The other half to Zoya’s Summer 2012 line is the Surf Collection. This one contains six nail lacquers that have a metallic shimmer to them, whereas the “Beach Collection,” is all cremes. I have to be completely honest here for a minute…I was not expecting to like this collection as much as I liked the Beach set. For some reason, they just didn’t appeal to me as much in the actual nail polish bottles. Once I started applying these on my actual nails, though, it was a whole different ball game. These are super opaque and rich in color, and they glow like crazy in the sunlight. You’ll see what I mean after seeing all the gorgeous swatches, read more…

Happy May! I couldn’t have chosen a better shade representation for a summer collection than Zoya did for their Beach Collection. I love that their shades are all bright and colorful, and that they represent the colors of the rainbow. I’ve been storing these on top of my desk where I work because it looks so pretty in the packaging. I may put them back there after this article just because the colors are so cheerful and happy! As I was swatching these, I was blown away by the formula, which was pure perfection. Each shade was super opaque and creamy, the perfect consistency…not too thick or too thin. To see photographs and swatches of the full collection, read more…

When I was given the chance to write a post about Neutrogena Naturals, an eco-friendly skincare line, I was extremely excited. I am very much an advocate for being eco-conscious, and I love everything outdoors. When it comes to my skin, going as natural as possible is one of my biggest concerns. Our skin is delicate, and often times skincare with harsh chemicals and preservatives in them can irritate our skin with or without us knowing it. This Neutrogena Naturals line is a fabulous alternative to products with harsh dyes, chemicals, and preservatives in them, and the line has something for every skincare need. I am going to be taking you through seven of the products in this line, giving you my thoughts on each. Also, these products came in an amazing goodie bag, and I want to share the other pieces that came with it, and my thoughts on those, too. For plenty of eco-friendly yummy goodness, read more…

I typically don’t blog on the weekends, not because I don’t have plenty to blog about, but because I enjoy clearing my brain during the weekend and tapping into my creativity through relaxation. I end up feeling really refreshed and ready to start the week by Sunday night because I miss posting on here! I decided to start a “Weekend Style,” column where I post random musings, as well as what I did that weekend, and even recent style purchases. I know this is a beauty website but it seems like fashion and beauty sing perfect harmonies together so I figured I’d include it. This morning, I woke up early to attend a self-defense class at a martial arts center with a few other ladies. I’ve never been to one before, or even considered it, but it was incredibly educational, and I walked away feeling even more confident than usual. To read more about my self-defense class, two recent style purchases (neon, of course!), and my new hair color, read more…

Talk about high-tech beauty! Salma Hayek’s beauty line, Nuance, contains this neat little lip quad. This little pod, and yes, I want to call it a pod, contains four lip colors. I decided to go with Warm since my complexion typically does better with warm shades. What I like about the Nuance brand is that everything is made with wonderful ingredients such as Vitamin E and Macadamia Seed Oil. Also, everything is paraben-free and not tested on animals, so it is perfect for those who are searching for a cruelty-free brand. To take a peek into this cool lip contraption, and see swatches, read more…

First of all, I must fess up and let you know that I absolutely love Jennifer Lopez. Beauty wise, I have always found her to be one of my biggest inspirations in terms of hair, makeup, and skin. She always looks flawless, and she practically trademarked “the glow.” I decided to watch the newest Jennifer Lopez video on my Vevo iPad app (and yes, I still watch music video’s for the makeup/hair), where I was instantly attracted to the very first makeup look she was wearing. Between flashes of strobes I was able to capture a few screenshots of the gorgeous sparkling silver, purple, and pink look. It’s definitely a bold makeup look, but I think it would perfect for a “girls night out” or if you’re going out somewhere for a special night. It’s fun, it’s bold, and it looks great on every single eye color. To see how I achieved this look, read more…

Another incredibly fun new launch from OPI Nail Lacquer, this time inspired by The Amazing Spider-man movie, set to open July 3rd, 2012 in theaters. I actually saw the preview for this movie while I was waiting to see The Hunger Games, and I have to tell you, I absolutely love Emma Stone. I think she is perfect for the role of Gwen with her girl-next-door likeability. Whether you’re a fan of superhero movies, or you just love nail polish, I think this collection has a little somethin’ somethin’ for everyone.

“OPI is so excited to work with Sony Pictures in welcoming Spider-Man back on the big screen,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “This film explores a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy that’s going to be both dark and sexy. The colors created for this promotion capture the movie’s exciting atmosphere, with standout shades like the deep shimmering blue Into the Night and the metallic golden green Just Spotted the Lizard.”

To see photographs and swatches of the full collection, read more…

I was so excited when I received this collection, because who doesn’t love Disney? It’s like hating butterflies, babies, and rainbows! Four shades in playful, pretty hues of red and pink, and you’ve got bold yet feminine nail lacquers.

“OPI is so excited to collaborate with Disney and draw inspiration from one of the world’s most popular characters,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “This collection brings together the expertise of OPI and the iconic style of Minnie Mouse to inspire the distinct palette of vibrant, feminine shades for summer Nails will pop against summer skin in these classic, saturated hues – holding their own alongside the bold prints of the season.”

With that being said, let’s go ahead and take a look at these four gorgeous shades of nail polish, read more…

Milani Cosmetics has released five new Crystal Gloss shades! The pinks and peach in this collection make me really excited because they’re so sweet and forever classic for the spring and summer, however, there is a surprise stunner in this collection! To see photographs and swatches of the full collection, read more…

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Earth Day 2012, Sensible Six Beauty Products: Makeup

This slideshow shows my top six favorite makeup products that are considered sensible for Earth Day. Some of them are natural and some of them are eco-friendly, but all of them are just plain smart. Click through the photographs to see each product and learn more about them!

The Organic Mascara: Physician's Formula Organic Wear Lash Boosting Mascara

If you've got sensitive eyes, or you wear contact lenses, there is hope for you! Physician's Formula Organic Wear Lash Boosting Mascara is 100% free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, dyes, and parabens. It also happens to be 100% cruelty-free.

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Lash Boosting Mascara

This mascara is the perfect example of a product where you don't need to sacrifice big lashes for natural ingredients. The large mascara wand enhances your eyelashes, making them look thicker and longer, without damaging them.

The All-in-One Concealer: Miracle Skin Transformer

The Miracle Skin Transformer is a treat and conceal product for your skin that includes natural plant complex and loads of antioxidants for your skin. You can treat, cover, and correct, all at the same time!

Miracle Skin Transformer

The Miracle Skin Transformer comes in shades from light to dark, as well as translucent. It glides over your skin like a concealer, only it feels extremely lightweight. The product covers dark circles, and any pigmentation spots you may have. It feels super smooth when you apply it, and treats your skin concerns while correcting them!

The Natural Flush: Tarte Cosmetics Natural Cheek Stain

Tarte Cosmetics is an overall amazing brand to check out if you love natural cosmetic products. They also happen to be the queen of cheek stains. Their cheek stains are formulated without any parabens, preservatives, mineral oil, and fragrance. Oh, and on top of that, they have a ton of antioxidants in them, making them like a vitamin cocktail for your cheeks!

Tarte Natural Cheek Stain

My particular Tarte Cheek Stain came in a makeup kit, so it is smaller than the full-sized product. The color is rich and luxurious, but also sheer enough to blend out beautifully. A light shimmer ensures that the light will hit your cheeks just right. This is also a wonderful multi-use product that can be used for your lips as well!

The International Lip Balm: The Body Shop Satsuma Shimmer Born Lippy

The Body Shop supports community fair trade, which means they receive the ingredients to make their products from various regions with humane practices. The Satsuma Shimmer Born Lippy contains beeswax from Zambia, Africa, which is completely organic and plays a part in protecting and preserving the forest, as well as providing an income for the beekeepers.

The Body Shop Satsuma Shimmer Born Lippy

This particular lip balm has a hint of shimmer and a splash of zest from natural orange and satsuma oils. Not only will this keep your lips incredibly moisturized, you can feel good knowing that you are supporting fair trade practices, as well as the preservation of fine, exotic, natural ingredients internationally.

The Shadow/Liner Made of Clay: Tarte Cosmetics emphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner

Tarte's emphasEYES Clay Shadow/Liner is a multi-tasking product that won't budge, even under water. It comes in a variety of colors to suit your preferences, and the product is made from all-natural clay.

Tarte Cosmetics emphasEYES Waterproof Shadow/Liner

I chose to go with "Bronze," which is a dark bronze with a hint of golden shimmer. This product can be used as an all-over wash on the eyelid, a crease color, or as an eyeliner. The all-natural clay formula will stay put until you take it off with makeup remover, making it perfect for the hot and humid months ahead.

The Foundation Made of Fruit: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer is 100% vegan and natural, and made from fruit! How cool is that? The ingredient list contains peach, apricot, carrot, pomegranate, rosemary, oregano, and more! The pump application allows you to dispense an exact amount of product, as well, which I love.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Since this product is a tinted moisturizer, you will be getting more sheer, light coverage. It glides over the skin beautifully while still protecting from the harmful rays of the sun with SPF 20. It is available in different skin shades to suit your complexion, as well.

Beauty Gala's Earth Day 2012 Appreciation

Questions or comments about any of the products listed here? Feel free to comment below. May you have a VERY joyful Earth Day, and don't forget to partake in something, even if it is a small act. Mother Nature will surely appreciate your kindness.

[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]

[This article contains a sample product sent by PR. Beauty Gala's opinions are our own, and we commit ourselves to honesty in our reviews and descriptions at all times. Sample products are not guaranteed a review. For consideration of your product, please send all PR requests to Rebecca@beautygala.com, or by using our Press Inquiry Form.]