Matte French Manicure with OPI Matte Top Coat (Tutorial with Photos)

Matte French Manicure with OPI Matte Top Coat

OPI unveiled a new Matte Top Coat during NYFW, which is now available in stores (as of April 2013). The new OPI Matte Top Coat . . .

“instantly transforms glossy nail lacquer to a matte finish when applied over any OPI hue. Matte Top Coat provides sealing protection without shine and protects nails from chipping, making manicures last longer. With a matte, transparent finish, Matte Top Coat is designed to leave nails velvety smooth while creating a touchable texture for an edgy appearance.
“A matte finish can be worn over any OPI nail lacquer shade and should be applied after the base coat and primary coats of color to give nails a unique look,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Artistic Director. “Using Matte Top Coat to transform any shade in your collection makes it a more versatile and budget-friendly way to embrace the matte trend. Give your favorite lacquers an update with a new finish without altering the color.”

I created this Matte black french manicure using the directions on the OPI website. Check out this video for complete details!

The new OPI Matte Top Coat is now available at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillardʼs, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail.

Weekend Reads from the Beauty Blogger Coalition

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup!

Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog: At long last Helen from Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog received her Burberry Lip Glow in Fondant Pink No. 21! Was it worth the long wait?!
TheFabZilla: Got oily skin? Hop over to TheFabZilla to see her new fave foundy- Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation
Emily Hudspeth, hair and makeup: Using Foiling Technique for High Fashion Photoshoots
BeautyJudy: BeautyJudy shares swatches and a review of the Wet n’ Wild Fergie Perfect Pout lippies - flossy, flossy!
Painted Ladies: Pevonia Spa Clinica Skin Perfecting Set has Sheila’s skin looking smooth!
BeautyTidbits: Curious about the new Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream? Check out the review and swatches over at BeautyTidbits!
My Highest Self: Just how FAB is the Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser?
Beauty by Miss L: Miss L showed pretty purple nail polish by Maybelline.
Continue reading →

3 Steps to a Hair Bow Created 2 Ways – Tutorial By Marc Anthony Hair Care

The hair bow: It looks like a bit of a task to create but in reality is really quite simple. It can be done in three easy steps and works remarkably well on straight, wavy or curly hair. The finish on each hair type looks quite different but equally quaint. This look works well on many levels. It’s perfect for day functions as well as something a bit more formal. The trick is to keep it a little untidy so that it has a grown up finish. We like to show this in two different variations. The first has a ‘Gossip Girl’ pretty, casual vibe and the other is a bit more posh and proper.

HAIR BOW — HOW TO GET THE LOOK:

PRETTY CASUAL HALF UP

Ponytail: First, add some texture to the hair with a bit of Beach Spray. Decide on your hair part and then separate two sections of hair from ear to ear over the crown. Pull both sides back and bind it with an elastic to create a half ponytail. Lightly spray the ponytail with Hairspray and gently back brush it. You want a bit more texture for hold and visual interest.
Bunny Ears: Separate the pony into two sections. Take one section, bend it into a half oval shape and pin it in place. Repeat with the other section as if you are creating bunny ears.
Wrap: Wrap the remaining piece of hair around the centre to create the middle of the bow and pin in place. Play with the bow a bit and, if you like, carefully spread it out to make it bigger. Spray lightly with Hairspray.

Leaving the rest of the hair out gives this a relaxed finish and works really well with straight, waves or curls.

POSH AND PROPER

You can make this look dressy by taking the remaining hair that has been left out and creating another bow. Just repeat the same three steps: 1) Ponytail; 2) Bunny Ears; 3) Wrap. Adding another bow turns this into an updo that has a fresh modern take on your traditional updo’s. Give it a final spritz with Hairspray and you’re bows are perfectly wrapped.

Marc Anthony products are available… In the USA at Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), Rite Aid (www.riteaidonlinestore.com) www.drugstore.com and other retailers. Dream Waves Beach Spray available now – suggested retail price $8.99. The New Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray will be available Spring/Summer 2013 – suggested retail price $8.99. In Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart Canada and other retailers. Dream Waves Beach Spray available now – suggested retail price $11.99. The New Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray will be available Spring/Summer 2013 – suggested retail price $10.99.