Sunday, February 28, 2010

NOTD: OPI DS Coronation

OPI DS Coronation

Last week I noticed that I never made it through swatching my OPI DS shades! The horror! I love them all and am going to have to finish up.

This one is the first shade that I haven't been over the moon for. This was 2 coats and there's a visible nail line. That might have been solved with a third coat, but you know I am fundamentally against third coats. :-)

But I do like it and the holo effect is gorgeous in the sun. This might be a good layering polish- I need to try it over a vampy shade and see how that looks.

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Lacquer Link Love 2/27/10


Phresh Mentality paints a few PHRESH mani's in an effort to raise funds to help Haiti


Helen's Nice Things has swatched a Ciate Paint Pot color, but you have to click the link to see which one. :)


Naive Nails has a little Lilly on her tips brought to you from Zoya, of course!


Konadomania is felling a little lot spring like and she is showing it off... on her nails!


The Swatchaholic brings out a lusted over discontinued color from her stash and rallies for the maker to bring the color back. Please be sure to take her poll located in her blogs sidebar and maybe our voices will be heard.


Oh how I love a pretty textured mani and Bright Lights Big Color is showing off just that!


Hot & Spicy are the words to describe Polish Freak's mani. Be sure to leave her a comment on how you feel about the color.


Dying to see some swatches of the new Diamond Cosmetics spring 2010 polishes?! Well, Nail'd & Polish'd has just what you need.


Magic made has brought you some beautiful swatches from a well known European brand polish.


Tuli's Nails has on polish that's "as pretty as a picture" thanks to our lovely polish blogger Nicole.


Travels with Euridice also has some Essence swatches. The more the merrier I always say.


Nail-Design is giving us a peek inside her stash and showing us how she stores her polish.


Perfect 10 Beauty has swatched a polish called FABULESS... see if you can guess the brand.


Metallics are deemed to be big for the upcoming season and Manicure Mommas has showed you how to make it look luxe.


polishSWATCHES brings you a closeup of Rihanna's "Pretty Kitty Manicure." What do you think of the design?


Now for the Network Giveaways...


Konadomania is celebrating 300 followers... click her name to see exactly how. It's so worth it!


Travels with Euridice is having a Holla for Holos giveaway to show her followers her appreciation.


Neglelakkmani is having a giveaway that's scheduled to end on Monday, so please enter if you haven't already done so.


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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

NOTD: Orly Foil FX Luxe



Orly Foil FX Luxe

The weather is totally not cooperating here! No outside shots..... This is a bathroom shot so I'm afraid it's not terribly accurate. As with Foil FX Rage, you can see a more accurate shot at All Lacquered Up.

I must say, though, that these are beautiful and bling-y. The gold is almost too bling-y for me, reminiscent of Sephora by OPI Worth My Weight. But application is great and this was almost perfect in one coat but I added another for good measure.

The Foil FX shades wear really well, too. For some reason, tip wear is almost unnoticeable. After 3 days or so, it's there if you look really closely, but so hard to see.


Disclosure: Orly provided this polish to me for review purposes.


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Friday, February 19, 2010

Polish Bloggers Network Link Love Roundup 2-19-10


The first article up I'd like to bring your attention to is nothing nail related, but is definitely worth a read, especially by all the bloggers! Helen's Nice Thing's wrote a wonderful article addressing the question, should bloggers be considered as media or press and I think she expressed her views quite remarkably.

Naive Nails wants to show off a mani she's titled "Love Be Hanged". A very cute and quirky design.

French Mani anyone?! Well, Babbling Brooke has you covered! Check out her Nailene French Mani Blog Giveaway. She's gifting three of readers with these fabulous sets... so you better make sure that you're one of them!

Bye, Bye old man winter, let's bring on the sun and the pool... as The Swatchaholic brings us wonderful swatches of China Glaze's Poolside Collection.

Have you been able to view swatches of almost the whole OPI Hong Kong collection? If not, the Nail-Design bring you 9 out of 12 of them.

Magic Maid has snagged a duochrome drugstore brand polish and nope, I'm not telling you what it is! ;)

This week Tuli's Nails has a broken heart and she letting her mani tell the story as to why. Check it out!

polishSWATCHES gives you a sneak peek at Tracy Reese's Fall 2010 Sally Hansen Shades as well as a glimpse of the nail trends that were sported at her show.

You will NOT want to miss out on what Polishing the Nails is cooking up on her blog! Even I'm in the kitchen for this one!

It's safe to safe everyone loves a good konadicure right?! And even more so when your showing off a gorgeous polish! Cucumpear is donning some very pretty artwork on her tips as well as showing off the gorgeous color p2 Rich.

Looking for a interesting blue nail polish to add to your stash that you might not already have? Then Polish Freak and China Glaze have you covered, but shhh, she said the color is a secret!

Nail foiling and minx like applications are all the rage, but why not try using a nail polish for the same effect? Manicure Mommas swatches Orly Foil FX's and shows how you can turn your nails into precious metal.

Have you ever heard of Piggy Paints Nail Polish or even considered buying it but haven't? Well if so, Laquerholic has just given you the incentive to go ahead and plunge. She's secured a 10% off privilege coupon for all of her readers as well as written a full review

Nail-Design is having a special giveaway to celebrate the fact that she has received over 300, 000 Youtube views on her channel. Wow! Congrats on the great accomplishment!

Lambchop is having a really nice giveaway for readers, but she really needs for you to help her out... by ENTERING!

Today's you last chance to win some Milani Holos, so be sure to enter Naive Nails contest if you're one of the many who can't seem to find them and are lemming.


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Thursday, February 18, 2010

NOTD: Orly Foil FX Rage



Orly Foil FX Rage

Lookie! How gorgeous is the finish on this polish? It's Orly's answer to the Minx nail trend.

I am going to try to take an outside shot when I get home from work today because my bathroom shot makes the polish look rather gold, when it's actually a rose foil. You can see a more accurate swatch at All Lacquered Up.

The Orly Foil FX collection, which also includes Luxe (gold) and Shine (silver), will be available for sale at the beginning of March.

Disclosure: Orly provided this polish to me for review purposes.

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Experiment: OPI We'll Always Have Paris Suede topped with Seche Vite


OPI We'll Always Have Paris Suede


OPI We'll Always Have Paris Suede topped with Seche Vite

Before I took off my suede polish, I decided to top it with SV and see what it looked like. I liked it so much I left it on for another day, even though I had some tipwear. Isn't that pretty?


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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Where my girls at?


I am hosting a fabulous Girly Giveaway over on my blog ... come take a peek and see the gorgeous polish color that is included! xoxo

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

NOTD: OPI We'll Always Have Paris Suede



OPI We'll Always Have Paris Suede

Dear OPI,
Please make more suedes!
Love, Sasha

I love all 5 of the suedes I have tried! They are just gorgeous! I have been doing 2 coats over a coat of Bonder (let it dry for about 10 minutes before you paint the color) and I get about 3 days of wear. I really want to try these topped with Seche Vite next, so watch for that.

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Press Release: China Glaze Poolside




SPEND SUMMER BY THE POOLSIDE IN CHINA GLAZE

Six New Neons Sure To Make The Summer Sizzle

Los Angeles, CA – (February 2010): Lounging poolside, sipping on a drink and reading the latest magazine…makes you think of Summer doesn’t it? The only thing missing is that perfect manicure and pedicure! Dip into the summer with some of the brightest and most amazing neons from the China Glaze Poolside collection! Perfect for fingers, and especially the toes, nothing says Summer of 2010 like a couple coats of bright polish! The 6 colors in the Poolside collection include:

• Pool Party: Neon Pink
• Flip Flop Fantasy: Neon Coral
• Sun Worshipper: Neon Orange
• Yellow Polka Dot Bikini: Neon Yellow
• Kiwi Cool-Ada: Neon Green
• Towel Boy Toy: Neon Blue

As for most neons, these tend to finish drying on the matte side…But no fear, getting that gorgeous shine is only a top coat away! Try China Glaze Patent Leather Top Coat. Once you get a look at your China Glaze neon nails glimmering underwater and in the sun, you’re never going to want to take these polishes off!

China Glaze Poolside launches April 1st 2010, for international and domestic.

*Please note that like most neon polishes, the first layer will look extremely opaque and thin. You will need to build up to desired coverage and always remember to let each layer dry completely before applying the next. This will help prevent streaks and missing patches of color on the nail bed.

China Glaze Nail Lacquers have a suggested retail price of $6.50 each.

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries. China Glaze nail lacquers are free of DBP, Toluene and added Formaldehyde. They are available at Sally Beauty and through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide

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Sunday, February 14, 2010

NOTD: Essie Damsel in a Dress

Essie Damsel in a Dress

This is kind of funny- I am working so hard to make it through my un-trieds, even thinking about doing a no-buy until I am done, and then I picked a color I've already worn for this NOTD!


Regardless, I do like it. It played really well with Seche Vite and there was absolutely no shrinkage when I woke up the next morning. This is only 2 coats of color and the coverage was adequate.


Hopefully next time I'll pick an actual untried color. I think I was going for Rock Star Skinny and grabbed the wrong one.....


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Saturday, February 13, 2010

China Glaze Up & Away Skittles

Peachy Keen, Happy Go Lucky, Lemon Fizz

all from the China Glaze Up and Away Collection

These are all three coats and make me ready for spring! These are not typical colors for me, but I found them quite nice and although I usually don't like to do 3 coats, I didn't mind here since I got such a nice result. I especially think they will make nice pedi colors once sandal season hits.

Disclosure: These polishes were provided to Sasha by China Glaze.

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Polish Bloggers Network Link Love 2/12/10

Polish Pixel Pig has found her perfect shade of gray and now she wants to share it with the world. Thanks Zoya!

The Dutch Nail Blog showcases the cutest V-Day mani and traditional colors weren't invited to this nail session.

The Swatchaholic has a wonderful comparison of Chanel Particuliere along with some other gorgeous taupes. A few may be on your lemming list.

Bright Lights Big Color decided to do a tribute to nail art that was inspired by fellow bloggers. Check out her design to see if it was you.

Naive Nails has cooked up a look she likes to call Barbie, but it's not your average good girl mani.

Travels with Euridice has provided some excellent pictures of some glittery goodness! I'm keeping it a secret what prized polish this is. :)

Helen's Nice Things is showing off a shade deemed to to be hot this summer. A Models Own shade in a color that's hit the NYFW runways.

Tuli's Nails brought us some swatches from a brand called S-he Stylezone. Check out the pretty pink one full of HOLO-liciousness.

Daily Polish brings a gorgeous micro glitter purple polish for everyone to view. It may be from a smaller brand, but the name is definitely unforgettable. I'll let you take a look at what it is for yourself, lol.

Now on to our Network Giveaways...

This is your last chance to win the goodies fromTuli's Nails Romantic Valentine's Giveaway. Make sure you've entered for your chance to win!

Can't find the Milani Holo polish anywhere near you?! Well get your chance to snag those pretty Milani Holo's by entering Naive Nails 300 follower giveaway.


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Au Natural


Well, not quite. These are a pearl white tip with Cotton Candy topcoat. I needed to go neutral for a little while ... I love colored tips, but was getting bored with them. The Cotton Candy added just a bit of color, and I like that it muted the tips a bit.
Happy Friday!
xoxo,
April

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Monday, February 8, 2010

NOTD: OPI Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees Suede


OPI Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees Suede

This is just gorgeous. Two coats over a completely dried coat of Orly Bonder. I've been getting about 3 full days of wear on the OPI Suedes when I do follow this routine. I'm really liking them.

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Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Wild Child's NOTD: China Glaze Something Sweet


China Glaze Something Sweet

Allow me to introduce you to a new Manicure Momma, The Wild Child. She's only 4 years old, so she's actually a Little Manicure Momma.

Today she is going to her first Daddy/Daughter Dance with Mr. Sasha and asked me to paint her nails for the occasion. This was the first time I did a full-out mani on her and she was so excited.

I did a coat of Orly Bonder, two coats of China Glaze Something Sweet from the Up and Away Collection, and then a coat of Seche Vite.
Disclosure: This polish was provided to Sasha by China Glaze.

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Friday, February 5, 2010

Polish Bloggers Network: Lacquer Link Love 2/5/10


Polishing the Nails showcases 3 new nail polishes in the cutest little bottles, in shades that are perfect for Spring.

Naive Nails shows off her Mannequin Hands using OPI's gorgeous shade Dulce de Leche. Trust me, these are not your typical mannequin hands!

Check out swatches of OPI Hong Kong's Meet Me On A Star Ferry from polishSWATCHES and dare to fall in love with this shade.

Is Taupe Polish a Hit or Miss? Polished Beauty Blog weighs in on this whole "nude nail" obsession by giving her two-cents and asking for yours as well.

Travels with Euridice gives us a wonderful BB Couture comparison between Cap Haitian and OPI's Do You Lilac it. I think that she may have found a dupe ladies, what do you think?!

Polish Freak is glad she changed her mind and went back to grab Essie's Lilacism and now she's sharing it with the world! Beautiful color.

Cucumpear gives a go at a Gradient Glitter Mannicure and it leaves me thinking of the cosmic and stars. You definitely have to check out this glittery manicure that will remind of the twinkling stars.

Manicure Mommas has found a new love and it just so happens to be OPI's Shim-Merry Chic. Have you seen it?

and now it's time for the Network Giveaways announcement...

Look who's having a celebration party!!! Join in on all the fun by participating in 52 Flavors Blogaversary Giveaway.

Tuli's Nails is hosting a romantic Valentine's Day Giveaway on her site and if you haven't had the chance to enter you really must do so. The goodies are extra sweet without the calories.

Can you name a dupe for this polish?! If so, leave your answer for your chance to win your choice of color from OPI's Hong Kong collection.

and Polish Freak is having another China Glaze Up & Away giveaway in lieu of her reaching 200 followers.


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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

NOTD: Diamond Cosmetics Rubies & Diamonds



Diamond Cosmetics Rubies & Diamonds

This polish is one of their Holiday Glitters, and they retail for only $2.50. Such a steal!

This is three coats and totally worth it. I have had the best luck with Diamond Cosmetics polishes and can't believe their wonderful prices.

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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

NOTD: OPI Shim-Merry Chic


OPI Shim-Merry Chic

I really love this polish! I have heard several people say they didn't think was a very flattering color, but I really think you've got to have yellow undertones to your skin for it to look nice. And since I am very yellow.... I absolutely love it!

I love that OPI did some flakies for their 2009 Holiday Collection. Such a great finish.

This is three coats, and since we are in the middle of Ice Storm 2010, these are inside pics.

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