NYC Visit to Dashing Diva.

I have been wanting to chronicle my second day in NYC with Glam in one post, but I think it makes more sense to just highlight the different visits. Ironically, this stop at Dashing Diva was my last stop before taking off for the train, but it is one that needs highlighting.

Dashing Diva is not just your average nail salon. It is a social experience mixed in with a salon offering manicure and pedicure services. The atmosphere is inviting and open, with a large pedicure section in which us beauty bloggers were treated to a heavenly pedicure - complete with leg massage.

 

The salon carries it's own line of polishes, even offering a selection of  "Extra-Virgin" polishes that contain no DBP, toluene or formaldehyde - perfect for the sensitive or pregnant gal.

After my beautiful pedicure, I became intrigued with their Virtual Nail Service, and knew I had to give these nails a try. These nails are revolutionary. They are a full nail that covers from cuticle to tip, almost like acrylics, but they are simply glues on with their special glue. The nails come in a large pack with a huge variety of sizes, making for a perfect fit.

I selected a twist on the French manicure for my nails, and I left with gorgeous natural pearly pink nails, but instead of a white tip, my tips were dipped in silver glitter. I have had so many compliments on these nails since I had them done.  

 

Virtual nails can be removed by soaking in acetone, but as two of mine actually just sort off popped off yesterday, which was day 12, I decided to try and get them off on my own. So, to get the rest off, I gently lifted the false nail at my cuticle with a cuticle/orange stick, and after the air got to them for a few minutes, I could easily remove the nail from mine. They are in perfect shape, and I actually have enough in my set to do my nails again, but this time on my own. Wish me luck!!!

If you are in NYC or near one of their other locations you have to stop in. There is nothing like it.

Update on 2008-04-21 21:09 by Teri Cosenzi, Editor

I have learned that I did not have the Virtual Nail service as I thought. I had the Tailor Fit nail service, which is similar to the Virtual Nail Service - hence my confusion.

Tailor Fit Nails are individually airbrushed and hand-crafted to give you the most authentic look possible. There are many designs, and they come in flat or curved nail bed shapes.

Virtual Nails from Dashing Diva are the latest in artificial nail technology that offer a safer, quicker and vastly more natural looking alternative to acrylics and tips.  Lasting 2-3 weeks, Virtual Nails are the future of artificial nail technology. Virtual Nails allow the natural nail to grow without causing undue damage like traditional artificial nail procedures. Virtual Nails give a completely personal fit that mirror images the natural nail surface.  This patent-pending system of full-coverage nails exactly replicates the width, curve and arch of the natural nail for a fit like never before.

Sorry for the confusion.

What Girl Doesn't Like to be Pampered?

I watched a segment on The Today Show this morning about young girls getting beauty treatments. I thought - cute. The overall tone of the segment is that these girls are too young and it is hurting them and will hurt their self-esteem in the long run. Huh? I do not see these girls making standing appointments This is a party. A treat. A special occasion.

I think it is fun for a five year old to host a pedicure party and get all dressed up. I mean, really. I did it when I was five, but I was doing it at home with friends and our mother's makeup bags. For goodness sake, let girls be girls and enjoy it.

I actually met Robert Cleary (in the video) at Dashing Diva last Saturday and was treated to the ultimate pedicure (more on that soon). I thought, what a great place. I really wish we had one in my town because I know it would be booked for parties all the time. Watch the segment and let me know what you think.

One Night in New York City...

Soon after arriving to New York City for my Day in the Life of a Glam Beauty Editor, I checked into my trendy room in the new boutique hotel, Hotel East Houston on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It was a rather small hotel, but full of the finest minimalist furnishings, with dark hardwood floors throughout complimented by a neutral color scheme.
The overall feel was trendy, yet comforting, all the same time. The bathroom was stocked with Bulgari products - oh, they smelled beautiful, and my bed was super comfy and helped me get much needed rest after my two super busy (and late night) days in the city. The service at the Hotel was impeccable. I was a bit afraid to venture out on my own as I had never been to the Lower East Side, but I did make it out for a few blocks to discover some great local bakeries and delicatessens. Yum.

After all my fellow beauty bloggers arrived, we met for a drink and made our way over to the ultra trendy and quite eclectic wd-50 restaurant, home of top chef Wylie Dufresne. We ate dinner in the wine cellar, where we were treated to delicacies of which I have never heard of before. (If you are a foodie who likes to experiment with food, this is the place for you.) The evening was put together by some of the best media specialists in the beauty and skin care industry, those of Rpr Marketing Communications. It was a delight to meet Jamie, of whom I had worked with in the past on some great projects (Neutrogena, RoC, Aveeno, Clean and Clear), Mora, and Cora, founder and president of the firm. I loved getting to know everyone at the table. We shared  our favorite beauty products (which many of us had in common) and discussing where we thought the beauty blogging industry would be in the next year at this time. We also learned of some great beauty, especially anti-aging, innovations that will be out on the market soon.  Thanks Rpr for a wonderful evening, and the beautiful Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Ring. I cannot wait to share all the info on the new products debuting soon.

Around midnight, I got in the car sent for us, with a few of the other girls and made my way back to the hotel to promplty hit the sack. I to wake up and be ready at 8:15 for Day Two. Stay tuned, as this was our jam packed day full of fun, beauty hot spots and beauty products galore.