Zoya Tinsley Swatch And Review

Hello dears!  I'm still a bit jetlagged but yesterday I managed to at least get my bags unpacked and laundry sorted.  Work has been hectic too, we started the new schedule and the staff is adjusting to the change.  Thankfully the grandparents are here to watch LO - I'm not sure what I'll do with work once they're gone in a month, but hopefully things will work out!  Meanwhile, LO is having a tough time adjusting to the change in times.  She's been knocking out cold early or fussing and staying up late.  Hopefully she'll get back on schedule soon!

Last week I mentioned that Zoya Rica looked similar to Tinsley, and tonight I have some swatches of Tinsley followed with a comparison of the two.  Tinsley is part of Zoya's 2013 summer 2013 Irresistible collection, and is a rose foil with gold flakes.  I really thought I was going to like this polish when I ordered it, but after wearing it I think it washes out my skin tone a little bit.  I used two easy coats and had no trouble with application or formula.  This is with no topcoat.

Zoya Tinsley

Zoya Tinsley

Zoya Tinsley

Zoya Tinsley

Zoya Tinsley

Zoya Tinsley

The color is gorgeous - I love a nice warm rose that is accented with gold.  It reminds me of a pink rose with sunshine filtering through its petals.  The color didn't do anything for me unfortunately, so I think it's going to the swap pile.

Rica has a very similar finish as Tinsley except instead of rose, the color is coral with gold flakes.  Here you can see them side by side.  Tinsley is a touch warmer than Rica, and Rica a cool leaning neutral IMO.

Zoya Tinsley and Rica

Zoya Tinsley and Rica Comparison

Zoya Tinsley and Rica Comparison

Zoya Tinsley and Rica Comparison

Can you see the difference in shades?  I'm convinced that cool colors look better on me than warm colors, but maybe I'm just color blind.  Of the two, which do you prefer?

Illamasqua Venous and Comparison of YSL Vert D'Orient with China Glaze Exotic Encounters

Happy Friday!  I hope you've got some great plans for the weekend, that way I can vicariously live through you while I'm working on Saturday.  Aside from work, it's my five year wedding anniversary and we're planning on going to one of Roy Choi's restaurants for dinner.  I'm really looking forward to it because I've been seeing so much of his food on tv lately.

I have another fantastic dark teal for you today, and that is Illamasqua's Venous.  It's a dark green leaning teal cream that had a superb formula.  With absolutely no issues with application, this polish nearly painted itself on my nails.  I almost got away with one coat but used two to be safe and then finished with a layer of Poshe.

Illamasqua Venous

Illamasqua Venous

Illamasqua Venous

Illamasqua Venous

Illamasqua Venous

And as promised, I have a comparison of Illamasqua Venous, YSL Vert D'Orient, and China Glaze Exotic Encounters.

Comparison of YSL Vert D'Orient, Illamasqua Venous, and China Glaze Exotic Encounters

As you can see, Venous and Vert D'Orient are closer in shade than Exotic Encounters.  EE leans more darker and dusty.  Application-wise, China Glaze was streaky and thinner than either YSL or Illamasqua, but Illamasqua wins hands down in formula and ease of application.  The YSL was a bit thicker and didn't self level at all, unlike the Illa that smoothed itself out.  I'll keep looking for a cheaper alternative, but if you like this shade of teal, I definitely recommend the Illa over the other brands.