THE NEW RED DOOR WILL BLOW YOUR MYND
Photo Credit: Myndspa.com
When I was fresh out of Barnard, I was treated to a mani at the famous Red Door Salon by a woman who I considered to be a mentor. It was a huge treat for me and started me off on a lifetime of professional beauty treatments. The iconic Elizabeth Arden Red Door on Fifth Avenue was truly THE beauty institution of it’s time for a lot of very posh women.
Fast forward to 2019 and Red Door Salon & Spa has just undergone a comprehensive modernization. Now known under the moniker Mynd Spa & Salon, the brand has a fresh and uber modern zen-like feeling, a huge departure from the original. The new menu will feature bespoke beauty and wellness services covering massage therapy, body treatmen
REVIEW OF FORMULA X: NAILS OF STEEL
Photo Credit: sephora.com
Formula X is certainly a different kind of nail experience. First of all, it is a huge range. Walk into any Sephora and you will be overwhelmed with the choices of a rich rainbow of colors, cool textures, shimmery metallics, glow in the dark neons, over the top glitters, and wild eye-catching finishes. The extensive selection will set every nailaholics’ heart a flutter. For me, however, I was searching for my go to beige, creme, pearl, and shell tones. (I know…yawn). If you can’t decide on your favorite shade, Sephora has a clever tester set up on the display—you slip your fingers under a clear acetate sheet and polish over your nail to see how it would look against your skin tone.
When it comes to beauty services, I’m all about saving time. Between working on my collection of Apple electronics 24/7, carrying around a bag that weighs a ton, running from meeting to meeting, in and out of taxis, etc. my typical mani lasts 2-3 days tops and I usually break at least one nail. I tried one of the home gel kits but it was too complicated and messy for me to stick with. I don’t have a schedule that lets me go for professional gel manis—nor the patience—and I’m too ADD to sit still long enough to have it done anyway. Therefore, my nails really take a beating and it’s not pretty.
So the promise of lasting well (like a whole 7 days!!) without chips and without UV light exposure that can cause skin cancer, got my attention. The idea of being able to take off or change your polish without soaking or using a sharp instrument also appeals.
To get into the Formula X frame of mind, start with the System Kit ($32.00) that contains 4 key steps needed to deliver the whole Formula X experience. It includes a cleanser, base coat and top coat, plus the color of your choice (that is, if you can pick just one!). I was skeptical about why I really needed to use the Nail Cleanser instead of just washing my hands, but after trying it, I can see the benefits. It gets your nails and cuticles squeaky clean without oils, dirt, sweat, or residue, so they are ready to accept the polish. The Base Coat is supposedly designed to be an adhesive primer that forms a sticky layer, thereby helping the polish stay in place. Next step is the color of your choice. And the last step is to finish with their signature shiny Top Coat to protect your mani and voila—you’re done! It’s that fast, easy, and it looks like a pro did it.
I’m in LOVE with Formula X. In fact, I’m going back for more colors—and I might even venture out of my comfort zone this time (brights or metallics?). I especially love the Neutrals and the New Classics collections. I am very impressed with the long wear time and chip-free formula. And I’ve already bought the System Kit for two girlfirends for the holidays.
Ladies, this nail polish is a MUST try!
Look for Formula X on Sephora.com and in Sephora stores, prices range from $10.50-$12.50 depending on the polish.
ESSIE INTRODUCES SPECIALIZED BASE AND TOP COATS
Customization is the name of the game for beauty this year and nail care is no different. Whether you have fragile, split, short, or strong nails, Essie has a top coat, base coat, and treatment plan that targets your specific need.
Pick and choose from the Essie Everyday, Anti-Aging, Strong and Grow ranges to create a personalized nail regimen.
Essie Specialized Base and Top Coats
The Everyday collection is suitable for all nail types and includes All in One Topcoat, Apricot Cuticle Oil, First Base Base Coat and Good to Go topcoat. Personally, I love All in One, a combo base coat, top coat, and nai
GLOW-GETTERS: BEAUTY AT ITS BEST
Sometimes beauty writing is all about editing – choosing the best of the best products available and highlighting their benefits. That’s exactly what beauty and health site www.DailyGlow.com has done with its first ever Daily Glow Beauty Innovator Awards, selecting 85 products within six categories and granting them “Glow-Getter†status.
The product categories include Skin, Hair, Makeup, Hand/Foot/Nail Care, Biggest Breakthrough and Editors’ Picks. The winners have just been announced on the site as of today.
A panel of 17 beauty and medical experts selected the winners – scouring the market to choose products that deliver above and beyond anything el
