Karma Organics

I know, I know...if I don't start posting more often than once a week, I'll be telling you all about the Style Black collection on New Year's Eve. I'm trying to step it up, but work is no joke these days! I celebrated yet another year of life a few weeks back--and with that came great food, drinks, family friends, and...beauty products. Those poor people--so timid to pass me their gift of makeup, because they weren't sure if I already owned it, or had something horribly critical to say about it. Needless to say, I love it ALL and was shocked at the originality and decision making that went into it! I learned once that my love language is gifts, and I think that most of my friends and family fit into that category as well--giving can sometimes be even more thrilling than receiving!

Here is one gift that totally blew me away--a dear friend had returned from New York with some nail products right up my alley, that she knew would hit my organic soft spot. Meet Karma Organics, a line of nail goodies that are not only gentle on your hands, but offer colors and that one would grab regardless of its do-good qualities. The line was created as a by-product of owner Nausil Zaheer's Organic Spa in New Jersey, as a way to offer clients polishes that were non-toxic and 3-free.

So Berry Sweet, Monarch Masquerade, Metallic Blue

The polishes are fantastic, and apply like a dream. At times I am a bit weary of "natural" nail products, as it seems to be the case that they deliver color in a way that leaves much to be desired. I usually pass by the offerings at Whole Foods, as shades are a little...well, boring. Not these. They are richly pigmented, and opaque on the first coat!

One coat of So Berry Sweet

Now here's the kicker--I really did not expect to enjoy this next one in the way that I have come to enjoy it. Throughout the years, many a nail polish remover has been tested on these hands. I don't mind the Cutex variety where you stick your finger into a sponge-filled bottle; as they seem to be pretty effective. I'm also a fan of Lipmann's Lavender pump-top formula. Typically however, I tend to stick to plain old liquid-in-a-bottle. When you go through excessive amounts of remover (like I do), this seems to be the cost-effective route. All that said, I am now a changed woman. The Soybean and Tea Tree Polish Remover is one that will not leave you feeling suffocated at the scent of alcohol, and is also non-drying to boot. Hand on heart, my nails were moisturized intensely by the use of it (since when does that happen with nail polish remover?), and it didn't leave a trace of polish. If you are an avid nail-polisher, this needs to be added to your collection. No longer will you dread the dry nail beds that removers have a name for leaving behind.

I was tagged by Tali of The Gloss Goss for a sweet award! This is the cutest graphic that I have seen in terms of blog awards, don't you agree? The idea here is to post a song that makes you happy, as well as to tag a few others and state what makes you happy about reading their blog.

Tali has an amazing blog that has grown by leaps in bounds in a very short time. She is no novice when it comes to makeup, and knows her tastes very well. Here, you'll find the honest bad reviews with the good--which is a breath of fresh air in this beauty blogging world!

Tina has a DIY, stud-fascination that shows through in her edgy, yet refined style. She'll stun you with everything from her latest nail polish to a pair of funky boots.

Lady B is still finding time to upkeep her blog, while pushing through grad school. I don't know how she does it! I love her haircare and beauty secrets posts--but don't be fooled, as she has a keen eye for interior design and showcases beautiful setups.

Rowena leaves me laughing with every post. Her sarcasm and wit is incomparable, and I'm not quite sure how she stores her ginormous collection of products. If you are wondering about a hard-to-find item (if it's from Asia, you get bonus points!), you'll probably find it here.

Muhsine gives us an ultra-creative approach to her love of beauty. I have probably seen 60 different variations of the same eyeshadow palette (although she is not limited to it), and several home-made concoctions on her page. Not only that, but she creates jewelry!

Whoa, when I think about it these girls are so ethnically diverse it's incredible! I love it! Now that's what I like to see in this beauty blogging world ;) Check also for their YouTube videos--they're not just good on paper.



A song that makes me smile is Brick and Lace's Love is Wicked. I should also note that it makes me sweaty (yea, gross) as I can't listen to it without mimicking the dancing--and yes, even the guy's parts--from the video. These two sisters are from Jamaica, and as a big reggae, soca, dancehall..you name it fan, I can't help but at least bounce in my chair when I play this.

What are your thoughts on natural nail care? If you feel the urge to post the people and song that makes you smile, be sure to post a link. I'd love to hear!