Category Archives: Press Releases & Promo Pics

OPI Helps the Next Generation of Nail Techs with $25,000 in Beauty Industry Scholarships

I’m sneaking in a short blog post this evening because I received information about an OPI initiative that may be of interest to some of you.

Even though I’m not a nail technician or a nail professional by any means, I am a nail junkie, which means that I love promoting the nail industry and unique opportunities.

See below for the official press release to learn more about how you could earn an OPI scholarship!

OPI HELPS THE NEXT GENERATION OF NAIL TECHS
WITH $25,000 IN BEAUTY INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS

OPI ScholarshipsTo support the future of beauty technicians, the OPI PRO Development Sector has made two $500 scholarships available each month to worthy students attending preferred* OPI Nail Technology or Cosmetology schools. Since 2004, two lucky winners have been chosen each month based on essays and personal recommendations. For students attending AACS Member Schools, nine $500 scholarships are available through www.beautyschools.org. 17 additional $500 scholarships are available through OPI various channels.

Last year, Charise Hunt, a student at the Grabber School of Design in St. Louis, MO, was one of the deserving OPI Scholarship winners for the month of February 2014. Charise graduated in April of 2014 and was licensed the very next month.  After 10 years of working in education helping children with special needs, she decided to turn her hobby of polishing nails into a full time career, and enrolled in cosmetology school. Charise explains, “While I love working on nails, I’ve also discovered that I truly enjoy the customer service aspect of the beauty business. It makes my day when customers leave feeling happy and good about themselves.”

Winning the OPI Scholarship helped support her journey from educator to nail professional. Charise says, “I never expected to win the scholarship. It was a complete confidence booster.  I wasn’t able to work while in school, so the scholarship provided financial assistance while also solidifying my decision to change careers.” Now Charise works at two salons—her sister’s full service salon, Essence of Beauty, as well as at Beauty Brands. Follow her budding career on Instagram at #ladylacquer_llc. To help turn your dreams into reality, like Charise, apply today through your OPI preferred* school or www.beautyschools.org.

*To qualify as a Preferred Nail Technology Program, every student must receive an OPI On the Go Nail Technology Kit as part of a Nail Technology/Manicuring Program.

*To qualify as a Preferred Cosmetology Program, every student must receive an OPI On the Go Nail Technology or Cosmetology Kit as part of a Cosmetology Program.

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My Exclusive Interview with Bill Baker, the Owner of Consonant Skincare

Consonant-Skincare-Bill-BakerThe skyline in my blog’s header pays homage to Toronto, the city in Canada that I call home.

Although I love to explore products and brands that hail from all over the globe, there’s a special place in my heart for local ones because I have a sense of Toronto pride.

Back in February, I had the incredible opportunity to ask some challenging questions and get great answers!

Here’s my Exclusive Interview with Bill Baker, the Owner of Consonant Skincare.

Consonant Skincare is proudly a Canadian company. All of their high-end 100% natural products are created and produced in Canada.

They have two locations in Toronto:

  • Flagship store is located at 2479 Yonge Street (Store hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm & Sunday from noon to 5 pm)
  • PATH location is located at 120 Adelaide Street West, Unit R12 (Store hours: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm) – Opens March 16th

But aside from geography, what stands out is that Consonant Skincare products utilize the highest possible concentration of organic botanical ingredients. Instead of being a “Band-aid solution” for irritating skin symptoms, Consonant Skincare products are formulated to work in harmony with the body’s natural chemistry to improve the healthy appearance of skin with continued use.

Consonant Skincare products make skin appear firmer, healthier, and younger-looking without using synthetic ingredients like parabens, sulphates, petroleum ingredients, phthalates, and silicone.

One of their customer favourites, HydrExtreme, recently won the Grand Prize at the Canadian Beauty Innovation Awards!

See the rest of this post to read my exclusive interview with Bill Baker, the official press release, and information on how you could win their Ultimate Consonant Experience Giveaway ($5,000 CAD value that’s good for one winner and four friends)!

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20% off Everything at InglotCosmetics.ca (March 6-8)

As the mercury slowly but surely begins to rise and spring can be seen on the horizon, something else is heating up! 😉

If you’ve been lusting after INGLOT cosmetics, then now’s the time to whip out your Pogo Stick and pounce on the latest online promotion.

Enjoy 20% off Everything at InglotCosmetics.ca when you use the coupon code LOVEINGLOT today until Sunday March 8, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST!

INGLOT Toronto Canada Promotion

Redeem this online offer to save on:

What INGLOT makeup is on your radar? Is there a specific INGLOT product that you’d like me to review in-depth? Do you have a favourite INGLOT product?

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Pretty Serious Naileontology Collection Press Release

Pretty Serious NaileontologyThe Pretty Serious Naileontology Collection has one of the coolest themes for a nail-polish collection that I’ve seen in a long time!

It’s inspired by long-lost treasures, and if you’re a fan of Indiana Jones, the Pretty Serious Naileontology Collection will surely speak to you. (It also helps that the colours look very promising!)

(Indiana Jones made it on my fun list of some of my crushes for a Smorgasbord Sundays post way back in 2011! Who doesn’t love a manly guy who’s afraid of snakes?) 😉

The Pretty Serious Naileontology Collection is a small but mighty collection that consists of three colours: Khepri’s Amulet, The Dragon’s Curse, and Eye of Copernicus that you’ll learn more about in detail in this post!

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Nicole by OPI Coca-Cola Collection Press Release & Swatches

Nicole by OPI Coca Cola Collection Swatches & PhotosYou know that a while back, there was an OPI Coca-Cola Collection.

Well, there will be a Nicole by OPI Coca-Cola Collection, too, which consists of six new shades!

The Nicole by OPI Coca-Cola Collection launches in March, which I’m happy to say is not far away. (Warmer weather can’t come soon enough!)

Even if you’re like and don’t drink pop much, the nailphile in you will still get excited because of the new colours.

From the press release that PR sent me on Friday, my top picks based on the promotional images are Seriously Citrus (Hello, I’m a green fiend!), Zero is My Hero (the majestic burgundy), and The Look is Orange (what a fun, warm-weather shade)! I’m also very curious about DC Lover because of the red and silver combination that could be a winner.

Edit: I just remembered that I have a nail board with swatches of all six shades, so I included photos of them at the bottom of this post.

P.S. Stay tuned because in a few days, I’m going to announce a HUGE nail-polish giveaway that’ll be open to Canada and US residents! (Hint: No, it’s not for the Nicole by OPI Coca-Cola Collection, but you will still really love it!)

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Essie New York Fashion Week Recap: Day 5

Essie New York Fashion Week Carolina HerreraToday’s Essie New York Fashion Week Recap: Day 5 post features the fashion and complementary manicures from runway shows by the following designers: Veronica Beard, Brock, Heimstone, and Carolina Herrera!

The sophisticated off-the-shoulder dress by Carolina Herrera has my heart because I adore the asymmetrical detailing at the waist and bust.  The stormy-sky-like print takes the overall look to the next level. Plus the overall silhouette is strong and feminine – a statement dress.

Heimstone’s green dress comes in at a close second for me. It looks cozy and body-conscious with a playful edge. Plus you know how I feel about the colour green! 😉 Adore it!

As for the nail looks, the vampy Essie Shearling Darling pairs well with the Fall/Winter 2015 clothing collection by Veronica Beard. It’s my favourite manicure out of the bunch.

(Psst! I’ll be announcing a HUGE nail-polish giveaway in a few days. It’ll be open to Canada and US residents. You won’t want to miss it! More details to come.)

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