nails.  My beauty regime includes adding moisture to the hands and feet.  When visiting the nail salon, my manicurist always applies two coats of olive oil to my nails.  But when I’m at home, I like to use two drops of Jojoba Oil on my cuticles before bedtime to serve as an all natural product with no chemicals.

The Jojoba Company’s 100% Natural Australian Jojoba Oil is reasonably priced and can be purchased at www.thejojobacompany.com

Additional Tips –

Visibly balances and soothes the skin

Is a great way to gently cleanse off makeup

Helps smooth lines, wrinkles, or stretch marks

100% paraffin free

Unilever: Rinse, Recycle, Reimagine Bathroom Products Program

Unilever is launching “Rinse. Recycle. Reimagine.” a new program in partnership with Keep America Beautiful and the Ad Council designed to educate people about recycling in the bathroom, inspire them to reimagine what empty bathroom products could become through recycling, and ultimately make a small change that holds big potential to positively impact the environment.

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Think that empty shampoo bottle is just a bottle? Think again. With just a rinse and a recycle, empty bath and beauty bottles can take on new life and return as hairbrushes, backpacks or even backyard play set.

The new Unilever Bathroom Recycling Index found that while a majority of Americans are aware that their empty bathroom bottles are recyclable, less than half report regularly bringing them to the bin. As a result, common bathroom products like shampoo, body wash and lotion bottles could be more likely to end up in landfills than their kitchen counterparts, contributing to the nearly 29 million tons of plastics sent to landfills each year!

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Unilever – the maker of products including Dove®, Suave®, St. Ives®, Caress® and more – is stepping in to inspire Americans to clean up their act in the bathroom.

 

  • Beware the product hoarders: 1 in 5 Americans (20%) have more than 10 bathroom products in plastic bottles in their bathroom at a given time.

 

  • What gets Americans moving: Americans are more likely to go the distance to get a drink when thirsty, charge their phone, or answer a phone call than walk an empty plastic bottle from the bathroom to the recycle bin.

 

  • Battle of the sexes: More men (80%) reported recycling their empty bathroom bottles than women (74%).

 

Unilever can’t do this alone, and so the company has introduced the Unilever BrightFuture initiative.

What began as Project Sunlight in 2013 has evolved into a larger movement designed to bring Unilever’s purpose to life and inspire Americans to take small actions that add up to a big difference – whether that’s wasting less, sharing more, turning off the tap, turning on community activism or, simply, recycling – because everyone has a role to play in creating a brighter future.

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HOW TO GET INVOLVED

 

  • Spread the word by sharing a photo of your bathroom empties being recycled on Twitter and Instagram using #ReimagineThat. Add #Sweeps to your post to be entered for a chance to win recycled, reimagined prizes.

 

  • Watch famous Internet Illusionist Zach King and others reimagine recycling and share their videos across your social channels.

 

  • Visit BrightFuture.Unilever.us to learn how you can help bridge the gap in bathroom recycling.

 

“Our scale and sheer volume of products present in American bathrooms puts us in a unique position to take on this issue.” said Gina Boswell, Executive Vice President of Personal Care, Unilever North America. “The average American household has eight products in plastic bottles in their bathroom. If we’re able to inspire those millions of people to recycle their empty body wash or lotion bottles, this small action can bring about transformational change.”

Unilever and the Ad Council, “we hope to help turn bathroom recycling into a daily norm.”

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SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER. INTERNET ACCESS REQUIRED.

This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Twitter or Instagram. You understand that you are providing your information to the Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever and not to Twitter or Instagram. The information you provide will only be used in the event you are selected as a Sweepstakes winner or if you have indicated that you would like to receive additional information from Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever.

 

  1. Sweepstakes Period: The Unilever #ReimagineThat Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes“) begins April 29, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET“) and ends June 9, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. ET (the “Sweepstakes Period“).
  2. Eligibility: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older as of date of entry. Employees of Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever (the “Sponsor“), Don Jagoda Associates, Inc., their respective affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, suppliers, distributors and advertising, promotional and judging agencies (collectively, the “Sponsor and its Administrators“), and its affiliates and each of their respective employees, shareholders, directors, officers, members, assigns and agents and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate or win.
  3. How To Enter: During the Sweepstakes Period, you may enter via Twitter.com or on your web enabled mobile device via the Instagram application (collectively, the “Site“) by uploading a photo showing off how you recycle in your bathroom with the hashtags #ReimagineThat and #sweeps (collectively, the “hashtags“) and tagging @UnileverUSA (the “Submission“). Each eligible Submission will receive one (1) entry into the corresponding Daily Sweepstakes Drawing and the Grand Prize Sweepstakes Drawing, as described below. Sweepstakes Entries will not be carried forward for subsequent Daily Sweepstakes Drawings, if any. Sweepstakes Entry must include a photo, the hashtags and tag to be eligible and must be 140 characters or less including the hashtags if entering via Twitter. For the purposes of this Sweepstakes, a “day” is defined as the 24-hour period beginning at 12:00 a.m. ET and ending at 11:59 p.m. ET, except for the first day of the Sweepstakes, which begins at 8:00 a.m. ET and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET. Your Submission must be uploaded in accordance with the Twitter Terms of Service (https://twitter.com/tos) or Instagram Terms of Use (http://instagram.com/about/legal/terms/). You must have an Instagram account to enter via Instagram, be a @UnileverUSA follower and have your account privacy settings set to “Off”.  You must have a Twitter account to enter via Twitter, be a @UnileverUSA follower and have your account settings set to “unprotected” or “public”. By including the hashtags #ReimagineThat and #sweeps in your Entry, you are agreeing to these Official Rules. Potential winners will be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder of the Instagram or Twitter account associated with the entry, if entering via Instagram or Twitter. All entry components submitted and Submissions uploaded (as applicable) shall herein be referred to as (the “Sweepstakes Entry“). Limit one (1) Sweepstakes Entry person per day, regardless of method of Sweepstakes Entry. All Sweepstakes Entries must be unique. All Sweepstakes Entries must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 9, 2015, to be eligible for the final Daily Sweepstakes Drawing and Grand Prize Sweepstakes Drawing. The person uploading the Sweepstakes Entry will be deemed the entrant (the “Entrant“). Entrant must be the only person depicted in photo (if a person is depicted at all). Sweepstakes Entries will not be judged. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of an Entrant, the Entrant will be deemed the name appearing on the Sweepstakes Entry.  The Sweepstakes Entry must: 1) be complete to be eligible; 2) be the property of the Entrant. Sponsor has the sole discretion to determine whether a Submission qualifies as a Sweepstakes Entry. Any Sweepstakes Entry not in compliance with the above and which does not meet the requirements of these Official Rules will be disqualified. By entering, you understand and agree that your Submission may (in Sponsor’s sole discretion) be posted online for consumers to view on Sponsor-selected sites. Sponsor will only be posting select photos (in their sole discretion). Sponsor reserves the right to remove any posted Submissions, in its sole discretion, even if the Submission has already been made available to the public. Participation is subject to disqualification of all Sweepstakes Entries, if multiple accounts are used by the same person. As applicable, normal Internet access and usage charges imposed by Entrants’ online/mobile service will apply.
  4. Photo Entry Requirements: By entering, you agree to waive any rights you may have to the Sweepstakes Entry submitted. The Sweepstakes Entry, or portion thereof, must not contain obscene, profane, lewd, defamatory or inappropriate content, or be disparaging to Sponsor, as determined in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sweepstakes Entries must be in keeping with Sponsor’s image and may not be offensive, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, nor can it defame or invade publicity rights or privacy rights of any person, living or deceased, or otherwise infringe upon any person’s personal or proprietary rights. Entrants may not copy or otherwise plagiarize the Sweepstakes Entry from any source. All Sweepstakes Entries must be the sole, original work of the Entrants. Any Sweepstakes Entry or portion thereof that is, in the Sponsor’s sole discretion, obscene, profane, lewd, defamatory, inappropriate, disparaging, offensive or contains proprietary right of any person living or deceased (including but not limited to rights of privacy or publicity or portrayal in a false light) or entity, or is otherwise objectionable, will not be considered and may disqualify the Entrant. Sweepstakes Entries should not contain any third party materials, or otherwise violate or infringe (or possibly infringe) any copyright, trademark, logo, mark that identifies a brand. Sponsor may blur or black out the infringing material, in their sole discretion. Sweepstakes Entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrants and winner acknowledge and agree that their Sweepstakes Entries become the property of the Sponsor, which thereby has the right to edit, adapt, modify, reproduce, promote and otherwise use Sweepstakes Entries in any way it sees fit. If you do not have a Twitter account, visit www.twitter.com to create an account for free. If you do not have an Instagram account, visit www.Instagram.com to download the application to your mobile device. Instagram nor Twitter are affiliated with this Sweepstakes in any way and are not responsible for the administration of the Sweepstakes or the awarding of the prizes. No endorsement or approval of Sweepstakes by Instagram or Twitter is expressed or implied. Automated, script, macro or robotic Sweepstakes Entries submitted by individuals will be disqualified. Sweepstakes Entries may be posted on the Sponsor’s website, and may be posted on other non-affiliated websites, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Any Sweepstakes Entry not in compliance with the above and which does not meet the requirements of these Official Rules will be disqualified.
  5. Daily and Grand Prize Sweepstakes Drawings: One (1) Daily Prize winner per day (42 total) will be randomly selected from all Sweepstakes Entries received during the corresponding day. Drawings will be conducted on or about May 6, 2015; May 13, 2015; May 20, 2015; May 27, 2015; June 3, 2015; and June 10, 2015 from among all eligible Sweepstakes Entries received per day during the preceding week. One (1) Grand Prize winner will be randomly selected from among all Sweepstakes Entries received during the Sweepstakes Period on or about June 10, 2015. The random drawings will be conducted by Don Jagoda Associates, Inc. (the “Administrator“), an independent judging organization whose decisions are final on all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. The odds of winning a Prize will depend on the number of eligible Sweepstakes Entries received during the corresponding day and overall.
  6. Sweepstakes Prizes and Approximate Retail Values (“ARVs”): Grand Prize (1 total) A Sponsor-selected $500 gift card. Daily Prize 1 (6 total): A Sponsor-selected Prize Package, including Sponsor-selected Unilever products, a Sponsor-selected eco-friendly loofa sponge, and Sponsor-selected bath and shower gloves (ARV: $24.17). Daily Prize 2 (6 total): A Sponsor-selected Prize Package, including Sponsor-selected Unilever products, a Sponsor-selected eco-friendly beauty kit, and a Sponsor-selected eco-friendly jewelry roll (ARV: $67.01). Daily Prize 3 (6 total): A Sponsor-selected Prize Package, including Sponsor-selected Unilever products, a Sponsor-selected accessory organizer, and a Sponsor-selected travel bag (ARV: $53.83). Daily Prize 4 (6 total): A Sponsor-selected Prize Package, including Sponsor-selected Unilever products and a Sponsor-selected eco-friendly umbrella (ARV: $54.99). Daily Prize 5 (6 total): A Sponsor-selected Prize Package, including Sponsor-selected Unilever products and a Sponsor-selected backpack (ARV: $79.03).Daily Prize 6 (6 total): A Sponsor-selected Prize Package, including Sponsor-selected Unilever products and a Sponsor-selected tote bag (ARV: $50.64). Daily Prize 7 (6 total): A Sponsor-selected Prize Package, including Sponsor-selected Unilever products, a Sponsor-selected tote bag, and a Sponsor-selected canning jar travel drinking cup ($58.07). Gift cards subject to restrictions and expiration dates may apply. Prizes are awarded “as is” without any warranty or guaranty of any kind. Limit one (1) Prize per person. No substitution or transfer of prize permitted except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor who reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value in the event the prize is unavailable.
  7. General Rules: The Site’s computer timestamp is the official timekeeper for purposes of this Sweepstakes. Potential Sweepstakes Prize winners will be notified via comment on the winner’s Sweepstakes Entry. Potential Sweepstakes Prize winners then must follow the directions in the comment to claim the prize and complete registration within a time period specified by Sponsor or prize will be forfeited and Sponsor will have no further obligation to such winner and an alternate Sweepstakes Prize winner will be selected. Return of prize/prize notification as undeliverable or failure to reply to comment/email may result in disqualification and alternate prize winner will be selected. Prizes are nontransferable and no cash substitutions are allowed except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to award a prize of equal or greater value. Prizes will be delivered within 6-8 weeks after winner confirmation. Sweepstakes winners and all Entrants, as a condition of entry into the Sweepstakes, agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and its Administrators, each of their respective agencies, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, members, employees, agents, assigns, and all others associated with the development and execution of the Sweepstakes (collectively the “Released Parties“) from and against any and all liability, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, damages, or losses to persons or property which may be sustained in connection with submitting an Entry or otherwise participating in any aspect of the Sweepstakes, the receipt, ownership or use of prize awarded or any typographical or other error in these Official Rules or the announcement or offering of the prizes. Winners assume all liability for any injury or damage caused, or claimed to be caused by participation in the Sweepstakes or use or redemption of the prizes. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission to use winners’ names, likenesses, Sweepstakes Entries and Submissions for promotional purposes (including any possible public relations opportunities) without further compensation except where prohibited by law. By entering, Entrant accepts and agrees to be bound by these Official Rules. Sweepstakes Entries will be declared to be made by the authorized account holder of the Instagram/Twitter account or email address associated with the Sweepstakes Entry. Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual that tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes; violates the Official Rules; acts in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner; or acts with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person. The Released Parties are not responsible for technical, hardware or software malfunctions, telephone failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, garbled or delayed electronic communications, whether caused by the sender, by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes which may limit the ability to participate, or by any human error which may occur in the processing of the Sweepstakes Entries in the Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes Entries generated by script or bot are not eligible. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Sweepstakes if it cannot be completed as planned for any reason, including but not limited to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, technical failures or corruption of any sort. In such event, Sponsor will award the applicable prizes from eligible Sweepstakes Entries received per day and overall prior to cancellation as outlined above. Void where prohibited by law and subject to all federal, state and local laws. As a condition of entering the Sweepstakes, Entrant (or parent/legal guardian if entrant is a minor in his/her state of residence) agrees that: 1) under no circumstance will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and Entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, consequential or any other damages, other than for out-of-pocket expenses; 2) all causes of action arising out of or connected with the Sweepstakes, or prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; and 3) any and all claims, judgments, and award shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, but in no event will Entrant be entitled to receive attorneys’ fees or other legal costs.
  8. WINNERS LIST: For the names of the Winners, available after July 9, 2015, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope by August 10, 2015, to: The Unilever #ReimagineThat Sweepstakes Winners, 100 Marcus Drive, Attn: AS, Melville, NY 11747.
  9. Sponsor/ Administrator: The Sponsor of the Sweepstakes is Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever, 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. The Administrator of the Sweepstakes is Don Jagoda Associates, Inc., 100 Marcus Drive, Melville, NY 11747.

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COCOTIQUE Beauty Review: January Subscription Box

COCOTIQUE is the latest subscription box for women of color and diverse ethnicities.  Once you become a member, subscribers receive a monthly box with a variety of (sample) hair, skin, and nail products.  The company also features brands such as Black Opal, Milani, Creme of Nature, OPI, Revlon, and Shea Moisture to name a few.

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The theme of January’s box was to refresh and renew with a collection of products from every category such as cosmetics, bodycare, and fragrance.  The products included were ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Shampoo, ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Conditioner, BEFINE Assorted Skincare Products, HARVEY Prince Hello Fragrance, NAKED BAR SOAP Lemongrass Grapefruit Foaming Sugar Scrub, NICKLA K New York Quad Eyeshadow, NUBIAN HERITAGE Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

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I was excited to receive my COCOTIQUE box and pleasantly surprised at the beautiful packaging.  I can’t wait to fully indulge in every product but the one item I can’t live without is the Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

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I’m in between manicures and seeking to restore moisture back into my hands and cuticles.  This luxurious moisturizing treatment instantly restored my hands with a nice cooling effect.  The hand cream’s also formulated with Black Seed Oil, Honey, and Apricot Oil.  It’s the perfect size to carry in my handbag (and use) while wearing a pair of gloves.

I love beauty products that work and COCOTIQUE offers product samples that are infused with natural ingredients and gentle cleansers.  To learn more about COCOTIQUE and become a subscriber click here.

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake Spa Getaway – Media Event Recap and Photos

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake hosted a media event at their new location in Columbia, Maryland. Invited guests enjoyed mini spa treatments, artisan vinegars, and the opportunity to participate in their exclusive Yoga Wall or Bare Essence class.

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Haven On The Lake

Overlooking a beautiful lake connected to Whole Foods Market, The Still Point in Columbia’s considered to be a wellness spa.  Members and Non Members can partake in a variety of services to renew, restore, and rejuvenate the mind and body.  For example, the wellness spa offers nutrition services to design a health program for individual needs. Manicurist perform natural nail services using Deborah Lippmann products (infused with healing ingredients and non toxic chemicals) and provide a therapeutic massage.  If you’re searching for assistance with fatigue, weight gain, detoxification, and hormone rebalancing, The Still Point at Haven On The Lake has doctors on staff for Naturopathic Medicine.

Haven On The Lake

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In addition, the wellness spa offers traditional services such as a hydrating sugar polish, warm salt glow, contouring wrap, healing wrap, detoxifying wrap, and sunless tanning.  I had a wonderful experience visiting the new location and indulged in a theraputic hand massage with Toma Skin Therapies products and exfoliation with epsom/sea salt.  The aromatherapy from Toma Essential Oils also provided a relaxing scent when entering the wellness spa.

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Style + Life + Fashion

Haven on The Lake has become my new favorite wellness spa in the Columbia area.  I am planning another visit (in the near future) to endulge in a renew manicure and acupuncture service.  To learn more about Haven On The Lake click here and follow them on twitter for updates.

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If you like this post: The Still Point Girls Spa Night

Nitika Chopra Shares Natural Remedies for Winter Skin and Hair

Harsh winter weather and freezing temperatures require a little extra care in your beauty routine. You can make a big impact with just a few simple ingredients. Nitika Chopra, host of “Naturally Beautiful” on  Z Living TV network has broken down the basics to keep your skin baby-soft and your hair moisturized all winter long.

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Nitika Chopra

1. Coconut Oil – Once a week in the winter, treat your hair to a coconut oil hair mask. Just before bed, apply organic coconut oil to your scalp and the ends of your hair with a cotton ball. Wrap your head in a towel, cover with a shower cap, and leave it in overnight. It keeps your hair super healthy and makes it soft and shiny. The next morning, rinse it out with just a little bit of shampoo (no conditioner necessary!). Use less coconut oil for thinner hair.

2. Rose Water – Your beauty routine should be a sensory experience. I live in New York City, so I love to feel peaceful, relaxed and calm. One of my favorite ingredients is all-natural rose water. You can use it as a toner just after cleansing. It’s perfect in the winter because it fights inflammation and takes away redness and puffiness.

3. Avocado – Avocado is really your best friend. The fruit is rich in Vitamins B, C, E and K. Mash up an avocado and use it plain as a face mask. It helps skin retain moisture, which is great for fighting wrinkles. Eating avocado, especially in the winter when we can have vitamin deficiencies, is also great. During colder months, it’s natural for us to crave creamier comfort foods, and avocado has the perfect consistency.

4. Sugar – I’m also a huge fan of sugar scrubs because they are so luxurious and easy to make. Take brown sugar and your favorite oil (olive is a good option) and add an essential oil for natural fragrance. Lavender is soothing, while peppermint is more energizing. Pick the one that fits your mood!

5. DIY Spa – Just remember to test a small amount of any DIY spa recipe on the inside of your wrist before you use it on your face or body.

Nitika Chopra, a certified life coach, is the Founding Editor-In-Chief of on-line lifestyle magazine YourBellaLife.com and a life-style contributor to the Huffington Post. Nitika’s unique point of view stems from the challenges she faced growing up in a traditional Indian home, without a traditional Indian cultural bone in her body, all while battling a debilitating skin condition that covered her body from head-to-toe for years. To overcome several low points in her life, she found a spiritual voice within her and became passionate about the power in small steps and infusing every day activities with spirit and possibility, regardless of one’s faith. Nitika uses this positive outlook to help people realize their own inner beauty and shares them with thousands of people who subscribe to her magazine. In 2011, Nitika was invited to speak about healing one’s authentic soul wound at the prestigious REVEAL conference hosted by Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation. She is extremely active with her on-line community of thousands sharing her life-experiences with them in order to aid young women in their difficult life challenges and help transform them from hopeless to hopeful. Nitika is host of the show “Naturally Beautiful” on Z Living TV. Growing up, Nitika battled debilitating health problems that made it difficult for her to walk with ease for many years. This challenge, among others, fueled her passion for helping individuals and has made her an empathetic resource.