Thursday, June 30, 2011

Dragon's Pearl: Diamond Cosmetics 18K Gold

Hello ladies,

I wanted to create a tattoo style manicure. I imagined a dragon returning to his cave with a new pearl. Dragons, much like the keeper of this blog, adore treasure. In the dragon's world, even the Moon has been formed from a jewel. A bit of whimsy for you...when I met my friend Drew for dinner, I noticed he was wearing a Chinese dragon tee shirt that coordinated with my manicure. Magic is afoot. 

From image plate D25, I stamped the dragons in black Konad special polish. I accented the dragon's tail with miniature pearls from Born Pretty Store. I placed a ruby Moon in the sky. The tips were defined with an Art Club striper in Black Hologram. Preferring the thin line French to remain matte, I decided not to add a second layer of topcoat.







Diamond Cosmetics 18K Gold is a rich metallic. This warm toned gold is perfect for summer leading into fall. The formula is easily opaque in two thin coats. A careful application is required to avoid brushstrokes, but these lessen in appearance as the polish dries. The color glows on the nails like jewelry.  

I hope you enjoyed this treasure of a polish. Have you had any dragon sightings lately?

The polish was sent to me for review. US residents can purchase 18K Gold at diamondcosmetics.com. For international shipping, visit boozyshop.nl

I purchased image plate D25 from chez-delaney.com. The D series is a site exclusive.

Happy painting, ladies!

The Skin Society: Eye Treatment Serum

Hello ladies,

For the past six weeks, I have been using Eye Treatment Serum from The Skin Society with noticeable results. The formula contains the botanicals calendula and nymphaea alba flower along with nutritive oils such as borage and flax seed. Eye Treatment Serum performs beautifully as a firming agent. It works effectively to moisturize and smooth over fine lines around the delicate eye area.   
I apply Eye Treatment Serum after cleansing every evening before bedtime. The formula is concentrated, so I discovered I need less product than with most eye creams. The consistency is a cross between a gel and a cream. It absorbs readily, leaving my skin soft with no oily residue. 

The first day after applying this serum, I noticed firming results.  It also does a notable job in reducing puffiness. Fine lines diminished during the first two weeks of regular use. Shortly after I began using this product, my neighbor asked me to recommend an eye cream. I am always pleased when I can see subtle changes that my skin care routine is working. When others notice results and want to try the product themselves, it's even better. 

For those with extra dry skin, the serum can be layered under another moisturizer. I found it functions well on its own. It's good to know layering is an option for colder weather when skin needs extra hydration. 

If you are accustomed to slathering on copious amounts of eye cream, I will advise against this. Putting on too much product caused some temporary eye irritation, a mild stinging that went away after a few minutes. Using a moderate amount of Eye Treatment Serum resulted in a much better experience. In caring for my dry skin, it's fantastic to achieve the perfect moisture levels with a standard amount of product. 

The packaging features an air tight bottle for hygienic dispensing. I appreciate that the cap can be unscrewed to allow for the contents to be used in entirety. I will admit to fishing out one last application of Miracle Lift with a cotton swab. I am certain I will use the same technique when my bottle of Eye Treatment Serum is almost empty.

The skin care glossary provides a helpful breakdown of the ingredients. Many of the components, even those with chemical sounding names, are naturally sourced. 

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Isononyl Isononoanate, Coco-Caprlyate, Squalane, Glycerin, Acrylates Polymer, VP/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester, Hydrolyzed Sesame, Protein PG-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Butylene Glycol, Escin, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Centalia Asiastica Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Schinus Terebinthifolius Seed Extract, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Borage Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Arachidyl Glucoside, Palmitoyl Proline, Retinol Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinol, Magnesium Palmitoylglutamate, Sodium Palmitoylsarcosinate, L-Alanine, Polyacrylate 13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Dipalmitoyl, Hydroyproline Palmitoyl, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Capryloylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl  Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Natural Fragrance.  

Escin is derived from horse chestnut. It helps with circulation and strengthening capillary walls. If you are prone to broken capillaries, escin is a very useful ingredient. 

Nymphaea alba flower, commonly known as white lily, is soothing to sensitive skin and aids in reducing inflammation. It also works as an anti-oxidant to help prevent signs of premature aging. 

Borage oil contains gamma linolenic acid, a fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in the essential fatty acid omega-6. Borage oil is an emollient that replenishes skin's natural moisture. It can help with sensitive skin issues like rosacea and acne.  

Eye Treatment Serum is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product to firm skin and minimize the look of fine lines around the eyes. It definitely gets my recommendation. I have had very positive results with products I have tried from The Skin Society and feel confidence in the quality of the brand. 

The Skin Society Eye Treatment Serum was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased from theskinsociety.com and overallbeauty.com. A one ounce (30ml) bottle retails for $45.50.

Would you like the chance to win Eye Treatment Serum and Night Serum from The Skin Society, along with polishes from BB Couture, eye shadows from Overall Beauty Minerals and an owl pendant? Drop by the You're A Goddess: Giveaway! to enter. 

Happy painting, ladies!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Shabby Chic: Color Club Clean Break and Pretty in Platinum

Hello ladies,

I decided to bring the Shabby Chic style to my nails. Today's manicure features roses and cameos on a silky grey background. I was imagining a tray of earrings and brooches sitting atop an old, whitewashed dresser. Jewels and pearls imbue a feeling of elegance to timeworn heirlooms.

I began by painting Color Club Pretty in Platinum as a base. With a Kolinsky Sable Brush size 00 from the art supply store, I mapped a fine, arching line with white polish. I then filled in the tips with Clean Break fractured polish. If you decide to use a crackle formula to create a funky french, I highly recommend having a guideline in place. Clean Break is on the thick side and it would be tricky to achieve the proper French tip. I tested this polish over the entire nail and I found traditional application to be simple. Clean Break offers well defined crackling. 

On the nails of my middle fingers, I adhered pale pink cameos with nail glue. I purchased these in a lot from ebay and I wish they were readily available! I would use them with abandon. I bordered the cameos with large pearls and gems. The grey and cream colored roses with pink and green accents are Art Club Petite Fleurs. These decals come on an adhesive backing with gold beads. I decided to build on the color palette from the roses to create an assemblage of finery by adding pearls of various sizes, and pink, green and crystal rhinestones. I first sealed the roses with topcoat and then placed the gems and pearls and added a final layer of topcoat. I varied the design a bit on each hand. 



Echinacea, purple coneflower.

Floral fireworks!

My right hand with smaller jewel clusters. 


Pretty in Platinum is a soft, grey pearl. This polish is completely opaque in two coats. It has a beautiful sheen and an easy to use formula. I recommend this polish to grey lovers.

What do you ladies think? Do you like the crackle tips and the vintage look?

Items in this post were sent to me for review. Clean Break is part of the Color Club Fractured Collection. Pretty in Platinum is from the Untamed Luxury Collection. Both are available for purchase at victoriasnailsupply.com. I bought the Art Club Petite Fleurs at Sally Beauty.

Happy painting, ladies!

Friday, June 24, 2011

paintedladyfingers.com and mischief!

Hello ladies,

I have some exciting news. Painted Lady fingers has a new domain at http://www.paintedladyfingers.com. A dear friend of mine purchased the domain name for me as a gift. How sweet!

What followed was a bit of a whirlwind! Blogger exported my blog automatically several hours after we entered the financial information. Typically, the blog administrator would arrange the date and time for this to occur. I was planning on making the change in August and was only looking to reserve the name. 

The transfer went smoothly with a couple notable exceptions. My blogroll, which I had just finished updating, was deleted. My name was also dropped from the Google Friend Connect lists of blogs I have followed for many months, even years.

Thistle makes a bit of mischief herself. 

Thistle succumbs to a moment of calm. 
I will do my best to reconfigure my blogroll this weekend. I hope to have it completed Monday night. I am going to ask that if you don't see your blog on my blogroll, please leave me a note in the comments and I will be happy to add it back right away. 

If you are a new blogger, please drop by this post for specifications. For those of you who already commented there, I will revisit the post and add your blogs a second time. 

Expect to see my picture popping up as a new follower in many Google Friend Connect boxes. Rest assured, I was likely following the majority of these blogs all along. Ah, glitches!

Despite the bit of mischief, I am happy to be blogging at my own domain name!

Thistle, the pretty kitten in the photos, resides with Lauren and Laura. She was going to judge the Starry Temptress Giveaway today, but she decided she would rather play in the flowers, nap or be cuddled. Mischief is certainly afoot! I still have all the entries and will be doing the drawing very soon. 

Stop by my current contest: You're A Goddess: Giveaway! for a chance to win the BB Couture A Touch of Greece/Ladies Collection, your choice of six eye shadows from Overall Beauty Minerals, an Athena's Owl pendant and two firming products from The Skin Society. Best of luck and enjoy! 

Happy painting, ladies! 


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Color Club Back to Boho Collection, Fall 2011 (Tell Me Your Picks!)

Hello ladies,

Below is the press release for Color Club's new fall collection for 2011: Back to Boho. From the first grouping, I am really looking forward to New Bohemian. I love Tiffany blue!

The glitters and shimmers in the second photo are calling to me. Nouveau Vintage and Voodoo You Do look quite fetching. Blue-topia is captivating me as well. The name is charming and I can't resist a deep blue. 

Which polishes in this collection are you curious about? Let me know in the comments and I will return to this post when the collection arrives and make sure to show looks with your most anticipated shades, as first priority. 

Color Club Back to Boho Collection
New Bohemian 70s Inspired Collection, Coming This Fall

New York, NY June 2011. Color Club, a New York based cosmetic brand specializing in nail and lip products announced today its new Back to Boho Fall 2011 Collection. The new collection features 12 70s inspired, long wearing nail polish shades, perfect for creating an effortless Boho Glam look. The collection will be available in September 2011. With fun, bohemian, vintage inspired names, the Color Club Back to Boho Collection shades include:


Nomadic in Nude: A must have neutral for the season: off white and creamy.
Earth Angel: Gorgeous, creamy camel.
New Bohemian: A new 70s take on Tiffany blue.
Shabby Drab: Purple Greige, the ultimate Boho color.
Rad nomad: Purple, brown creme.
Red-ical Gypsy: Boho chic red, a new take on a vintage, classic red. 


Boho Mojo: Silvery, beige pearl.
Nouveau Vintage: The perfect understated, vintage, frosty gold. 
Voodoo You Do: The perfect charcoal grey for the season, with blue undertones.
Artsy Crafty: The ultimate, muted military green.
Blue-topia: Just as it sounds, the perfect shade of deep blue.
Rebel Spirit: Deep, chocolate brown creme.

Happy painting, ladies!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

You're A Goddess: Giveaway!

The giveaway is now closed! Thanks so much for entering! I should be posting the winner's announcement in the next two weeks. 

Hello ladies,

Welcome to the You're A Goddess: Giveaway! Here you will find objects of adornment and balms to soften your skin and enhance your natural beauty. 

Let's take a look at the prize package one lucky winner will receive:





















BB Couture A Touch of Greece Collection/Ladies.

BB Couture Gaia and Selene.

BB Couture Hemera and Aphrodite.

BB Couture Cybele and Nike.

Select your six favorite eye shadows!

Imagine, Jungle Grass, Camelot, I'm Not An Angel, I Want a Gold Star!, Visions of Violets

The Athena's Owl Pendant 

Fabulous Night Serum.

Eye Serum.

































































































































































Many thanks to our sponsors: Overall Beauty, Blendo and The Skin Society. The items featured in this post were provided for consideration. The prizes will be shipped to the winner directly from the sponsors.

As a special thank you to readers of painted Lady fingers, Blendo is offering a 15% off discount on your next visit to Philadelphia. Blendo is located in the historic Antique Row district at 1002 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. If you see a boutique item featured at painted Lady fingers that interests you, Blendo will be happy to ship it to your location.

The You're A Goddess: Giveaway! is open internationally for followers and e-mail subscribers. The contest runs through the end of the day July 9th. To keep this simple, I am willing to count the date as the last available time zone worldwide. As long as it is July 9th somewhere on the planet, you may still enter.

Here's how to enter:
Mandatory:
1) Become a follower or e-mail subscriber of painted Lady fingers. If you are currently a follower or subscriber, that certainly counts! Please let me know in the comments which option you choose for keeping up with painted Lady fingers. For example: I follow via Google Friend Connect or I subscribe via e-mail. Be specific. I check entries very carefully.

If you follow via Google Friend Connect, log into the proper account when you leave your comment. If you follow via Google Friend Connect, your account has to have some public aspect. It is okay if you don't follow publicly, but there needs to be some signs of humanity on your profile page. If you subscribe via e-mail, your e-mail address must be confirmed through feedburner. If you have never received an e-mail related to painted Lady fingers' blog posts, you do not have a confirmed account.

2) Include your e-mail with your entry to qualify. If you forgot to write your e-mail in with your contest entry, leave me another comment with your e-mail address.

Both 1 & 2 together = 1 entry.

Optional extra entries. A change this time: I will be verifying entries while the giveaway is still running. Please be sure to have any tweets or posts visible before leaving your comment. 
3) Let me know: Who is your favorite Goddess and why? Choose from any myth or pantheon worldwide. 1 entry

4) Which six eye shadows would you choose from Overall Beauty Minerals? 1 entry

5) What product most interests you from The Skin Society? What about that product makes you want to try it? 1 entry

6) Blog about the contest in a post or add contest info to your sidebar. Please use this url to connect to the giveaway: http://www.paintedladyfingers.com/2011/06/youre-goddess-giveaway.html. I will definitely count your entry if your blog is not written in English. I will also count your entry if your blog is just getting started and has a small number of followers. These extra entries are meant to be inclusive and fun. Please provide a link. 2 entries. If you use the contest photo, add another entry. Please mention that you used a photo.

7) Tweet about the contest. Only once, please. Please mention @ladyfingersblog in your tweet so I can count your entry. You can also retweet one of my contest announcements to qualify. Here is the tiny url: http://tinyurl.com/62u34wk

8) Have painted Lady fingers on your blogroll with the updated url: http://www.paintedladyfingers.com/. Please provide a link. 1 entry

9) In appreciation, I am going to add an extra entry for those who comment regularly on non-giveaway posts. I do enjoy reading your feedback! Thank you! Not to worryI am very inclusive with this extra entry. 1 entry.

You are welcome to put all your entries in one comment or return to the contest post with comments for each entry. Either way works for me. Your entries don't have to be sequential. Enter in any way you like whenever you like before the end of the day July 9th.

You are wholly welcome to enter this giveaway even if you have won recently. I will certainly honor Fortune's favor if you are lucky!

Best wishes and have fun, ladies!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Queen's Bounty: Color Club Broken Tokens

Hello ladies,

When I created this manicure, I was thinking about pearls, diamonds and silver pieces spilling out of a black velvet bag. I imagined jewel encrusted brooches and golden pendants, a bounty for a queen.

I began with a basic black mini polish from Color Club. I drew a diagonal line with an Art Club striper in Gold Hologram. I varied the angle of the line on each hand. With silver crackling polish, I filled in half the nail. On the left hand, I added Broken Tokens to the lower half; on the right, towards the top of the nail. Decals, silver and gold gems and pearls were chosen from the Pretty Shiny Things Kit.  

The Art Club Gold Hologram striper makes exquisite rainbows. 



Butterfly bush

My right hand showing varied placement of striper lines and silver polish.

Daisy flower ring on my right hand. 

A baby praying mantis!

Like a prayer.

Reaching a foot to its mouth like a human baby. So sweet!

A baby bunny! She has natural eyebrow markings! Adorable!

Bye, bye bunny!

Broken Tokens is my first crackling polish since the Cover Girl line from many Halloweens past. The formula is easy to work with. I prefer layering on a thick coat for bolder fault lines. The shimmer is elegant in Broken Tokens. I highly recommend adding this color to your collection. 
I hope you enjoyed my experiment with the Fractured polish. I am looking forward to trying the rest of the collection. Perhaps the next shades I have for review Smash Hit (black) and Clean Break (white) will attract more garden friends. If you like mantids, check out the baby praying mantis I met last summer. Have you ladies seen any baby animals recently?  

Items mentioned in this post were sent for review. Broken Tokens, part of the Fractured Collection, is available for purchase at victoriasnailsupply.com. They also sell the Art Club Pretty Shiny Things Kit.

Happy painting, ladies!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Born Pretty Store: Heart Rhinestone and Pearl Nail Wheels

Hello ladies,

For the past several months, I have had a chance to experiment with the heart rhinestone and pearl nail wheels from Born Pretty Store. I have had a positive experience with all three nail wheels I received and have enjoyed using them to embellish my nails. 
























The heart rhinestone wheel features 12 colors. The shades are bright and the facets are even. The hearts pick up the light beautifully. These rhinestones are salon quality and I would definitely recommend them. My Butterfly Season nail look is an example of how these hearts can add a sense of joy and candy sweetness to your manicure.

The colorful half pearls are a simple way to add elegance to your nails. I used the blue pearls in my Butterfly Fantasia manicure. For help visualizing, these are the size of standard rhinestones in a nail wheel. You will notice in the photos that some of the pearls cling to the top of the wheel. They will settle over time when stored flat. As you first use the wheel, rotate it open slowly. This will keep the pearls from popping out. I find it easiest to apply pearls and rhinestones over the sink with the drain stoppered. If any escape, they are easy to capture.

I absolutely love the pearls in the three sizes nail wheel. I employed the largest and the smallest pearls in my Garter Toss manicure. The pearls included come in approximately 4mm, 3mm and 1.5mm sizes.

Application for the hearts and pearls is simple. Place a tiny dab of topcoat on the nail. Use a pick up tool to add the decoration and seal with one or two layers of topcoat. Even if your prefer a simple manicure, one heart or pearl placed near the cuticle is a quick way to dress up a basic look.

For more examples of my work with their products, you can explore posts with the Born Pretty Store label. Have you ladies had the chance to try out any nail art supplies from Born Pretty? Is there anything catching your fancy?

The heart rhinestones, colorful pearls and pearls in three sizes were sent to me for review. These are available at bornprettystore.com.

Happy painting, ladies!