Shellac has become a hot topic in the manicure world, and why shouldn’t it? A manicure that promises to last two weeks, won’t chip, and dries smudge-free instantly… sounds like an extraordinary wish come true!

However, manicurists and consumers have confirmed that not all of the Shellac manicures are  created equal, and the reason? Some customers in salons are being told they are receiving CND Shellac polish, but in actuality they are experiencing “gel-polish” fraud with services that can ruin nails upon removal.  CND is taking a stand to crack down against these fakers and ensure ultimate quality with their new CND Shellac Salon Certification Program.

Official, yes, but certainly worth it, the program will deploy CND Education Ambassadors to visit locations across the country registered on CND.com as Shellac Salons, provide training, and guarantee each salon meets the criteria to be granted the seal of approval.

Keep your eye out for the “Certified” window cling in the salon entrance and the icon found on CND.com’s Salon Locator.

Most importantly, stay an educated consumer. Do your research and follow these four easy pointers to make sure you’re receiving the real deal: CND SHELLAC:

1. First, look for that CND seal of approval on the window of your salon.

2. Speak up! Ask if your salon uses CND Shellac products.

3. Look at the products being used during your service – if you don’t see CND Shellac on the bottle, guess what? It’s NOT.

4. Upon removal, never soak your nails in a bowl of acetone. Instead, request CND Shellac Remover Wraps or the cotton and tin foil removal method.

-Alana Quagliariello

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The Body Shop: Men’s Essentials Kit, $30 For Men Maca Root Wash Off Shave Oil, $10, Men’s Synthetic Shaving Brush, $12

Making shaving an experience, rather than a “must” is critical. We’re really into the results, as well as the terrific price point of The Body Shop’s for men line– get him a travel kit, or the products individually; we love the Maca Root products’ aroma, and the Wash Off Shave Oil is terrific for hydration and providing a slick razor barrier. Don’t forget to complete the gift with the ultimate in shaving indulgence — a shaving brush!

Grooming Lounge “He’s Got Issues” Gift Set, $62.50

Grooming Lounge has a bevy of terrific ‘man products’, plus Barbershop and Spa locations in case you’d like to put your man’s upkeep into another person’s capablehands. For V-Day, we love the He’s Got Issues Set for “man-tenance” issues that a Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer and Fingernail Clipper can easily take care of!

The Art of Shaving Alum Pen, $12; Horn HandCrafted Straight Razor, $260;  Compact Shaving Stand, $60

For the guy who is already into finer products and accoutrements, give him accessories that have been on his bucket list, like the alum pen to stop bleeding when a shaving knick or scratch occurs, an artfully crafted straight razor (that is, only if he has a steady hand!), or a shaving stand for his brush and/or razor. If you haven’t already,   sign up with the  “Brotherhood of Shaving” to get info on upcoming events and promotions.

Frederic Malle Perfume Gun in 1ER MAI (four other options are also available), 500 ML bottle, $145

Room sprays are automatically given a masculine edge with this opulent and aromatic perfume gun by perfumer Dominique Ropion for Frederic Malle, which will make any “man cave” smell more like “a cluster of lily of the valley hidden in the shade of the underbrush” than stale beer, Cheetos, and anything else STILL left lying about from last week’s Super Bowl party.

-Julia DiNardo

Grant yourself the rare pleasure of spritzing freedom with a luxury fragrance this February that only a mist can deliver with one of the hottest fragrances of the year via the brand new Burberry Body Mist. The limited edition Body Mist ($50 for the 2.8 fl. oz  bottle) just launched on Burberry.com and at leading department stores (such as Saks Fifth Avenue – available now for purchase!) with all that you love and expect from the Burberry Body eau de parfum, but in an alcohol free light formulation that’s perfect for scenting all over your body and hair. We can’t get enough of it over here at FPD, and love that it perfectly balances the line between noticeable and fabulously, fragrantly head turning.

The fragrance is found in the multi-faceted, signature engraved check and embossed logo slender frosted bottle, including top notes of fresh green absinthe, illuminating peach and refined freesia, softer notes of natural rose absolute and iris, and warm tones of sandalwood to form the heart notes. The base includes woody cashmeran, creamy vanilla, sensual amber and musk.  Although this makes a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, self-giving is equally as important! Love the Body Mist? Check out the other offerings including the eau de parfum, eau de parfum Intense, Body Milk, and Body Oil.

-Julia DiNardo

The Body Shop’s Chocomania line

Just launched this February, The Body Shop has created a new bath and body line that includes 12 community fair trade ingredients such as aloe leaf from Guatamala, coconut from Samoa, and cocoa beans from Ghana. The line ranges in price from $4-$16; shop in-store or  online!

Accessories Council’s Valentine’s Day Event

Accessories Council President Karen Giberson was on board to provideValentine’s Day gift ideas alongside world-renowned astrology expert Susan Miller, who matched gifts with the various signs. My sign, Cancer, had the suggested gift of  Fresh Sugar Lip Polish, which includes real brown sugar crystals to gently buff away dry flakes, meadowfoam seed, jojoba seed, and grapeseed oils to nourish the lips, and shea butter for long-lasting moisture.  This was a great pairing, as it was definitely my favorite (and most-needed) item! other suggestions and products included OPI newest nail polish line, Godiva chocolates, Chicbuds earbuds, CuffLink iPhone carrying case, Jing Ai Skin bronzer, Mavi Eyes cufflinks, and Calvin Klein sunglasses from Marchon.

Folli Follie for Valentine’s Day

Originally from Greece and with hundreds of retailers around the world, it’s easy to see why Folli Follie has become so popular. With style and value at it’s core,  it’s easy to find many items amongst the watches, jewelry, handbags, and small leather goods that you’ll want to take home with you. I visited one of the two New York City locations, the store in SoHo on Prince Street to pick out a fabulous piece of Valentine’s Day jewelry for myself, courtesy of the brand (see above for my chosen ring). Peruse their offerings online or search for a store closest to your neck of the woods.

In regard to the wax itself, European Wax Center has its four-step Comfort Wax system to cleanse, protect, wax, and rejuvenate the skin. The hard, strip-less wax clings to the hair, not skin, which basically means ouchless removal. The deep purple exclusive wax was truly the most pain-free formula that I’ve ever experienced, and my wax specialist, Helene, was not only a total pro, but also gave me helpful tips in regard to hair maintenance, as well as what ingredients to look for in post and pre-wax products. When she waxed and shaped my eyebrows, I hardly felt any discomfort, which I think speaks volumes for the wax as well as the professionals that work there!  You can shop the product line in-store or online, and anyone can experience their services, as they have over 310 locations nationwide.

So the secret to a good wax? Great products to prep and treat your skin post-wax,  as well as a knowledgeable professional who uses a high-grade  wax formula.

-Julia DiNardo

The line has already been making waves (pun intended!) on the red carpet, with the products used by Dove Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards- click below the rules of entry to learn how Mark styled Lea Michelle and Kristen Wiig’s hair at the 18th annual SAG Awards.

RULES OF ENTRY:

1) Do one of the following: Subscribe to the FashionPulseDaily newsletter (if you’re not already a subscriber), Follow us @fashionpulse on Twitter, or “Like” us on Facebook

2) Let us know in the comments below which one you did – do two for double entry, and all three for triple entry!

3) Answer the question in the comments below: “What has been an annoying hair issue for you?”  (it can be something current, or from the past, i.e. frizzy issues, dry issues, flat, limp hair, etc)

4) USA entrants only, one entry per person, must be 18 or older.

Good luck!
*Giveaway ends Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 11:59pm! The winner will be selected via Random.org.

Here is how to get Lea’s soft, touchable Hair:

“I was so inspired by Lea and her Atelier Versace gown and wanted to give her a hairstyle that was soft, sexy, and touchable. I started by applying a large dollop of the new Dove Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse to Lea’s damp hair and blow dried with a large round brush for volume. Next, I took a dime-size amount of the new Dove Frizz-Free Shine Cream-Serum in my hands and rubbed them together to warm up the product, and then raked my hands through her hair. I am obsessed with this cream; it gives the hair amazing shine and separation, and also nourishes the hair too so it’s like having a styling product and a conditioner in one bottle. I pulled her hair into a loose bun while Lea had her makeup done to set a loose wave in her hair. Then, I let the hair down and sprayed Oribe Après Beach Spray all over to give the hair that great sexy “second-day” hair. Just before Lea left for the red carpet, I finished her hairstyle by spraying the new Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspray all over to keep her hair in place without it looking stiff or crunchy.”

Here’s how to get Kristen’ side-swept, low chignon style:

“I really wanted Kristen’s hair to be up in order to show off her amazing Fred Leighton choker and Balenciaga gown. I gave her a deep side part and pulled her hair into a low chignon, creating a silhouette that has a hint of 20s, but the texture keeps it completely modern. To get this hairstyle I started by applying the new Dove Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse to her hair and blew it dry with a round brush. Next I sprayed Oribe Dry Texture Spray all over before pulling the hair into a low chignon and secured with bobby pins. To keep her in place all night, I finished with the new Dove Style+Care Strength & Shine Extra Hold Hairspray; I love this spray because it has amazing hold and gives the hair great shine that is still soft to the touch.”

Visit Dove.com to learn more and for additional style inspiration that all women can achieve.

Let’s just assume you are in need of a luxurious bath experience (after all, you desire one!)– I recommend you turn to Palatium, a line of bath oils and foams that nourish, soothe, and rejuvenate; there’s not much better than that! We tested the Palatium Roman Bath Oils in three delectable scents: sweet orange (arancia dolce), spiced fig (fico speziato, and our personal favorite) and sea (Mare Myrteus), which are a rich combination of organic Tuscan olive oil combined with soybean, jojoba and primrose oils and Vitamin E and organic green and white tea extracts. As olive oil possesses natural anti-bacterial properties and is perfect for all skin types and uses, it’s found in its the purest and most aromatic-infused form in this products. As a self-declared olive oil fanatic, I can vouch for the incredible nature of this product, which perfect meshes ancient bathing rituals with contemporary desires. The Palatium Roman Bath Oils are available at ThePalatium.com and retail for $65 each for a 250ml bottle.

-Julia DiNardo

butter LONDON introduces their new Spring/Summer 2012 lacquer collection, a nail realm of everything from sherbet pastels to retro glitters, to sheers.

We love Bossy Boots, a light pistachio green and Trout Pout, an opaque shade of cantaloupe. But the glittery shades cannot be overlooked (nor can their clever names). When you’re in the mood to rave, try Disco Biscuit, a tropical hot pink with iridescent particles or Slapper, as teal as any lacquer can come.

The message this season is KNOW who you are, then BE who you are,” says butter LONDON’s founding Creative Director Nonie Creme. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves! Each shade retails for $14.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[essie Spring 2012 collection, $8 per bottle]

There’s nothing like a crisp manicure to get you excited to try something fresh and new. The extraordinarily feminine essie 2012 Spring collection is made up of six colors to keep you composed and intuitive, yet temperate all the while.

This spring, essie will pay tribute to all of the ambitious, self-made women who “dream big, go with their instincts and always manage to put their best self forward,” says Essie Weingarten, brand founder and global creative director.

Available in February 2012, glorious brights and pretty pastels will do all the talking as each color dictates a certain mood. Pack a punch with Tour de Finance or ease your way into a sunny day with A Crewed Interest. No matter what, you’re ready, willing and able to take on any mission with poise and grace.

-Alana Quagliariello

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I’m sure you’ve seen the infomercials, with the ever-beautiful Cindy Crawford introducing us to a product that she swears will aid us in our fight against aging. So when I received a complimentary tube of the Meaningful Beauty® Lifting Eye Crème, I had to put it to the test and see if my favorite supermodel from the 80s was speaking the truth. Want to know the results? Click through to LollieShopping.com for the verdict!