Tuesday, April 30, 2013

NOTD: China Glaze Fade Into Hue

China Glaze Fade Into Hue
from the Spring 2013 Avant Garden Collection




I had trouble with this one. I am not sure if it was the base coat I used (Revlon ColorStay basecoat) or the formula of the polish, but I got bubbles. 

My first round of applying this polish, I used NYC Grand Central Station as my topcoat, and thought that might be the source of my bubbles.

So I removed the polish from my four swatching fingers and started over, leaving topcoat off for these pics. And I got bubbles again! 

Anybody else have problems with this shade? It's quite pretty, and I got good coverage in just two coats, but the bubbles are bothersome.

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Monday, April 29, 2013

NOTD: China Glaze Fancy Pants


China Glaze Fancy Pants
from the Spring 2013 Avant Garden Collection


I don't know why I haven't heard more about this color.... the pink shimmer is gorgeous! This is two coats.



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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

NOTD: China Glaze Snap My Dragon

China Glaze Snap My Dragon

from the Spring 2013 Avant Garden Collection

I am in love with this color- and it was *almost* a one-coater. I added another for good measure, but I don't think it was needed.

Spirng was here for a few days and then we were back to 28 degrees and clouds! Luckily the sun is back today so I was able to get some good sun for a pic. Yay for Spring weather!

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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Collection Revisit: Sephora by OPI Safari Luxe

In April of 2011, Sephora by OPI released a new collection called Safari Luxe. This is probably my favorite collection that they have done.

From the website:
Inspired by animal-print fabrics, snakeskin pumps, and stacks of gold bracelets, Sephora by OPI's new Safari Luxe collection takes after one of the hottest trends to hit the runways: safari chic. "We came up with a nail lacquer collection as stylish and fun as the trend itself," says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI VP and Artistic Director. "And just like a leopard-print scarf spices up an outfit, each summery shade adds instant edginess to your wardrobe."



Sephora by OPI Caught With My Khakis Down

Sephora by OPI Don't Feed the Hand Models


Sephora by OPI A Color That Can't Be Tamed

Sephora by OPI I Don't Bite

Sephora by OPI Wild About Shimmer over Caught With My Khakis Down

Sephora by OPI Once a Cheetah, Always a Cheetah



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Friday, April 19, 2013

Paradoxal vs. Amethyst vs. Perplex vs. Perplexed Purple

Monday was a gorgeous day and I was home with my daughter, who wasn't feeling well. During a third viewing (in as many days) of Beethoven's 5th, I decided I'd do some swatching of four shades I had set aside to compare.

Left to right:
Chanel Paradoxal
Covergirl Outlast Amethyst
Revlon Perplex
Avon Perplexed Purple



Left to right: (2 coats of each)
Chanel Paradoxal
Covergirl Outlast Amethyst
Revlon Perplex
Avon Perplexed Purple


The first three are so very close! If you missed out on 2010's Chanel Paradoxal and 2011's Revlon Perplex, Covergirl Amethyst, currently in stores, is a must-get. Avon's Perplexed Purple is actually quite different, but still so pretty.

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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Metro Chic

Sephora by OPI Metro Chic

Working on swatching the Metro Too Chic mini set recently reminded me that I did not have an outdoor sun shot of Metro Chic- the horror! This is one of my faves, so I thought that situation needed to be remedied ASAP!

The above swatch is 2 coats. The first coat looks so runny and streaky and will leave you thinking that there is no way just two coats will do, but somehow, magically, the second coat makes it perfect.

Metro Chic is still available from Sephora for $9.50.





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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

NOTD: Dermelect Stunner


Dermelect Stunner
2 coats

I recently received two shades from Dermelect's ME line for review purposes. I was drawn to Stunner, which they describe as "metallic mocha blend" because it reminds me of an old favorite that is no longer usable, L'Oreal Sheer Heat. I have such a soft spot for brown nail polish- I wore OPI Los Angeles Latte for my wedding and have always thought shades like this suit my warm skintone.


Info from Dermelect:
HOW IT WORKS
The first coat instantly bonds to the nail, while the second fuses with the base coat to create a flexible web of color that resists chipping and improves brittleness.  The ME colors combine fast drying, high shine and a healthy ‘green’ dose of vitamins, peptides and moisture, offering a colorful solution to the contemporary woman’s beauty concern—aging nails and hands. 

KEY INGREDIENT
·         ProSina Protein Peptide-Hydrolyzed Keratin extracted from New Zealand sheep’s wool that strengthens the nails and moisturizes the skin.  

BENEFITS

·         Strengthens weak, brittle nails
·         Restores nail flexibility
·         Helps nails resist chipping and splitting
·         Provides long-lasting, high shine and bold color
·         Water and detergent resistant
·         Protects against UV rays
·         Formaldehyde, DBP and Toluene FREE
·         Cruelty FREE (no animal testing)


Dermelect’s ME Core lacquers, available April 2013, retail for $14.00 and can be purchased online at www.dermelect.com and at high-end apothecaries, beauty boutiques, salons, spas, medi-spas and doctors offices.

Disclosure: The polish featured in this post was provided for review purposes.

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Monday, April 15, 2013

NOTD: Darling Diva Polish Honey Do


I haven't purchased from very many indie sellers yet, but when I saw a swatch of Honey Do, I knew I needed it! The above swatch is three coats on Honey Do by itself, and I LOVE it. Doesn't it just scream SPRING?

With each coat I got more glitter and I love the "sandwich" look I got. I used NYC GCS as my topcoat and got an almost perfectly smooth surface. 

It looks like their Etsy shop is closed right now, but should be open at the beginning of May.

Nothing to disclose- I purchased Honey Do myself.



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Friday, April 12, 2013

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic Mini Set- Wrap Up

Hold on to your hats- I finished swatching the Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic mini set! I really like this set- I think Metro Too Chic and Arose Beyond Shimmer are stand-outs.

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:
Pale is the New Tan
Arose Beyond Shimmer
Metro Too Chic
Keys to My Hybrid
Nifty Shade of Grey
Tweet You Later!

Pale is the New Tan
3 coats

Arose Beyond Shimmer
2 coats


Metro Too Chic
3 coats

Keys to My Hybrid
2 coats


Nifty Shade of Grey
3 coats


Tweet You Later!
3 coats

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Thursday, April 11, 2013

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Nifty Shade of Grey


Sephora by OPI Nifty Shade of Grey
from the Metro Too Chic set, which retails on Sephora's website for $24.50

Sephora describes this as "opaque purple grey duochrome" which is pretty darn accurate. I needed three coats to completely cover my nail line. I really like this one!



Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:
Pale is the New Tan
Arose Beyond Shimmer
Metro Too Chic
Keys to My Hybrid
Nifty Shade of Grey
Tweet You Later!

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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Keys to My Hybrid

Sephora by OPI Keys to My Hybrid
from the Metro Too Chic set, which retails on Sephora's website for $24.50.

Keys to My Hybrid is a hot pink creme. Nothing spectacular or unique, but it behaved well and is nice and springy.

I am almost done with this set! I have Nifty Shade of Grey (har har) on today and am hoping for some sun so I can take a pic.

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:
Pale is the New Tan
Arose Beyond Shimmer
Metro Too Chic
Keys to My Hybrid
Nifty Shade of Grey
Tweet You Later!

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Monday, April 8, 2013

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Arose Beyond Shimmer


Arose Beyond Shimmer (2 coats)
from the Sephone by OPI Metro Too Chic mini set


Arose Beyond Shimmer
macro shot

Tweet You Later! (3 coats)
from the Sephone by OPI Metro Too Chic mini set

I have to tell you that I totally thought that Arose Beyond Shimmer was going to be a glitter topper..... but it's not! It's absolutely totally opaque, almost in one coat. I had Tweet You Later! on and thought this might look great over it, but it completely covered it. A nice surprise- and I think Arose Beyond Shimmer is just gorgeous.

Both are from the Metro Too Chic set, which retails on Sephora's website for $24.50.


Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:
Pale is the New Tan
Arose Beyond Shimmer
Metro Too Chic
Keys to My Hybrid
Nifty Shade of Grey
Tweet You Later!

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Friday, April 5, 2013

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Tweet You Later!

Tweet You Later! (3 coats)
from the Sephone by OPI Metro Too Chic mini set

In January I spotted the Metro Too Chic set on Sephora's website for $24.50 and knew I needed to have it. Metro Too Chic was the first shade I swatched, and I thought I'd do Tweet You Later! next and then top it with Arose Beyond Shimmer the next day.

This is a nice cream, although not very unique. I did need three coats to get nice even coverage. I'm excited to see how the shimmer looks on top of it.

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:
Pale is the New Tan
Arose Beyond Shimmer
Metro Too Chic
Keys to My Hybrid
Nifty Shade of Grey
Tweet You Later!

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Thursday, April 4, 2013

Lip of the Day Series


I like limit content on my nail blog to, well, posts about nail polish! But I imagine quite a few of you are into makeup like I am.

I've been doing a series on my LOTD (Lip of the Day) on my personal blog, Sasha Says, and today I posted #17. Just wanted to invite you over if you are interested in following along.

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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

NOTD: Hard Candy Gummy Green

Last month I kept reading about Hard Candy's new line of polish showing up in Walmarts all around the US. I immediately started stalking mine, but continued to be greeted by this lonely empty display:


So disappointing!

But finally, one day I was on the other side of town and spotted a full display! I decided to buy all the Candy  Sprinkles link since I own a few from the Nails Inc. Sprinkles line.

Not sure why, but I decided to go with Gummy Green to swatch first.

Hard Candy Gummy Green


I really like it! I used a coat of Gelous to help smooth it out before I added a coat of NYC GSC. I can't wait to try the other colors in the line- I just need the sun to come out!

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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Swatches: Sephora + Pantone Universe Mini Graphic Effect Lacquers- Emerald

Retail price $18 (currently out of stock)


The OCD collector in me ordered this year's Sephora + Pantone Universe set since I already had last year's Tangerine Tango set in my collection. 

Last year's set was priced at $24 and included a matte shade. I think removing the matte and lowering the price was a good move- there are so many matte topcoats on the market these days.

Last year's set included Glitter, Creme, Matte and Shimmer. 

This year's set includes Metallic, Shimmer and Glitter.


Emerald Metallic
2 coats

Interesting choice of name... this is *not* what I would call metallic. It includes small holo glitter, and is so pretty in the sun. In some lights, it looks like silver glitter, but when light hits it just right, it comes alive.


Emerald Metallic (macro bottle shot)


Emerald Shimmer
(2 coats)

This was the problem child of the set. Let me show you what I mean on the macro shot below.

Emerald Shimmed (macro shot)

See those black dots? That's unmixed pigment. All the shaking in the world did not mix this up. At times, the pigment would spread as you were apply the polish, and you could almost blend it in. But other times, like you can see with the big black dot above, it wouldn't mix at all and would just sit on top.

It's a shame because this could be a really pretty shade.



Emerald Glitter
3 coats

This is emerald glitter suspended in a clear base tinted with green. I got decent coverage with each coat, and needed 3 coats. The glitter was suspended well and was easy to apply- I did not need to turn the bottle upside down or do much shaking. However, clear base glitters tend to chip like crazy on me, so I imagine this might work better over a colored base for me than on it's own. I did not test wear time.

Emerald Glitter (macro shot)

Final thoughts: Although this is a nice set, the unmixed pigments in the Shimmer shade are a big disappointment. That shade is pretty much unwearable for me since I am a perfectionist when it comes to my nail color.

Anyone else had this problem?

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