tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65150515325986374772024-03-08T08:55:29.159-08:00Naz's NailsNazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-75167805882841137202013-09-29T07:19:00.002-07:002013-09-29T07:19:37.863-07:00Revlon Divine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whoops, I inadvertently disappeared again. But I am here to, for once, post about an LE in a somewhat-timely fashion! Revlon Divine is part of the Evening Opulence collection for Fall 2013, designed by Gucci Westman.<br />
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The collection includes another 3 colors: Rich (which looks just like Carbonite), Elusive (a black/teal glitter that looked AWESOME in the bottle, not so much in swatches), and Seductive (a deep purple jelly). I really wanted to like Elusive, especially since in the bottle, it looks like a teal version of Facets of Fuchsia, but nope. It dries matte, which isn't a big deal, but the base is so opaque that a lot of the glitter gets lost, and the result is just sort of lumpy. Top coat is definitely an improvement, but I think I'd rather franken something similar that would be a better fit to my preferences.<br />
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Anyway, Divine! Divine might look familiar to you, as it's quite similar to Germanicure by OPI and my all-time favorite, OPI Royal Rajah Ruby! Here it is in the shade:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcZVDEghd4s/UkgnrB376GI/AAAAAAAAC8w/gq882_ACeE8/s1600/revlon+divine1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcZVDEghd4s/UkgnrB376GI/AAAAAAAAC8w/gq882_ACeE8/s400/revlon+divine1.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
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Dat shimmer! Here it is in the sun:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRr1qnc8q9Y/UkgttOdR3bI/AAAAAAAAC9I/xIY5xXz-DgM/s1600/revlon+divine4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRr1qnc8q9Y/UkgttOdR3bI/AAAAAAAAC9I/xIY5xXz-DgM/s400/revlon+divine4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And another picture of the shimmer, because why not.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBHiPETQDS0/UkgtpRVyofI/AAAAAAAAC9E/HOZWY5EUrdM/s1600/revlon+divine3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBHiPETQDS0/UkgtpRVyofI/AAAAAAAAC9E/HOZWY5EUrdM/s400/revlon+divine3.JPG" width="366" /></a></div>
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How great is that? I know, once again, not the most unique color on the planet, but I love it anyway. I probably won't have time to do a proper comparison to Royal Rajah Ruby, but I do have a swatch from last fall that I hadn't posted. So, for reference, RRR:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDGkXEU3hG8/UkguCQAZa1I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/8ojCazhWtSY/s1600/OPI+royal+rajah+ruby2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDGkXEU3hG8/UkguCQAZa1I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/8ojCazhWtSY/s400/OPI+royal+rajah+ruby2+(2).JPG" width="325" /></a></div>
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I think I can finally stop obsessing over backups, LOL.<br />
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On an entirely unrelated note, who else is preemptively freaking out in anticipation of Breaking Bad!? OMGGGGG. I don't think I've ever hated a fictional character quite as much as Walt. Maybe Schillinger. Or Adebisi. But Oz is chock full of unequivocally horrible people.<br />
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Have you tried Divine, or any of the other Gucci Westman colors? Were you as disappointed in Elusive as me?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-85596452028757455902013-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:002013-09-06T06:00:13.848-07:00Happy Hands Am I Not Yours?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Hands Am I Not Yours was released with the Faint of Heart collection for this past Valentine's Day. It's a dark, teal-green jelly packed with glitter. I actually took a bottle shot this time, just because I'm so smitten with the glitter mix.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLo6iMr1mJc/UhvUnGSjP5I/AAAAAAAAC7w/pKkp1GkfA4w/s1600/happy+hands+am+i+not+yours+bottle+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLo6iMr1mJc/UhvUnGSjP5I/AAAAAAAAC7w/pKkp1GkfA4w/s400/happy+hands+am+i+not+yours+bottle+shot.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>
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How cool is that? It looks pretty awesome on the nail, too. And sorry about the state of my cuticles- I wore this manicure the week before my presentation, which was full of stress and unfortunately, cuticle-picking. So my skin is looking pretty rough, lol.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxtx9vZHnRk/UhvgvHD2gCI/AAAAAAAAC8A/jNsiUZ3SERg/s1600/happy+hands+am+i+not+yours+over+aa+passport+blue1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxtx9vZHnRk/UhvgvHD2gCI/AAAAAAAAC8A/jNsiUZ3SERg/s400/happy+hands+am+i+not+yours+over+aa+passport+blue1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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But the glitter!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSkZDtnTl18/UhvgvVbj_VI/AAAAAAAAC8E/i9FePgXd840/s1600/happy+hands+am+i+not+yours+over+aa+passport+blue2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSkZDtnTl18/UhvgvVbj_VI/AAAAAAAAC8E/i9FePgXd840/s400/happy+hands+am+i+not+yours+over+aa+passport+blue2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've told you of my love for square glitter, so it shouldn't surprise you that my favorite part of this polish is the big teal squares.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T01DVDrg564/UhvgvNJz6jI/AAAAAAAAC8I/lM1cTufizvw/s1600/happy+hands+am+i+not+yours+over+aa+passport+blue3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T01DVDrg564/UhvgvNJz6jI/AAAAAAAAC8I/lM1cTufizvw/s400/happy+hands+am+i+not+yours+over+aa+passport+blue3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I've layered 2 coats of Am I Not Yours over 2 coats of American Apparel Passport Blue. It was pretty thick, so I'd definitely recommend keeping thinner on hand, and being generous with it. I had no trouble getting a good amount of glitter on my nails, which was great. This manicure looked so cool in person.<br />
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Have you tried any Happy Hands polishes? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great weekend!<br />
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Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-78889663705415887062013-09-04T06:00:00.000-07:002013-09-04T06:00:12.090-07:00YSL Jade Imperial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
YSL Jade Imperial was released with the Arty Stone collection this past spring. It's a lovely jade green creme. I am weirdly picky about my minty greens. Off the top of my head, the only ones I can think of that fit my tastes are Sinful Colors Open Seas, Milani Dress Maker/Chanel Jade, and YSL Jade Imperial. Of course, I didn't actually decide I liked Jade Imperial until right after it sold out locally, and I'm not big on online shopping. I got lucky though, and the SA that was helping me said I could have the tester! Sure, it's missing the gold outer cap, but I don't care about that. The tester is in pretty good condition, and it's about 75% or 80% full, so needless to say, I am very happy.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvVfeKLJ9ps/UhvOHiOmE6I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/m3cQjbFN71A/s1600/YSL+jade+imperial1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvVfeKLJ9ps/UhvOHiOmE6I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/m3cQjbFN71A/s400/YSL+jade+imperial1.JPG" width="305" /></a></div>
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Now, onto the polish itself. Jade Imperial has a flawless formula. Almost perfect in 1 coat, super smooth application, dries shiny...I am in love. The brush is quite large, and I was a little worried about how that would affect the application, but I had no trouble. In fact, I didn't even need to clean this up.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAJ9oOUdRBY/UhvOIT8eAjI/AAAAAAAAC7c/45j4twA6RvQ/s1600/YSL+jade+imperial2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAJ9oOUdRBY/UhvOIT8eAjI/AAAAAAAAC7c/45j4twA6RvQ/s400/YSL+jade+imperial2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did leave gaps that are a little too wide, but that's because I did my nails in dim lighting while <strike>dying</strike> watching HBO's Oz. I know I'm ten years too late on that show, but OMGGGG. Kirk Acevedo. Rita Moreno. Lauren Velez. Eamonn Walker. Dean Winters. BD WONG. And holy crap, JK Simmons. That guy has RANGE. Seeing him go between Jameson and Schillinger and that Farmers Insurance guy...damn. I have a hard time thinking of him as anyone other than Vern, though.<br />
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Thoughts? Did you fall in love with Jade Imperial too? I've pretty much heard nothing but raves about it. And what about Oz? Have you watched it?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and I hope you're having a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-15925764688630996172013-09-02T06:00:00.000-07:002013-09-02T06:00:13.524-07:00Water Marble: Essie Brooch the Subject and Ole Caliente<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Goooooood morning! I water marbled again, as you can see.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUO1QZOmMVE/UhKpjjmvVqI/AAAAAAAAC6o/tx--estoq4s/s1600/BtS+OC+water+marble1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUO1QZOmMVE/UhKpjjmvVqI/AAAAAAAAC6o/tx--estoq4s/s320/BtS+OC+water+marble1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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No top coat, because I am impatient and accidentally smeared the nails on my right hand when I applied it. Look:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1XYrwYKV7c/UhKpkcuxCTI/AAAAAAAAC7E/nW7CUffLlLM/s1600/BtS+OC+water+marble4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1XYrwYKV7c/UhKpkcuxCTI/AAAAAAAAC7E/nW7CUffLlLM/s320/BtS+OC+water+marble4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Smearing aside, I am pretty happy with how these designs came out!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IO-3kLRflg/UhKpjwzWILI/AAAAAAAAC7A/LX1zlDtL6EQ/s1600/BtS+OC+water+marble3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IO-3kLRflg/UhKpjwzWILI/AAAAAAAAC7A/LX1zlDtL6EQ/s400/BtS+OC+water+marble3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One thing that bugs me about water marbling: pretty much every time I do it, I get at least one tiny bubble. Here, you can see it on the ring fingernail of my right hand. It's tiiiiiny, but it bothered me, so I tried carefully popping it with the very tip of my cleanup brush, and of course, the base color now shows through. Oh well.<br />
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Thoughts? Would anyone happen to have any tips on avoiding those tiny bubbles?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-57236230224183344532013-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-30T06:00:08.763-07:00Butter London Victoriana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Butter London Victoriana was released in Fall 2010, along with Bumster, Marrow, and All Hail the Queen. Victoriana and All Hail the Queen have been getting a lot of love from polish addicts since their release, and while I had admired swatches, I didn't really get the hype. I still don't have any particular feelings about the latter, but the silvery shimmer of Victoriana sucked me in, and I finally caved.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97-gsNxndno/UhKbeQQuMfI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/eeHtxBX5zVA/s1600/BL+victoriana1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97-gsNxndno/UhKbeQQuMfI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/eeHtxBX5zVA/s400/BL+victoriana1.JPG" width="345" /></a></div>
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I have to say, I am really impressed with the formula. Victoriana was almost perfect in one coat, but did need a second. I barely had to clean up this mani, and both the wear and drying time are great.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olb9I3Whia8/UhKbepTGSqI/AAAAAAAAC6U/i6Hg-5fZKsU/s1600/BL+victoriana2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olb9I3Whia8/UhKbepTGSqI/AAAAAAAAC6U/i6Hg-5fZKsU/s400/BL+victoriana2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Actually, I bought this while I was still in a cast, and it was so easy to apply I wound up wearing this for quite a while. I can't remember whether or not I had used top coat when I took these photos, but I remember noting that Victoriana dried pretty glossy, which is nice. Here it is in the sun:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ckjl0KqAwx0/UhKbe1M9LpI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/c85juW1ZUaM/s1600/BL+victoriana3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ckjl0KqAwx0/UhKbe1M9LpI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/c85juW1ZUaM/s400/BL+victoriana3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So pretty. You know by now that I love a dusty blue, and this is just great.<br />
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As far as I know, Victoriana is fairly unique. OPI I Have a Herring Problem and Zoya Skylar are similar, but the OPI and Zoya both have different colors of shimmer, and I think Victoriana's base has just a bit of teal in it that also distinguishes it from the others. Now that I think about it, I do own OPI I Have a Herring Problem, so I could have just compared the two myself. I'm lazy, but if you'd like me to do the comparison, let me know and I'll be happy to!<br />
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Have you tried Victoriana, or any of the other similar colors? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great weekend!<br />
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Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-52949866736528979032013-08-28T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-28T06:00:10.967-07:00SHCSM Greige<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
SHCSM Greige was not released with a particular collection, as far as I know, but is one of the new-ish colors released with the revamped Complete Salon Manicure line. I'm not sure why they felt the need to revamp it, as the two new ones I've obtained have the same formula as my older ones...but whatever. Greige, as you may have guessed...is a greige creme.<br />
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It sort of annoys me that the label on my bottle is so crooked. But the formula isn't bad. It's not great, a thick 3-coater, but it's not that bad.<br />
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This is among the colors I got so I would have things to wear to work that wouldn't bore the bejeezus out of me. And I have to say, I do like this one. I always thought I had to stick to cool-toned greys, and avoid taupe-y colors, but I feel like this one is working for me.<br />
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It's also quite glossy alone. I didn't use top coat here. Oh, and I should note that this is quite different from SHCSM Greige Gardens. Greige is darker, leans slightly brown, and has no purple in it whatsoever. Greige also has a better formula, but I like both colors.<br />
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Once again, this isn't the most unique color. The first similar one that comes to mind is Essie Chinchilly, which looks a bit lighter and just a smidge more brown. Same goes for American Apparel Mouse. You probably won't go wrong with any of the three.<br />
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Have you tried Greige, or any of the other new-ish SHCSMs? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and I hope you're having a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-20141360978042438712013-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-26T06:00:13.629-07:00OPI Miami Beet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Miami Beet is from the Spring 2009 South Beach collection. It's a vibrant, glossy magenta creme.<br />
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Still weird. But still a nice color, and still a nice pedicure.<br />
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I have to say, the formula on this one is really nice. It's thin and smooth, like a jelly, and it's perfect in 2 coats.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cec3pEIED_8/UdCzXPZPH1I/AAAAAAAAC38/xgoRS_OK5Ik/s1600/OPI+miami+beet5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cec3pEIED_8/UdCzXPZPH1I/AAAAAAAAC38/xgoRS_OK5Ik/s400/OPI+miami+beet5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just look at that shine! No top coat. I am currently rocking this on my toenails, and it looks fantastic.<br />
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Have you tried Miami Beet? Thoughts? What kind of colors do you like for your pedicures?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-39939599908742019642013-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-23T06:00:05.115-07:00Revlon Colorstay Nude Beige<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Revlon Colorstay Nude Beige is from the Nude Expressions collection released this past Spring. The collection consists of 8 skintoned colors intended to help achieve a "mannequin hands" look. Of the 8, I thought Nude Beige looked closest to me, so I went with that. This is 3 coats, in the shade:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uh7iicK5MCA/UdCwBCXa6lI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/zNQIDczd9rw/s1600/revlon+nude+beige1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uh7iicK5MCA/UdCwBCXa6lI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/zNQIDczd9rw/s400/revlon+nude+beige1.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>
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It's definitely not a match, but it's close enough, I guess. I really just got this to wear to work, and it does a good enough job pretending it doesn't exist. The formula is thick but good. It's one of those sort of sheer creme-jelly type polishes, so it needs 3 coats, but it's not streaky, and it's quite glossy alone.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3sPvIEiz18/UdCwBDPSkuI/AAAAAAAAC3c/EBwRx1d9Cgs/s1600/revlon+nude+beige2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3sPvIEiz18/UdCwBDPSkuI/AAAAAAAAC3c/EBwRx1d9Cgs/s400/revlon+nude+beige2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, not the most exciting color, but if we've got similar skintones and you need something appropriate for a conservative office, I would definitely recommend this.<br />
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Have you tried Nude Beige, or any of the other Colorstay Nudes? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great weekend!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-48469638251775711382013-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-21T06:00:11.121-07:00China Glaze 2NITE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's the last of my OMGs. 2NITE is a lovely periwinkle blue linear holo. It was almost my favorite, but DV8 barely beat it out!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNacaKAIkmQ/UdCq5rbdtwI/AAAAAAAAC2c/hAr2NH4TM9c/s1600/chg+2nite4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNacaKAIkmQ/UdCq5rbdtwI/AAAAAAAAC2c/hAr2NH4TM9c/s400/chg+2nite4.JPG" width="335" /></a></div>
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No complaints about the formula. It was right in between DV8 and L8R G8R, a smooth 3-coater. In the sun:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wozIIwt8Rl0/UdCq53dPXBI/AAAAAAAAC2s/HPYqVeRJABg/s1600/chg+2nite5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wozIIwt8Rl0/UdCq53dPXBI/AAAAAAAAC2s/HPYqVeRJABg/s400/chg+2nite5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The rainbow in 2NITE is stronger than in DV8.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rq3b9iyY61c/UdCq6PoUb6I/AAAAAAAAC2w/NlGx22rkBkk/s1600/chg+2nite6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rq3b9iyY61c/UdCq6PoUb6I/AAAAAAAAC2w/NlGx22rkBkk/s400/chg+2nite6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and just for funsies, here's one of the first NOTD shots I ever took, of 2NITE. This is from April 2011:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OO5EDxoW-bo/UdCuCkOUG0I/AAAAAAAAC3A/i-3HDyO71iY/s1600/chg+2NITE2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OO5EDxoW-bo/UdCuCkOUG0I/AAAAAAAAC3A/i-3HDyO71iY/s400/chg+2NITE2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't know how to shape my nails, or clean up, and I used my craptastic Droid 2 camera for this instead of an actual camera. It's not exactly color-accurate, either. Sometimes when I get down on myself for not having nails and photos like Scrangie or The Polished Perfectionist, it's nice to go back and look at these and remember that I have actually improved in the last 2 or 3 years.<br />
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Have you tried 2NITE? Thoughts? Do you ever get weirdly self-hating for random reasons and think "oh my god look at your life, look at your choices, you are literally hating on your nails wth"?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and I hope you're having a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-10996456471164726932013-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-19T06:00:02.156-07:00China Glaze DV8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Good morning! Today I've got another OMG for you. I got into nail polish sometime in early 2010, and by that time, the OMGs were already long-gone and highly coveted, and for the most part I didn't care about them, but then I saw DV8 and it instantly became my biggest lemming. I pranced around dusty hunting for a little while in 2011, and acquired some delightful goodies, including this one! It's only half a bottle, but the bewildered salon lady only wanted $2 for it anyway, so I went for it. I'm going to need a backup, because this has to be one of my favorite holos. I have several favorite holos, but this is really great!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5wOscyDRAs/UdCOEFajAJI/AAAAAAAAC18/tyiPVTXHeEk/s1600/chg+dv85.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5wOscyDRAs/UdCOEFajAJI/AAAAAAAAC18/tyiPVTXHeEk/s400/chg+dv85.JPG" width="341" /></a></div>
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As usual, in the shade, not spectacular, but still a pretty blue! A lot of the OMGs look super dull in the shade, but not this one. Oh, and I should note that this had the opposite formula of L8R G8R. It was nearly solid in 1 coat, and it was a nice thickness.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0A04Vxy1VV4/UdCOEa9tImI/AAAAAAAAC2I/6DG4Wn5egAc/s1600/chg+dv86.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0A04Vxy1VV4/UdCOEa9tImI/AAAAAAAAC2I/6DG4Wn5egAc/s400/chg+dv86.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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♥♥♥<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ph2xUMZ7M/UdCOEVubzAI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/qGQTfyzlx2I/s1600/chg+dv87.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ph2xUMZ7M/UdCOEVubzAI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/qGQTfyzlx2I/s400/chg+dv87.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Layla Ocean Rush looks similar, but it doesn't have that teal lean of DV8. It's definitely more holo though. HITS Hera is another nice one, but the base looks jellyish, if that makes any sense? The finish is different, and it's more green-leaning.<br />
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Have you tried DV8? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-72764714874001812602013-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-16T06:00:04.486-07:00China Glaze L8R G8R<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
China Glaze L8R G8R was released with the Spring 2008 OMG collection. All the OMGs are named after text-speak abbreviations, like LOL and IDK. Coincidentally, this afternoon I'll be saying "L8R G8R" to my internship! I'm really thankful to have been employed (and PAID), but I am ready to go back to class. Well, not Chemistry...I'll never be ready for Chemistry. >___><br />
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Anyway, L8R G8R. It's a light, yellow-toned green linear holo. In the shade:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl68lk8Awk0/UdBgGafT0fI/AAAAAAAAC1c/I3Xm_YSz6MI/s1600/chg+l8r+g8r2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl68lk8Awk0/UdBgGafT0fI/AAAAAAAAC1c/I3Xm_YSz6MI/s400/chg+l8r+g8r2.JPG" width="341" /></a></div>
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You can see a faint hint of holo, but it's a fairly boring color in the shade, IMO. In the sun:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuQqG1IA4V8/UdBgGh-jdfI/AAAAAAAAC1s/s-yy-J-7wqg/s1600/chg+l8r+g8r3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuQqG1IA4V8/UdBgGh-jdfI/AAAAAAAAC1s/s-yy-J-7wqg/s400/chg+l8r+g8r3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nice and rainbow-y! I have to admit, the base color is not my favorite. And I am not crazy about the formula either. It's a thin and watery 3-4 coater, and definitely the worst of the OMGs I've tried. But it sure does look pretty in the right lighting.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yjqglFDDs4/UdBgG5ozhVI/AAAAAAAAC1w/ycllYOwsxmI/s1600/chg+l8r+g8r4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yjqglFDDs4/UdBgG5ozhVI/AAAAAAAAC1w/ycllYOwsxmI/s400/chg+l8r+g8r4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and make sure you don't use a base coat. You will regret it if you do.<br />
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Nfu Oh 66 looks similar, but more holographic, cooler-toned, and more silvery. Layla Jade Groove is the same way. Pupa Holographic Light Green looks pretty similar, but Pupa is a European brand.<br />
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Have you tried L8R G8R? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great weekend!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-28833438604539289422013-08-14T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-14T06:00:00.020-07:00Color Club Harp On It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Color Club Harp On It is part of the first six Halo Hues released in late 2012. It's a flashy silver holo, and I am just smitten. Here it is in the shade:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwb-HBAqMZ0/UdBL_M-jwfI/AAAAAAAAC08/750cRb5ntRk/s1600/CC+harp+on+it1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwb-HBAqMZ0/UdBL_M-jwfI/AAAAAAAAC08/750cRb5ntRk/s400/CC+harp+on+it1.JPG" width="325" /></a></div>
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Look how holo it is, even in the shade! With the holos that were available a couple of years ago, you'd be getting this in bright, direct sunlight. Harp On It, in the sun, is amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prmxfBYq79g/UdBL_oM0m-I/AAAAAAAAC1M/nT43UCotLiY/s1600/CC+harp+on+it2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prmxfBYq79g/UdBL_oM0m-I/AAAAAAAAC1M/nT43UCotLiY/s400/CC+harp+on+it2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Eeeeee. So pretty. I had some trouble with the formula, but I think that was because I used a base coat. Regardless of the patching, it evened out nicely in 2 coats, and it dried fast, so that's good.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KqOjJ4Wy0s/UdBL_1YY57I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/EAlWxOqnGWg/s1600/CC+harp+on+it3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KqOjJ4Wy0s/UdBL_1YY57I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/EAlWxOqnGWg/s400/CC+harp+on+it3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I find that with holos, when my camera tries to focus on the rainbow-y particles, it winds up dimming the effect in photos. So if you look at my index finger in that last photo, which is not as focused, that's much closer to what Harp On It looks like in person.<br />
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How do you feel about the Color Club Halo Hues? What's your favorite silver holo?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and I hope you're having a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-329723988717052022013-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-12T06:00:09.110-07:00Reswatch: Essie Ole Caliente<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Essie Ole Caliente was from the Spring 2012 Navigate Her collection. I wore it again as a pedicure recently and thought, eh, it's been over a year since I first blogged this polish, why not reswatch? I'm still not crazy about it as a manicure, but like Where's My Chauffeur, it looks even better with a tan.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmTZdlnDvrc/Uc-zANgYL1I/AAAAAAAAC0c/PHim7J2E6-c/s1600/essie+ole+caliente4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmTZdlnDvrc/Uc-zANgYL1I/AAAAAAAAC0c/PHim7J2E6-c/s320/essie+ole+caliente4.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
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Last time I wore this, I noted that four thin coats was the way to go. Ole Caliente has thickened up in that time, and was nearly solid in 1. I should have given it time to dry between coats though, because I wound up needing 3 coats to even it out anyway because of the streaking.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7hAEaBX2W8/Uc-zADMAE3I/AAAAAAAAC0s/Wm9UMdzwsyA/s1600/essie+ole+caliente5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7hAEaBX2W8/Uc-zADMAE3I/AAAAAAAAC0s/Wm9UMdzwsyA/s400/essie+ole+caliente5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and just a quick note about the color: Ole Caliente isn't this orange on me IRL. It's more pink, and it's definitely brighter. My camera apparently had trouble with this color, too.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIsTcjlxC-Q/Uc-zAcW96YI/AAAAAAAAC0w/qYLZZfDEKCo/s1600/essie+ole+caliente6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIsTcjlxC-Q/Uc-zAcW96YI/AAAAAAAAC0w/qYLZZfDEKCo/s400/essie+ole+caliente6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I remember reading last spring that Ole Caliente is either identical or very very similar to OPI Red Lights Ahead...Where? which was released at the same time. And this year's Resort collection brings us another near-dupe, called Come Here. Let's be honest, this isn't a very unique color, lol.<br />
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Have you tried Ole Caliente, or any of the countless similar colors? What do you think? Do you like bright pinks and corals on your fingernails, or are you like me and reserve them for pedicures?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-67479295497618556032013-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-09T06:00:02.943-07:00Essie Where's My Chauffeur?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Essie Where's My Chauffeur was released with the Leading Lady collection this past holiday season. I also bought Leading Lady, which you will hopefully be seeing...sometime in the near future. Where's My Chauffeur is a bright aqua creme, not really what you'd expect for winter but very bright and cheery, especially with a summer tan.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXJ1K3p8MJo/Uc-tf2jviFI/AAAAAAAACz8/UXU7Nl0il7Y/s1600/essie+where's+my+chauffeur1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXJ1K3p8MJo/Uc-tf2jviFI/AAAAAAAACz8/UXU7Nl0il7Y/s400/essie+where's+my+chauffeur1.JPG" width="311" /></a></div>
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Where's My Chauffeur has a pretty standard Essie creme formula, almost perfect in 2 coats but still requiring a third to even out some streaking.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9pyHKr2kHY/Uc-tgfNUdoI/AAAAAAAAC0M/xj4-88IYMlg/s1600/essie+where%2527s+my+chauffeur2+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9pyHKr2kHY/Uc-tgfNUdoI/AAAAAAAAC0M/xj4-88IYMlg/s400/essie+where%2527s+my+chauffeur2+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The formula was thick, but manageable, and I didn't need to do much cleanup on this mani, which was nice.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25PRZQYIeRU/Uc-tgedKKOI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/emisGBgNho0/s1600/essie+where%2527s+my+chauffeur3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25PRZQYIeRU/Uc-tgedKKOI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/emisGBgNho0/s400/essie+where%2527s+my+chauffeur3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I typically dislike these kinds of colors because they're so white-based, and I don't think they're flattering on my skintone at all. But this is so saturated and cheery, I can't help but love it! I really want to water marble with this one. Maybe with OPI Vampire is Buff, or something.<br />
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Where's My Chauffeur is very similar to China Glaze Aquadelic, from last spring's Electropop collection. It's also similar to China Glaze For Audrey, which is very very popular. Personally, I prefer the Essie, as it's a smidge darker, and definitely more saturated.<br />
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Have you tried Where's My Chauffeur, or any of the other similar aqua cremes? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great weekend!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-21782287986376865102013-08-07T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-07T06:00:09.634-07:00Wet n Wild Under Your Spell + Comparison<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wet n Wild Under Your Spell is one of the Megalast colors. Truth be told, I have no clue whether it's core or LE, but it seems to have been released in early 2010. It was sitting in the rack at a local CVS, and since I had some Extrabucks, I figured, why not? Besides, I thought it might be a good, cheap alternative to my beloved OPI Royal Rajah Ruby. More on that later, but in the meantime, Under Your Spell. Here it is in the shade:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4267XPNFv4/Uc-mfJcuFBI/AAAAAAAACy8/-0_vWmYp7TA/s1600/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4267XPNFv4/Uc-mfJcuFBI/AAAAAAAACy8/-0_vWmYp7TA/s400/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell1.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>
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Since it's a vampy shimmer, same caveat applies: it's dark and my camera freaked out, you know the deal. The shimmer isn't super prominent in the shade, but it's certainly more visible than OPI Black Cherry Chutney. Now, take a look at it in the sun:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QiGI3q-jQQ4/Uc-mfIgdsUI/AAAAAAAACzI/36BEj3ctaH0/s1600/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QiGI3q-jQQ4/Uc-mfIgdsUI/AAAAAAAACzI/36BEj3ctaH0/s400/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Muuuuch better. As you might be aware, the not-so-new-at-this-point Megalast polishes have biiiig brushes. They are big, and they are fluffy, but they aren't as bad as you might expect. It was thin and watery on the first coat, but I was pleased to find that it was solid in 3 coats. I figured I was going to have to layer it over black to reach opacity, but fortunately that isn't necessary!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhlpw3cniwA/Uc-mfxXummI/AAAAAAAACzQ/1ftt0eqJVjY/s1600/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhlpw3cniwA/Uc-mfxXummI/AAAAAAAACzQ/1ftt0eqJVjY/s400/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell3.JPG" width="395" /></a></div>
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Now, let's see how it compares to Royal Rajah Ruby. Royal Rajah Ruby is on my index and ring fingernails, and Under Your Spell is on the middle and pinky fingernails.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbOgo1N6Wbw/Uc-oA7Vuz0I/AAAAAAAACzc/4U6kIPfFxoQ/s1600/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell+OPI+RRR+comparison1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbOgo1N6Wbw/Uc-oA7Vuz0I/AAAAAAAACzc/4U6kIPfFxoQ/s400/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell+OPI+RRR+comparison1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They do look quite similar! Royal Rajah Ruby has warmer, more prominent shimmer.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-gQd9xU98s/Uc-oA9-QWGI/AAAAAAAACzs/GOD600DzKis/s1600/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell+OPI+RRR+comparison2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-gQd9xU98s/Uc-oA9-QWGI/AAAAAAAACzs/GOD600DzKis/s400/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell+OPI+RRR+comparison2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Okaaaay, to most people I guess they're pretty much the same. And it'll do as an alternative, but I have to admit I still like the OPI better.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imk8gbwDryU/Uc-oAw9xcuI/AAAAAAAACzw/__88EfcXrnc/s1600/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell+OPI+RRR+comparison3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imk8gbwDryU/Uc-oAw9xcuI/AAAAAAAACzw/__88EfcXrnc/s400/wet+n+wild+under+your+spell+OPI+RRR+comparison3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now the difference is a little clearer. It's not too obvious in this photo, but Royal Rajah Ruby has a reddish/brown base, whereas Under Your Spell is black-based. The OPI is also more opaque.<br />
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Thoughts? Are you as weird and picky about basic dark red shimmers as I am?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and I hope you're having a great week!<br />
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Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-17537581165255116512013-08-05T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-05T06:00:11.360-07:00OPI Black Cherry Chutney<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OPI Black Cherry Chutney is from OPI's Spring 2008 India collection. Most of the colors were quite boring to me, but the two vampy shades, for some reason, are freakin' awesome to me. OPI Royal Rajah Ruby, as you might possibly be aware, is my absolute favorite nail polish, and while Black Cherry Chutney isn't quite that awesome, it is pretty great in and of itself! In the shade, it looks like a vampy creme, and I tried to photograph it but it's so dark my camera had a bit of a freakout.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7vWJd4SfXU/Ub3oZOitAwI/AAAAAAAACx4/AtUZtmZSDzo/s1600/OPI+black+cherry+chutney1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7vWJd4SfXU/Ub3oZOitAwI/AAAAAAAACx4/AtUZtmZSDzo/s400/OPI+black+cherry+chutney1.JPG" width="330" /></a></div>
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I'd say that's a pretty accurate depiction of how it looks in the shade, but it's so dark my camera freaked and decided to make my skin look super pale. I'm pretty sure my skin hasn't been that light since I was a year old, hahah. But, check it out in the sun!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bis5O-15H28/Ub3oZJvmt2I/AAAAAAAACyI/DTJvY53im2c/s1600/OPI+black+cherry+chutney2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bis5O-15H28/Ub3oZJvmt2I/AAAAAAAACyI/DTJvY53im2c/s400/OPI+black+cherry+chutney2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Eeeeee. So pretty.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_82xZ23mvUw/Ub3oZtoPQSI/AAAAAAAACyQ/-57x4RCGA1c/s1600/OPI+black+cherry+chutney3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_82xZ23mvUw/Ub3oZtoPQSI/AAAAAAAACyQ/-57x4RCGA1c/s400/OPI+black+cherry+chutney3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am smitten with this shimmer. The formula wasn't bad, a 3-coater for me, but I think the brush was cut a little funny in this one because application was sort of tricky.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvJ_19K1Xls/Ub3oZ57z9II/AAAAAAAACyU/LOLwSlACyN8/s1600/OPI+black+cherry+chutney4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvJ_19K1Xls/Ub3oZ57z9II/AAAAAAAACyU/LOLwSlACyN8/s400/OPI+black+cherry+chutney4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Being a vampy shimmer, OPI Black Cherry Chutney probably has a toooon of dupes. OPI Every Month Is Oktoberfest is similar, but cooler-toned, and Midnight in Moscow is warmer, so the opposite. I mean, there are <i>many</i> colors like this. This happens to be a pretty good one, but it's hardly groundbreaking, haha.<br />
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Have you tried Black Cherry Chutney, or any of the other India colors? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-18573794841510431852013-08-02T04:19:00.000-07:002013-08-02T04:19:49.006-07:00OPI DS Indulgence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
HAPPY FRIDAY! I don't know about you guys but I am SUPER stoked this Friday. Why? My presentations are over. They weren't formal presentations or anything, more like standing in front of my poster and presenting to whoever walked up and asked me about my project, but it went on for five hours. Also, my lower back and I learned the importance of supportive shoes. Oy. Anyway, I am so relieved, and it wasn't as bad as I had expected it to be. So let's end the week with one of my new favorites.<br />
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OPI DS Indulgence was one of two Designer Series colors released in Fall 2012. The other was Luxurious, a fiery orange foil that is quite pretty, but not really my thing. Indulgence, on the other hand, is <i>perfect</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sII4TzgnJ7c/UbzehilTomI/AAAAAAAACxY/bkktQEvHoas/s1600/OPI+DS+indulgence1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sII4TzgnJ7c/UbzehilTomI/AAAAAAAACxY/bkktQEvHoas/s400/OPI+DS+indulgence1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is three thin coats, with no top coat. Application was excellent, and I didn't even have to clean up!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNMzgk9Z6UI/Ubzeh88KmPI/AAAAAAAACxo/kT3Mbx3g0W4/s1600/OPI+DS+indulgence2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNMzgk9Z6UI/Ubzeh88KmPI/AAAAAAAACxo/kT3Mbx3g0W4/s400/OPI+DS+indulgence2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That gold shimmer is even more spectacular in the sun.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znp1fsCYcJE/UbzehwN2ySI/AAAAAAAACxs/w-lBQ9bg9qs/s1600/OPI+DS+indulgence3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znp1fsCYcJE/UbzehwN2ySI/AAAAAAAACxs/w-lBQ9bg9qs/s400/OPI+DS+indulgence3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In case you couldn't tell, I'm really excited about this. More Top 20 material!<br />
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Zoya Kimmy and Zoya Reva struck me as similar, but they seem more foil-like, and Reva is more berry/pink. I do like the Zoya foils I've tried, but out of the three I'd go with Indulgence, personally. If you're in Europe, check out P2 Hot Berry! Like Kimmy, it is more of a foil than Indulgence, but the gold shimmer looks nice and visible.<br />
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Have you tried either of the two OPI Designer Series from last fall? What do you think?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great weekend!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-44639360816274078662013-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-31T06:00:01.160-07:00China Glaze When Stars Collide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
China Glaze When Stars Collide is from the widely anticipated Hologlam collection which was released this past spring. Unfortunately, they're not as great as most of us had hoped, but they did manage to put out some pretty unique colors! I originally wanted Galactic Grey, Strap On Your Moonboots, and When Stars Collide, but when I realized my beloved nail supply wasn't going to be getting them in (and therefore I'd have to pay full price), I decided I'd only get this one.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_wBzfRT4GI/Ub3piA6s1mI/AAAAAAAACyc/NOgbWogx968/s1600/china+glaze+when+stars+collide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_wBzfRT4GI/Ub3piA6s1mI/AAAAAAAACyc/NOgbWogx968/s400/china+glaze+when+stars+collide1.JPG" width="340" /></a></div>
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Like most linear holos, it is pretty boring in the shade, and looks like your standard plum metallic. In the sun though, it's quite pretty!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2uVnpts1O0/Ub3piZkXywI/AAAAAAAACys/htR2ME_Q7xM/s1600/china+glaze+when+stars+collide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2uVnpts1O0/Ub3piZkXywI/AAAAAAAACys/htR2ME_Q7xM/s400/china+glaze+when+stars+collide2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's certainly not as rainbow as the Color Clubs, for example, but the rainbow is smooth and the color is unique.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtefFtpp-iE/Ub3pihKM31I/AAAAAAAACyw/LrIcvy3pa_M/s1600/china+glaze+when+stars+collide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtefFtpp-iE/Ub3pihKM31I/AAAAAAAACyw/LrIcvy3pa_M/s400/china+glaze+when+stars+collide3.JPG" width="380" /></a></div>
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I can't say I'm too pleased with the formula though. I used 3 coats, and it had a tendency to get lumpy if you go over the same spot more than once. You can see the results of this on my ring fingernail...but this is easier to work with than the OMGs, for sure.<br />
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When Stars Collide looks pretty similar to Dance Legend Optical Illusion and Layla Misty Blush, but When Stars Collide is definitely the weakest of the three. Optical Illusion looks a bit warmer, and Misty Blush looks a bit cooler, but all three look quite nice.<br />
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Have you tried When Stars Collide, or any of the other Hologlams? What did you think?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and I hope you're having a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-60941526906731770052013-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-29T06:00:08.683-07:00A-England Dragon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Aaaaand here is Dragon! Dragon is a fern-y green scattered holographic with the added bonus of some gold shimmer.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq5S1LIXd70/UbzapDDo-OI/AAAAAAAACwY/uLUZh-CJVSY/s1600/a-england+dragon1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq5S1LIXd70/UbzapDDo-OI/AAAAAAAACwY/uLUZh-CJVSY/s400/a-england+dragon1.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
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Well, the gold shimmer isn't exactly visible in the shade, but it'll come out in the sun.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpQy1xguIqA/UbzapoAQt7I/AAAAAAAACwk/udrAt42yAd0/s1600/a-england+dragon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpQy1xguIqA/UbzapoAQt7I/AAAAAAAACwk/udrAt42yAd0/s400/a-england+dragon2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dragon was even in one coat, but I found that a second coat added depth.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EyR3YysNZ8/Ubzap7suBiI/AAAAAAAACwo/5QlrRm7ERjM/s1600/a-england+dragon3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EyR3YysNZ8/Ubzap7suBiI/AAAAAAAACwo/5QlrRm7ERjM/s400/a-england+dragon3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One thing I should note was that Dragon's formula wasn't quite as good as Saint George. It had a slight tendency to get a little lumpy if you go over the same spot more than once, but a couple drops of thinner would probably fix that.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlU4FYkMfRg/UbzaqDpjgYI/AAAAAAAACws/jdSl8apKaEM/s1600/a-england+dragon4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlU4FYkMfRg/UbzaqDpjgYI/AAAAAAAACws/jdSl8apKaEM/s400/a-england+dragon4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yayyy, shimmer! Admittedly, I am not quite as stoked about this one as I was about Saint George, but to be fair, Saint George is pretty hard to beat.<br />
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Dragon reminds me a bit of La Femme Unica, but Unica is definitely more olive than Dragon. It's also more holo, and lacks the gold shimmer. Of the two, I'd definitely choose Dragon, personally!<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-50823771869839053562013-07-27T06:44:00.000-07:002013-07-27T06:44:25.428-07:00A-England Saint George<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whoops! Apparently I forgot to finish writing this post before scheduling it...sorry if you've seen it already, haha.<br />
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A-England Saint George was released with the Legends collection in early 2012. It was A-England's second collection, and to me, a HUGE improvement from the first! I think they were probably establishing themselves with some more basic colors with the Mythicals, which makes sense, but none of the colors were particularly interesting to me...and then they did this. I remember looking at Legends swatches from Ommorphia and Scrangie and thinking OMFG I NEED SOME OF THESE, except somehow it still took me over a year to cave and buy them. I am so glad I finally did, because these are just beautiful. You'll see Dragon on Monday, but in the meantime, here is my favorite:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHY4KXTDXUo/UfPMPtuNQHI/AAAAAAAAC5c/cdAl91iZmho/s1600/a-england+saint+george1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHY4KXTDXUo/UfPMPtuNQHI/AAAAAAAAC5c/cdAl91iZmho/s400/a-england+saint+george1.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
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As you can see, Saint George is a scattered holographic teal. There's no distinct rainbow to be found, but that prismatic shimmer imparts a TON of depth. I hope you don't mind the mini pic-spam I've got for you today, I'm just really excited (and hella late to the party)!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PP5QDQVN2S0/UfPMPuybu9I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/Vivd-oek28k/s1600/a-england+saint+george2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PP5QDQVN2S0/UfPMPuybu9I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/Vivd-oek28k/s400/a-england+saint+george2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The great thing about scattered holos is that they don't look nearly as boring in the shade as linear holos do. Of course, they reach their full awesomeness in bright, direct sunlight, but this is still pretty freaking fantastic.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5i5UpCD99Go/UfPMPTpyUEI/AAAAAAAAC5g/YRk8G322p38/s1600/a-england+saint+george3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5i5UpCD99Go/UfPMPTpyUEI/AAAAAAAAC5g/YRk8G322p38/s400/a-england+saint+george3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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*dies*<br />
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Saint George has a thick, super opaque formula. It's almost perfect in 1 coat, but I did need a second. And I would also recommend keeping thinner on hand. I will probably add a couple drops before using it again. It wasn't unmanageable in its original state though, just a bit thick for my liking. Here's another photo...because I can!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbkIiPP0A_I/UfPMQNQwEqI/AAAAAAAAC5w/T8Djoohv08s/s1600/a-england+saint+george4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbkIiPP0A_I/UfPMQNQwEqI/AAAAAAAAC5w/T8Djoohv08s/s400/a-england+saint+george4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Top 20 material for sure. And now I am even more excited about Briarwood! It looks sorta like the scattered holo version of OPI Royal Rajah Ruby, and you KNOW I will be all over that.<br />
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Now, as for similar polishes...I think this is pretty unique. L.A. Girl recently released a collection of scattered holos that included a teal, but the finish is very different, more like the Milani holographics in a jelly base. There's also Glitter Gal Lizard Belly, which is not only much greener but a linear holo. Basically, if you like this, I would absolutely recommend it! It's a really special color in my collection, I think.<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and enjoy your weekend!!<br />
<br /></div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-91940234487854169682013-07-24T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-24T06:00:13.590-07:00Reswatch: Essence Walk on the Wild Side<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Essence Walk on the Wild Side was released last summer. I posted it then, along with three of the other Colour & Go polishes, but I wore it again recently and am once again smitten. Plus, I'm hoping my nails and photos have improved somewhat in the last year ;)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTb32XiOx3I/UbujrAynJtI/AAAAAAAACvU/U0go-ysVAII/s1600/essence+walk+on+the+wild+side4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTb32XiOx3I/UbujrAynJtI/AAAAAAAACvU/U0go-ysVAII/s400/essence+walk+on+the+wild+side4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Greeeeeen. Shimmery green. The shimmer isn't super sparkly but it's so cool! Walk on the Wild Side is as fabulous as I remember. My assessment of the formula hasn't changed either- almost perfect in 2 coats but still requiring a third for full opacity.<br />
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Now I want to wear the others again.<br />
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Did you wind up like me, getting all excited about these when they were released, only to forget about them until a year later?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and I hope you're having a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-89697683221143032882013-07-22T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-22T06:00:12.331-07:00NYC Tudor City Teal + Nails Inc. the Wyndham<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
NYC Tudor City Teal is a polish that didn't have a proper "release," as far as I know. But it started showing up on blogs and looked like a very cute color, so for 99 cents I thought, why not? I'll give it a try. Unfortunately, the formula is thin and watery.<br />
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I used 3 thick coats here and there's still a bit of VNL, but it sure is pretty.<br />
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And over that, I added 2 coats of Nails Inc. the Wyndham, a green-blue flakie.<br />
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I really like this combination! It kind of makes me want to go somewhere tropical, which is weird because I hate hot weather despite being from a tropical country. Bad South Asian. I do miss the fruit though!<br />
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Have you also succumbed to the 99-cent allure of Tudor City Teal? What did you think of the formula?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-66096502360716459472013-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-19T06:00:11.659-07:00Contrary Polish Desert Fruit + Comparison<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I've got for you the last of my Contrary Polish stash. Desert Fruit is one that I have worn several times, but just couldn't get decent photographs of until recently. It's a purple, so no surprise there...I'm very surprised to see myself getting excited about a purple, though. That hasn't happened in a while!<br />
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Desert Fruit was a stand-alone release from Fall 2012, and not part of any collection. It's a dusty, warm purple with fiery red shimmer, and like my other Contrary Polishes, dries a little satin-y so top coat would be a good idea.<br />
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I have to say, Desert Fruit has the best formula out of the Contraries I own. It was solid in 2 coats. And look at that shimmer- it's even clearly visible in the shade! Let's take a look at it in the sun:<br />
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That red shimmer is really cool!<br />
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Desert Fruit reminds me of Dior Shadow and OPI Peel Me a Gobi Grape, though Shadow looks like it has slightly less shimmer, and Peel Me a Gobi Grape has roughly the same amount of shimmer but it looks a bit more coppery than red. They're all very pretty in their own right, but I don't think either the Dior or the OPI are available anymore, whereas Desert Fruit is probably in stock at Llarowe right now.<br />
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I also thought of L.A. Girl Intoxicate, which I have compared to Desert Fruit here.<br />
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Now, they are quite similar, especially in the shade, but there are a few subtle differences. Intoxicate is darker, and while it didn't really translate well in pictures, it also has a yellow-gold shimmer. Intoxicate's purple base is also a more saturated purple, whereas Desert Fruit is kind of dusty. They're both nice colors, but Desert Fruit has a much better formula. Intoxicate needed 3 coats, and I noticed that the drying time was quite slow.<br />
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Have you tried Desert Fruit? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great weekend!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-46793789432040356062013-07-17T17:11:00.000-07:002013-07-17T17:11:00.337-07:00China Glaze Running In Circles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
China Glaze Running in Circles is part of the Cirque du Soleil collection from Winter 2012. Personally, I don't care for Cirque du Soleil, or for most of the colors in the collection for that matter...but this one is a different story. Running in Circles is a beautiful, complex grassy green glass-fleck.<br />
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I can't even. It's so sparkly, and has so much depth! It's a wee bit sheer, a 3-coater, but I think the finish completely makes up for it.<br />
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Running in Circles, like Don't Mess With OPI, stained a blue, but it was nowhere near as bad. Plus, the slight blue staining worked quite nicely for my yellowed nails >.><br />
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There's a P2 polish called Green Palm Tree that I think is similar to Running in Circles, but it is lighter and has this super-cool gold shimmer running through it. The only problem is, P2 is a European brand, but if I could get ahold of it at the same price I paid for this, I would choose the P2. Don't get me wrong, they're both lovely, and I am happy with this one! But I am a sucker for some nice gold shimmer.<br />
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Have you tried Running in Circles, or any of the other Cirque du Soleil colors? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and I hope you're having a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515051532598637477.post-52005602413321285642013-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-15T06:00:10.082-07:00Don't Mess With OPI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Don't Mess With OPI is a grassy green from OPI's Spring 2011 Texas collection. It's so strange, I clearly remember getting this and being excited about it and wearing it, but it also feels like 2011 was so long ago. :O Don't Mess With OPI is solid in 2 coats.<br />
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The formula is thin, but smooth.<br />
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There's just one problem with this polish...it stains blue when you remove. Skin, nails, eeeeeeeeeeeeeverything it touches turns blue, and it's a PITA to get out. The staining keeps me from using this too often, honestly.<br />
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Now, there are TONS of grassy green cremes out there. The first one that comes to mind is Essie Pretty Edgy, which I have! It is definitely warmer than the OPI, but the formula is not as good. It's thick and streaky, but the color is very nice and it doesn't stain blue.<br />
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Have you tried Don't Mess With OPI, or any of the other Texas colors? Thoughts?<br />
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Thanks for looking and commenting, and have a great week!</div>
Nazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975099801219872386noreply@blogger.com