Friday, May 31, 2013

Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise Swatch And Review with Bonus JulieG

I hope everyone had a quick and easy week!  The weekend is almost here and I hope you've all got something fun in store.  We'll be working on baby proofing the house because LO is starting to crawl.  It's nerve racking thinking about all the trouble she can get into, especially in a two story house with tile stairs.  Eeeks!

I was browsing the CVS clearance sale that was reported on Noveau Cheap and saw the new summer Maybelline display.  There was a pretty blue limited edition polish that I picked up called Turquoise Paradise.  It's a well pigmented cream and I used two coats for this mani.  No topcoat because I found it to be really shiny on its own.

Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise
Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise

Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise
Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise

Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise
Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise

Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise
Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise

Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise
Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise

I did a little nail art with the mani as well, by adding JulieG Rock Candy as accents - I used it to fully coat the ring finger, to add dots to the middle, and to do a quick gradient on the index finger.  Warning, this stuff is really hard to clean off your skin without leaving a bunch of glitter residue.

Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise
Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise

Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise
Maybelline Summer LE Turquoise Paradise

I really like the monochromatic look of this mani and found the JulieG texture polish super easy to work with(aside from cleanup).  Rock Candy has multisized hex glitter in the sand finish and it gives a nice multidimensional sparkle.   I love the color too, I've been gravitating towards a lot of cool summery blues and greens this season.  Have you been falling in love with blues this summer?

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Zoya Pixiedust Miranda Swatch And Review

I barely slept last night so I've been in zombie mode all day, please pardon my ramblings if it happens.  LO woke up in the middle of the night bawling which is really uncommon, and she wouldn't allow me to soothe her, which is also really uncommon.  I think she may have had a baby nightmare or woke up in pain from teething(her top two teeth are coming in).  I've been up since 4am and I should have gone to bed hours ago, but I'm a night owl and can't help myself.

Ok ok ok, I promised I wouldn't do another pink but I unconsciously chose to use this polish for tonight.  I've talked myself into think it's not really a pink because it's a texture polish - something the muggles haven't discovered yet(at least that's what I've convinced myself).  This is Zoya's Miranda from their summer Pixiedust collection.  It's a dark dusty rose pink with metallic shimmer, and it has tons of sparkle.  I chose not to wear this with topcoat because I'm stubborn and don't like to alter the natural appearance of texture polishes, but I imagine it would look fabulous a la Orly Miss Conduct.  I used two easy coats for coverage in these photos.

Zoya Pixiedust Miranda
Zoya Pixiedust Miranda

Zoya Pixiedust Miranda
Zoya Pixiedust Miranda

Zoya Pixiedust Miranda
Zoya Pixiedust Miranda

Zoya Pixiedust Miranda
Zoya Pixiedust Miranda

Zoya Pixiedust Miranda
Zoya Pixiedust Miranda

I also have Solange from this collection because I love the stunning gold sand effect and will probably do some nail art with it sometime soon.  I really enjoy using these texture polishes for nail art, but not so much as regular manis because I obsessively touch the polish all day long.  It gets really distracting after a while!  I really like the multi-toned or shimmery effect textures over the monochrome textures that have been released.  Of the texture polishes out there, is there any particular collection you like more than another? 

Monday, May 27, 2013

Chanel May Swatch And Review

Today we took LO to the aquarium and she had so much fun watching all the colorful fish darting though the tanks.  I think her favorites were the penguin and puffin exhibits, but she was mesmerized by all the tanks.  I only wish the aquarium wasn't as busy as it was, it seemed like the place was mobbed by kids and families today because of the holiday.  She ended the night on a good note by charming all the customers at a restaurant we ate at tonight.  She giggled and laughed at everyone, particularly a couple that was expecting.  I hope she made them anticipate their new addition even more than they already were.

The month of May is nearing an end and I had to make sure I swatched Chanel's May before it ended.  This color was released last year's spring collection, which also included the colors April and June.  The collection altogether was a bit lackluster since they were all straighforward creams, but I picked up May because it was my birthmonth.  May is a blue toned pink cream that had a difficult formula to work with.  It was streaky and runny and didn't self level very well. I used three coats for this mani and you can still see some bald patches.  I finished with a layer of Poshe to add shine.

Chanel May
Chanel May

Chanel May
Chanel May

Chanel May
Chanel May

Chanel May
Chanel May

Chanel May
Chanel May

I can't believe I did two posts in row of pink.  That's really uncommon for me because I'm not a fan of pink and pink is too much of a muggle color.  Overall, this Chanel color was disappointing to me mainly because of the bad application, but I don't mind the color.  Unfortunately, if I want to wear this color again, it probably won't be this polish.  Do you know of any other poor Chanel polish formulas that I should stay away from?

Nerdlacquer The Lando System Swatch And Review

Hello everyone!  For those in the states, I hope you're enjoying your holiday!  It's perfect outdoor weather this weekend and I hope you've been spending a lot of time outside.  We took LO to the park today so she could play in the sun and watch the other kids run around and play with each other.  Tomorrow we're taking her to the aquarium.  I think she'll like watching all the fish swim around.
 
Nerdlacquer seems to be on haitus again and I am lucky to have scored some polishes from her newest Star Wars collection.  Lando system is a cool pink cream with lots of multisized hex glitter in silver and pink, and lots of flakies to create a frosty appearance.  I used three coats in this mani and had no issues with the formula whatsover.  I finished it with a layer of topcoat to hasten drying and smooth it out.

Nerdlacquer The Lando System
Nerdlacquer The Lando System

Nerdlacquer The Lando System
Nerdlacquer The Lando System

Nerdlacquer The Lando System
Nerdlacquer The Lando System

Nerdlacquer The Lando System
Nerdlacquer The Lando System

Nerdlacquer The Lando System
Nerdlacquer The Lando System

This is one of those colors that seems unusual for Amanda create, it's so girly and feminine compared to the darker and more saturated colors that she's known to make.  Despite the color, it still has the complex mixture of glitters and flakes that Nerdlacquer is known for.  I hope that Amanda comes back soon, I know she's going through some tough times.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Fishtail Nail Art with China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Why Not, Elevation Mount Cangyan

It's officially the weekend!  Is anyone taking any trips or doing anything fun?  Tell me so that I may live vicariously through you since I have to be one of those suckers that will be up super early on Saturday for work.  Boo.

I've been wanting to try a fishtail pattern for a while now, and what better opportunity than to use some bright summer colors?  I used China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Colors Why Not, and Elevation Mount Cangyan to layer together to create the fishtail effect.  My lines weren't the neatest, but it was fun to overlap the polishes to create the diagonal pattern.  Purple Panic, a bright purple cream, was nice and opaque, and dried semi matte which I thought was intriguing.  Sinful Colors Why Not, a beachy blue creme, was nearly opaque and streakfree in one coat, whereas Elevation Mount Cangyan, a purple with pink shimmer, was watery and required two coats for opacity.  I layered Poshe over all the nails and accented with rhinestones.

Fishtail Nail Art with China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Why Not, Elevation Mount Cangyan
Fishtail Nail Art with China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Why Not, Elevation Mount Cangyan

Fishtail Nail Art with China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Why Not, Elevation Mount Cangyan
Fishtail Nail Art with China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Why Not, Elevation Mount Cangyan

Fishtail Nail Art with China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Why Not, Elevation Mount Cangyan
Fishtail Nail Art with China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Why Not, Elevation Mount Cangyan

Fishtail Nail Art with China Glaze Purple Panic, Sinful Why Not, Elevation Mount Cangyan

I probably could have gotten cleaner lines had I used some tape, but as they say, ain't nobody got time for that.  I really like the bright colors together and will most likely use each polish individually on their own.  Have you ever tried a fishtail mani before?

Friday, May 24, 2013

China Glaze Keepin It Teal Swatch And Review

Happy Friday!  I hope you managed to get the day off like I know a lot of other people did, so that you may enjoy a four day weekend.  Looks like it'll be perfect grilling weather too.  I hope you have some great plans in store for your weeknd!

I was curious about the new China Glaze jellies that were released this summer so I picked up one when I was at my nail supply haunt.  This is a sheer teal jelly called Keepin It Teal.  I found the formula to be really watery and recommend using really thin coats.  I used four layers for this mani and although it wasn't really streaky, the sheerness makes it look like it is.  I finished with a layer of Poshe for additional shine.

China Glaze Keepin It Teal
China Glaze Keepin It Teal 

China Glaze Keepin It Teal
China Glaze Keepin It Teal 

China Glaze Keepin It Teal
China Glaze Keepin It Teal 

China Glaze Keepin It Teal
China Glaze Keepin It Teal 

China Glaze Keepin It Teal
China Glaze Keepin It Teal 


I can see this being used for glitter sammiches but not so much on its own because the color isn't very unique and the VNL doesn't appeal to me in this color, which is strange since I usually don't mind VNL. This color also reminds me of another jelly called Pacific Beach by American Apparel.  Price point wise, AA is slightly more but it might be worth it if the application is easier.


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Essie DJ Play That Song Swatch And Review

Sale season is in full effect and I've been bitten by the sale bug.  I'm hunting for one more bag, and after that, I promise to stop.  I hope, anyway!  No shoes for me this season, because I find that I don't wear the shoes fast enough to justify buying more.  Are you splurging on anything during the sales?

As a former club rat, I couldn't resist picking up Essie's DJ Play That Song from the recent neon collection that was released.  It doesn't hurt that I like the color too, and it's not one that I have anything similar in my collection.  It's a purpley fuchsia crelly that is a bit watery during application but didn't streak.  I used two coats in these pictures and found that it dried semi matte, so I used a layer of Poshe to get that squishy shine.

Essie DJ Play That Song
Essie DJ Play That Song 

Essie DJ Play That Song
Essie DJ Play That Song 

Essie DJ Play That Song
Essie DJ Play That Song 

Essie DJ Play That Song
Essie DJ Play That Song 

Essie DJ Play That Song
Essie DJ Play That Song
Essie recommends layering this over white, but I think I prefer the semi sheer look of this color.  It's bright and summery too, and the topcoat makes it sooo shiny.  Have you tried any colors yet from the neon collection?

Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise Swatch And Review

I've only been back to work one day this week and already I'm looking forward to the holiday weekend.  Are you?  I was hoping to catch the start of the Nordstrom semi-annual designer sale tonight but it's not posted yet. It'll probably go live while I'm sleeping.

I felt like I needed a strong pop of color to help bring in summer, so I went with Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise today.  This is a bright orange based red crelly that applied like a dream.  I could have probably gotten away with one coat but used two for the pics.  The brush was easy to control and I got clean brushstrokes with very little mess.  I finished with a topcoat of Poshe for additional shine.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise
Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise

Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise
Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise

Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise
Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise

Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise
Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise

Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise
Rescue Beauty Lounge Chinoise

I'm so happy to have received this color, it's not a color I have in my collection and a color that I've never worn on myself before.  I really like how it looks against my skintone so I can see myself adding more of this color to my collection.  Luckily I picked this up in a forum swap box exchange.  I love participating in those!  It's the opportunity of finding an unloved polish of mine a new home in exchange for a new shade. 

Monday, May 20, 2013

Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth Swatch And Review

Hello everyone!  I was on a short break this past weekend because my BFF was visiting for my birthday.  We had a great time shopping, doing nails, eating amazing food, and topped it off with a spa treatment.  My highlights include eating at Robata Jinya, a japanese izakaya, snagging a PS1 and Balenciaga Hip during Barney's presale, and getting a full body scrub and massage.  I couldn't have asked for a better birthday weekend!

Now that I'm back, I have a new to me indie to show you.  It's Dandy Nails Piece of Youth, a sky blue cream base with gold hex glitters and a slight shimmer.  I used two easy coats and there's no topcoat in these pictures so you can see it's actual finish.

Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth

Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth

Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth

Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth

I tried some more nail art with Zoya Solange and China Glaze For Audrey, by using nail stickers to make the chevrons on my pointer finger and Solange again on my ring finger.  I used a layer of topcoat on all fingers except for my ring finger.

Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth

Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
Dandy Nails Piece Of Youth
I really like the colors of Dandy Nails' creations, and I'm pleased with the formula and application of Piece Of Youth.  I'd be happy to try more of these polishes in the future.  Have you tried any Dandy Nails lately?

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Smitten Polish Look To The Western Sky Swatch And Review

I have my BFF visiting me this week so I might not have as much time to post my usual posts.  It's my birthday weekend and I hope to celebrate with friends, family, and good food.  I'll let you know how it goes!

I have Smitten Polish Look To The Western Sky for you tonight, and it's a gorgeous deeply saturated purple jelly with multi-colored hex glitters suspended in it.  I love the vibrant colors of the glitter and the how they contrast against the purple base.  I used three coats and had no trouble with glitter dragging or dispersion, and the density of glitter was perfect.  My only complaint is that this dried semi matte instead of glossy like other jellies I've tried.  I finished with a topcoat, but I can't remember which one - I wish I did because I can see it dried a little streaky.  Hmm... Perhaps it's Orly's Sec N Dry, the newest topcoat that I'm trying out.  Sec N Dry hasn't impressed me so far because the formula is really thin and it doesn't seem to dry the layers underneath quickly at all.

Smitten Polish Look To The Western
Smitten Polish Look To The Western Sky

Smitten Polish Look To The Western
Smitten Polish Look To The Western Sky

Smitten Polish Look To The Western
Smitten Polish Look To The Western Sky

Smitten Polish Look To The Western
Smitten Polish Look To The Western Sky

Smitten Polish Look To The Western
Smitten Polish Look To The Western Sky
Ignore the topcoat streaks and look at the gorgeous polish!  Look at that purple jelly!  Look at those awesome gold, red, and pink hex and square glitters.  If this is what the Western Sky looks like, I don't ever want to look away.  Have you tried any Smittens lately?