I got some new nail polishes! I have never had the chance to try Duri nail lacquers before and it’s always fun to try out new things… so without further delay here are swatches of my new colors.

Duri nail polish in Bridal Bells

Bridal Bells is an opaque pastel pink cream that would be perfect for a unqiue french tip or a reverse moon manicure. There’s nothing really amazing about the color- meaning I’ve seen many pink creams just like this. The formula was a bit thick which resulted in some cuticle drag and tip buildup. It was also a bit slow to dry. The picture shows 3 coats.

Duri nail polish in Everyday is a Valentine

Everyday is a Valentine is a bright classic red polish. The cool factor is that it’s a semi-translucent jelly! This polish applied like a dream. Since it’s a jelly, it won’t be fully opaque, but it was still wonderfully pigmented. My swatch shows 2 coats. It was a bit slow to dry and even with my normal base coat of Seche Clear, this polish left a significant amount of red stain on my nails upon removal.

Duri nail polish in Girl Power

Girl Power is the only polish of this group that really caught my eye. The color is a trendy summer neon pink with duochrome flashes of fuschia and pink shimmer. Lovely!!
It applied smoothly but dried super slowwwwwly. However, this color was so pigmented, you could truthfully get away with only 1 coat- and that is rare these days. This color is just gorgeous. Even with the slow drying time, I’ll put up with it for a color this rocking.

This closeup of Girl Power does not do the polish justice…

A closeup of Girl Power because it's pretty!

Which color is your favorite?

Have you ever run across makeup that fell so far below your expectations that you wonder how it got released? Thankfully it doesn’t happen often but I do have an unfortunate experience to report. I was sent the new Yves Rocher Couleurs Nature makeup collection to review on Bionic Beauty.

I set off to my bathroom with some of the bright cream shadows in hand, an eyeliner and a lipgloss. I applied everything and hmmm… still not dry. Twenty minutes later the eyeliner and “cream” shadows were still a runny mess and the lipgloss was coagulating on my lips. I ended up washing it all off after an hour.

Yves Rocher Couleurs Nature makeup collection swatches

Anyhow, here are swatches. These were taken after 30 minutes on my arm. From left to right…

The Couleurs Nature lipgloss in Mure- This is a very pretty translucent pink gloss. Sadly it was sticky and became gloppy on the lips, plus it’s $15!

The Pastel Creme Eyeshadow in Bleu Horizon- I typically adore bright shadows but I’m really not sure how one could wear this shadow. I usually tend to gravitate towards cream shadows because I like their long wear and softness. However, this is the consistency of a nail polish- it was runny, and the applicator is a lip gloss wand so you can’t apply it correctly. And most importantly it never dried. ($17)

The Pastel Creme Eyeshadow in Or- This color is certainly much more wearable than Bleu Horizon, but my comments on it’s lack luster performance still apply. ($17)

Liquid Shadow and Liner in Lapis Lazuli- This color is just plain gorgeous- a dark blue shimmer. It seems that they already discontinued it because I can’t find it anywhere on their site. Anyhow, a liquid shadow/liner combo is a good idea however, again the application feel short. The applicator itself is a too-short nail polish style brush. It’s too thick to line with and too thin to apply shadow. This formula also didn’t dry. Yves Rocher does have other colors available on their site- hopefully they have improved the formula.

In summary, this collection is way too pricey for the quality. Heck, I don’t think I’d pay a dollar each for the items above. I also don’t like how they are trying to market this with a “natural” feeling when they are packed with chemicals and non-natural ingredients. Hopefully I’ll have better luck with some of their other items… or maybe I got a bad batch.

You can check out the entire makeup collection at Yves Rocher’s website.

Here are some more “staycation” spa-inspired products for your showering pleasure! Bath & Body Works has a new body care collection True Blue’s “Morocco”.

Bionic Beauty loves the Saffron and Fig shower gel, Moroccan Tea and Cucumber shower gel, and the Honey and Date body lotion.

I’ve got the Saffron and Fig shower gel, Moroccan Tea and Cucumber shower gel, and the Honey and Date body lotion.

And all I can say is… yummy! The Saffron and Fig shower gel is my absolute favorite. The scent is just amazing!
The body lotion is a bit thin for winter use, but perfect for spring, summer and fall! Overall, since I really enjoy more exotic scents, this collection is a winner. I can’t wait for my next shopping trip to grab the rest!

Oh and aren’t the bottles just gorgeous?!?

Here’s a list of the entire collection-

• Sweet Fig & Argan Body Lotion ($16.50)
• Honey & Date Body Yoghurt ($17.50)
• Cedarwood & Spice Warming Body Scrub ($15.00)
• Rose Petal & Orange Flower Shower Cream ($15.00)
• Moroccan Tea & Cucumber Shower Gel ($15.00)
• Saffron & Fig Shower Gel ($15.00)

You can pick them all up at your local Bath & Body Works or online at bbw.com.

Which “flavors” sound most appealing to you?

When we gals head out in barely-there summer clothes and swimsuits, we want our skin to look so healthy it glows. Well, just like everything else, you can now fake it. I’m not talking about a sunless tanner- I’m talking about that special shimmer.

Hampton Sun’s Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray is awesome! You shake it up really well, then spritz on your arms, legs or whatever skin is showing. It leaves you with a soft glimmer. The reflected light helps hide imperfections and tone differences giving you a more even appearance. I use it whenever I’m out n’ about in a skirt or shorts.

Bionic loves Hampton Sun's Serious Shimmer spray!

There are two color varieties- in the picture above is Pearl which is the variety I have. The other is Bronze and just like it says, is more of a golden base. I would suggest picking the color that best suits your skin tone. If you’re warm toned, go with the Bronze, and for cool toned gals, grab the Pearl.

Another bonus is the soft fragrance. It’s scented with Hampton Sun’s signature scent “Privet Bloom”. It’s fresh and a bit floral and definitely not overwhelming. Just perfectly matched for your shimmery skin.

Both are available from one of my favorite sunblock/SPF companies, Hampton Sun. Each Serious Shimmer spray runs $32 but the bottle should last you a full summer.

Check out their full range of sun care products at HamptonSunCare.com.

Bionic Beauty reviews Flirt's new mascaras

The Flirt Cosmetics Lash-a-delic mascaras were sent to me for a test and review. I received the Groovy Blue and Boogie Brown.

First off, I adore the packaging. Bright pink, brilliant yellow, metallic caps- perfect! And at first I thought the application was pretty nice. No flakes, clumps or smudges through the day. But after a month or so (of not even continuous wear) the formulas started to clump. My lashes wouldn’t separate when I applied the mascaras and things would just get worse if I tried to comb them out. More frequently than not, I’d have to start the entire eye makeup application over again. Ugh. Not fun and certainly not a time saver.

Anyhow, the colors are very pretty. Even though the Groovy Blue looks bright in the container, it dries to a deep navy on your lashes. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing a blue, but it just gives a brighter pop to your eyes.

Even though I enjoyed the colors and packaging, I think there are much better mascaras on the market- and with better longevity so you won’t have to buy a new tube every month.

Flirt Cosmetics are available at Kohl’s stores in the USA.

Purely Cosmetics has done it again- the brand new Black Opal is a cream to powder eye shadow that also doubles as a eye shadow primer/base for duochrome, iridescent or darker shadows.

A simple eye makeup look using Black Opal

First, let’s talk about Black Opal on it’s own. In these pictures, I used Black Opal to create a very simple day look. Don’t think you can wear a black shadow during the day? Think again. Using a light hand and a soft foiling brush (I used Sonia Kashuk’s small concealer brush with taklon bristles from Target), I blended Black Opal across my entire upper eyelid and softened it into the crease.

The bits of glimmer in Black Opal help bounce light around your eyes which actually increases brightness! And like all Purely Cosmetics cream-to-powder shadows, Black Opal is slightly more firm than you usually see in a cream shadow. I actually prefer this consistency since PC’s shadows don’t melt, slide or crease. They set quickly and turn to a powder feel on your lid as soon as they are applied. It makes blending much easier.

Now, the second use for Black Opal- as a primer. You basically apply Black Opal in the same manner I mentioned above. Except this time, you layer a duochrome shadow on top.

Bionic Beauty wearing Black Opal by Purely Cosmetics

Duochromes are shadows that appear one color in a certain light and flash to another color in other light. It’s a really cool affect. The reasoning behind adding a black base under a duochrome shadow is…

1. It helps lock on your shadow for super long wear.
2. It helps increase eye shadow color intensity.
3. It really brings out the nuances and flashes of color in duochrome shadows.

I’ll have some upcoming looks that include Black Opal and various duochrome eyeshadows. So stay tuned!

In the meantime, grab your own super-versatile Black Opal from Purely Cosmetics for $12.95. It’s a HUGE pan, so you’ll have this eye shadow/primer for years to come. Just be sure to wash your brushes at least once or twice a month to keep your shadows lasting their longest!

Black Opal ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Stearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Silica, Silk Powder, Boron, Methyl Behenate, Iron Oxides, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Ethylene/Methacrylic Copolymer, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Vitamin E. May contain: Ultramarines, Alumina, Tin Oxide, Kaolin Clay, Titanium Dioxide.

Here’s the latest product review from Joycey Couture… Bionic Beauty’s co-editor!

SPF 18 natural sunscreen lotion by California Baby

Grab your beach bag kids- it’s summertime! Oh, and um- can I ask you what’s in your bag? Sunscreen I hope, and lots of it!

I’m a big beach person so when I was asked to try a new, all natural sunscreen lotion, I couldn’t pass it up! I was handed two bottles of California Baby. One, a SPF 18 and the other, an SPF 30.

I began by researching the products before I tested them on my skin during a hot, humid, and skin roasting day at the beach.

From what I read, I had found the love of my life! Developed with all organic ingredients, without added PABA or another invasive chemicals, it’s water resistant (for up to 8 hours of sun time!), great for babies and children (tear-free), non-comedogenic and its non-whiting.

Who could ask for more!?

Well, the SPF 18 did what it promised and delivered award winning results. I had a hint of glow after laying by and swimming in the pool (reapplying after each pool exit), but no redness anywhere on my face or body. Although I wasn’t a huge fan for the lemon grass scent, I was happy with the product.

SPF 30 natural sunscreen lotion by California Baby

I wish I could say the same for the SPF 30. I was not a California Baby. I looked more like a California Tourist!

The sunscreen globbed on my skin from the bottle and when I finally had it spread about- it was impossible to rub in. I even tried scrubbing it around (or off) in the salt water using sand as my scrub!

(Can you imagine what I looked like in the ocean? Quite possibly a glowing white, beached beluga whale.)

So, it was then it dawned on me- just like a first date, sunscreen isn’t always as good as it says it is.

In summary, I heartily recommend the California Baby SPF 18 sunscreen over their SPF 30. The SPF 18 runs $19.99 (for a 4.5 pump bottle) and the SPF 30 is $19.99 for 2.9 oz tube. Shop online at CaliforniaBaby.com or keep an eye out at your local natural food market.

Just a few items from around the web this week…

Bionic Beauty in the July 2009 issue of Ladies Home Journal

Check out Beauty Luxe’s Must Have Summer Beauty article. She asked several bloggers (me included!!) to contribute which beauty and cosmetic products were on their list for this season. Be sure to read the article when you have time!

And as many of you know, Bionic Beauty was included in a cool article in the July 2009 issue of Ladies Home Journal. You can find my mention on page 30 or read the article at the LHJ website. Jenna McCarthy, the author, had a fabulous idea to save money during this ick-onomy by requesting free samples of makeup and cosmetics.

Today’s article comes to you from special guest contributor, Kimberly. Kimberly is the creator Beauty Luxe and the founder of The HyperLuxe Media Network. Feel free to contact her via twitter @Kimberly4Nicole.

The best beauty collections are released during the warmer months. Think about it. When do you see the most vibrant colors and playful products? Summertime is a beauty lovers dream. This season, all the biggies have released amazing collections from MAC’s fierce Style Warrior to Bobbi Brown’s soothing Nauticals. There are so many amazing new products, I can hardly wait to get my hands on them all. This Summer’s makeup must haves are nothing, if not diverse.

NARS Eyeshadow in Tropic

Why It’s A Must Have:
Tropic is a new addition to the NARS family found in the Summer 2009 collection. NARS is known for their incredible pigments. Their rich, brilliant colors are nearly unmatched (MAC gives them a run for their money), and I’m feening for this vibrant teal with silver specks. It’s a perfect addition to any summer makeup kit. Who doesn’t need another nighttime eyeshadow?

China Glaze Custom Kicks

Why It’s A Must Have:

Blue nail colors are definitely hot this season, and there are a ton of gorgeous blues to pick from. But this shimmer-infused dusty teal has just the right amount of edgy appeal for a beauty risk-taker like me.

Diorkiss Gloss in Grenadine Sirup

Why It’s A Must Have:
Pink gloss is a must have for the Summer season. Dior’s newest shade is an iridescent bright pink available in the Color Pop 2009 Collection. Dior glosses always provide intense shine.

Untamed Creamy Cheek Color

Why It’s A Must Have:
The Smashbox Untamed collection has a number of gorgeous neutrals, and this bronzer/blush looks like it will deliver the perfect “sexy summer flush.”

MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Pearl

Why It’s A Must Have:
I’m not exactly sure what you’re supposed to do with MAC lustre drops, but I’m infatuated with the new colors in the MAC Style Warriors Collection. I’d love to get my hands on Pink Pearl and mix it with my bronzer or use it on my lids to get a soft pink glow.

It’s been awhile since I hosted a giveaway here at Bionic Beauty… and since I’m getting ready to kick things off for the big 2 year anniversary next month, I thought I’d start a little early. Here’s your chance to win a fantastic set of mineral makeup from Ferro Cosmetics!

Come Hither Eye Candy eyeshadow by Ferro

The giveaway winner will receive:

• A Crystal Mineral Veil of your color choice,
• A Flawless Face Brush to apply it.
• An Ultimate Foundation (again in your color choice),
• and an Eye Candy eye shadow in the perfect summer shade- Come Hither.

Here’s my look using the Ferro Cosmetics kit…

Bionic Beauty wearing Ferro Cosmetics mineral makeup

To enter, tell me which shade of Ferro Crystal Mineral Veil you like best, and which Foundation color is your best match. Leave your choices in the comments section below.

The Rules: One (1) winner will be chosen randomly from the qualified entrants and will receive the Ferro Mineral Makeup set as detailed above. To qualify for entry, you must follow the entry rules as outlined in this post. This giveaway is open to United States residents only. Please enter only once; duplicate entries will be detected and discarded. Entry deadline is June 22nd, 2009 at midnight USA ET. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced here on Bionic Beauty and contacted via email. Approximate retail value for the Ferro Mineral Makeup set is $79.35.
*Please note that I will never share your email address with anyone! I only use your email address to contact you if you are a winner. However, if you do not enter a valid email address, you will be disqualified. Please do not post your email in the comment itself… *just* in the email box (for your own safety).

Don’t forget to sign up for the Bionic Beauty blog newsletter (or you can subscribe in your favorite RSS reader) so that you can keep up with the product reviews, beauty and makeup samples and giveaways offered here. Good luck Bionic Beauties!!