The Lounge and Ji’s top notch staff await your hard working “barking dogs’

Soon after- like kismet, I started seeing the name everywhere…. from the NY Times to Vogue magazine, Rescue Beauty Lounge quickly was becoming an editorial fav and it’s founder Ji Baek  had become the ‘go-to girl’ for glamorous nails and beauty advice.

Rescue Beauty’s oh-so chic founder JI Baek

When I began writing a report on nail color trends last Spring- JI and her amazing line of polishes  immediately came to mind. After a quick read over her bio on the company’s website (a refreshing  down-to-Earth rendition of the facts behind her amazing can-do story), I knew right away that she would be the perfect person to talk to about color inspiration.

A quickly answered email later -I had all of Ji’s inspiring insight and more of the upcoming season.  Which in return not only inspired me to search out other company’s behind the scenes inspirations but also opened up my eyes to another ‘hot trend’ in the world of nail care- the importance of safer products and safer salon visits.

In fact, it’s this ‘cleanliness’ issue that first lead Ji ( a self professed germ-o-phob ) on a colorful, life changing journey.  After years of being what she calls a ’stiletto clad’ restaurant manager, Ms. Baek realized a need in Manhattan for a fun salon where hands and feet could be pampered in a not only ‘uber-clean’ environment but in an affordable one to boot.

Some of Rescue’s must have products- Citrus Vert anti-bacterial hand wash, a classic Nail Clipper with chain and two of their addictive colors Chinoise and Grunge (f.y.i there’s a wait list on this baby)

Since opening her first location in 1998 (she now has 2 new locations under her stylish nail ‘file’), she has gone on to create a polish line free of Touluene, Formaldehyde, or DBP, deliciously aromatic skin care products, mani tools and even a book instructing us all on her philosophical ways to becoming a better groomed being (I love her idea that manicures and pedicures can be a ‘great time to bond’ with family).  Products and ideas that leave even the most independent amongst us succombing to the need of a little ‘rescue’!

JI’s recession friendly, do-it-yourself guide to perfect tips and toes

Last I had been in touch with Ji it was the super bright hues on the Spring 2008 Runways that were leading her polishes in some very colorful directions as well.  Now as yet another beautiful season approaches I had to check back in with Ji and get a peak at her ‘must have list’ for Summer 09.

source

Rescue Beauty’s latest color collection Bling It is a collection of ‘grown up glitter’ inspired as being a fun and affordable way to bring this season’s embellished and glitzy trend in fashion to your fingertips!

Rescue Beauty’s new collection: Bling It ( featuring ‘Look Rich, Be Cheap’, Frugalista and Locavore)  All 3 polishes have a shot of purple- the color Ji calls the ‘color of the season’

A quick and colorful chat with Ji:

What inspired your new colors this season?

Texture and shine, the three glitter nail polishes that I created were very challenging -in a sense it’s grown up glitter that has depth, different facets but surprisingly neutral.

I was inspired by all the sequins, crystal embellishment on the runway but the price tag of “Price up on request”in this economy did not sit well with me. Through these polishes you get to have shiny jewels on you fingers and toes.

What’s your best advice for keeping hands and feet pretty all summer long?

Mantra should be exfoliate and hydrate daily.

Is there a Rescue Beauty Lounge shade that you think is just super flattering to everyone’s complexion?

We mix colors in house- there is a skin tone test we do.  We always tweak pigments so that they will look fabulous on any complexion. Nail polish is not a foundation or concealer, you should just have fun with the colors and not think too hard.

I can’t help but notice how stylish you always are!!! What’s on your ‘got to have it’ color list for your own wardrobe and nails this season?

I can’t seem to get enough of our glitters that I been sporting since it came out two months ago, it’s very addictive.

This summer is about really easy neutrals,  long bold print sun dresses and of course my urban uniform -short, tank tops layered with shrunken cardigan.

In fact, CND’s co-founder and director Jan Arnold helped to pioneer the idea of ‘nails as fashion accessory’ when she recognized the model’s hand were often times an afterthought in the styling of runway shows.  She herself approached a handful of designers about doing the nails for their shows… and viola! so many years later- it’s hard to image nails not being part of the overall beauty routine backstage at fashion week.

a quick look behinds the scenes with CND’s army of nail artists

The company prides themselves in not only creating polishes that are unique and expressive but Formaldehyde and  DBP-free as well. Enhanced with a UV filtering formula to boot- the colors that define the season stay true… even if your lucky enough to take your pedicure on a sun soaked vacation!

CND’s Cocoa, and opaque nude that is sure to be one of the most sought after colors of the season! ( It was used on the runways of Giambattista Valli, Nina Ricci, Jason Wu and Thakoon- just to name a few.)

I’ve always loved CND for their edgy styling, artistic vision and a range of products that I can only describe as addicting ( just try their Solar Oil- I promise you’ll never look back ). In the CND world- nail color is about fun and fantasy- every ‘look’ tells a story.  Are you a ‘Downtown Doll’ or a ‘Fancy Flirt’… the examples on their website are off the charts.  And though I’m a real bore when it comes to my short and simple nails- this ‘cork’ inspired design is speaking to my eco- aware, texture loving self.  Plus I love that they provide the directions to re-create all of these fun styles right on their site.. wow, using gauze to create color texture… brilliant!

I must also tell you that I have a big soft spot in my heart for the CND label- when I began writing my nail trend report this past year they were the first company to jump on board providing me with much appreciated samples, pictures and quotes… and basically helped me get the whole ball rolling- so I have to say a very big ‘thanks!’ for that.

the pretty model on my cover is wearing a reverse french manicure in CND’s Voodoo and Creme Puff

Speaking of my Nail Color Now trend report did I mention that Sensational Color is about to launch our new online education site and that my nail trend report will be there for all to enjoy?… Yep, we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes… techno glitches and all… perfecting what we are hoping becomes an amazing center of colorful education and up- to- date community topics and discussions- more on this next week ( let’s all keep our fingers crossed that the gods of technology are on our side)!!!

OK so back to the important color stuff- what are the biggest trends and colors that those in-the-know at CND have spotted for Summer 2009?

Well, like I mentioned already- Opaque colors are going to be big news this year:

“Opaque is in when it comes to clean, groomed looking manicures.  Cocoa, a creamy opaque foundation color, is the new nude for spring.  Saturated color in fleshtones to match your skin look fantastic on toes to show off sexy, bejeweled or embellished sandals and has a slimming, elongating effect on hands.”
Jan Arnold, co-founder, CND

CND is predicting that opaque shades are the perfect foil to the icy toned fabrics and geometric layers of this Spring’s prettiest fashions. Other beautiful pales that were a hit on the runways- iridescent and creamy whites along with sheer pinks adding a demure tone to peplumed jackets, menswear inspired pants and sexy bandage dresses that came down the catwalks of Calvin Klein, Kai Kuhne and Giambattista Valli.  CND’s picks: Moonlight & Roses, French Pink and Bisou De Lulu.

A fun CND suggestions to wearing these milky colors- apply two coats, allow to dry well then buff down the shine for an unexpected matte finish.

On the darker side of the emery board- color continues to reign supreme..especially exciting are shades of blue, black, deep violet-red and metallic gold.  With a touch of exotic African inspiration and a return to the ‘eclectic age’ of 70’s and 80’s inspired silhouettes..these deep colors look super fresh in a season not usually associated with such dark colors.

CND’s Nail Noir is bring ’sexy back’ to black nails ( mix it together with equal parts Decadence and you’ll get the perfect shade of dark burgundy just like the one that CND created for Marc Jacobs on the runway of Louis Vuitton!)  Jan Arnold says that gothic nails have now gone mainstream and that today black polish is considered as classic for nails as the french manicure was in the 80’s or red was in the 60’s.

CND’s Iced Cappuccino, Wildfire and Decadence all add a spark to your summer wardrobe whether your maxed out in a long 70’s inspired print dress or hanging with your harem in a blouse-y top, short shorts and killer embellished shoes.  Designers who went dark and glitzy for Spring: Giles, Vivienne Westwood, Abeate and Miss Sixty.

Can’t wait to get your hands on one of these hot new colors… well be sure to check back next week… once the new site is up and running we will begin a celebration of give-aways ( including a set of all the polishes mentioned in this post!!!!) Better yet sign up and we’ll email you a reminder.

Can’t wait to tell you all about it!- Have a great weekend!

Whether it’s a soft pink, French manicure, bright red, light brown, or even naked nails, the colors we love say something about who we are…to ourselves and everyone else.

And, colors on our nails are just the beginning. What about the colors we choose for our clothes, our homes, our cars, and our cell phones?

Please join me tonight, Tuesday, April 29th at 8 pm Eastern as Ms Bodacious [aka Mary Foley] gets me to reveal the connections between color and personality…

- What does our favorite nail color say about our personality?

- What do different colors mean?

- How do colors affect our mood?

- What are some benefits of trying new colors?

- What are the nail color trends for this spring and summer?

- How can we live a more color-FULL life?

Plus, there’s a chance to ask your questions as well!

This call is F*R*E*E and recorded live for all Live Like Your Nail Color Club members.

Here’s what Mary has to say about the club…

“It all started when I was waiting for my nails to dry. Now it’s a phenomenon that’s inspiring confidence and fun in thousands of women just like you!”

So if you could use some fresh, fun, motivation to live a color-FULL life then now is the time to connect with Mary. Join the Live Like Your Nail Color Club and let her inspire you!

Meet Mary and sign up for the call here….

That’s exactly what butter London, the Seattle based cosmetic label is doing. This year in honor of Earth day, the company has partnered with the website BrandHabit.com to offer a special promotion entitled ” Turn in Your Toxins”.

From now until May 15th for every three bottles of regular nail polish turned into participating boutiques, costumers will receive one coupon entitling them to a free online purchase of a bottle of Butter’s own “3- free” nail polish ( the 3-free referring to a polish free of the chemical components: Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP (Phatalate) ) .

I’ve been reading a lot about this company lately, their polishes are said (at least by some loyal blogging fans ) to outlast the competitors by not just days, but by weeks!

” Color not Carcinogens” – the company’s motto appears on each and every bottle- their website asks ” Do you know what’s in your nail polish? We do.

An interior shot of a butter London shop- I can’t say how much I’m loving that black chandelier!

Wow! A real triple threat- a company attempting to rid the world of nasty chemicals ( I’m intrigued), a polish said to leave my hands and tootsie colorful for weeks at a time ( I’m in love ) and company whose website and store are styled in a manner I find just too cute for words-( let’s just say “they had me at “Hello”!)

All I can say is “out with the old, in with the new”- I’ve got my eye on a free bottle of their “Fash pack” -a color they describe as “putty meets mushroom”, too cool!

Let me know if you participate,too!

Now these electrified shades, in colors with names like psychedelic coral, hot pop blue, Studio 54 and Chrome yellow will be making a splash in your cosmetic bag as well.

Even our favorite stars are looking a little brighter this year: Katherine Heigl took to the Oscar runway in a custom blended super bright coral lips, Avril Levine’s trademark pink streak made it’s way onto the Spring catwalk while who could forget Rhianna flashing a neon orange manicure when she took home her Grammy last month.

So say bye, bye beige and sianara to nudes…. bold neon inspired hues are here!

Sephora.com describes the trend as Pop Art makeup- “At the fashion shows, makeup artists experimented with live-wire colors in shocking combos like orange and purple, Kelly green and red, and spots of bright blue just about everywhere (even on the lips!).“

Their suggestion for wearing more than one bright color at a time…“make sure the undertones match. And, try using the color in an unexpected place”

Not quite ready to walk out the door resembling an Andy Warhol screen print, but love the idea of trying out this trend? Then start out by trying just one bright color at a time. Pick the feature you want to highlight and go from there.

The Eyes Have It

Colorful eyelashes are definitely unexpected…. these mascaras from Vincent Logo, available through the Sephora website, are a quick way to add dramatic color to your eyes.

In colors like blu, Gialliano, Rosso, Verdi and Biancho, batting your eyelashes just got a lot more fun.

Not quite game enough to sport green eyelashes… then how about just a touch of colorful highlights on your lashes instead.

Max Factor’s Vivid Highlighting mascara promises to “define your eyes with a base coat of their legendary Lash Perfection mascara, then light up your lashes with a flash of color in one of five subtle shades. “

Their shade of Blazing Black with a hot pink top coat makes brown eyes “pop” , baby blues come alive in 24 Karat Brown, while green eyes are equally engaging in Blazing Bordeaux.

Don’t let your lids get jealous- add a vibrant neon shades in a matte or glittery finish. Remember keeping your lips pale will makes a boldly dressed eye doubly dramatic!

Chanteuse Lily Allen makes a splash in bright orange.

This combo of bold color on the eye and soft color on the lips will look fresh and modern for summer. Much like the models on the runway for the Christian Dior Resort 2008 collection.

Bright hot pink eyes and pale lips were the look at Dior, an insiders peek at the runway’s colorful palette from Style.com

Then when the weather turns cool once again, take a color cue from the fall 2008 fashion show of designer Derek Lam and team your summer neon shadow with a decadent deep colored lip.

Take a backstage look at the techniques and products used to create this spirited look that mixes neon yellow with a deep burgundy lip featured on Style.com.

Try this at Home: Urban Decay’s deluxe shadow box, Makeup Forever face paints and Pop cosmetics Lid Neon are all makeup artist faves and available at Sephora.

Lip Service

neon lips like the bright coral color seen her on ubermodel Agyness Deyn at the Alice Temperley show will be super trendy this summer.

Elle.com shows the products makeup artist Charlotte Tibery used to create the look she calls ““Hot, sexy skin.” A punch of color, one of spring’s biggest trends, makes the most impact against a nearly nude face.”

Bright lips like those that lit up the runways of Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta are an easy way to recharge your look- I’m especially loving a bright hued lips paired will pale golden eyeshadow- this will definitely be my go-to look for warm spring nights!

There is kaleidoscope of lip color to choose from at MAC cosmetic

Double Your Color

If your willing to go bold both on your lids and your lips- I say “Go for it!” Just remember to combine colors that bring the best out of each other:

yellow eyes work great will an orange/red lip

bright green shines with deep pinks

while super blues keep their hot-coolness alongside dusty mauve

Also offering out of this world lipstick colors , color fan favorite Shu Umuera… the trick to these bold colors is you layer them under more traditional colors for extra oomph … the blue softens a bright shade, the green mutes color while the purple shade deepens and enriches color.

You’ve Nailed It!

Probably the easiest and equally fabulous way to work the trend is with a neon inspired manicure or pedicure.

These unexpected colors are a breath of fresh air for those ready to take a break from the inky blues and blacks of the past few seasons.

There is a flattering bright shade of polish for everyone.

OPI newest line of colors are inspired by the beautiful bright colors of India, their polishes “I’m India Mood for Love” and “MonSooner or later” are universally flattering.

Color lovers unite! Here’s just a small sampling of the awesome nail colors available from Creative Nail Designs

while these Orly polishes will surely bring out your inner “Rhianna”

Hair Today

Okay, I realize bright neon hair streaks are not for everybody…. but I think the return of this trend which first had it’s heyday in the 80’s is youthful and fun! And with new and improved temporary shades abound you won’t be ruing the day you decided to take the plunge- ( Oh, no I’m having a flash back to my raspberry colored hair from 12 years ago that over stayed it’s welcome- yikes!)

The runways at Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs had some brightly dyed models

One wash is all it takes to rinse out these temporary colors from Streekers.com that translates to me as one bright night of fun with no regrets!…Halliluyah to that!

Will your beauty routine be a little brighter this spring?

runway images from Style.com

celeb images from wire/AP

I wrote about seeing blue polish on the trend horizon last spring… now it’s the hot color du jour. I asked Kate about this trend and she said, “As we ushered in the new year many hues of blue from sky to navy were already appearing in home and fashion stores everywhere and buyers are scooping up items in this universally appealing color. Blue is also a popular color this year among car buyers, global color authority Pantone named blue their color of 2008 and Yves Klein blue is making a come back internationally. Is it any wonder that the blue nail color trend you saw beginning last Spring has found such a following? “

Chanel’s polish sold out at your favorite store? No worries- OPI’s “Russian Navy” from their fall collection is equally beautiful (my pilates guru was wearing it last week- super pretty!) and ” Yoga-ta Get This Blue” from their Spring “India” are equally dramatic.

Will your tips and toes be “blue” heading into Spring 2008?

**Sensational Color Trends Report**

See what’s hot in nail color now…

I remember the first time I bought OPI nail polish. It was a shade of coral that perfectly blended with my tanned skin and became an immediate “have to have” purchase.

OPI was still the “new kid” then, so it seems hard to believe that this year they are celebrating 25 years of bringing color to the world and that their business has grown across 75 countries and six continents.

For over two decades, OPI has offered glorious color and style, and their 25th anniversary collection continues in that tradition.

The colors are timeless, with a richness and diversity of style that will satisfy every fashion personality and will blend perfectly with this seasons fashion colors. Warm caramel, deep brown, rich reds, and the sophisticated mid-shades of straw, gray flannel, and moss green will all stand out aside brown.

Even luxurious metallics and jewel tones will make an appearance with brown this season.

A few of the colors are shown here, but for the complete offering and the always creative color names visit OPI.com.

Now the question is, should I try “Decades of Shades,” “OH…To Be 25 Again!” or “OP-I Love This Color” first?