August 2, 2015

~Miami presents the IBeautyShow~

Pack your bags and head south! The IbeautyShow will take over the Miami Convention Center August 30-31. With education for future & current professionals as well as distributors will display, sell and demonstrate their products! I am so stoked to attend this event as well and share more with you about their Barber & Nail Competitions! Stay tuned for pictures & and overall review of the show! Also, to industry professionals, come join us for this event by visiting www.ibeautyshow.com You don’t want to miss it!

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July 22, 2015

Coming in for a “Soft Landing”

I love doing my nails, I mean all us women love doing or getting our nails done am I right? But the only downfall of doing our nails is the mess we have to endure with all the nail filings, glitter, and spilled nail polish the chaos seems never ending. That is until you find that you can now come in for a “Soft Landing” mani/pedi with Soft Landings Towels. Owned and operated by Kathy Weltman, Soft Landings makes clean up a breeze.

Soft Landings Towels Logo

Soft Landings Towels Logo

I wish I had known about these when I was a little girl. I can remember my mom would always get a little panicked when I painted my nails especially when designs got involved. Not much has changed but also this time with Soft Landings Towels, everything gets trapped within the fibers and can just be scooped up and tossed out. Soft Landings is also very beneficial for the salon professional when doing acrylics, and natural nail mani/pedis. Of course in the salon using the entire towel is the best so that it can cover the entire table top. But when I’m doing my nails at home, I cut the towel into sections big enough for one hand. That way you can have more than one.

Soft Landings Packaging

Soft Landings Packaging

Not only does Soft Landings Towels offer their line of Table Towels, they also have individual squares for removing gel or shellac polish. But that’s not it. Oh NO! A product like this is the true “jack of all trades” when it comes to uses. When in need grab them for your facial room or even for cosmetics. In fact some well known names proudly use the Soft Landings towels such as Essie, Milday Text books, Footlogix and Dazzle Dry… just to name a few.

So if you are tired of the mess, and don’t want to deal with anymore nasty lint bugs, or staining etc. check out www.softlandingstowels.com “Put your hands on these”

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June 13, 2015

10 days with Jessica

“Colour is a personal style, it defines who you are” -Jessica Vartoughian

Never truer words have been spoken when it comes to your nail polish. Jessica Vartoughian, known as “The First Lady of Nails”, redefined the overall way we look at the structure of our nails. That’s when she found her true calling and discovered a regimen for nails made with the individual in mind. That’s right, when you visit one of her many successful salons her her manicurists , called nail cultivists, will help you get the perfect regimen just for you. Opening the first ever Nails Only Salon in 1969, Jessica educated herself on the anatomy of the nail saying that just like the skin and hair, it must be maintained. To this day she is always coming up with the newest and best thing to make sure that all of us can have beautiful nails, the natural way.

Jessica Cosmetics Logo

Jessica Cosmetics Logo

Out of all of Jessica’s lines and of all the beautiful colors, I had the pleasure of trying the new Phenom line. Alot like a gel polish, Phenom is a complete 10 day chip free manicure in just 3 easy steps. But the catch is you do not need a UV light like your normal gel polishes. Simply apply the whole system of base, color, and top coat. Then let the top coat dry in natural lighting & ten minutes later, beautiful gel shine! The color will dry faster or slower depending on what kind of lighting you happen to be in. Ex. sunlight will be faster than the light in your bathroom but never more than 10 minutes. Lately I have found that my nails would get to a certain length then just break off but with the Phenom I have achieved my goal of having long beautiful nails with no chipping. The colors I was gifted are three of the most perfect colors. They are incredibly vibrant and yes it has lasted me ten days. No matter where I was, the nail polish lasted with no knicks and my manicure looks brand new everyday.

10 day Jessica Journey

10 day Jessica Journey

For the first time in a long time I feel in love with my nails all over again. Just like me, Jessica wants you to love your nails again. Jessica is truly a nail goddess and I can thank her for this. I know you will want to thank her when you first try out her Jessica Cosmetics nail colors. Check out www.jessicacosmetics.com to see where you can find a Jessica salon near you. Love your nails, love your color, bring out your personality.

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May 19, 2015

The Villages goes Global

I bet your wondering about that competion that was held at TSPA and Salon Jaylee for Global Beauty Masters? Who got chosen, who’s going? Well, I am happy to announce that the teams from TSPA and Salon Jaylee will be participating in the qualifying rounds at Premiere Orlando on Saturday May 30th!

Before I introduce you to the teams let me recap a little on what Global Beauty Masters is. It is a televised competition held every year where teams from all over the world compete to see who will win the title. From this round at Premiere, the teams who are chosen will go on to compete in Las Vegas. This is a full body competition meaning that more attention to detail and creativity the better. As you can see from the teams (photos below) creativity and detail was on point. (These photos are the editorial shots they submitted. A new theme will be chosen by the teams for Premiere)

The teams who will be participating are: (there have been a few substitutions to the teams)
From Salon Jaylee:
Shear Force (villainess)

Model-Bethany Bandy Photo by Brian Sumner Photography

Model-Bethany Bandy
Photo by Brian Sumner Photography


Lindsey House – hair
Tyler Sponaugle – makeup
Livia Chestnut – nails
Bethany Bandy – model

Teasetastic (Egyptian)

Model- Shereza Abedeen Photo by Brian Sumner Photography

Model- Shereza Abedeen
Photo by Brian Sumner Photography


Jerri Taylor – hair
Brandy Smith – makeup
Ivette Marti – nails
Leigha Miller-(will model at Premiere Orlando)

From The Salon Professional Academy
TSPA Totems (headdress)

Model- Alexa Stafford Photo by Brian Sumner Photography

Model- Alexa Stafford Photo by Brian Sumner Photography

Cameron Balmer- hair (Original stylist. Zach Brazier will be the stylist at Premiere)
Robbie Coy – makeup
Estefania Patino – nails
Briana Rideout–(will model at Premiere Orlando)

TSPA Candy Crushers

Model- Kaitylnn Smith Photo by Brian Sumner Photography

Model- Kaitylnn Smith
Photo by Brian Sumner Photography

Manna McCloud – hair
Alexis Cruz- makeup (original artist, Cierra Mills will be artist for Premiere Orlando)
Joslyn Richards – nails
Katlyn Smith – model

This team will not be competing at Premiere but I want to showcase their hard work:
Jaylee’s Steam Punks

Model- Brittany Oyen Photo by Brian Sumner Photography

Model- Brittany Oyen
Photo by Brian Sumner Photography

Sabrina Langston – hair
Gino Canessa – makeup
Amanda Mastrapa – nails
Brittany Oyen – model

Congratulations to all the teams! I am so happy for all of you and I wish you the best of luck at Premiere Orlando! Bring it on

For more information on Global Beauty Masters check out www.globalbeautymasters.com for The Salon Professional Academy check out www.thevillagestspa.com and for Salon Jaylee check out www.salonjaylee.com and Brain Sumner Photography check out www.onesilentframe.com

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March 2, 2015

Beauty thats good enough to drink

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a beauty routine you can really drink to. Starting in ancient Egypt, women of upper class beer was used for many different beauty needs as well as therapeutic. It helped to reduce skin conditions and freshen the skin giving off a healthy, shining glow. Now here we are and scientists have discovered that the brewers yeast can help eliminate acne, slow down sebum production and the pH level in beer can help tighten the hair follicle. Brewer’s yeast contains ingredients such as vitamin B12, and biotin making it not only great for your outside but for your inside’s as well (just drink responsibly). As a matter of fact countries over seas have what are called ” Beer Spas” where you can go and take a leisurely dip in a giant tub of beer. I’d say “bring out some potato skins and pretzels please I’m gonna be here a while”. Unfortunately there are no reports of “Beer Spas” in the US…yet. Let’s keep our fingers crossed lol.

Beer

Beer

Having oily, acne prone skin and overly oily hair, beer has been one of my lifesavers. Through my research and testing, beer has really transformed my hair and skin. Even my nails. Having incorporated a DIY beer mask and a little beer rinse in my weekly routine, I feel like a million bucks and definitely enjoy the leftovers ;). I still do my current routine but I have found it to be essential to add Here is the DIY beer mask I use on myself:

Combine 1 tbsp. of your favorite beer with 1 tsp. plain yogurt, 1 tsp. olive oil, 1 egg white, 1 tsp. lemon extract and 1 tsp. almond extract.

Mix until all of the ingredients are incorporated. Lightly wet the face with warm water and apply the mask. Allow the mask to dry for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Complete the experience with a cold water splash, and step back and admire your beer-kissed skin.

I enjoy this as a body mask as well. Makes body acne disappear!

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February 20, 2015

And the Oscar goes to…

Ever since I was little I always wondered what it would be like to walk the red carpet. How would I feel with all those cameras. Will I be so excited I can hardly contain myself? But most importantly what would I wear. Me I LOVE sparkle and red so my ideal red carpet look would be including red and silver together. I figure if your going to a show be the showstopper.

Weddington Way

Weddington Way

1. No red carpet look is complete without a beautiful dress. Weddington Way’s Social 8130 dress in Burgundy is my go to red carpet gown. With it’s asymmetrical skirt and mesh like fabric accenting the design is to me a true showstopper. I have always loved asymmetrical looks and with the mesh fabric’s rippling effect I would feel like I’m not walking but gliding down the red carpet. Those photographers wouldn’t know what hit them. hahahaha

Carmen Steffens Victoria

Carmen Steffens Victoria

2. How can you walk a red carpet without shoes? And now it’s time to pull out those sparkles baby! With Carmen Steffens’ “Victoria” style shoes you may just blind someone..with your feet. This line of shoes are very comfortable and have the perfect height when it comes to heels. With just the right amount of sparkle, these heels can go from awards show to after party instantly.

Grandma's jewelry

Grandma’s jewelry

3. We have shoes, we have a dress now it’s time for some jewels and what better jewelry to wear than a family heirloom. These rhinestones belonged to my grandmother. Even though they are very old they give off a certain elegance that, I find, lacks in some of the jewels you see today. Vintage is the new fashion and I think these particular rhinestones will turn any gown into red carpet glory!

Eyehadow

Eyehadow

4. For those countless numbers of photos, a perfect makeup look is required. I say accentuate your best feature and I find mine to be my eyes. With this bold silver and black look the whole outfit ties together. Eye makeup, when chosen and put on right, can bring out every color you have chosen. Black and red always go well together and of course the silver tie giving this look an amazing photographic look. On the red carpet its all about those pictures.

Hair accessory

Hair accessory

5. With my hair being shorter sometimes being able to give it a pretty style can be hard but when you add an accessory it’s all good! I chose this red and grayish flower clip to help show of the red in the dress but help tie in the silver.

Crackle nails

Crackle nails

6. Last and definitely not least…NAILS!!! Snap, crackle and POP with some crackle nails. The perfect combo of silver with red crackle is the best finisher for my red carpet look. Its simple yet bold making this whole outfit scream “look at me”.

So there it is. My “one of a kind” red carpet look. Red, silver and black you ain’t going back. Work it COVERGIRL! For more info on the dress visit http://www.weddingtonway.com/all/bridesmaid-dresses.

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December 5, 2014

Stick with INNI this holiday

Nail polish has expanded so much over the years that sometimes it gets confusing as to what kind you should use. Well to make matters simpliar INNI Nails has created stick on nail vinyls. Nail vinyls come in an assortment of different designs ( and I mean pretty much every design you can think of) or you can even get more creative and design your own. How cool is that? Now you can add your favorite band, flower, pictures of your pet and anything to your very own vinyl’s.

INNI vinyls

INNI vinyl’s

INNI nail vinyl’s comes with 26 vinyl’s on each sheet and also have assortments of sizes from very small to larger so you can be sure to get a great fit. They are wrinkle free, easy to apply, stretch to fit your nail, do not chip and are easy to remove. Now you can have a perfect, chip free manicure for up to 10 days with no added clear coats or anything else and are waterproof.

Nail vinyls are great for those people on your list who are constantly changing their nail color. Now they can change it to their hearts desire. For more info on INNI nail vinyls check out www.inni.com

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September 25, 2014

The Nail Art Gallery App

If you’re in search of a user-friendly, virtual way to display your nail art, here is a solution you need to check out. The NAILS team created the Nail Art Gallery app, a portal to upload and share your work where you can also browse the art of others in search of inspiration and networking opportunities.

Nail Art Gallery App

Nail Art Gallery App

Currently available for iPhone users via the App Store, the Nail Art Gallery app is not only a social network for nail techs and nail art aficionados, it also serves as a tool to showcase your best manicures. Android users don’t worry. The NAILS team is gearing up for a launch of a compatible version soon. In the meantime, you can use the desktop version of the site.

Join in on the fun by creating a profile, following other artists, and uploading all your nail art designs in one easy-to-share place. The app features a share tool which automatically adds your user avatar and a watermark to your designs when your image is shared by others.

http://nailartgalleryapp.com/

Get it here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nail-art-gallery/id891144004?mt=8

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April 19, 2013

Love Louboutin? Try the Manicure!

What can I say….I love romantic comedies!  My DVR is filled with nothing by funny, feel-good movies like “The Holiday”, “Love Actually” and “Notting Hill”.  Another favorite is  “The Proposal” with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.  But it isn’t just the comedic banter that keeps me coming back to watch it again and again …..it’s the shoes.  Specifically the gorgeous Christian Louboutins Margaret (Bullock’s character)  is wearing when she kneels down to ask Andrew (Reynolds) to marry her.  I’ve been dying for a pair ever since!

Today I spotted a Louboutin-inspired manicure that I also love and am definitely going to try and wanted to pass along.

All you need is:

  • 1 red nail polish (I like Classic Red by Gabriel Cosmetics!)
  • 1 black nail polish
  • 1 cotton swab
  • Nail polish remover

First:  PAINT UNDERSIDE OF NAIL TIPS RED — With your palms facing up, paint a thin coat of red nail polish to the underside of your nails.  If your nails are shorter and don’t extend past the fingertips, use a set of clear press-on nails and paint the bottoms before applying them to your own nails. Apply two coats of red polish on each finger and repeat the process on your other hand.

Next:  CLEAN UP THE  SKIN SURROUNDING NAILS
Dip a Q-tip or a wooden nail stick tip wrapped with tissue into nail polish remover. Use the wet end of the Q-tip to remove any red polish that may be left on your skin.

Then:   PAINT NAILS BLACK

Finally,  paint two coats of black polish onto the tops of your nails (you may also want to use a base coat prior to this step).   If you don’t like black or if you want more of a daytime look, try using a beige or cream polish instead!  Finish with a top coat.

FABULOUS!

Steps adapted from Beautylish.com

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March 15, 2013

Let’s Talk NAILS for Spring

metalic nails

(Maybelline has metallic nail polish)

Let’s Talk NAILS for Spring

Every fashion fanatic knows that style extends to your nails, so what should you be sporting come spring?  I’ve got the latest beauty buzz for nails, so that when you reach for your favorite clutch or hold the hand of your crush, your fingers will look fantastic.

THE NEUTRAL NAIL: Yes, it’s back again this year.  Although spring typically brings bright colors in terms of clothing, the classic neutral nail is once again a mega craze this season.  Pale pinks, whites, taupe and nude will be must-have colors for your manicure.

ROCKIN’ METALLIC: If you’re looking for a bit more spice, flashes of metallic will also be hitting the scene. Eye-catching silvers, glittering blacks and even neons will be a perfect accessory for a night out.

DARK AND BOLD: Make a grab for dark polishes as colors such as deep magnetic greys, midnight blues and ominous blacks will also peak as a major trend.

TWO-TONED MANICURE: Pair your two favorite spring colors for a fun twist on the French mani.  Incorporate some of the other trends such as metallic paints or light+dark.

ADD SOME TEXTURE: The textured look will put fashion on your fingertips this season.  Make a splash with this funky trend.

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