NOTD: OPI DS Ruby

OPI DS Ruby

2 coats

The OPI DS line never fails me- I love love love these shades and find myself reaching for them when I am feeling like I just can't choose from my hundreds of choices.

Revlon ColorStay in Rich Raspberry

 Revlon ColorStay in Rich Raspberry

2 coats

Sadly, this is from a discontinued line. The ColorStay nail color line has been replaced with the ColorStay Gel Envy line. I picked this up at Big Lots for just $1.50. It applied like a dream- perfect coverage in 2 coats.

NOTD: Zoya Dannii

 Zoya Dannii

2 coats

From the Zoya website: Dannii by Zoya can be best described as a medium orchid purple with pink and champagne highlights and flecks of silver metallic shimmer. 

L'Oreal Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque in Lacqueriste

L'Oreal Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque in Lacqueriste

2 coats

This weekend I pulled out the three steps of the L’Oréal Paris Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque system. I had been a while since I used the system and I remember liking it a lot. 

Steps 1 and 3, the primer and glaze, are sold together and retail for about $13 in mass-market retailers like Target and Wal-mart.

The individual color bottles, like Lacqueriste shown in my swatch pic, retail for about $8. There are 21 shades available, and most are core-type colors, just nice classic colors that appear to all be a creme finish.

Here's some info from the L'Oreal website:

Introducing our exclusive 3-step nail system for spectacular nails like you’ve never seen before. New L’Oréal Paris Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque provides high-gloss, and resilient shine while protecting nail color from dings, dents and scratches. Get the high-shine of a UV-Gel and the perfect nail shape without harmful UV rays.

Extraordinary nails as easy as 1, 2, 3:

STEP 1: GEL PRIMER
Nail surface is instantly smooth and flawless

STEP 2: GEL COLOR
Color is richer, magnified to a new level of intensity nails are visibly thicker

STEP 3: GEL GLAZE
Shine is captured and reflected from every angle

I went ahead and added one coat of my normal quick dry topcoat after I was done with Step 3.

OPI Infinite Shine in Can't Tame a Wild Thing

 

OPI Infinite Shine in Can't Tame a Wild Thing

2 coats

For this mani, I used all three steps of the OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System, and then topped it with my quick dry topcoat, NYC Grand Central Station. I have tried the system before without an added quick dry topcoat, and I didn't find that I got very good wear from it- I would get chips pretty quickly. Once I added NYC GSC, I got much better wear!

Info from OPI about the system:

Infinite Shine Lacquer delivers ultra-rich, vivid color in unique OPI shades.  Is an innovative service option for manicures, pedicures and enhancements.

Gel shine without the light.  Last up to 10 days.  Soak free removal.

The Infinite Shine system of products combine for longer-lasting color and shine:

• Step 1 Primer: Goes beyond base - it actually primes nails for a revolutionary grip on color while preventing staining.
• Step 2 Lacquer: Delivers real depth with ultra-rich, vivid color.
• Step 3 Gloss: Promises gel-like durability - the state-of-the-art formula includes gel polymers that cures to a hard film in natural light, yet removes easily without soaking.

NOTD: OPI Chile O Caliente

 OPI Chile O Caliente

2 coats

from the 2002 South American Collection

Chile O Caliente has been a favorite for YEARS! I bet I have been through at least 5 bottles of this- this used to be my regular pedi color. Still a favorite 15 years later!

NOTD: Essie Éclair My Love

Essie Éclair My Love

2 coats

from the Summer 2017 Collection

per Essie: Declare your undying amour with this light, bright heart-pulsing shade of red candy passion.

I've seen others call this close to a one-coat wonder, but not for me. I found the first coat to be very streaky, but the second coat evened it out quite nicely. Such a bright, fun summer shade!