Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's Intimate Collection Spring 2011

Remember how much I loved Zoya's "Robyn" last summer? Well, I'm on the hunt for what will be my "can't live without" nail shade for spring. I just received Zoya's Intimate Collection (Dannii, Caitlin, Marley, Dove, Gemma & Jules) and the colors are so pretty! Right now I'm in love with "Marley", "Dove" and "Caitlin". Your picks?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Milani Cosmetics One Coat Glitter Nail Polish

I am sure you can find great deals with a Milani Cosmetics’ promo code at Target and save on nail polishes. These were just too cute not to mention - I'm sure you all know by now how much I love anything glittery, shimmery, sparkly and covered in sequins! Milani Cosmetics' One Coat Glitter nail polish collection is seriously a steal! And on another note, I'll have a full review of last week's CND Shellac manicure coming soon. After 7 days, this is what it looks like - I'm pressed!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Sally Hansen's Fall 2010 Complete Salon Manicure Collection

I'll be the first to admit that while I do like Sally Hansen nail polish, I normally won't bother with trying to hunt down the newest collections. The reason being is that the displays (at least in the CVS stores near where I live) are always a mess! Yes, I said it. But, in the same breath, I will tell you that the new fall Complete Salon Manicure collection is definitely worth the hunt. The shades (left to right: Starry Starry Flight, Sequin Scandal, Golden Ticket, Downtown Rubies, Perfect Match, Feeling Saucy, Rockstar Candy & Trouble Maker) are all highly pigmented- and two coats will get the job done! My favorite - hands down- is Sequin Scandal which is a dark forest/army green mixed with gold. I tweeted this photo earlier today, and here are a few more.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Milani Neon Nail Lacquers

I LIVE for bright summer nail colors- neons included. And so I can't believe that I'm just now sharing Milani's Neon Nail Lacquer collection and it's August! The colors are beautiful and the color payoff is worth the price. What I love most about the Milani brand is that the store displays are always neat and stocked (not sure if the drugstore or a Milani representative is responsible for that?) - which makes them easy to shop!

At any rate, the neon collection includes the following (from left to right):

- Pink Hottie
- Pink Rocks!
- Techno Red
- Awesome Orange
- Totally 80's
- Fresh Teal
- Dude Blue

My favorite- Pink Hottie! The collection is available and in stores now. Don't miss out!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Loves YSL Beauty's "#142 Ultra Orange" Nail Polish

While I can't say that YSL Beauty's La Laque #142 Ultra Orange is the "color of the summer", I will tell you all that I am in love with it! So much so, that it was my nail color of choice at my Dove sponsored spa dayI tweeted about a few weeks ago (more on that later today!). The color is creamy and bright, and reminds me of a fruity popsicle. It's definitely a must-have shade for the summer!

What's on your nails this week?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: CHANEL's "Particuliere" Nail Polish

So I wasn't too sure about CHANEL's Particuliere #505 nail polish, because I'm palest during this time of the year and I thought it would just wash me out. But, I was wrong! The color is actually very, very chic on and I've received so many compliments!

I guess the color is best described as a "taupe"- but depending on the lighting, at times it looks more brown, and sometimes more gray. Either way, it still looks chic on and I'm glad I treated myself to it! Oh, and it kind of reminds me of this...

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's MatteVelvet Winter Limited Edition Collection

A few months ago I introduced you to Zoya's MatteVelvet collection for fall and I've just received the limited edition collection for winter. I'm interested in knowing what your thoughts are on the "matte" nail polish trend- so please let me know! Do you think it's here for just a season, or are you expecting more of it for spring/summer?

So, Zoya's MatteVelvet Winter collection includes three shimmering mattes:

- Harlow (left)
- Savita (center)
- Veruschka (right)

Without a doubt, Veruschka is my absolute favorite! Oh, and remember that the look is supposed to be a "matte" finish, so this nail polish formula doesn't require a base coat, top coat, or a speed dryer.

Love it?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's Ultra Glitter Winter 2009 Collection

It's no secret that I'm a "glitter/sequins girl"- remember my favorite makeup bag here and here? Well, Zoya sent me their newest collection, Ultra Glitter Winter 2009, and you know it has my name written all over it! The collection includes Astra, Nova and Luna and is available now.

So which is your favorite?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Sophy Robson

This post marks the beginning of the "Mischo Beauty Superstar" series which I'm starting to simply bring to your attention and show love to the many beauty professionals not only working hard to accomplish their dreams, but who are sources of inspiration to me personally (you all know beauty is my passion)! I promise to keep the posts short and sweet because they're meant to be an introduction. My hope is that you'll visit their websites, view their portfolios and tell the world about them!

The first "Mischo Beauty Superstar" is celebrity manicurist, Sophy Robson. I first learned about her from following the London, Milan and Paris fashion week updates on Vogue UK's beauty blog. Sophy was creative director for nails for such shows as Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood. Her work has appeared in all of the top fashion magazines and you've probably seen her work in such ad campaigns as Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford White Patchouli and Bulgari to name a few.

She also has a nail salon called The Sophy Robson Nailcare Clinic at Fortnum & Mason in London, where she's available for appointments. Be sure to visit her website, check out her blog and view her AMAZING portfolio! And, if you're in London, get booked with her! Enjoy.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's MatteVelvet Collection

I've got to give it up to Zoya, because they never let us down! I'm still in love with the "Truth" & "Dare" fall 2009 collection and it's the reason that I'm late with telling you all about the MatteVelvet collection. This new collection includes three "shimmering mattes":

- Loredana (left)
- Dovima (center)
- Posh (right)

And what makes this collection unique is that it's not meant to be worn without a base or top coat, or a speed dryer. The finish should be "matte"! I apologize for not having swatches- I've been beyond busy lately- but trust me on this one, you'll love it!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Zoya Nail Polish & Toni Maticevski Spring 2010

The nail look for Toni Maticevski's Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear collection was created by celebrity manicurist Skyy Hadley, using Zoya Nail Polish's "Midori" layered with a thin coat of "Bekka". The combination of the cool metallic green layered with a "lemon yellow-lime" was a pleasant surprise!

The final nail look complemented the collection perfectly by giving it a tiny accent of beautiful, shimmery color. "Bekka" is described as a "multi-dimensional metallic lemon yellow-lime with a gilded sparkle finish".

Zoya's "Armor" was used as a top coat to provide a glossy, flawless finish. You may view the entire look for Toni Maticevski here.

- Did you miss Zoya Nail Polish's "Ooh-La-La" collection? If so, view it here.
- Click here to see how Zoya Nail Polish partnered with Rachel Roy for her Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: China Glaze's "Retro Diva" Nail Lacquer Collection

I have to admit that I've been slow to report on fall nail polish collections and the reason being because I'm still in denial about the lack of summer we've had in New York. Well, fall is here and it's time to welcome China Glaze's Retro Diva collection. The collection includes the following 12 shades (from top left to bottom right):

- Far Out
- Crusin'
- Free Love
- Street Racing
- Drive In
- Skate Night
- Short & Sassy
- Thunderbird
- Stroll
- Stella
- Let's Groove
- Cords

Stroll (far left, bottom row) is the only nail color in the collection with a glitter finish and it's my favorite! Which shade are you loving?

- Check out China Glaze's "Kicks" Nail Lacquer collection here.
- Questions about choosing a nail shape before your manicure? Check this out!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Loves CHANEL Jade and Jade Rose Le Vernis Nail Colour Collection

You all know how much I love CHANEL nail polish, right? Remember this, this and this? Well, if you've reviewed my top picks for Fashion's Night Out then you know that the new Jade nail polish collection will launch next Thursday at the CHANEL boutique in Soho- and yes, I plan to make it my first stop! Not only will you be able to purchase it, before it launches nationwide, but you'll also receive a complimentary mini-manicure.

CHANEL's creative director for makeup, Peter Philips, states "Jade echoes the pistachio tweed and Jade jewelry of the CHANEL autumn-winter 2009/2010 ready-to-wear collection." The limited-edition collection includes Jade and Jade Rose, and will be available at beauty counters, CHANEL boutiques and on www.chanel.com beginning September 11th.

Are you planning to add this to your fall nail polish collection? Do tell!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's Truth & Dare Fall 2009 Nail Polish Collections

Zoya has done it again! They've just released two beautiful collections for the fall called Truth and Dare. Each collection consists of six shades- basically every shade you'd probably need for the fall.

The Dare collection includes Ibiza, Envy, Pinta (my favorite!), Vanessa, Ciara and Demi.

The Truth collection includes Penny, Kalmia, Salma, Isla, Anaka and Drew. Now I'll admit that I'm a tad bit in denial about the onset of fall next month and am still wearing Zoya's Layla (which I LOVE!). So, I'll be back in a few weeks with swatches. In the meantime, learn more about both collections here.

Which shades are your favorites? Do share!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Priti Nail Polish & Soy Remover

Last year I told you all how much I loved the nails (by Priti Organic Spa) at Tuleh's runway show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Well, I recently had the opportunity to try Priti's "Bright Summer Day" nail kit. The kit includes Fireglow and Hula Girl Rose nail polish, 2-in-1 Top and Base Coat and a 2oz. Soy Polish Remover.

The nail polish colors are bright and cheery- perfect for summer, but most importantly they're free of formaldehyde, DBP & toluene! The Soy Polish Remover is a must-have. No chemical smell whatsoever! It's non-toxic and 100% biodegradable. The entire Priti nail polish collection and Soy Polish Remover are available at www.pritinyc.com.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's La-Di-Da & Ooh-La-La Summer 2009 Nail Polish Collections

I thought I had every possible nail color imaginable for summer until I discoved Zoya's Summer 2009 Collections: Ooh-La-La and La-Di-Da! Ok, aren't you just loving the names of the collections! How can you not???!!!

The Ooh-La-La collection includes six metallic shades (left to right): Katy, Tallulah, Midori, Goldie, Emme & Ginessa.

The La-Di-Da collection includes six cream shades (left to right): America, Dita, Renee, Paz, Ali & Pippa.

It was hard for me to pick a color to swatch because they all called my name, but Paz won! It's a rich, bright creamy orange that looks almost fluorescent in dim lighting (as shown above). Zoya describes it as an "ultra bright neon orange".

I used two coats, although one would have worked and yes, I've fallen in love with it. This color reminds me of nothing but long, warm, fun and carefree summer days. I'm so glad summer is here!

Zoya Nail Polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP & camphor, and is only available at salons, spas and zoya.com.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: China Glaze's "Kicks" Nail Lacquer Collection

The new "Kicks" nail lacquer collection by China Glaze is FIRE! Excuse me, I meant
FI-YAH! Seriously, every color in the collection is amazing. And as far as your summer brights for nail colors are concerned, this collection covers them for the summer!

The collection includes 12 colors in total, and those shown from left to right above are: B-Girlz, Style Wars, Sneaker Head, Laced Up, Breakin' and Oh How Street It Is.

The second-half of the collection pictured from left to right above: Paper Chasing, Custom Kicks, Fly, Sky High-Top, It's Poppin' and Entourage.

I love every color in the collection- AND the names! I decided to swatch Sky High-Top for this post. It's a creamy blue with a dash of shimmer. It's highly pigmented, so I only needed two coats.

The color is so amazing that I haven't been able to stop staring at my nails! I'm normally not one to pick a bottle of blue nail polish as my first choice when it comes to a manicure, but I just could not resist this one!

And in case you're wondering, China Glaze nail lacquer is free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene. So please tell me- what do you think of this collection!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Dashing Diva's Manhattan Spring 2009 Nail Polish Collection

I'm feeling like the luckiest girl in the world as I write this because I've had the opportunity to sample the nail colors used backstage at the Akiko Ogawa show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this past February. The shades pictured above (Cosmopolitan, Strawberry Fields, Ballet Flats & East River View) are part of Dashing Diva's Manhattan Collection for Spring 2009.

I loved "Ballet Flats" which is a creamy pastel coral with a soft shimmer.

"Cosmopolitan" (pictured far left) was not only used at Akiko Ogawa, but also at the Tony Cohen and DVF shows. It's an ultra-sheer, almost-clear, pink nude.

The nail colors are long-wearing (make sure you apply a base & top coat - always!) and they're formaldehyde, toluene and DBP free.

And so you're aware, Dashing Diva recently improved it's nail polish formulation with the launch of the Manhattan Collection to ensure it's "longer lasting and more chip-resistant".

So, your manicure/pedicure should last up to 10 days...and I'm on day 7, with just a tiny chip on my left index finger. Impressive!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's Twist Spring 2009 Nail Polish Collection

My friend, Shalon (an expert manicurist at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa) has always had great things to say about Zoya Nail Polish. I trust what she says because not only does she use Zoya day-in and day-out on her clients, but she's been doing nails for 7 years and has used just about every brand out there.

Now I'd posted Zoya's "Manhattan" without trying it, because I loved the color. My interested was further inspired after following Zoya on the runways during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Well, lucky for me, I was finally able to check out Zoya's Twist collection for Spring 2009.

The colors from left to right are: Moxie (vibrant red plum cream), Cassi (shimmering soft peach), Barbie (shimmering soft pink), Malia (violet cream), Jo (shimmering silver blue metallic) and Harley (soft shimmering gray).

I loved all of the colors, but my color of choice for this post was "Malia"- such a pretty color! My nails reminded me of the Easter candy I'm starting to see on the shelves of just about every store right now!

In general, I found the nail polish formulations to be highly pigmented; and very rich and creamy. No watered-down formulations, and the brush was the perfect width for a 3-stroke application. A perfect finish required two coats.

I found the "wear" of the nail polish to be long-lasting, though I know that varies with each individual's day-to-day activities. So after testing the collection out, I now know why it was used on the runways of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and why it's currently used in Red Door Spas throughout the nation!

You should also know that the formulations are free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP and camphor. Zoya is only available at salons, spas and zoya.com.

So what do you think of the collection? Have you tried Zoya?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Shades by Barielle's Sugar Rush Summer 2009 Nail Polish Collection

So I'm loving Shades by Barielle's Sugar Rush Summer 2009 nail polish collection! The collection includes six colors: Grape Escape, Cotton Candy, Sand-Al Chic, Lemondrops, Swizzle Stix and Decadence. They're free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and let me tell you- each shade speaks for itself!

The "finish" of each shade is as follows: Creme (Grape Escape, Swizzle Stix & Lemondrops), Sheer (Sand-Al Chic), Shimmer (Cotton Candy) and Metallic (Decadence).

I thought "Lemondrops" was the perfect shade of yellow, so I decided to swatch it for this post. It's a creme and it's highly pigmented. There was a little streaking, and after three coats I achieved the perfect finish.

My absolute favorites from the collection are, of course Lemondrops, as well as Swizzle Stix and Decadence.

Lemondrops dried very quickly, with high shine, and of course- I used a base and top coat with it. After 5 days, so far no chipping!

If you visit Barielle.com and click on a nail shade, you'll find an example of what the shade will look like on a light, medium and dark skin tone.

And for all the recessionistas out there- buy any 2 shades and you'll get one free!

This last photo is just me having fun with my camera. I loved looking at Lemondrops against my hot pink iPhone case....

Please let me know your thoughts! Love the shades?

Read More......