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Tweezerman Grip & Snip Cuticle Nipper… & a Contest!!

April 27, 2014
Beauty, Beauty Tools, Giveaway, Nail care, Tweezerman
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Happy Monday! Today I have for you a review of Tweezerman’s Grip & Snip Spiral Spring Cuticle Nipper, a very cool beauty must-have.

Some info from Tweezerman:

A new take on the traditional cuticle nipper, the Grip & Snip features a spiral spring for the ultimate in style, comfort and control. This sleek new one-of-a-kind design is highly stylish and highly functional. The looped handle maximizes precision and provides a no-slip grip, while the opening and closing action is ultra safe and smooth. This premium stainless manicure tool comes in two stand-out, fashionable colors: Lollypop Berry and Hawaiian Teal.

Tweezerman-Grip-Snip-Nippers2

 

I must admit, I was intrigued by Tweezerman’s cool spiral design – my other cuticle clippers have the regular, scissor-style handles. However, the entire handle being a spiral spring on the Grip & Snip is not only cool-looking, but highly functional. It allows you to simply use it without having to use those fold-away levers on less expensive clippers, and the design fits comfortably in the palm of your hand (left or right!) to make cuticle trimming easy. The looped handle is actually quite soft in your hand and requires almost no pressure to close the jaws.

A better look at the product:

Tweezerman-Grip-Snip-Nippers

 

Some advice: the Grip & Snip is made for precision, so the blades are sharp (and pointy). Cut only loose and hanging cuticles rather than into the skin, and do so in small sections. As with many Tweezerman tools, this nipper comes with the famous Tweezerman ‘free sharpening’ guarantee! (For more, head to Tweezerman.ca.)

Available in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart ($25). For more information, to shop or for some beauty tips and tricks, head to Tweezerman’s website!

 

Now the best part! One of you will have a chance to win your very own Tweezerman Grip & Snip Spiral Spring Cuticle Nipper by heading over to Twitter and tweeting to @Tweezerman.ca and @the_Obsessed what your favourite thing about spring is!

The contest entry link can be found on my Facebook page, or
enter the Rafflecopter giveaway here!

 

Though open to Canadians only, if you have a Canadian address you can ship the prize to, you can enter 🙂

 

(Contest open to Canadian addresses only. Contest runs until May 3, 2014 at 11:59 pm ET. All entries will be verified.)

 

~xo

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Dior Manicure Essentials

April 21, 2014
Beauty, Dior, Dior Vernis, Nail care, Nailpolish, Obsessed
2 Comments

In 1963, Dior created an exceptionally popular treatment: Crème Abricot. This incredibly rich formula was capable of making nails stronger and encouraging their growth through a burst of nutrition and regeneration. Creators of the Couture manicure believed that beautiful nails were the essential finishing touch to a look.

Over the years, the Crème Abricot design has become iconic: its little round pot and beaded border is reminiscent of a neo-classical pillbox. A desirable and portable object to slip into your handbag for any occasion. The success of this star formula has never faltered and 50 years later it remains a must-have product.

Today, Crème Abricot is part of a complete manicure range, starting with Huile Abricot, an extremely refined treatment oil for daily use.

Dior_HuileApricot_Serum

A deeply nourishing and hydrating treatment for cuticles, it also helps strengthen nails:

Its unique formula protects and hardens keratin within the nails through a synergy of active oils. Firstly, argan oil, concentrated in essential fatty acids and anti-oxidant, vitamin E; camellia oil, reputed for its protective properties; and finally, apricot oil, rich in vitamins and minerals, indispensable for strong nails.

I like to keep Huile Abricot in my purse for convenience (love the simple tube and applicator!) – which was especially nice through our never-ending winter this year, or apply a drop to each nail before bed… If you follow my blog, you’ll know how much I swear by regular massaging of cuticles with some cuticle oil. Massaging your cuticles before bed really helps absorb the nutritive oil, and encourages nail growth, and is so easy to do! If you just do one thing to take care of your nails, this would be an amazing product to keep on your nightstand or in your purse for daily use.

DiorVernis_essentials

Going hand-in-hand with the amazing Crème Abricot or Huile Abricot is Dior’s Base Coat Abricot. A nourishing, smoothing and hardening base coat, it transforms the surface of the nail, preparing it for nail polish application and long lasting wear. With an ever-so-subtle beige tint in the bottle, it applies clear, but leaves behind a clean and shiny finish on nails – the perfect unpolished manicure! The first time I applied Base Coat Abricot, I actually skipped the polish, it looked so clean and well… pretty!

Dior_Base_Abricot

Finishing up the Dior manicure is Dior Gel Coat, a gel-finish top coat with an extremely high-gloss finish to wrap and seal the polish. Smoothed over with a brilliant lacquered effect, Dior Gel Coat makes nails appear stronger and thicker with its gel finish, yet dries quickly. While not an actual quick-dry top coat, it dries to the touch within five or so minutes – that’s quick drying to me!   And when you are ready to change colours, Dior’s Gel Coat is simple to take off: just use regular nail polish remover – no pain, no scrubbing.

 

Finally, a little bit of luxe in a small bottle: Dissolvant Abricot, The Treatment Remover:

Described as an acetone-free solution ensures fast and efficient nail polish removal with care for your nails. Rich in treatment ingredients known to nourish, hydrate and strengthen, it instantly revives whiteness and shine.

 

All Dior manicure essential products are available at Dior counters.

For more information (no shipping available to Canada), head to Dior.com and you can shop online at thebay.com!

What is your one luxe beauty splurge item?

~xo

 

If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.

 

 

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

 

Nicole by OPI Carrie Underwood Collection

March 17, 2014
Glitter, Jelly, Nail care, Nailpolish, Nicole by OPI, Obsessed, Other, Textured
2 Comments

Earlier this year Nicole by OPI launched a new celebrity collaboration of 14 new lacquers inspired by mega-star country singer Carrie Underwood, and what a beautiful collaboration! Running the gamut from nudes to pinks to vamps… and a few sparklers and textures thrown in for good measure. There truly is something for everyone here!

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_coll2

Let’s look at the gorgeous lacquers! (Just a note that I did not receive Carrie’s namesake polish, Carrie’d Away, a beautiful gold, so I have only 13 of the 14 lacquers for you.) All polishes are swatched over Nicole by OPI’s new 3-in-1 base/top coat and strengthener.

One of the immediate standouts for me was the soft, pale rose-petal-pink Love My Pups. This one reminds me of some of my favourite OPI crellies (cream jellies) like Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny – sheer at first but buildable and totally office-and-also-wedding-appropriate! Here are two coats:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_LoveMyPups

Look how gorgeous Love my Pups is with a hint of Party Bus, a beautiful silver holographic glitter polish with macro glitter and…  flower glitters! I didn’t know if I would like this glitter by looking at the bottle, but it totally blew me away once I had it on!! It’s so fun!! And summery, and really like a Party Bus, no?

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_LoveMyPups_PartyBus

Look at the macro… sigh:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_LoveMyPups_PartyBusMacro

Southern Charm is a gorgeous peach-leaning tan creme. Another beauty! This colour is slightly darker/more peach than nude on me, but this is the kind of nude lipgloss I usually fawn over, so no surprise, another love here! Below, 2 coats:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_SouthernCharm

I paired Southern Charm with Lips are Dripping Honey, a gold holographic glitter bomb in a clear base. This one is filled with golden hex and micro glitter, making it sparkle no matter how much or how little of it you use. It’s like a gold version of Party Bus, minus the flower shapes. Doesn’t it make a gorgeous combo with Southern Charm?

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_SouthernCharm_Lips

And of course, a macro for my macro-lovers:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_SouthernCharm_LipsMacro

I love the holo glitters Nicole by OPI used in this collection!

Sweet Daisy is a beautiful salmon pink creme. I loved Nicole by OPI’s description “southern peach blossom” which I could almost imagine. In some lights it leans a bit more peach, and had a crelly quality as well. Another beauty! Here are two shiny coats:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_SweetDaisy

A little bit brighter is Color Me Country, another crelly formula polish in a hot, medium-pink. It’s totally a hot summer shade and will sizzle with a little summer sun and tan! Here are two easy coats:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_ColorMeCountry

A sugary pink confection, I loved how Carnival Cotton Candy looked with Goodbye Shoes, used as an accent on my ring finger. Goodbye Shoes is a dustry grey-green, very different, but gorgeous. I usually don’t love green polishes but the grey-base totally called out to me! Both below at two coats:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_Carnival_Cotton_Goodbye

Some Hearts is a polish I have already used a few times in a couple of recent nail art manis (here and with Color Me Country here). A beautiful bright coral, this is another sizzling beauty for summer! It looked really bright on me and I love it! Look at that shine! Again, two coats:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_SomeHearts

I have worn the next shade so many times that I’ve lost count. You have to know how hard it is for me to wear the same polish over and over again, given how many new or unworn polishes I have at any given time… not to mention the swatching that I do… but somehow, American as Apple Pie, this stunning red creme, just keeps calling to me! If you only purchase one colour from this collection, get this – sure to become a classic red in your stash. Amazingly easy to apply, self-levelling, quick drying. Two coats, no top coat and this shine!:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_AmericanAsApl

Moving on to the two vamps in this collection, another namesake polish, this one a play on her married name, Fisher Queen is a deep eggplant with a beautiful hidden shimmer. In the sun, as in below, it is very vibrant and the shimmer dances (click the pic to see full size), while in the shade, it is a mysterious vamp. Another easy application, two coats below:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_Fisher_Queen

Backstage Pass is a burnished purple, appearing brown in the shade, but with a hidden copper shimmer in the sun. If you click the picture, you can see some of the sparkle. Application was great with a gorgeous shine to the finish. Two coats:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_BackstagePass

Finally, the only textured polish in this collection is Sing You Like a Bee, a white frost with tons of golden shimmer. You can see the textured finish best on my pinky. This was a breeze to apply if you let the coats dry in between, and you have to apply it lightly as the formula was a bit thick. I used two coats below:

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_SingYouLikeaBee

The gold shimmer is actually more of a gold flake if you look at the macro shot below. The iridescence of this polish is divine. It actually looks angelic!

NicolebyOPI_Carrie_SingYouLikeaBee_macro

Which of these shades is your favourite?

Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. This limited edition collection will be in newly designed bottles featuring the NEW Nicole logo. These shades are available (in Canada) at Shoppers Drug Mart, Target Canada, Walmart Canada, Jean Coutu, London Drug, and Loblaws.

For more information, visit Nicole by OPI on the web, on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter!

If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.

~xo

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Nicole Challenge Nail Art

February 18, 2014
Nail Art, Nail care, Nailpolish, Nicole by OPI, Obsessed
1 Comment

Yesterday I announced that I was participating in a new Nicole by OPI challenge that runs until February 25th (please head to twitter to tweet or retweet to help me win!), and today I wanted to share some more details about the nail art. 🙂

The challenge was to come up with a manicure to complement any of Carrie Underwood’s amazing songs using only shades from her new Nicole by OPI collection.
I chose the song “Before he Cheats.” Colours used (all from the Carrie Underwood for Nicole by OPI collection): Love My Pups, Carnival Cotton Candy, Some Hearts and American as Apple Pie, as well as the new 3-in-1 as my base/top coat:

NOPI_Carrie_contest_btls

Here is the mani before I added the nail art, with the beautiful pale nude Love My Pups on my index and ring (2 coats), red beauty American as Apple Pie on my middle, and deep pink crelly Some Hearts on my pinky:

NOPI_Carrie_contest_aAren’t the colours beautiful?

And the final look once I added striping tape and the topping colours (middle and pinky fingers done freehand, and index is a sponge gradient of American as Apple Pie and Carnival Cotton Candy):

NOPI_Carrie_contest_b_BfrHeCheats

Once again, if you happen to like my mani and are on twitter, would you vote for me by heading over to Twitter and tweeting or retweeting the following photo of my nail art, including my hashtag #Aire4Nicole?

Nicole_the Obsessed-1Everyone can tweet once as well as retweet once per day (that’s two votes per person, per day)!

Thank you! ~xo

(If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post or comment.)

How to Use OPI Glitter Off!

February 14, 2014
Glitter, Nail care, Nailpolish, OPI
4 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day!

We recently learned of the amazing new product Glitter Off by OPI launching in March 2014 (read all about it here), and today I wanted to share with you how it works!

Glitter Off by OPI is a new, peel-able base coat that allows for the quick and easy removal of nail lacquer when applied beneath any glitter or dark nail color. Glitter Off provides a base for quick one-step removal and protects natural nails, while simultaneously making nail colors brighter. Glitter Off is designed to leave nails polish-free and stain-free in seconds, revealing a clean nail surface without the use of lacquer remover.

Step 1: apply one thin coat of Glitter Off

Glitteroff1Step 2: wait for it to dry clear

Glitteroff2Step 3: apply as many coats of your glitter polish as you like

Glitteroff3Step 4: when you are ready to remove, use a cuticle stick to gently lift up an edge and peel the glitter lacquer off the nail.

Glitteroff4Glitteroff5Glitteroff6

That’s it! No remover necessary!

Glitteroff8Glitteroff9

Glitter Off features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Glitter Off will be available March 2014, at Professional Salons and Spas across Canada for $10.95 CAN suggested retail each.

For more information on this or other products, please call 800-341-9999 or visit http://www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

 

So what do you think? Are you excited to try Glitter Off?

~xo

OPI Glitter Off Peel-able Base Coat

February 12, 2014
Glitter, Nail care, Nailpolish, Obsessed, OPI
4 Comments

Glitter On, Glitter Off!

OPI Glitter Off Peel-able Base Coat Allows for Glitter Nail Lacquer Removal in Seconds

Glitter Off by OPI is a new, peel-able base coat that allows for the quick and easy removal of nail lacquer when applied beneath any glitter or dark nail color. Glitter Off provides a base for quick one-step removal and protects natural nails, while simultaneously making nail colors brighter. Glitter Off is designed to leave nails polish-free and stain-free in seconds, revealing a clean nail surface without the use of lacquer remover.

OPI_Glitter_Off_BC“Women love glitter nail lacquer, which adds a glamorous element to any manicure. However, it can be difficult and frustrating to remove. Now OPI fans can fully embrace the glitter nail trend without the accompanying hassle. Simply brush on one thin layer of Glitter Off to bare nails, wait until it dries clear and then apply as many coats of glitter lacquer as needed to get the desired look,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP. “Glitter Off is designed to last for a few days, allowing for glitter shades to be changed frequently or worn just for a special occasion or night out. It’s so easy to use – And when it’s time to remove it, peel!”

To remove, use a cuticle stick to gently push and peel the glitter lacquer off the nail. No nail polish remover is necessary for this final step.

Glitter Off features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Glitter Off will be available March 2014, at Professional Salons and Spas across Canada for $10.95 CAN suggested retail each.

For more information on this or other products, please call 800-341-9999 or visit http://www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

Nicole by OPI Launches 4 NEW Top Coats & Treatments for 2014

January 8, 2014
Nail care, Nailpolish, Nicole by OPI
5 Comments

Pampered and Polished!

Nicole by OPI announces four new Top Coats & Treatments for 2014 – essentials for a perfect at-home manicure. Developed and inspired by OPI’s in-salon favorites, the line includes Oil to Go; 3-in-1 Base, Top Coat & Strengthener; Quick Dry Top Coat; and Matte Top Coat.

NOPI-Treatments-2014Packaged in a leak-proof tube, Oil to Go keeps cuticles soft and smooth on the go. 3-in-1 Base, Top Coat & Strengthener encompasses nail care must-haves in one convenient bottle. Matte Top Coat can be layered over any Nicole by OPI hue to instantly transform shiny finishes to matte. Quick Dry Top Coat reduces drying time and adds shine and protection.

“I recommend using Oil to Go daily for healthy nails,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Top Coats are important for maintaining perfectly painted fingers and toes. Nicole fans can achieve high quality results without breaking the bank!”

Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. These treatments will be available January 2014 for $10.99 Cdn each at select Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart Canada, Jean Coutu, Loblaws and London Drug.

For more information, visit Nicole by OPI on the web, on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter!

2013 Favourites! Part 2

January 1, 2014
BC Bonacure, Beauty, Butter LONDON, Dior, Elizabeth Arden, gĂśt2b, Kevin.Murphy, Kiehl's, Nail care, Nailpolish, Obsessed, OSiS+, Qtica, Schwarzkopf
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Happy New Year everyone! Can you believe that 2014 is already here?

Yesterday I rounded up some of my favourites for you, including my top ten polishes and top ten nail art looks. Today I will share some of my favourite beauty and hair care products! Believe me when I say it was tough to narrow them down to just a few. Hope you enjoy these posts as much as I enjoy writing them, and let me know in the comments what some of your favourites are!!

 

 

This year I finally tried Butter LONDON’s Lippy, a liquid lipstick/gloss hybrid, and fell in love. My favourite of them was Wine Gums, second from left below.

ButterLONDON-LIPPY_2013

Two products that  I cannot live without are from my manicure essentials post: cuticle oil, like Qtica’s amazing Solid Gold and a cuticle eraser stick like the one below. (Get both at Nail Polish Canada.) Another great cuticle cream is Lemony Flutter from Lush!

SolidGold Cuticleeraser

A product I was excited to try this year, and absolutely cannot live without now, was Elizabeth Arden’s Eight HourÂŽ Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm. I use this product religiously before bed, and it has helped so much, especially through the winter months. Speaking of which, it’s time to hit the EA counter for a backup….

EA_intensiveLiprepair

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is another must-have, not only because of the non-greasy texture that helps your skin look refreshed every morning, but because of its delicious, soft, natural essential oil scent. I literally inhale deeply as I apply this each evening – dare I say it is intoxicating?

Kiehls-Midnight-Recovery Con

Another new line I had the pleasure of trying this year was Kevin Murphy, an Australian hairstylist’s innovative hair care line. My favourite was the Young.Again.Masque, a deep conditioning treatment that my processed hair just loves. Another great product with a delicious, soft scent!

KevinMurphy-YoungAgain2

If you have long, especially chemically-processed hair, you must know that daily washing is a no-no. Dry shampoos are what saves us, and two I absolutely love are gĂśt2b’s Rockin’ it Dry Shampoo and OSiS+ Refresh Dust by Schwarzkopf Professional! Both come in a handy spray bottle (so nice for keeping one in your gym bag), and both bodify your hair in the process. OSiS+ was even released in a triple-size bottle and was named “best dry shampoo” in Salon Magazine’s 2013 Reader’s Choice Awards!

g2b_RI_CAN_DryS_HRNWSKP-Osis-RefreshDust-TextShamp1One more hair product favourite this year was BC Bonacure Oil Miracle Finishing Treatment. Offered in regular and light versions and containing Marula and Argan oils, I never skip applying this to towel-dried hair. It helps protect your hair from heat styling, and moisturizes those pesky ends. And again, it smells so amazing!

BC_OilMiracle_finishing

 

I confess a love for… Dior. 2013 saw Dior launch the incredible Diorshow Fusion Mono eyeshadows, single pots of a gel-mousse eyeshadow formula that can be used wet or dry… and when used wet, they leave behind a metallic, high-shine, incredible finish. I am head-over heels! (Think it would be wrong to collect the other 4 metallics that I don’t have?)

Dior_FusionMono_shadows

And speaking of Dior… are you a Dior Addict? With the Mystic Metallics launch, Dior added a few more Dior Addict Gloss shades, including the lovely, nude yet sparkly Charm. These glosses are phenomenal for the range of shades that are offered, from wisps of colour to saturated hues that smell amazing, apply and wear phenomenally, and best of all, offer a non-sticky finish. Absolute favourite!

Dior_AddictGloss_364_Charm

Just a couple of months ago I discovered Dior’s Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil, applied to a wet or dry face to dissolve all traces of makeup, including pesky eye makeup. Rated as one of InStyle’s Best Summer Skincare Products for 2013, it is a godsend, allowing me to rub my makeup off and not leaving behind any oiliness. Love!

dior_CleansingOil

Finally, another new discovery for me was the Lip Glow from Dior – a lip balm that hydrates and also enhances the natural colour of your lips (in its original pink formula)! Below is the newest addition to the Lip Glow family, a Coral shade to be launched on January 15th!

Dior_Spring2014_LipGlow

I hope you enjoyed my 2013 Favourites posts!

 

What are some of your favourite beauty products?

~xo

 

What nail strengthener do you use?

November 9, 2013
Beauty, Nail care, Nailpolish
6 Comments

Happy weekend!

Today I am looking for your help. With the return of cold weather here in Antarctica, err, I mean, Canada, I notice that my nails are starting to peel…. not a problem I’ve had before especially because I use cuticle oil/cream every night, sometimes soak in olive oil, do all the things I suggested to you in this post.

Now I want to ask you two questions:

Do you use a nail strengthener/hardener?

What is your favourite strengthener to use UNDER nail polish? (This is very important to me given that I wear polish every day.)

 

I personally have loved (and used for years) China Glaze’s Nail Strengthener & Growth Formula; however, this product peels very quickly and as such, is not recommended for use under polish.Can’t wait for your feedback! Thanks beauties!~xo

Dial Back to School Contest!

September 18, 2013
Body, Giveaway, Other
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This September, Dial® Gives Mom a Chance to Relax with their ‘Back to School, Back to You’ Contest!

Congrats Moms, you made it! The back to school rush is complete, and everyone is back in their routines! Dial® would like to reward you with some time to relax – and don’t worry, they’ve got something to keep the kids busy too! Dial® is offering a chance to win 1 of 3 Mom & Me prize packs as part of their ‘Back to School, Back to You’ contest!

image001Prize packs offer Moms some of their already favourite Dial products, including DialÂŽ Skin Renewal Pink Himalayan & award-winning DialÂŽ Triple Moisture body wash products, along with a shower essentials kit filled with lovely goodies, and a one year subscription to one of four great magazines of your choice! (Canadian Living, Style At Home, Elle Canada OR Coup de Pouce).image003

Mom won’t have to feel guilty about taking a luxurious shower and settling in for a good read, because Dial’s ‘Back to School, Back to You’ contest also offers a prize for the kids! Bath time will be tons of fun with tear-free, pH balanced Dial® Kids Hair & Body Wash developed with Pediatric Dermatologists, and a 1-year subscription to Chirp or Chickadee magazine plus an amazing gift bag from Owlkids, including a tote bag, watch, t shirt and much more!

 

The Dial® ‘Back to School, Back to You’ contest is open for entry between September 19th-30th, 2013. Simply visit and “like” Dial Canada’s Facebook page, and complete the online entry form under the contest tab for your chance to win 1 of 3 amazing Mom & Me prize packs.

Visit: www.facebook.com/DialCanada to enter!

Thanks Mom, from DialÂŽ!

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