Today, I have an in-depth review of LONDONTOWN'S high-quality nail polishes. I was excited to do this review and test these polishes, as I have had many requests for more natural polishes. LONDONTOWN'S polishes are vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free and 9-free.



What does 9-free mean? It means that the polishes are free of 9 potentially harmful chemicals: formaldehyde, camphor, toluene, DBP (dibutyl pthalate and phthalates), formaldehyde resin, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and lead.

Check out all of LondonTown's beautiful nail colors here.







Here are the polishes featured and tested in my video:

Chelsea Porcelain

The Full Monty

Portobello Plum

Double the Deck

Gel Genius Top Coat

Instant Smudge Fix

Nail Hardener and Base Coat

I test the polishes over many weeks and are very impressed with their endurance and quality. Be sure to check out this week's video for the whole review. Thank you to LondonTown for sending me these polishes to review!

News
Shannon Bardwell cites The Madame Chic Collection as inspiration for her new year resolution in The Dispatch.

The Entertainment Report selects The Madame Chic Collection for their gift guide.

Comment of the Week
Grammy Laura writes:

Thank you so much for adding a touch of class and grace to the world. There is so much going on that can bring us down if we allow it to. I have decided to be more discerning in which bloggers I follow, since their attitudes have a tendency to creep into my life, whether I am intentional about it or not. Thank you for daring to be different, and for the source of encouragement that you are to so many, including me. Many blessings to you and yours!

Grammy Laura, thank you so much for your kind encouragement!


See you on Thursday for another beauty review.



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FTC: Londontown nail polishes were sent to me to review. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliates.

This week we are talking hair and nails. If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, you've noticed over the recent months that I've been having fun experimenting with braided hairstyles. I've always loved braids (it's the Madame Bohemienne in me!) so I was excited when Ulysses press recently sent me the new book by Abby Smith, The New Braiding Handbook.


Abby Smith is a fellow YouTuber with a wonderful channel called Twist Me Pretty. This book is a valuable resource because while I usually just wing it and create a hit or miss hairstyle, The New Braiding Handbook gives you great step-by-step instruction on creating new and classic braided hairstyles.

A while back on Facebook a reader commented that she liked the braided updo but felt she might be too old to wear braids. I don't think anyone is too old. If you pick the right age-appropriate look, your braided updo can look very elegant. This braided chignon, from the Duchess of Cambridge is a perfect example:



In this week's video I start off in pigtails (which is an age-inappropriate look for me!) but it's for a good reason... I give you a classic milkmaid braid updo tutorial half way through the video.



The milkmaid braid might feel too costume-y for you but I think you should give it a try. You might surprise yourself with how chic you look and I think it makes a great (easy) formal updo as well. There's something very regal about it even though it is meant for the look of a milkmaid.

Here are some of the braided looks I've shared on Instagram over the past few months. Which one is your favorite?



And now let's talk about nails. I've been experimenting with various colors this spring, some of which are out of my comfort zone. I've found some beautiful ones! But I also realize that the neutrals and classics are still my favorite. These two in particular, Dior's Incognito and Rouge, are particularly divine.



Check out this week's video for the milkmaid braid tutorial and an even more in depth discussion of these topics. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

WomenHeart
Last Monday I had the honor of speaking at the West Los Angeles support group for Women Heart: The National Coalition for women with Heart Disease. My talk focused on living a fulfilling life even during life's struggles. I was so moved and inspired by the stories and the bravery of the women in this group. Thank you to Alisa Becket and Amanda Daniels for inviting me to speak. For more information on Women Heart visit www.womenheart.org

Pictured with Amanda Daniels (left) and Alisa Becket (right)

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought

Sometimes, for special events, it "takes a village" to get ready and presentable. We trust our hair, makeup, styling and nails to the professionals. But on a daily basis, empower yourself to be your own beauty team. Don't be afraid to try out new hairdos. Practice wearing them at home if you feel unsure about going out in public with them. You don't need to spend a lot of money at the salon each week to achieve a polished look. Try giving yourself a manicure at home this week. Start with the neutral colors so the mistakes aren't as visible. Have fun with cultivating your own style and beauty routine. #lookpresentablealways

This week I would love to know... what are your thoughts on braided hairstyles? Would you ever wear one? What about nails? Do you like classic shades or do you prefer edgy colors? Do you do your manicures at home? Or do you have them professionally done?

Music in this week's video: Etente Cordiale
Royalty Free Music by
http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music
Sound Effects by
http://audiomicro.com/sound-effects

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