butter LONDON™ LIPPY Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection

I can't wait to get these on my lips and tips!!!  

              Toff                Come to Bed Red       Tea with the Queen            La Moss                 Queen Vic

butter LONDON LIPPY A/W 2012 Colours Include:

Toff	Colour: A darker, dustier, brownish variation on a rose pink. Stop to smell them. The roses, not the toffs.	Definition: A slightly derogatory name for a member of the British upper class.
Come to Bed Red	Colour: The sexiest red in history, by butter LONDON.	Definition: ENOUGH SAID! A butter best seller for “Coco” wannabes.
Tea with the Queen	Colour: On the pink side of tan, very neutral, but never boring. Understated and exceptional for work, or obviously, tea with the Queen.	Definition: A highly prestigious invitation extended to important and boring members of the British public.
La Moss	Colour: Vampy and full of red wine, just like its inspiration.	Definition: Adding the prefix “La” to anyone’s name implies that they are a diva. A fashionista’s nickname for England’s most famous model.
Queen Vic	Colour: Stunning, elegant and classy. Red wine meets cranberry. Fit for a queen.	Definition: Beloved monarch, responsible for many of London’s most beautiful landmarks. (Also the name of about 3,000 English pubs).

Trends for Autumn/Winter 2012:

The matchy-matchy lip and nail trend is here to stay!  Inspired by the high-impact lips seen on the catwalks this season, the LIPPY A/W ‘12 collection includes bold pops of color, chic nudes and a vampy hue.  The shades are rich and highly pigmented for a look that’s luxe and perfectly on trend!

Click to read more and see high resolution photos.

Toff

Come To Bed Red

Tea with the Queen 

La Moss  

Queen Vic

LIPPY products do not contain parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sulphates or bismuth.  butter LONDON™ is available at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport flagship store, www.butterlondon.com, and in fashion boutiques, specialty retailers, and beauty apothecaries around the globe. 

MSRP:  LIPPYs are $17 each, 3 Free Lacquers are $14 each


*Press Release

Ended - scünci flower bendi clip review & giveaway

The winner of the giveaway is....................Kami DumisAugust 29, 2012 11:16 PM

I love these! I love scunci but I haven't seen these anywhere in my little podunk Texas town! I would choose purple because it is ny fav color or black because it goes with everything. I have very thick wavy hair. My tip is to try different easy ways to wear your hair. If I let it dry natural it has those nice beachy unkept waves that are so popular. And on the 2nd day if I want a more sleek look I flat iron it and I look completely different!

Please send your address to jeanie@midnightmanicures.  The prize will be sent from a representative of scünci.  Thanks so much for everyone's participation!

Recently, I received the new scünci flower bendi clip to review.  It is available in 3 sizes and comes in assorted colors:  black, blue, pink, ivory, turquoise, golden yellow, coral, purple and navy.  This is a great addition to your collection of hair accessories for everyday or for special occasions such as proms, weddings and nights out on the town.  I received the coral rose set below. 

To use the clip, start by gathering your hair in the desired style.  Slide the bendini comb into the hair, bend and snap it securely in place for an all-day hold.

My Daughter modeling the scünci flower bendi clip.

The clips are available at Walmart, AAFES, CVS, Giant Eagle, Harmon, Rite Aid, Schnucks, Shopko, SuperValu, Walgreens, Weis, Winn-Dixie and other drug stores and mass market retailers for an average retail price of $4.99.

Now on to the giveaway!  One lucky reader will receive their own scünci flower bendi clip, all you have you do is leave a comment below on which clip you'd like to win along with your best tip for using hair accessories.  The giveaway is open to US residents from now until September 9th, 2012 at 12:00am EST. One entry per household, multiple entries will be disqualified.  The winner will be picked by my Daughter and announced within 48 hours.  You must be 18 years or older to enter or have your parents permission.  The prize will be sent to you by representatives of scünci.  

You can find the whole line of hair accessories, trends, great styling tips and more giveaways at www.scunci.com.  Visit and "like" them on the scünci Facebook page or follow on Twitter @scunciHair.

*Products were provided for review and giveaway.  

scünci Stylin Ü Sweepstakes

scünci wants to help fans get set for school in style!… on Friday 8/31 at noon, five lucky winners will be randomly selected as scünci Stylin Ü Sweepstakes winners—four will receive a  cool cosmetic case filled with assorted scunci hair accessories, and one grand prize winner will also on top of that be receiving the cosmetic case, $100 worth of scünci hair accessories, and a JanSport backback too!  http://platform.votigo.com/fbsweeps/sweeps/scnci-Gets-Set-for-School-Giveaway

Birchbox - August 2012 - Beauty School

Just a quick pic to show you what came in the Beauty School August Birchbox.   How did they know I needed a new Razor?  What I'm most excited about is the DDF Brightening Cleanser and the Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover Swabs.  Beauty Fixation offers several kinds of swabs from Birchbox, I'm going to order more of the makeup remover and the nail polish remover swabs.  I've been wearing the Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur all day and love it.  I will bring you more info on the other items as I have time to review them.  Overall, I'm enjoying this months box.  You can sign up for your monthly subscription ($10) by clicking the link above or the one in my sidebar.

On the back of the Beauty School fold out is the list of what was in my box, minus 

the razor.  The fold out had lots of helpful, quick beauty tips and tricks.

Have you tried the Birchbox monthly subscription box or any other subscriptions service yet?  Which ones do you currently subscribe to and which one would you recommend to a friend?

*Products were sent for my review and this post contains affiliate links.

Jessica's Spicy Dream Collection - Fall 2012

Autumn is sneaking up on us and since it's my favorite season of the year, I couldn't be happier!  I love the leaves changing colors and the comfort food that comes with the weather cooling down.  Jessica Cosmetics has captured the best of both with their Spicy Dream collection.

Jessica Vartoughian, founder of Jessica Cosmetics International and dubbed "The First Lady of Nails" by The New York Times and "Manicurist to the Stars" by Vogue, says that "With Our Spicy Dreams collection, a woman can feel sensual, totally together and dressed for adventure".

All Jessica polishes are quick-drying and eco-friendly, and big 3-free.  They contains vitamin A for maximum conditioning and UVA/UVB protection from the sun's damaging rays.  This collection can be found at jessicacosmetics.com and at the finest salons in more than 35 countries.  

Click here to see individual swatches of each color.

Each swatch is 2 coats of polish with 1 coat of Seche Vite top coat.  I love the application of Jessica nail polishes.  There are so many ways to use this collection whether it's layering or accent colors, the combinations are endless.

Cinnamon Kiss

A deep reddish/copper with a black base tint.

Pumpkin Delight

A reddish/copper and gold duo-chrome glitter.

Gingersnap

A gold with a hint of red duo-chrome glitter.

Crimson Tattoo

A deep red almost black cream polish.

 Crimson Tattoo with accent of Pumpkin Delight

Champagne Bubbles

A mixture of silver and gold glitters.

Brown Sugar

A dark brown sugar cream polish.

 Brown Sugar with accent of Gingersnap

L-R, Cinnamon Kiss, Pumpkin Delight, Gingersnap,

Crimson Tattoo, Champagne Bubbles & Brown Sugar

I am in love with this collection!  My favorites are the first 3 above.  What are your thoughts?

*Product were provided for my honest and unbiased review.

Boy Meets Girl NYFW Competition on iFabbo

Hi Everyone!
I'm trying to win tickets to the Boy Meets Girl Fashion Show in NYC and an outfit for the show.  This was my first time creating a set using Polyvore.  Please take a moment and vote for my creation.  Thanks so much!
xoxo

Boy Meets Girl Competition by midnitemanicure featuring vintage style jewelry

Opening Ceremony leopard dress
mytheresa.com

Christian Louboutin platform pumps
bergdorfgoodman.com

Christian louboutin boots
$1,360 - net-a-porter.com

Stella Dot vintage style jewelry
stelladot.com

Chanel optical
fashion.1stdibs.com

Press Release - Nouvelle Vague the Fall 2012 Color Collection by Le Métier de Beauté

August 2012

Fall Color Forecast: Blending Mischief and Flare.
Nouvelle Vague the Fall 2012 Color Collection by Le Métier de Beauté

Nouvelle Vague inspired fashion on the runways of Milly NY (courtesy of stylelist.com).

Sixties Parisian-chic meets contemporary classic. Bold and bodacious, Nouvelle Vague, Le Métier de Beauté’s Fall 2012 Color Collection, intermixes playful, opulent shades to create a modern look that is utterly effortless.

“I was tremendously inspired by the visionary spirit of avant-garde European film directors such as, Jean-Luc Godard, Otto Preminger, and Francois Truffaut,” says Mikey Castillo, Director of Color for Le Métier de Beauté. “Their radical style reset the button on social convention (and good taste)!”

Often called the ‘French New Wave,’ the films of Nouvelle Vague brought to life revolutionary style, iconic imagery and the perfect backdrop for our Fall 2012 collection. Blending mischief and flare, Nouvelle Vague sets the stage with this season’s most note-worthy shades.

Fall 2012 “Nouvelle Vague” Kaleidoscope Eye Kit

An interweave of livelihood, opulence and pop, each hue in Le Métier de Beauté’s Nouvelle Vague Kaleidoscope Eye Kit reflects the spark present throughout the French cinema New Wave. When combined, the colors provoke a look of dare and elegance for a jaw-dropping eye. Shades from top to bottom include Nouvelle, a sheer mink negative, Gamine, a satin pink celluloid, Icon, a silky matte Parisian mauve and Fin, a smoldering black carbon. $95

Experience each rich hue through the previous, as all four pigments intertwine to create a prism for the ultimate color contrast with the wearer's eye shape and color. Using the Le Métier de Beauté signature eye shadow application technique, "Couches de Couleur" (the layering of color), each shade is selected to evoke one element in a sequence of crescendo: 1. Warm 2. Cool 3. Hot 4. Cold.  The combination is famed for increasing the femininity of the eyes, while adding a dash of mystery.

Fall 2012 “Breathless” Kaleidoscope Lip Kit

A carefully crafted fusion of fall’s must-have crimson and red tones, the Breathless Kaleidoscope Lip Kit will literally do just that – take your breath away. Blending classic Hollywood glam and ravishing 60’s edge, the sumptuous shades leave you seeing red and craving more (from top to bottom): Cinema, a velvety, ultra-rich true red, Existential, sparkling mauve with rose effervescence, Beau, deep berry crimson with matte finish and Celluloid, a glimmering, creamy flushed red. $95.00

Le Métier de Beauté’s Nouvelle Vague Fall 2012 Color Collection will be available October 2012 at Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com, Bergdorf Goodman, bergdorfgoodman.com, select Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom.com, select Saks stores and Saks.com.

*Press Release

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly RoundUp - August 18, 2012

• Making Up the Midwest reviews Maybelline's The Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara - her new favorite!
• Add trendy colors you covet, to your lashes.Until the end of August only, Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara is being offered in FOUR Limited Edition shades - Go Go Green, Blink of Blue, Totally Teal and Pop of Purple. The Advice Sisterscheck them out, and report!
• Enter BeautyTidbits giveaway to win a cool ULINX Magnetic Charm Bracelet.
• Retrodiva doesn't allow any heat to touch her hair for 30 days. Find out what she used to tame all that frizz at Retrodiva's Beauty.
• The Stepford Witch reviews The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Cream Foundation - read on to find out what she loves and doesn't love about this product.
• Emily, from Emily Hudspeth hair design and makeup artist has seen great results from Viviscal Hair Repair. Emily has been using this supplement for about 6 weeks and is seeing incredible results. Its almost time for another haircut and she just cut off about 8 inches!
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom tries Cover Band Sticks 'n Stones over a few different bases.
• There are affordable and fabulous new beauty products at CVS. Here are two of my favorites!
• Laura at My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog tries out products that hold the secrets to Geisha-like skin!
• Hand-made and based in Scotland, Scottish Beauty Blog catches up with makeup artist Ana Cruzalegui, the lady behind amazing false eyelash brand WE ARE FAUX.
• Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has Determined that My Weightless Eye Cream is one of the Best Beauty Secrets that Everyone Needs to Know about!
• Phyrra loves the gorgeous Fall 2012 Beauty Trends this year. Which ones are your favorite?
• So you cried a river last night and you have to go to work (or school) today. TheFabZilla shares tricks on how to hide signs of over-crying, a.k.a Makeup after a Breakup.
• Miss L from Beauty by Miss L reviewed eco-friendly Derma E makeup remover this week, which is now one of her new favorite makeup remover.
• BeautyJudy stopped by the Orly booth at Cosmoprof North America last month and saw lots of nail BLING!
• The Lacquered Lady shows off OPI Danke-Shiny Red from the new Germany collection and goes on a dupe search. Will there be a perfect polish match?
• Everyone needs eyeshadow primer! Sheila from Painted Ladies shows you why in the latest Breaking Down Beauty.
• Midnight Manicures is giving away Sea Lore Nail Polishes from the Triton's Daughters Collection. Tell us which one is your favorite and enter to win!
• The NARS Joie de Vivre palette is all kinds of awesome. Cosmetics Aficionado has drool worthy photos and a full review.
• Butter London's Autumn/Winter 2012 nail polish collection is out! Check out a preview from Christina at Curls N Pearls - what's your favorite shade?
• Addicted to "monthly" members-only beauty sample subscriptions? Pammy Blogs Beauty sure is! Just for a change, she tries out JustFab: a monthly boutique shopping site for cute and trendy shoes, handbags, and accessories. Cute stuff for a great price!
• Mama Fashionista loves Julep so much she wants to give you a code so you can try it out for A PENNY! Plus she's giving away an introductory box!
• Beauty Info Zone has another great giveaway. This time you can win 4 fab goodies from Miracle Skin Transformer.
• Hello Dollface tests some great new shampoos and ends up with bigger, blonder, softer hair. Check out the best new haircare here!
• Always a fan of neutral wash of color, the Beauty Professor is thrilled to have discovered Beauty Is Life's matte eye shadow in Camel!
• While still enjoying summer till it winds down and fall fast approaching, Mimi's Mani's shares some Zoya love with Kimber from this summer's Surf collection.
• Polarbelle shows you what blogging was like before blogs...doing it Caveman Style!
• Still lemming Unicorn Pee? Nidia at Lit From Within shows you a few dupes from some Indie polish makers that might just do the trick.
• Stephanie Louise-All Things Beautiful FINALLY duped her beloved MAC shadow in Humid...with a low cost option! Click for swatches & comparison!
• Clarisonic has just released a new Acne Cleansing Set. For more information, and a chance to win your own, head over to Blushing Basics.

Press Release - butter LONDON Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection

butter LONDON A/W 2012 Colours Include: 

Lovely Jubbly	Colour: A vibrant magenta flecked with red, blue and gold micro particles. Channeling a distinctly retro 70’s feel, this sultry glitter gives high impact sparkle perfect for Disco Divas.	Definition: Brit speak for “Excellent.” Used when a person hears pleasing news or has a stroke of good luck.
Trustafarian	Colour: A golden holographic finish gives this delightful sage green a surprising and sophisticated edge.	Definition: A spoiled rich kid who pretends to be a hippy but still goes home to Daddy’s mansion on the weekend.
Gobsmacked	Colour: A heavily pigmented charcoal grey glitter with a slightly textured finish. This shade is unlike anything we’ve seen before. A legend in the making!	Definition: To be totally speechless. Unable to think of anything to say.
Shag	Colour: A high-shine metallic lacquer in a warm orange-burgundy hue. Reminiscent of fallen Autumn leaves. Sigh.	Definition: Brit slang for “knocking boots.”
Dodgy Barnett	Colour: A highly holographic shade that blurs the line between grey and silver. A classic!	Definition: A bad hairdo. A mullet of any variety is a seriously Dodgy Barnett.

Lovely Jubbly 

 Trustafarian  

 Gobsmacked           

     Shag

Dodgy Barnett  

Trends for Autumn/Winter 2012:

Sequins! Velvet! Satin! Tweed!  This season, the catwalks were abundant with rich texture!  We’ve translated this to nails through the infusion of glitter particles and metallic and holographic finishes. The colour tones speak to “earthiness” but are not specifically earth tones – think rust, shimmering greens and silvers. This collection feels future-forward but not futuristic. This season is all about using texture to add interest and depth to your look!

Backstage with butter LONDON:  butter LONDON is a backstage staple at Fashion Week, having created the nail looks for shows including Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson, and Yigal Azrouel.  Sought after for their innovative design, technique, and custom blended colours, this season the brand created the nail looks for Altuzarra, Kevork, Kaelen, Simone Rocha, JS Lee, Craig Lawrence, Matthew Williamson, Michael van der Ham, and Roland Mouret.

MSRP:  $14 each

*Press Release

Jordana Glitters Polish

Are you a Glitter Polish lover?  If so, this post is for you!  I have 5 swatches of Jordana Glitters Polish used in different types of manicures.  Thanks to one of my BFF's for letting me borrow her nails, I will bring you more swatches soon with the colors/glitters I used on mine.

Glitter Tips

2 coats Milani Tropical Fiesta with one coat Jordana Fairy Dust on tips

Glitter Mani

2 coats Milani Tropical Fiesta with 1 coat Jordana Magenta Magic on top

Gradient Mani

1 coat Milani Sail Away with 1 coat Jordana LA City Lights as a glitter gradient

Glitter Mani

2 coats Milani Beach Front with 1 coat Jordana Cosmic on top

Jelly Sandwich Mani

2 coats of a OPI Care To Danse, 1 coat Jordana Celebration, 1 coat of OPI Care to Dance

You can find Jordana Nail Polishes on their website or at a local retailer very reasonably priced at $1.99-2.99 each. Their glitters and polishes can easily compare in quality and application to others that costs double or triple.  You can also like them on Facebook at Jordana Nail Polish.

Do you still like to do makeovers and polish nails with your friends or children?  I know I do.  Do you have a favorite Jordana Nail Polish?

*Polishes were sent for my review.

Back To School Beauty

The end of summer break is almost around the corner and school will be back in session before we know it! Since pouting won't make it all better, might as well start preparing your shopping list! We all know that once school starts we won't have the same amount of leisure time. Here are some key items to master your 5-minute beauty routine, that will make you look like you spent hours getting ready!

Bronzed Skin:
Keep that summer tan glow longer by using bronzers! They are a great way to accentuate your tan and to give you that sun-kissed glow year round. For an all-over body color, use a self tanner the night before on any areas that need a summer glow.

Fluttery Lashes:
Nothing makes your eyes stand out like bold lashes. Whether you are looking for length, volume, or both there is definitely a formula for you! Getting plenty of sleep during the night is key and once school starts, it won’t be so easy. Every minute counts, so skip your waterproof mascara if possible-you won't spend so much time trying to remove it later.

Smooth Lips:
Tinted lip balms are your best friend during the mornings when you are running late! Instead of worrying about adding the perfect lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss, opt for a tinted lip balm. They are sheer enough so you don't need a mirror to apply but still give a polished look and brighten up your face!

Natural Waves:
Instead of waking up before the crack of dawn to wash, blow dry and style your hair, here's an easy shortcut! Wash your hair the night before, let it air dry until its about 50% dry, put in a silky hair serum/oil or cream to add some shine (if you hair is super fine, add a texturizing cream) and put it in a braid. Let it set overnight, in the morning gently take out the braid and lightly run your fingers through your hair (don't use any brush as this can cause some frizz). Add some more serum if needed and there you have it- simple, natural, and beachy waves! You can add some hairspray to help the look last all day.

Product Examples:
Hair:
- Pureology Colour Stylist Control Twist 
- Rene Furterer Karite 

Skin:
- South Seas Skin Care 
- Dr. Grandel Protect 

Lips:
- Lush Tints 

Eyes:
- Essence Mascara 
- LashControl Mascara