China Glaze Eye Candy

 3-D GLITTERS ARE A GIRL’S NEW BEST FRIEND

China Glaze Introduces Six New Innovative Glitter Polishes for Winter 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (October 2011):  Forget diamonds!  This winter China Glaze introduces a nail industry first: utilizing 3-D glitters in its new “Eye Candy” collection.  Inspired by Marilyn Monroe and her timeless allure, this innovative new glitter technology provides a knock-your-eyes-out, super sparkly effect to your manicure.   Multi-sized and differently shaped glitter particles are cleverly combined to create a sexy, super decadent, 3-D finish in six bright, eye-popping shades.  Whether you prefer gleaming gold or glamorous smoky grey, China Glaze’s “Eye Candy” collection adds a dazzling finish to your holiday look with a glimmer that is sure to catch everyone’s eye!  Colors in this collection include:

·        Love Marilyn: Vivacious Red with Shimmering Silver Particles

·        Blonde Bombshell: Glistening Multidimensional Gold Flecks

·        Lorelei’s Tiara: Sterling Silver Infused with Blue Sprinkles

·        Material Girl: Posh pink with Holographic Bubblegum Glitter

·        Some Like It Haute: Graphite Gray with Holographic Glitter

·        Marry A Millionaire: Alluring Amethyst with Multi-tonal Fibers

Celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Ivanka Trump, Rosario Dawson and Emmy Rossum regularly rock China Glaze and now you can get your bling on with “Eye Candy.” 

The China Glaze “Eye Candy” collection will be available in an amazing 3-D 12-piece counter display and as open stock colors.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks,  Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

Enjoy the silence....

Today's title has nothing to do with the polish I am going to show you, but the fact that my house is completely quiet.  I am talking eerily silent- all I hear is the fish tank and the dog snoring!  Why is it so quiet, you ask?  Because the Princess has started kindergarten!  This is her second full week of school, and after my initial meltdown on the first day, I am enjoying things.  August was full of an earthquake, a hurricane, and a bunch of general schoool related chaos- the quiet is a wonderful change.  Now that I am used to being alone, and have peace to do whatever I want, I should be posting way more....

Now, for the polish- I know that's why y'all come!

I am a tight wad.  Spending over $6 or $7 for a polish makes me cringe, LOL!  That is why no matter how much I love all the pictures of Chanel Peridot or Graphite, I will probably never own them...  I know Revlon has a Graphite dupe called Carbonite (the Star Wars geek in me giggles every time!) but LE Revlons never seem to show up here.  *sigh*   Not sure why that is...  Way back in November, Mr. Ski bought me a 2 pack of NYC polish at a Dollar Tree in Key West.  In this pack was Molten Metal.  Since I have only seen pics of Carbonite and Graphite, I have no idea how this compares to them, but for now, it works for me!

I am going to leave you with one more picture- the Princess on her first day of school. 

Until Later,
Amberski

China Glaze Metallic Crackle

I know that y'all have seen these a million times already, but I was just sent them!!  I love crackle polish, I don't know why.  Maybe because it is a good way to "refresh" an older mani. I was excited when the metallics came out, I thought they looked awesome.

These are all over ManGlaze Fuggin Ugly, partly because I am too lazy to wait for the bottom polish to dry, an partly because that is what I had on when they came.

First up, Tarnished Gold.  This is on my rarely seen right hand, because once again I was being lazy and decided to do 2 colors as a full mani.

Pretty, but I am still not a huge fan of gold with my skin tone.  I don't even wear yellow gold jewelry, LOL!

Next is Cracked Medallion.  This is the other color that I wore in the above mentioned mani.  I even went out in public like that, and no one could really tell...  Mr. Ski didn't notice until I pointed it out over lunch!

I like this one a bit better, I think the bronze-y color looks better on me.

Last, but definitely not least, we have Oxidized Aqua.  This was my favorite of the three- love it!!

I definitely need to go and get the silver, the lilac, and maybe the pink one.  These are gorgeous- I love the texture.  The formula was easy to work with, but I know that the crackles tend to get thick...   oh well, that's what thinner is for!!

Until Later,
Amberski

**these were provided by the company for review**

U-G-L-Y.....

First, I want to apologize for my suckiness as a blogger.  My personal life is a complicated mess right now, and I don't know when or how it is going to unfold.  I am going to try and conncentrate on blogging more as a distraction, even though my head has not been in to it...  I knw most of you only continue to follow me because you are nice, but I appreciate it.  Thank you.

Enough of the melancholy babble, sorry.

As I have said many times before, I love ugly greens.  A few months back, I was asking on Twitter about army greens, and Tiffani from Yardsticks 4 Lunatics sent me Kleancolor Military Green.  (I have worn this at least twice, why don't I have pictures of it??)  Military Green is awesome, but I wanted something a bit more yellow, so I bought Kleancolor Fashionista.  Perfect!!  I love this one...



I swear I changed diapers this color when the kids were babies!!  I need to gather all my ugly greens and do an ombre mani or something...  ideas? 

Until Later,
Amberski

Beauty Blog Roundup 7/3-7/10

Current Combo: Pop Of Pink- Beauty Thesis

Happy Birthday America! Midnight Manicures

Cosmetically Challenged Get's a Facelift!

Moroccan mint tea inspired mani- Nailderella Nails

LTHP Throws some swatches your way

Zoya Layla Life and Polish 

Lime Crime Candy Eyed Eye Shadow Helper Review-Royal Beauty Designs

Body Blends Nail Care Kit:http://www.ohcbeauty.com/5/post/2011/07/body-blends-nail-care-kit.html

Revlon Perplex- A Day In The Life 

Glitter Zebra Mani- Tara's Nails 

Oppose H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011- Polish Insomniac

Joining the cult with Cult Nails - Nails and Noms

Pink Wednesdays-Devious Sprinkles- Polish Pauper 

Super cute stuff! Forever 21 haul at Beauty Mamas

For those who love holo, purple, and purple holo- Painted Pixies

Mary Kay Timewise Matte Wear Liquid Foundation- Style Eyes

OCC Liptar Swatches- Reve Noir

Aromafloria Salt Glow Giveaway- Addicted To All Things Pretty

Ramy Beauty Therapy Fall 2011 Collection- GlitterGlossGarbage

Until Later,

Amberski

China Glaze Metro Collection- Fall 2011

I want!!!!

China Glaze Introduces 12 New Purely Pigmented Crèmes, High Coverage Glitters and Intense Shine Shimmers for Fall 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (April 2011):  City living boasts excitement, a cool, edginess and confidence that oozes from fashion forward women like none other.   City loving celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Ivanka Trump, Rosario Dawson and Jaime King have style to spare and their fashion sense trickles down to everyone from working women to college kids. This Fall, China Glaze has captured the big city feel in 12 sexy, sophisticated shades that are on trend, exciting and will be on every fashion maven’s “must have” list.  Whether you prefer downtown funk or uptown class, China Glaze’s METRO collection pulls together ensembles and will undoubtedly make heads turn!  Colors in this collection include:

·        Skyscraper: A sparkling, glitter blue reminiscent of the sky over the city.
·        CG in the City: Glittering dusty purple, bronze and silver multi-tonal glitter, perfect for a pop of  edge from West side to East side.
·        Urban-Night: Exactly what you need for a night on the town – rich purple crème.
·        Traffic Jam: Stop traffic with a breathtaking, raspberry pink crème.
·        City Siren: The perfect deep, red crème to match any outfit.
·        Loft-y Ambitions: Burgundy shimmer and cocktail hour – nothing better.
·        Brownstone: Burnt terracotta crème mirrors the quaint townhouses of the city.
·        Midtown Magic: Burgundy base with flecks of gold shimmer captures the latest fashion trend.
·        Street Chic: This gorgeous beige crème is the perfect go to shade letting your clothes do the talking.
·        Concrete Catwalk: Steel grey crème is amazing for a chic mani.
·        Westside Warrior: For the trendsetting woman this camo green crème is to die for.
·        Trendsetter: Mustard yellow shimmer translates beautifully from hot dogs to nails.

Fall in the City is a magnificent time and China Glaze has interpreted the hues of the urban jungle into their limited edition METRO collection.   Escape your everyday and indulge in the city life!

The China Glaze METRO collection will be available in a “Downtown” 6 piece box collection (includes Skyscraper, Concrete Catwalk, Westside Warrior, Trendsetter, Loft-y Ambitions and Midtown Magic), an “Uptown” 6 piece box collection (includes CG in the City, Urban-Night, Traffic Jam, City Siren and Street Chic and Brownstone), a brand new, amazing 3D 12 piece counter display, a 36 piece rack display, and as open stock colors.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries
For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks,  Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

Until Later,

Amberski

Revlon Perplex

Okay, I know I am way behind with this one!  I could never find it, though.  I stalked the drug stores, Big Lots, and anywhere else I could think of and never saw it.  I had to resort to ebay....  I know it is a Chanel dupe, but I couldn't spend that money- I am a tight ass, LOL.

I took quite a few pics of this, trying to show the purple shimmer.  I love colors like this, dark but with a bit of a surprising shimmer.

This is actually the second time I have worn this- for some reason, the first time it looked blah brown...  maybe it was because I was using a cheap top coat, who knows.  I think this will be a favorite this fall though, it is gorgeous.

Until Later,
Amberski

Happy 4th!!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th.  We are getting ready to go to an all day cookout (they are not called bbq's here unless bbq is involved- and by bbq, I don't mean bbq sauce slapped on some chicken or ribs and grilled, I mean pulled pork on a bun with vinegar, hot sauce and cole slaw!) and to watch fireworks at Mount Trashmore- yes, it is what the name implies, don't ask me why- I just live here.

For my patriotic mani, I used Wet n Wild Crystallic in Scarlet Red, ChG Frostbite, and Revlon Powder Puff, with a Kleancolor star glitter on top.  (I fished out the silver stars- it was a pain!)  It is lame and uninventive, because I have no nail art talent, LOL.  I also am showing my rarely seen left hand because it turned out better...

Boring....  oh well.

Before I go, can you spot the tacky?  I wanted to put it in the front yard, but Mr. Ski was afraid it would get stolen.

Until Later,
Amberski

OPI Stranger Tides

I couldn't think of a clever title for this one, I think it may be too early for me, LOL!

This is OPI Stranger Tides- I got it in the mini Pirates of the Caribbean set that the Princess picked out for my birthday present.  I want to get the full size of this one, Skull and Glossbones, and Mermaid Tears- I love these colors!

Stranger Tides is a grayish green color.  I have this love of weird greens- I don't know why.  I want more!

The formula on this was pretty good- a bit streaky at first but it evened out.  I have a feeling my mini bottle will not last long!  I don't think these colors scream "pirate" to me, but they are pretty.  (though I am not sure exactly what colors would scream "pirate", LOL)

Until Later,
Amberski

Beauty Blog round-up

Lip Tar and MAC Surf Baby Lipstick Give Away Winner on Cosmetically Challenged

Hard Candy Beetle on the Life and Polish blog

500 Follower Giveaway 6 winners on Midnight Manicures

Zoya Touch Swatches on Kewtified

Animal Manicure on Bright Lights Big Color

My First Nubar on A Day in the Life

PritiNYC Summer Day Kit Swatches on Polished to the Nines

Multidimensional Mani on Nailderella Nails

You're Moody, Bish on Lambchop Mobile

Home Laser Hair Removal Guide on Beauty and Fashion Tech

Review: Mary Kay Love Lash Mascara on Style Eyes

A rainbow tape mani from Let Them Have Polish

Are You Down With OCC? Polish Insomniac is.

Pink Glitter Mani on Bookworm Nails

Battle of brush cleaner on Purple Eye Diamond

Get to know JoElle Skincare on Creatively Yours By Ro

Continuing Education in Artistry on Royal Beauty Designs

Review: e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Plum Purple on Beauty Mamas

Essie Ruby Slippers on Nails and Noms

Walking the Plank on Polish Pauper

Get in the Mood for Friday with Tara's Nails

Real French Perfume from Fragonard on Reve Noir

Enter the Nicole By OPI Texture Giveaway on Addicted to All Things Pretty

Are you tired of the bandwagon trends? Glitter Gloss Garbage is.



Until Later,
Amberski

Pretty in pink... isn't she?

I love 80's Brat Pack movies.  Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire, Sixteen Candles.  Pretty in Pink was my favorite though- I wanted to be Andie.  She was a pretty red head, I loved her clothes, and she had a cool boss.  I wanted her to end up with Duckie, I thought Blane was a douche.  (Plus I liked Jon Cryer better than Andrew McCarthy!)

I put this polish on, and all I could think of was the lyrics to "Pretty in Pink" by the Pyschedelic Furs.  Good grief, I am old!!

This is Essie Mod Squad.  I like Essie, even though I only own three.   I really need to get more...

I think this may be a summer pedi color though- it is pretty, but very pink.   It is a happy color though!!

Until Later,
Amberski

My first Nubar polish

I finally have a decent computer, so I am back.  I was using the Princess' piece o'crap that only booted up when it felt like it, and locked up on me.  I stole Mr. Ski's Macbook, LOL!

I have been lemming Nubar Reclaim for a while now.  I finally broke down and bought it off the Bay of Evil...  I am not disappointed!!  This polish is wonderful- the application, the coverage, the color...  basically I love it.

Everyone knows that green is my favorite color, and a green holo makes it damn near my favorite polish!    This one will be worn quite a bit.  Now I need to buy more Nubars, if they all are as great as this, I will be a fan.

Until Later,
Amberski

OPI My Private Jet- the "dud"

The Princess picked out a few polishes for my birthday...  Apparently all by herself!  One of them was one of the "dud" versions of MPJ.  I have the brown holo version, but I wanted to try this one out.  Turns out, it is kind of pretty!

I know there are a few "duds", but The Princess managed to pick a good one!

Until Later,
Amberski

Yes I am a pirate....

200 years too late.
the cannons don't thunder,
there's nothing to plunder
I'm an over 40 victim of fate.
Arriving too late,
arriving too late.

(2 points if you can name that tune, LOL!)

Sorry it has been so long since I posted.  I had no internet for a week, then my hard drive died, and we had a dog emergency.  It has been a long 2 weeks.

Mr. Ski and the kids got me the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean mini set, and I decided to give Skull and Glossbones a try first.  I lovethis one, it is a weird greyish greenish color. 

Pretty!  I think I want to go back and get the full size.

Until Later,
Amberski

ABCs of Amberski

I saw this on a few other blogs and it looked like fun, so I stole it, LOL.


A. Age:
I will be 36 in 11 days.  Yay.

B. Bed size:
I have a queen, but since the Princess, the cat and the dog like to climb in bed with us, I think we need a king!

C. Chore you hate:
dishes, laundry, vacuuming... all of them!

D. Day:
they all kind of run together for me... but I like weekends since everyone is home.

E. Essential start to your day:
coffee and a cigarette...  I know, bad!

F. Favorite color:
green

G. Gold or Silver:
Silver

H. Height:
5’6″

I. Instruments:
I was in percussion in high school- I was the nerd playing the xylophone.

J. Job title:
nanny, maid, cook, laundress....  mom.

K. Kids:
2 - Ski Jr. is 13 and the Princess is almost 5

L. Live:
Virginia Beach, VA

M. Mom’s name:
Robin, or Ma, Mother, Mommy.  Kids call her Geema

N. Nicknames:
Amberski, duh!

O. Overnight hospital stays:
when my kids were born

P. Pet peeve:
umm, so many!

Q. Quote from a movie:
wow, can't think of just one. I always liked "There's no crying in baseball!"

R. Right or left handed:
right

S. Siblings:
I have 3 younger sisters.

T. Time you wake up:
7 am on weekdays, but I go back to sleep until about 9 after Ski Jr. goes to the bus stop.

U. Underwear:
nope! ; )

V. Vegetables you dislike:
brussel sprouts

W. What makes you run late:
When Mr. Ski is going with me, I am always late.

X. X-Rays you’ve had:
knees, back

Y. Yummy food you make:
hmm, BBQ chicken with cheese and bacon, my meatloaf

Z. Zoo:
haven't been in a while, our zoo is slightly crappy, very small.

That was fun!  Can't wait to read more of these.

Until Later,
Amberski

Borghese Riviera Sunset

This is another polish that Mr. Ski picked up for me.  Bless his heart, he tries.  (my mother has a hilarious bit about how southerners can get away with insulting someone because they preface it with "Bless your heart", LOL)  I don't wear gold, copper or bronze usually because I think it looks bad on me, but he seems to like picking those colors!

meh.  My sister likes it, so I may let her walk away with it next time she comes over, and play dumb....


Until Later,
Amberski

Playing with 230- mini pic spam

After a day or so of a mani, I get bored.  Sometimes I am lazy and add crackle or glitter instead of changing completely.  Here are a few that I spruced up with Clarins 230.  (I am not as afraid to use it as much, I got a back up!)

230 over ChG 108 Degrees

230 over Ulta For Bitten

230 over ChG Channelesque

Until Later,
Amberski

I wish that I had Jessie's girl...

I loved Rick Springfield when I was younger.  He was hot, and had a catchy song- plus, he was on General Hospital!  He still pops up on GH once in a blue moon, but he is not quite as hot as he used to be.  I hate getting old, LOL!

Mr, Ski picked this polish up for me purely because the brand is Jessie's Girl.  I have seen it at the drug store, but never grabbed it because it didn't really jump out at me.  Since Mr. Ski was so proud of himself for getting it, I didn't have the heart to tell him that I really wasn't that into it.

This is Jessie's Girl Spring Break.  It is a red based purple.  I think it is dupeable- pretty, but not unique.  The formula was pretty good though.

Since I think it is sweet that Mr. Ski tries, I will keep wearing the polishes he buys, even if I am not really that into them- he picked out a Borghese that I am really not into, but I suppose I will have to wear it soon, LOL!

Until Later,
Amberski

New storage

All of my polish has been sept in cardboard boxes since I moved in October.  I told Mr. Ski I wanted to get something to store them in, thinking maybe some sterilite drawers, a melmer or even a helmer, but apparently Mr. Ski had a different idea.  He started looking online for a rack that hangs on the wall to put them in.... then I counted my stash.  201.  He discovered that I would need more than one rack, and that it would be cheaper for him just to build a bigger one himself.  I wasn't to sure about that, Mr. Ski is not much of a woodworker, LOL.  Give him a computer and he can take it aprt and put it back together in no time.  He can install car stereos and home theater systems 'til the cows come home.  Working with wood?  I was sure that I would have to take him to the ER, and with my recently acquired blood phobia (due to a trauma I won't go into here) I didn't know if I could handle that- so I left, LOL.

Five hours later, and surprisingly no ER trips, this is what I got:

I still need to stain it, but I think he did a great job!  He was so proud, he showed everyone he came in contact with for the next few days- it was cute!

If you stuck around this long, yay!  Since it is Red Friday, here is a quick NOTD.  This is Wet n Wild Crystallic in Scarlet Red.  It is gorgeous, but I think I am gonna change it already- I am not feeling it.

Until Later,

Amberski

15 years...

I can't believe it has been 15 years.  I still think about you every day, but more often than not it is with a smile instead of tears.

I love you.

WLC Jr. 10/25/52-04/28/96

Red Friday- Cult Nails Quench

a few weeks back, Ange did a Red Friday post.  I thought it was a good thing and intended on joining in, but I am a forgetful person, LOL.  I finally remembered this week!

I come from a large military area.  You can't spit in any direction and not hit a base of some kind.  I think we have all branches represented here, even Coast Guard.  My father was not in the military, nor is Mr. Ski, but Mr. Ski's father and both grandfathers were in the Navy.  My grandfather was in the Army (I believe) and my maternal grandmother's 3 husbands have all been military- 1 Navy and 2 Coast Guard.  (Plus she was in the Air Force)  So as you can see, I am connected to the military in quite a few ways.  I admire the men and women who are risking their lives every day, even if I don't agree with the reasons they are doing it.

For my Red Friday mani, I chose Cult Nails Quench, and did an accent with an old Sally Hansen called Very Sexy.  Quench is gorgeous!  In my dim living room light, it looks dark and vampy, but in normal light- sexy red!! Love!!

Isn't it awesome?  I will be pulling this out when True Blood comes back!

Until Later,
Amberski

Amber is the color of your energy....

First, let me say that "Amber" is my least favorite 311 song ever, LOL.  I just couldn't think of any songs that had my name in it.  (Except for "America the Beautiful!)  Let me know if you know one!

I collect amber jewelry, my grandparents had a jewelry store when I was growing up and gave me several necklaces.  Over the years, my mom has continued the tradition and bought me some as well.  (damn, too bad she didn't name me diamond!  LOL)  Since I have amber jewelry and love it, I thought I would try to find some Amber named polishes.  I haven't really found any that I  like, the all tend to be too bronze- ish.

I (finally) found some Sally Hansen Prisms at my Dollar Tree, and included was Pink Amber.  Of course, I had to give it a try!

sorry about the bad photos, I had to wander around the house to get the colors to show.  The "amber" is not quite the glowy, lit from within color of real amber that I am searching for, but it isn't too bad.  Someday I will have the proper amber color, though seeing how amber comes in so many colors, I guess technically I may already have it, LOL...

Until Later,
Amberski

It's Magnetic!!

I told y'all I would have some more pretties from the box of goodies Tiffani sent me, and here they are!

I have had a huge lemming for magnetic polishes since the day I first saw them.  I thought it was the neatest thing ever, and Tiffani was kind enough to send me some!!

This is Essence Iron Goddess:

I used a bendy fridge magnet on these, and there is a bit of a learning curve.  You have to hold it really close but be careful not to hit the polish, which I did in a few places.  I have shaky hands, LOL!

This is Agnes B. in Kaki Metal

yay, green!!  I will definitely be playing with these more- I want to try different magnets and see if I can make the lines go different ways.  I also need to find more- Essence needs to bring these to the US!!

Until Later,
Amberski