NOTD: Orly Sweet Peacock & 50% Off Offer

I've been having very neutral coloured nails this week as I had a wedding last weekend and so went for a beige pink shade. It was pretty and work safe so I left it on for the whole week (and being a lighter shade, the chips on the edge were less noticeable which helped to increase its longevity!)

But today is Friday so off went the pale coloured nails and on comes the vibrant colours. Let me show them to you.

Orly Nail Lacquer - Sweet Peacock
Sweet peacock is from Orly's latest collection - Birds of a Feather containing shades that depict the pretty irridescent colours of bird feathers.

Sweet peacock is a royal blue with a metallic shimmer finish. It's a gorgoeous vibrant shade and gives nail plenty of dimension.

The shimmery finish does indeed remind me of the irridescent blue in the eyes of the peacock feathers and I love it paired with a pale blue shirt to highlight the vibrant colour.

The Shimmer finish lacquer is easy to apply and I found thicker layers gave less streaky finishes from uneven layerig of the shimmers. You really you can get away with one coat for an opaque finish if it was applied thicker than normal but if you were going for a second coat, make sure the first is completely dry as it's easy to disturb the first layer of this shimmer formula and result in an uneven finish.

Orly products can be hard to come by as it's only stocked in selected salons but thankfully they have an online shopfront so everyone can get a hold of their favourite Orly product at their convenience.

But huddle closely around your screens my pretties, as I've got something big to share with you today.

Being one of the sponsors at the recent ABBW event, Orly has provided the beauty bloggers in attendance with an exclusive discount code for a massive 50% off RRP of ALL products at Orly Beauty online.

After making some inquireis, I had the blessings of the folks at Orly to share with you this promotional code so all you readers can join in the deal. Just quote "ABBW" at checkout for this generous discount.

I can tell you I'll be picking up the regular version of Star Spangled, Fowl Play, Haute Red, Mirror Mirror lacquers and their Peace rich renewal hand creme which I love so much.

The Orly discount code is valid till 31st October 2011 so don't miss out at this incredible opportunity!

Orly nail lacquers 18ml  RRP A$18.95 at selected salons, or online at Orly Beauty.
This featured  product was provided for consideration.

Orly GelFX Manicure: Star Spangled

This week Orly launched a salon-only range called GelFX into the Australian market - a gel manicure system that boast chip free colour for up to 2 weeks in answer to the demands for long lasting colour, diamond shine (and perhaps also to CND's Shellac manicure system?).

Using LED UV lamp for faster cure time of the 3-in-1 cleanser, primer and base coat, colour and topcoat of the GelFX system. Results are diamond strength durability and shine. It's also easy to remove when the time comes to take the colour off with foil remover wraps.

The vitamin infused GelFX formula is also nourishing for nails with vitamin A, E and B5 to promote healthy nails and protect the nail structure and when used with the orange blossom and wild cherry extract based cuticle oil, provides a complete system that protects nail and conditions culticles.

Orly GelFX is available in 32 colours that are colour matched to the top selling colours in the permanent collection. This means you can touch up the ends of growing nails at home to prolong the wear which you will definitely need because the GelFX just doesn't chip or fade.

I had the pleasure of being one of the first in Australia to experience this new manicure last weekend at the ABBW event at the Maxted Gala and now I find it very hard to go back to basic polish.

I had my gelFX manicure in the shade Star Spangled. This is what I call an old Hollywood glamour red with a modern twist. It is a gel finished ruby red with red micro glitter that dazzles and shine under the light and subtle flickers in the shade. This shade is <3 at first sight and a friend and I are planning to place an order for the matching nail lacquer from the website.

Below are photos of my nails 6 days after the manicure without any touch ups. You can see my nails are starting to grow out but the tips of my nail are still in pristine glossy and vibrant condition - a first for me since I don't wear gloves for chores!

I never been able to have nail colour on my nails last more than 2-3 days without chipping no matter what brand or formula I try (including OPI, Essie, or Orly's normal range). With GelFX, I'm now a convert and I can't wait to book myself in for my next GelFX manicure when I have to attend an upcoming wedding next month.

GelFX launched nationally in Australia this week. For your nearist salons, contact Orly on 1300 769 355 or email them at orlysales@orlybeauty.com.au.
GelFX is also available in the North America at Orly stocked salons.

Many thanks to the ladies at Orly, particularly Celeste my manicurist for introducing me to this beautiful shade and for allowing me to experience the magic of GelFX.

So who's now keen to try an Orly GelFX manicure?

Review: Orly Rich Renewal Creme

The winter weather's causing havoc on my skin this month. Scaly legs and dehydrated arms are starting to show up. Add to that, my hands are getting very dry and the cuticles are looking ragged and chapped. It was time to take some action and hit myself up on some intense hydration.

Orly Rich Renewal Ultra Hydrating Creme

• The purse size 60ml tube of goodness is handy to carry arounnd and comes in 3 amazing fragrances - Passion, Peace and Paradise. I had the Peace one which is a light vanilla and white tea scent - yummy and heavenly at the some time. 
• Indeed very rich but not at all greasy - in fact is has this silken feel and is very much similar to L'Occitane's ultra Rich Cream in texture. It is absorbed quickly and starts to hydrate skin immediately.
•  Love the fact this multi-tasker can be used on the all parts of the body and works well on hands to soothe culitcles
• Leaves skin soft and silky by quenching it with moisture whilst subtly scenting it. Within 3 days my scaly arms were starting to look very normal again. 

Ingredients listing:

I just can't get enough of this stuff and could slather it on all day long. I love it for the scent alone but this beauty is a winner in the all important hydration and softening department as well - what's there not to love?

60ml RRP A$10.95 or 240ml A$29.95 at selected Pharmacies or Orly Online.

P.S. use the discount code 'beautyheaven' to get 15% of all your purchases when you checkout online. This code was provided to all members of beautyheaven, which I'm part of.

This product sample was provided for consideration.