NOTD: OPI Russian Navy Suede

OPI Russian Navy Suede

I'm a big fan of completing things, and realized this weekend that I never finished swatching the OPI Suedes. Russian Navy Suede is absolutely gorgeous and I can't believe I saved it for last, AND waited to long to wear it!

Here's a list of all the OPI Suede shades:

• Here Today…Aragon Tomorrow Suede
• Ink Suede
• Lincoln Park After Dark Suede
• Russian Navy Suede
• Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees Suede
• We'll Always Have Paris Suede
• You Don't Know Jacques! Suede

All were released in Fall 2009 with the exception of Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow Suede, which was released in Fall 2010.  The "suede" finish followed the matte craze, and is more of a semi-matte effect, with added shimmer.

Although it was suggested that you not use base or topcoat, I have found that using an adhesive base coat and allowing it to dry completely (about 10 minutes) doesn't cause any adverse effects, and actually extends the wear a bit. Of course, using a topcoat totally changes the suede effect, but it is quite pretty.

Updated: Favorite Nail Products

I thought I'd update you a bit today and blog about my about my current favorite nail products. NYC Grand Central Station has officially replaced Seche Vite as my fast-dry top coat!

1. Sally Hanson Instant Cuticle Remover. To have a long-lasting mani, you've really got to prep your nails. Removing cuticle overgrowth is a key step. I apply this all around my cuticles, wait a bit (you can wait longer that it says), then use the thumbnail of my opposite hand to push back/scrape the cuticles. I typically do this twice. Find this at drug stores and mass-market retailers like Wal-Mart and Target.

2. Orly Bonder. This rubberized basecoat overrides any oily residue on your nails and gives your polish something to stick to, another secret of a long-lasting mani. Find this at Sally Beauty.

3. NYC Grand Central Station. This is my new HG topcoat... it works just as well as the pricy Seche Vite, but it's only $2! You know I love a bargain. Find this at drug stores and mass-market retailers like Wal-Mart and Target.

4. Poshe Cuticle Care.  Keeping your cuticles neat and free of hang-nails is another secret to making your manicure last longer. This product is fabulous and I massage this into my cuticles twice a day to prevent hangnails and prevent cuticle buildup. Find this at Ulta.

5. Nail Polish Remover Dip-It. I change my polish pretty often, and this little treasure makes it quick and easy. Inside this tub are plastic bristles that really help scrub the polish off. Find this at mass-market retailers like Wal-Mart and Target.

Now, if you are trying to remove a glitterbomb polish, that's another issue, and you'll need to visit this post on my nail blog to see the trick for that.

Do you have any nail products to recommend to me?

NOTD: Chanel Taboo

Chanel Taboo

2 coats

The thing about $27 nail polish..... it's just got to be fabulous or you're kicking yourself for buying it.

Luckily, Taboo is a dream polish- applies wonderfully, in fact, almost perfectly. It's almost a one-coater too. I did use 2 coats because for some reason it's hard not to.

So glad I don't have to regret buying this one!

Skittles Mani: Wet n Wild Color Wave

A few weeks ago I spotted one of the Wet n Wild Color Wave mini sets at Walgreens and since it was only $3.99 I decided to purchase it. I have seen this one referred to as the "blue" set, although the shades lean more green to me.

I decided to do a skittles (or ombre) mani using all of the colors. Since they don't have names, I numbered them so we can discuss. Side note: #5 is the only sheer shade- all the rest are fine on their own. Since #5 was so sheer, I decided to use it as a topper for the white shade #1.

Thumb: 3 coats #6

Pointer Finger: 2 coats #4

Middle Finger: 2 coats #3

Ring Finger: 2 coats #2

Pinkie Finger: 2 coats #1 topped with 2 coats #5

Better, in focus shot of color of thumb

I'm actually pretty impressed with the set- especially for the price. The brushes were actually pretty nice and application was easy.

Have you purchased this Color Wave set or any of the others like it? I know there is a pink one too.

Another 4th of July mani

Sasha's 2012 4th of July manicure featuring nails inc.

red = st. james (classic blue red)

blue = baker street (cobalt blue)

I just remembered how much I loved last year's 4th of July mani. I got so many compliments on it and Baker Street had become so popular I just had to include it.

Each color required only 2 coats to get perfect coverage. I continue to be impressed with nails inc. Creams are usually hard for me to apply for some reason, but I had absolutely no problem with these.

nails inc shades are available at Sephora and retail for $9.50.

Disclosure: The shades featured in this post were provided for review purposes.

Happy 4th of July!

Pure Ice Siren with accent of Pure Ice Superstar! on ring finger (2 coats of each)

topped with Pure Ice Freedom (1 coat) 

I was recently contacted and asked if I would like to try some shades from Pure Ice's Stars & Stripes collection. How fun!

This glitter topper is great! I only needed one coat to get the great coverage you see above. Although I only got one star out, I still loved the look I ended up with. Note that Siren does stain your fingers a bit upon removal.

All Pure Ice nail enamels are free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP and contain a patented salon long-wear formula for a look that will last. Retailing at only $1.99, these polishes are the perfect way to bring chic looks from the runway your way with out breaking the bank! Pure Ice nail enamels are available through www.pureicecosmetics.com and Walmart stores nationwide. 

For more information, please visit www.pureicecosmetics.com/ or follow OfficialPureIce on Facebook

Twitter (@OfficialPureIce) and Instagram. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #PureIce

Disclosure: The shades featured above were provided for review purposes.

NOTD: OPI Suzi's Hungary Again!

OPI Suzi's Hungary Again!

3 coats 

Suzi's Hungary Again! is from OPI's Spring 2013 Euro Centrale Collection. It's a medium warm pink that I really like with my skintone. The slight shimmer that you see in the bottle isn't really apparent on the nails. I know some bloggers just did 2 coats of this one, but I felt I needed 3 to get complete even coverage.