I typically don’t wear false nails since I’m always swatching nail polish colors. And quite often, the nails themselves are incredibly uncomfortable on my flat nail beds. However, it seems glue-on nails have made some steps forward… Nailene recently sent me a few boxes of their new nails to test out and review for the Bionic Beauties out there.

Bionic Beauty wearing Nailene's new Couture nails.

I got a pack of Nailene Couture nails (french manicure style with accented, sparkly tips), So Natural (which are shorter and softer so they flex more than normal glue-ons), and So Real (medium length but still very thin on your nail).

To start- I removed my nail polish, roughed up my nails slightly with a soft emery board and then started gluing the nails on. They lasted seven days on me- a person who is not using them as built-in screwdrivers (like I do!) would probably get ten days. And the new softer plastic is MUCH more comfortable than the older, thicker styles which forced my nail beds to bend.

My only complaint is how I can never seem to get all the air bubbles out when I apply glue-on nails. I’ve tried less glue, more glue, letting the glue dry until tacky, etc. And I still get some air bubbles.

With that said, these nails are great for a special occasion, or if you just broke all your nails off before a big night out. I applied mine in under 10 minutes and headed right out the door

Nailene glue-on nails are available at your local drugstore or mass market retailer for around $4 a box.

FTC Disclosure: This item was sent to me free of charge in return for an honest review. The opinion is based on my personal experience and was not influenced by any source. I was not compensated for this article. Feel free to read my disclosure policy for more information.

After an extensive freebie hunt, I’ve found some new samples for all the Bionic Beauties out there. So request away ladies!

• First, thanks to BJ for writing in about the new samples that Walmart is offering! You can grab a freebie of the new Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage eye cream with SPF 15. The Garnier samples are usually a pretty generous packet size. Perfect for at least a week of use!
• Dove has launched some new samples of shampoo and conditioner. You can choose from either their Heat Defense Therapy or Intense Damage Therapy hair care lines.
• For the indie-brand lovers, Pristine Skincare products is offering some freebies of their skin care line. While the sample form doesn’t specify what you’ll receive, it’s usually fun to try out a new brand.
  
• Head to your local Aveda salon and mention that you saw the offer in O (Oprah) Magazine for a free sample of their skin care. However, be sure to check for your local participating locations first.
• Also, while you’re at the Aveda site, you can register for their birthday program. You’ll get a coupon good for one free scented body care or other item to redeem on your b-day!

Remember that most samples go very quickly, and that I don’t ship/sell any of the samples from Bionic Beauty – I just locate them during my web travels. Have fun, Bionic Beauties!

Welcome to another Bionic Beauty giveaway! Thevi Cosmetics has kindly sponsored this contest so you all have a chance to win one of their High Impact Lipsticks in True Rouge. These lipsticks are super comfortable to wear and are rich in pigment… they are a favorite of The Bionic Mom!

Win a Thevi High Impact Lipstick in True Rouge!

In order to win…

Simply leave a comment below with what your “normal” makeup routine includes. Do you wear only a certain brand, just brown eyeshadows, have a favorite mascara or lipstick?

For a second entry, you can Twitter about this giveaway! But be sure to include @BionicBeauty and @Thevi in your tweet, as well as a link to this giveaway (you can use this one – http://tinyurl.com/WinLipstick).

The Rules: One (1) winner will be chosen randomly from the qualified entrants and will receive a Thevi Cosmetics lipstick in True Rouge, as detailed above. Retail value is $13. To qualify for entry, you must follow the entry rules as outlined in this post. This giveaway is open to USA and all International residents. Please enter only once; duplicate entries will be detected and discarded. Entry deadline is November 19th, 2009 at midnight USA ET. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced here on Bionic Beauty and contacted via email. *Please note that I will never share your email address with anyone! I only use your email address to contact you if you are a winner. However, if you do not enter a valid email address, you will be disqualified. Please do not post your email in the comment itself… *just* in the email box (for your own safety).

Don’t forget to sign up for the Bionic Beauty blog newsletter (or you can subscribe in your favorite RSS reader) so that you can keep up with the product reviews, beauty and makeup samples and giveaways offered here.

Good luck Bionic Beauties!!

Every Thursday night, I eagerly await the start of a new Vampire Diaries episode (8pm ET on The CW). The cast has good eye candy (woo hoo!) and the story lines are even better than it’s book series namesake (in my opinion, anyhow). While watching, I couldn’t help wondering how they kept all the gals’ hair bouncy and non-frizzy during the heat of an Atlanta summer. Well it turns out, that some of my favorite hair care products are working their tails off behind-the-fangs… White Sands to the rescue!

Vampire Diaries series hairstylist, Randa Squillacote, shares her secrets to creating the beautiful hair looks we see each week.

Actress Candice Accola as "Caroline"

Candice (who plays Elena’s slightly shallow, sometimes plotting, sometimes friend Caroline on the show) has thick, naturally wavy hair. To achieve her look Randa follows these steps…

1. Shampoo and condition hair with White Sands Vegan Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner to thoroughly cleanse, while infusing a vital moisture balance back into each strand.
2. Blow dry hair with a medium round brush for fullness.
3. Spray entire head with White Sands Liquid Texture Firm Hold. Section off 1-inch partings starting at the nape area. Take these 1-inch sections and using a 1-inch barrel curling iron, curl hair from ends to scalp (like a roller). Remove iron and clip into place until entire head is set. Wait until cooled.
4. Remove clips and brush out for a soft, sexy, wavy style. Spray with White Sands Infinity Finishing Spray for a flexible hold that repels outside moisture, while providing a long lasting style: a must on set!

Actress Nina Dobrev as "Elena"

Nina (who plays Elena Gilbert) has medium thickness and a natural wavy pattern to start. To achieve this look…

1. Shampoo and condition hair with White Sands Vegan Volumizing Shampoo and Volumizing Conditioner for a clean canvas.
2. Blow dry hair with a large round brush, spraying sections with White Sands Liquid Texture Medium Hold for its thermal protection and color enhancers. This technique creates volume and shine with just a round brush in hand.
3. Using White Sands Liquid Texture Firm Hold, flat iron hair in sections starting at the crown and lift straight up. Turn iron slightly at the middle of each hair strand to the ends for a slight bend and beautiful wave. Iron all hair sections in the same direction and let hair cool.
4. Brush and finger comb in place and spray with White Sands Infinity Finishing Spray.

Actress Katerina Graham as "Bonnie"

Katerina has medium thick and relaxed curly hair to start. Katerina’s character, Bonnie, just discovered she’s descended from a long line of witches.

1. Shampoo and condition hair with White Sands Vegan Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner to improve hydration levels and stand strength.
2. Spray on White Sands Porosity the Fix and apply Curl up in Silk Medium Mousse to define texture and remove frizz, drying tresses under a hairdryer.
3. Spray entire head with White Sands Liquid Texture Medium Hold. Take 1-inch partings, starting at nape. Gather each 1-inch section and hold a 1 ½ inch curling iron vertical and wrap hair around barrel from scalp to ends.
4. Let curls drop and separate with White Sands Smudge Texture Creme for a soft relaxed curl look.

Don’t miss any of my previous reviews of White Sands hair products!

Want some good news? White Sands’s products are now available on their website WhiteSandsProducts.com And even better news is you can now check out my absolute hair must-haves: Porosity the Fix and the new 24/7 The Cure!

All photographs are credited to: Andrew Eccles, The CW ©2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Calling all the Twilight fans!! Want to have a bit of fun leading up to the New Moon movie premiere, play with makeup, and possibly WIN some mineral makeup too?

Look no further… Mixology Makeup is holding a Twiology Look-A-Like makeup contest!

To Enter - Go to MixologyMakeup.etsy.com and order your Official Twiology Character Sample Kit for $2 in our TwiContest Section and choose your character (we need you wearing our Twiology makeup to make it official). Then wait patiently for your little bundle of joy to arrive in the mail. Next, apply your new Twiology Makeup by Mixology to create your character’s look. Your job is to use our makeup to create your character, but you may use your own lip color and mascara. Pictures must be high resolution 300 dpi minimum, you may submit up to 3 photos of your look, one MUST be a headshot. You don’t need to hire a professional photographer, but we do need usable pictures so think about setting, lighting, etc… You may enter more than one character category, but you may only win in one, we need different people for each look.

7 categories - Bella, Alice, Rosalie, Esme, Jane, Victoria, and You Choose = don’t see your character? Want to create a look inspired by one of the books, the town of Forks, or maybe La Push? Then grab the “You Choose” sample kit to show us your unique look and tell us the story behind it.

All photos must be received by November 28, 2009 at midnight US ET.
For full rules, judging information, check out the Mixology Makeup Blog!

Don’t forget to check out some of the sponsors either. I can personally vouch for Bella Bejeweled. I have her “Bella Moonstone Ring” in Sterling Silver and it’s JUST like the one Bella wears in the movies. I get compliments on it constantly!

Bionic's Bella ring from Bella Bejeweled

Who plans to enter? I’m thinking of a great Forks-inspired look. It started brewing in my mind last night. So I guess I’d better place my sample kit order!

Bionic Bronnie introduces us to the new organic and eco-friendly skin care line – Jeune D’Age Organics!

Jeune D’age Organics skin care is one of the most amazing brands I’ve reviewed. The line consists of four products that compliment each other; plus they are relatively affordable and exceptionally high quality. I’ll be reviewing all four products on Bionic Beauty in the coming few weeks, but the facial serum is first because, in my opinion, it was the best!

The first time I used Jeune D’age Serum my face felt so good that the only way I can explain it is it “made my face giggle!”. It was such an amazing experience to use Jeune D’age and I haven’t said that about many products before.

Bionic Bronnie reviews Jeune D'age Organics' anti-aging facial serum!

The Hydrating, Firming Anti-Aging Serum gave my face a healthy glow that lasted most of the day. I’ve pretty much stopped wearing makeup and use the serum along with a touch of lip color and mascara!

This serum comes in a beautiful recycled black box with a coconut wood button and gold tassel. The neatest part? When you are finished with it, you can plant the box and it will grow wildflowers!! But it’s so pretty, I couldn’t bury it. You have to see this packaging to really appreciate it.

The serum’s active ingredients include:

• Acai berry
• CoQ10
• Vitamins A, B, C and E
• Natural DMAE and Hyaluronan
• Natural AHAs and ALAs

These carefully chosen ingredients hydrate skin while they also plump, lift and oxygenate. This face serum helps to regulate and speed up cell renewal and turnover (i.e. exfoliation). It also promotes collagen growth (and reduces collagen loss), and lessens wrinkles in a BIG way!

Inside the box you’ll find thirty single use packets of serum. The individual packages allow for no contamination and no oxidation… and since everything is sealed until use, there’s no need for parabens (Parabens are not necessarily bad. They typically function as a preservative to help your products have a longer shelf life- such as three months instead of three days).

I adore this serum so much I’m using it twice a day. I’ve had such a positive response to this serum that I even had some friends test some as well. Everyone loved it! Out of everything I have tested so far this year, Jeune D’age Serum is what I’m giving as holiday gifts. I’ve already ordered a box of serum for my Mom (who is so skin-sensitive she can hardly use anything) and a serum refill for myself.

Jeune D’age Organics is a vegan, eco-friendly company that doesn’t test on animals and uses as much recycled, and recyclable, packaging as possible. Very green mindset!

A 30 packet gift box of Jeune D’age Serum is $39.95; or buy a set of the refills (if you choose not to bury your gorgeous box!) for $29.95; and if you’re looking to grab the full line of products, check out the special Gift Set for $97.50 (a savings of $17.30!).

Also, be sure to check out the Jeune D’age Organics skincare website for more reviews, ingredients information and to see the full skincare line.

Stay tuned for more reviews of Jeune D’age Organics skin care products including their Marin Toner, Premiere Cleanser, and Prevoir Face and Body Lotion.

What are your thoughts on Jeune D’age ingredients in this serum? Do you like their green mentality? Or maybe you’ve tried the line and want to share your thoughts in the comments section!

Welcome to this Friday’s dose of Powerful Beauty! Today features LiAnn who is a self-admitted and proud geek, runs a web hosting business, does freelance technical writing, builds RPG worlds (that’s Role Playing Games to those who don’t know), and organizes things (A lot.). LiAnn also runs her own blog called SparkleCrack Central where she discusses mineral makeup and creates nifty makeup looks! And like many of us, LiAnn is a makeup junkie… she’s pledged to use all of her eye shadows at least once in the coming year… and she’s got over 900 of them.

How to define Powerful Beauty? How to achieve it? Maybe a better question would be “how to realize that you already have it.” Your own power is your beauty, and your positive use of that power just keeps making you more beautiful. It can be so easy to take to heart the message that you’ll never be beautiful unless you look like X, or own Y, or can do Z. But all of those are external messages, tied to external values. Your beauty lies in how you interact positively with others. Your power lies in giving them the confidence and strength to do the same.

Teaching, learning, building, and helping are the greatest forms of powerful beauty – and unlike jewelry or clothing or mineral makeup, no one can take those tools away from you. Though they can sit idle, you can’t lose them. Though others may try to claim the rewards of your efforts, the tools can’t be stolen from you. Though companies and corporations may try to convince you that they’re worthless and that the goods and services they offer are what you really need, your forms of powerful beauty can’t be devalued. Realize what you have, and share it with others. You’ll find that the more you share, the more beautiful you feel – and what you claim in your heart, the rest of the world will eventually notice.

Physical goods are quite nice. Some – like warm clothing in cold weather – are almost as essential as oxygen. (And don’t get me started on the wonders of a bar of good-quality dark chocolate.) But even though it’s so easy to slide into the “I am what I own” mode of thinking, you are not the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world. You are not the things in your apartment, your garage, or your home. You are the things you know, you are the things you do, and you are the ways you act. Know your own power, realize your own beauty, and help others realize their value and worth.

Audrey Hepburn was a widely-admired and recognized icon of beauty, both internal and external. She is quoted as saying some truly wonderful things that can help everyone recognize and realize their own powerful beauty:

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, And redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.”

So go out and teach. Learn. Share. Build. Help. You’ll feel powerful, and you’ll be beautiful.

What do you think of LiAnn’s message? I think it’s one that we all should be reminded of. So many things wear us down weekly, monthly and even daily in our lives. LiAnn reminds us to sit back and enjoy the aspects of life that really make us happy. And no matter how many times I’ve read those quotes by Hepburn, they always remind me of the person I strive to be.

Catch up on the rest of the Powerful Beauty features. And remember to check back each Friday for another dose of how to Achieve Powerful Beauty!

Here are this week’s cosmetics sales from your local Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid drugstores…

Walgreens

• Maybelline eye makeup (eye liners, mascara, shadows, etc) – Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!
• Lubriderm 16 ounce body/hand lotions – On sale for $6.99
• Almay Cosmetics and makeup – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• L’Oreal lip color, gloss, lipstick, pencils – Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!
• All L’Oreal eye makeup – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Neutrogena Cosmetics – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• L’Oreal skin care – On sale for 25% off!
• Nivea body lotions – Get $1 in Register Rewards (RR) when you buy a bottle on sale for $6.99
• Burberry Brit for men, Joop! for women, Cool Water for men, and other select fragrances – On sale for 50% off!
• Walgreens brand skin care (Regenerating night cream or serum, eye lifting serum, or micro-remodeling cream) – On sale for 25% off
• Gold Bond skin care – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Aveeno Skin and Hair care – On sale for 25% off! Plus, get a FREE Aveeno Travel Essentials kit with the purchase of any 3 Aveeno products!
• ConAir Ceramic hair straightener and Ionic blow dryer – On sale for $14.99
• ConAir hair brushes – On sale for $1.99
• bioInfusion hair care – On sale for $4.99 each with in-flyer coupon
• Crest Whitestrips – Get $6 off with in-flyer coupon
• Clairol Nice & Easy and Perfect 10 hair color – On sale for $9.99 (Although according to all the comments from readers on my Perfect 10 review, this hair color is NOT working for most people… Have you tried this hair color? If so, please leave your experiences with it too!)
• Olay body wash or Natural Instincts hair color – Get 2 for $12 plus $2 in RR.
• Head & Shoulders shampoo and conditioner – Get 2 for $8 plus $1 in RR.
• Aussie, Herbal Essences and Pantene hair care – Get 2 for $7 plus $2 in RR.
• CoverGirl makeup and cosmetics – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• L’Oreal Preference hair color – On sale for $6.99 with in-flyer coupon

CVS
(remember, you’ll need a free CVS Discount card to get these prices…)

• All Revlon eye mad lip makeup – Buy 1, Get 1 FREE
• Pantene shampoo & conditioner – Get 2 for $7 plus you’ll get $2 in Register Rewards (RR)
• New CoverGirl LashBlast Length mascara – On sale for $7
• CoverGirl Lash Exact, Volume Exact, Eyelights, LashBlast, LashBlast Luxe mascaras, Wetslicks lip gloss and CG Smoothers Face Makeup – On sale for $5 each!
• Olay ProX – Get $5 in RR
• Olay Total Effects and Regenerist facial care – On sale for $18.99
• Olay Total Effects cleanser, Definity cleanser, scrub or Regenerist Scrub – On sale for $8.99
• Olay face cloths, cleanser or scrubs – On sale for $6.99
• Select women’s and men’s fragrances – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off
• Halle by Halle Berry perfume – Get $5 in extra RR, plus a FREE cosmetics bag with a Halle 1/2 ounce fragrance purchase!
• Essence of Beauty bath and body products – On sale for 3 for $10
• Revlon foundation, powder, blush or concealer makeup – On sale for $8.99
• CVS brand cotton swabs, face cleansing cloths, cotton balls/rounds/squares – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• CVS Acne Care – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off (I LOVE their version of PersaGel. It actually has BETTER ingredients than the original!)
• CVS brand body wash or bar soap – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Mission Skincare Energizing Hand+Body lotion, sunscreen, after sun, or lip care – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Lumene Time Freeze skin care serum – On sale for $14.99
• L’Oreal Age Perfect, RevitaLift or Skin Genesis cleansers or towelettes – On sale for $5.99
• L’Oreal Advanced RevitaLift skin care – On sale for $9.99
• L’Oreal Age Perfect moisturizer – On sale for $13.99
• L’Oreal Collagen Moisture Filler – On sale for $13.99
• Gold Bond Anti-itch cream, lotion, powder or therapy cream – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Caress, Lever, Old Spice, Zest body wash – On sale for $3.99
• Old Spice or Secret High Endurance deodorants – Get 2 for $5
• Eucerin body lotions – Save $2 with in-flyer coupon!
• Nivea body wash or body lotion/creams – Save $1 with in-flyer coupon
• University Medical WrinkleFree Eyes, Face Lift Kit, Retional 4X cream or patches – Get $5 in extra RR with purchase
• Lever 2000 or Caress bar soap 2 packs – On sale for $1.99
• SoftSoap hand wash – Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!
• Fruitopia or Viologie shampoo or conditioner – Get 2 for $5
• Finesse shampoo or conditioner or mousse, Salon Grafix, Freeze It or VO5 hairspray – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Pantene or Head & Shoulder Expressions, Restorative shampoo/conditioner, hair mask, styling balm – On sale for $4.99
• Samy or Marc Anthony hair care – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Scunci no-slip grip or no-damage hair clips, barrettes, elastics or headwraps – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Pert Plus shampoo or conditioner and Sure deodorant – On sale for 2 for $5
• Africa’s Best, Fantasia or Smooth ‘n Shine relaxers and styling products – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• ConAir MiniPro 1/2″ ceramic flat iron – Get 20% off!
• L’Oreal Preference hair color – On sale for $6.99 (limit 3)

Rite Aid

• Pantene hair care – Get 2 for $7. Plus get $1 back in Register Rewards (RR)
• Clairol Nice n’ Easy hair color – On sale for $5.99 with in-flyer coupon!
• Olay Regenerist and Definity skin care products – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• CoverGirl makeup and cosmetics – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Crest Whitestrips – On sale for $27.99 after mail-in rebate
• Curel body lotion, foot therapy, hand and cuticle cream – On sale for $5.49
• Eucerin skin care lotions – On sale for $9.99
• Almay face and lip makeup – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!
• Caress body wash and 4 pack of bar soap, and Nivea body wash – On sale for $4.99
• L’Oreal Advanced RevitaLift skin care – Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!
• All Mascaras – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off! (excludes CoverGirl and Physician’s Formula, boo!)
• Dove shampoos, conditioners, and styling products – On sale for $3.99
• Physician’s Formula makeup and cosmetics – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off! (Time to try out my favorite “Mineral Wear” mascara. Ladies… you’ll love it!)
• Biore Perfect Skin products – On sale for 2 for $12. Plus get a $5 mail in rebate!
• L’Oreal Feria hair color – On sale for $7.99
• Head and Shoulders shampoo or conditioner – Get 2 for $8
• Clairol Perfect 10 hair color – On sale for $11.99 (See link in the Walgreens section above for information about my review and Bionic Beauty reader’s thoughts on how not-so-good this hair color is.)
• Maybelline lip and nail colors – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off!

All sales end November 7th, 2009 (unless noted above).
Happy shopping, Bionic Beauties!

It’s one of the ultimate quests in makeup- to find that perfect long-wearing lip color. The one that doesn’t crinkle, wander, and appear all over your teeth (and significant other’s cheek). Then you throw in the formulas- so many are dry unless you apply a top coat every hour (which is really just a plain lip balm that you’re paying a ton more for…), or they’re uber-sticky.

With that in mind, this week’s Bionic Asks… Have you found your ultimate long-wearing lip color? Now’s your chance to shout it from the rooftops…er, blogosphere. Please share! Brand, formula, certain color?

Three Custom Color’s new cream blush in Morning After is a bright, poppy pink with no shimmer. Typical of Three Custom, this blush is perfect for just about any skin tone. While it looks super bright in the compact, it applies sheer and the color can be layered on for gals with a deeper skintone.

Since my skin is fair, I just apply a small fingertip dab on each cheek and then blend it out. The result is a flush as if I just went jogging!

Unlike many cream blushes, Morning After did not clump with my mineral makeup, didn’t settle into my pores, and didn’t cause breakouts.

Three Custom certainly has another winner here in my opinion. And for a quick monochromatic makeup look, try using Morning After on your cheeks and lips!

Morning After cream blush is $22.50 at ThreeCustom.com.