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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.