holiday

CND Holiday 2016 Starstruck Collection Review

CND Holiday 2016 Starstruck Collection Review 0

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"Celebrate the elegance of Hollywood with the new Holiday 2016 Starstruck collection from CND. Comprised of dazzling jewel tones that embody the glamour of the red carpet, the palette is precious and faceted.

“There was an element of danger in the Old Hollywood equation,” says CND Co-founder and Style Director Jan Arnold.  “This tension of grace, power and risk inspires the jeweled, short nail of the season, which pairs best with a little black dress or pristine winter-white cashmere. An ensemble this mesmerizing is sure to leave all of your fans starstruck.” according to the official press release.

The CND Starstruck Holiday 2016 Collection consists of the following glitter shades-

Blushing Topaz: a light pink glitter.

Garnet Glamour: a deep crimson red glitter.

Dark Diamonds: a black infused with silver glitter.

Emerald Lights: an emerald green glitter.

Alluring Amethyst: a lilac glitter.

Starry Sapphire: a mix of indigo blue and purple glitters.

(all swatches shown here are two coats, taken in outdoor natural sunlight).

I absolutely Love this collection.  CND does not make a lot of glitter shades in general, and around this time of year, with all of the holiday festivities, glitter is always a good thing to offer clients.  The colors are all totally wearable and gorgeous.  

I didn't experience any issues with the application or the formulas.  I felt each shade was densely packed with glitter and provided a very even coverage.

My personal favorites are: Starry Sapphire, Blushing Topaz, and Dark Diamonds. 

Suggested salon price is $15.95 per .25 fl oz (7.3 mL) bottle

For more information on CND, check them out online: https://cnd.com/

 

 








Morgan Taylor Wrapped in Glamour Holiday 2016 Review

Morgan Taylor Wrapped in Glamour Holiday 2016 Review 0

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"Get festive with the Morgan Taylor Wrapped in Glamour Holiday 2016 Collection. Introducing six luxe shades: a bronze and silver glitter, an array of red pearls, and a navy that is sure to have you slaying any holiday party you attend this season. Each color serves to inspire feelings of joy that dazzle into the New Year.

"During the holidays, we're surrounded by beautiful decor so it was only fitting to create a collection that matched this special time," says Danny Haile, CEO and Founder of Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish. "This collection is filled with metallic glitters and rich colors that can dress-up any look and get you in the mood to celebrate." according to the official press release. 

The Morgan Taylor 2016 Holiday Collection is comprised of the following shades-

Who Nose Rudolph?: a bright cherry red cream. [hot crimson creme]

Girl Meets Joy: a blue/purple/magenta glitter shimmer in a deep navy base. [navy pearl]

Just Naughty Enough: a fine rose gold glitter/shimmer with micro holo glitter flecks as well. [rosy bronze glitter]

You're So Elf-Centered!: a deep magenta shimmer. [maroon pearl]

Let's Get Frosty: a glitter/shimmer silver. [silver glitter]

Rocking My Stocking: a shimmering fuchsia. Highly pigmented, essentially a 1 Coat Wonder. [cranberry pearl] 

(*all swatches shown here are two coats, and are taken outdoors in natural light). 

This is a great collection overall.  I think all of the colors are very wearable, particularly around this festive time of year. I love how fun and cheeky some of the names are as well.

As far as formula is concerned and application, I didn't experience any issues whatsoever.  All of the shades painted on smoothly, evenly, and easily.

My personal favorites are: Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, and You're So Elf-Centered!

Each shade is 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) retails for $9, and will be available for a limited time beginning November.

For more info on Morgan Taylor, check them out online: https://www.morgantaylorlacquer.com/

 

 

from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking

from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking

from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking
from left to rt: Who Nose Rudolph?, Girl Meets Joy, Just Naughty Enough, You're So Elf-Centered!, Let's Get Frosty, Rocking My Stocking


OPI Starlight Collection Review

OPI Starlight Collection Review 0

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"For this holiday season, OPI looked to the stars for guidance and inspiration.  The result: 18 out-of-this-world shades for nails that break the beauty barrier at the speed of starlight! The shades of Starlight- OPI's collection for the holidays and beyond- include rich, jeweled tones, unearthly metals, and spectacular glitters.  OPI reminds you to savor the beauty of life in every precious moment as you watch the stars for a glorious future, and invites you to express your vision in the celestially beautiful colors of Starlight by OPI" according to the press release. 

The Starlight Collection by OPI is comprised of the following colors:

Love is in my Cards: a bright candy apple red creme. [this warm, romantic red is destined for me]

Ro-Man-ce on the Moon: a shimmering crimson red. [rendezvous in the glow of this lustrous, rich red]

Guys & Galaxies: a classic oxblood creme. [this maroon beauty makes my world go 'round]

I'm in the Moon for Love: a shimmering medium plum purple. [simply because I'm wearing this plum]

Cosmo with a Twist: a deep purple with shimmering blue particles in it. The color is so gorgeous in the light! [subtle sparkle adds depth to this purple]

Give Me Space: a medium blue with iridescent and holographic fine glitter particles in it. [night-sky blue with room to sparkle]

Center of the You-niverse: a blackened steel with silver and black glitter specks in it. [endless space black shimmer]

Super Star Status: a fine silver glitter with a chunky round gold glitter particles.  A very textured and multi-dimensional shade. [a spotlight- sterling silver and gold glitter]

I Drive a SuperNova: a platinum metallic silver. [hitch a ride on this lustrous sterling silver]

By the Light of the Moon: a platinum silver, similar to I Drive a SuperNova, however it featured various sized silver glitter particles. [silvery and sparkly... prepare to swoon]

Comet Closer: a light shimmering yellow gold that has a slight texture and depth to it. [may I take this warm, textured gold?]

Is this Star Taken?: a light shimmering yellow gold, similar to Comet Closer, however it also features fine holographic bar glitters. [iridescent icicles fly in this smooth gold]

Infrared-y to Glow: light pink v's & small iridescent glitter particles in a clear base. [strike up the glam with red confetti and glitter]

Let Your Love Shine: a shimmering deep cranberry red. [show it off in shimmery, red splendor!]

Ce-less-tial is More: a mix of light pink and light yellow gold glitter particles in a textured finish. [this pink super glitter shines with heavenly light]

Press * for Silver: a mix between a rose gold and a white gold in a metallic finish. [this warm, rosy silver really calls to me]

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Meteorite:  the same as Infrared-y to Glow, but with the addition of gunmetal diamond shaped glitter pieces. [this rosy, golden confetti is so right-on!]

No More Mr. Night Sky: a gorgeous metallic gunmetal. [an assertive, dark, shimmery gray]

(all swatches shown here are two coats, and are taken outdoors in natural light).

What a fun and rather extensive collection!  What I really like about it is a lot of the shades can be layered a top one another to create really unique and spectacular looks.  I really admire how glitter and metallic focused this collection is.  I feel like OPI usually sticks to shimmers and creams, however, this collection definitely mixes things up, which I love, especially around the holiday times as we celebrate and dress festively.

I didn't experience any issues with any of the metallic chromes in this collection.  They all painted on smoothly and evenly, and didn't show any brush strokes whatsoever. 

Also, I found the glitters to be densely packed with glitter.  All of the shades shown here are only two coats.  There was no need for a third coat. 

This does happen to be a rather large collection, but here are some of my favorites and recommendations: Cosmo with a Twist, Give Me Space, Super Star Status, and Ce-less-tial is More.

The Starlight Collection from OPI is out and available now.

For more info on OPI, check them out here: http://opi.com/

And for nail tech professionals: http://pro.opi.com/

 

Starlight Collection
Starlight Collection
Love Is in My Cards + Ro-Man-ce on the Moon
Love Is in My Cards + Ro-Man-ce on the Moon, Guys & Galaxies

Guys & Galaxies, I'm in the Moon for Love, Cosmo with a Twist,
I'm in the Moon for Love, Cosmo with a Twist, Give me Space
Center of the You-niverse, Give me Space, Cosmo with a Twist
Give me Space + Center of the You-neverse

Super Star Status
Super Star Status
I Drive a SuperNova
By the Light of the Moon

By the Light of the Moon
Comet Closer
Comet Closer
Is This Star Taken?

Is This Star Taken?
Infared-y to Glow, Let Your Love Shine, Ce-less-tial is More
Infared-y to Glow, Let Your Love Shine, Ce-less-tial is More
Let Your Love Shine, Ce-Less-tial is More

Press for Silver
Ce-less-tial is More, Press for Silver
Two Wrongs Don't Make a Meteorite
Two Wrongs Don't Make a Meteorite

No More Mr. Night Sky
No More Mr. Night Sky

Gelish MINI Red Matters Holiday Collection 2015 Review

Gelish MINI Red Matters Holiday Collection 2015 Review 0

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"Stand out this season with nails dressed to the nines in Gelish MINI Red Matters Holiday 2015 Collection.  This winter, Gelish MINI introduces six stunning reds- two NEW colors and four classic shades.  Turn nails into a must-have accessory for every holiday party.  From flashy bright to darling chunky glitter, everyone will find a perfect match in this collection, which is all that matters!

"Red is such an iconic and classy color, so this season we wanted to capture that with a special collection that includes different finishes," says CEO and Founder of Gelish, Danny Haile. "With our definitive palette, anyone can find the perfect red that will instantly become their favorite," according to the official press release.  

The Gelish MINI Red Matters Holiday 2015 Collection includes the following shades-

Good Gossip: a super fine cranberry red glitter. (red glitter)

Man of the Moment (new): a strong classic crimson red creme with blue undertones. (ruby red creme)

I'm so Hot (new): a deep red shimmer.  Not quite a vampy red, but a deep blue/red. (burgundy shimmer)

Life of the Party: a multi-sized red glitter. (chunky red glitter)

Hot Rod Red: a classic bright cherry red creme. (bright red creme)

Queen of Hearts: a red with blue undertones in a shimmering finish. (red frost)

(all swatches shown here are two coats, and are cured for 30 seconds each in an LED light, and are taken outdoors in natural lighting).

Tis the season, and I don't possibly see how one could go wrong with this collection.  Red is probably the most requested color I get, aside from nude, and this collection physically offers something for everyone, even the pickiest of clients. Regardless of age, young or old, there is a shade of red and finish in here to delight everyone from chunky fun glitters, to glittering shimmers, to classic cremes.

My personal favorites are: Life of the Party & I'm So Hot. 

The Gelish MINI Red Matters Collection is available now for a limited time, at Sally Beauty Stores, and online here: http://www.sallybeauty.com/. They retail for $13.99 per 0.3 fl oz (9 mL) bottle.

 









Zoya MatteVelvet Holiday/Winter 2015

Zoya MatteVelvet Holiday/Winter 2015 0

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"BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!!  ZOYA MATTEVELVET
Six new MATTEVELVET Nail Colors to slip into this WINTER/HOLIDAY season.

The best-selling, MATTEVELVET finish returns this holiday season with six new shades. Each nail polish perfectly opaque, matte color with that extra special ZOYA MATTEVELVETfleck finish everyone loves.

  • Aspen (ZP814) - a sparkling artic white with a micronized diamond pearl fleck.
  • Sue (ZP815) - a soft champagne gold with a multi-hued oyster shell pearl fleck.
  • Amal (ZP816) – a classic crimson red with a ruby red pearl fleck.
  • Iris (ZP817) - a deep amethyst with a fuchsia pearl fleck.
  • Yves (ZP818) - a deep sapphire that's midway in between indigo and royal blue with a blue pearl fleck.
  • Honor (ZP819) - a true emerald green with a tone on tone emerald pearl fleck.

NOTE: MATTEVELVET nail color by Zoya is not intended to be worn with a base coat, glossy top coat or speed dryer. Due to the unique matte formulation, color is not as long-wearing as traditional nail color. A completely clean, dry surface yields the best results for matte nail color wear. To extend wear, apply one coat of the Zoya Matte Velvet Topcoat over your favorite matte shades after polish is completely dry.


Zoya MATTEVELVET Colors, 0.5 oz. -  $10 (US) ea.
Zoya MATTEVELVET Color Sampler, 6 – 0.5 oz. bottles -  $60 (US)

Available in top salons, spas and on zoya.com

* **BIG5FREE, TOXIN FREE: Zoya Nail Polish Formula contains no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or camphor." according to the official press release. 

The 6 shades comprising the Zoya MatteVelvet collection include:

  • Iris: a beautiful deep magenta purple.
  • Amal: a crimson ruby red.
  • Honor: an emerald green.
  • Sue: a glistening beige pale gold.
  • Yves: a shimmering midnight blue.
  • Aspen: a glittery snow white.  

I am personally obsessed with this collection.  I am so glad that Zoya decided to bring back the matte finish this holiday season.  This collection is right on trend.  Matte nails are very huge this fall/winter, and this collection is the perfect and easiest way to achieve the trendy look.

The finish is quite unique.  It's not quite completely matte, but it's also not shiny like conventional polishes, it rather falls somewhere in between.  There is definitely a satin/velvet-look to the finish that in my opinion is quite rare on the market.

I didn't experience any issues with any of the colors.  They all painted on smoothly and effortlessly, without any streaking.  Plus I feel that these matte shades dry quicker than conventional polishes, another major plus. 

My favorites from the collection include: Yves, Sue, and Honor.

For more information or to purchase, check out Zoya online: http://www.zoya.com/


Iris
Iris
Amal
Amal

Honor
Honor
Sue
Sue

Yves
Yves
Aspen
Aspen


Swarovski event featuring O.P.I.

Swarovski event featuring O.P.I. 0

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Yesterday I had the honor of attending a fabulous presentation from world renowned crystal Mecca Swarovski.  Their latest Fall Winter 2016 collection, titled "Power to Shine," incorporates French haute couture fashion designer Jean Paul Gautier.  Some of the latest crystal innovations include: crystal embedded fabric, a four-holed crystal button, and a new crystal effect sheen that resembles a scarab beetle and its many colors.    

The afternoon could not be complete without an OPI accent nail art using their latest collection Starlight, coming soon for Holiday 2015, coupled with Swarovski crystals of course.

Check out some of my pics from the event in the gallery. 

the invitation



mani-walk
mani-walk

OPI accent nail art
Swarovski crystals of course



crystals sewed onto the greeting sign-in table


some take home goodies


cnd holiday 2015 Aurora collection review

cnd holiday 2015 Aurora collection review 0

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Discover the beauty of the Arctic tundra with the New Holiday 2015 Aurora collection from CND. Colors crystallize into shimmering frozen pastels and surreal glacial hues.  

This holiday season, nail trends capture a crystalline essence with icy, glistening finishes," says CND co-founder and style director Jan Arnold.  "Shapes range from elegantly slender almond to naturally subtle square, with shimmer that evokes the glint of sun setting across the snow." according to the official press release.

The four colors that comprise the CND Holiday 2015 Aurora Collection include:

Winter Glow: a pastel soft pink creme. 

Tundra: a metallic strawberry milkshake pink.  Paints on smoothly without any brush strokes.    

Nordic Lights: a semi sheer purple with iridescent glitter particles in it.  I personally was a little disappointed in this shade mainly because it doesn't provide enough coverage.  It's three coats here in the images and it's still transparent.  It is however really pretty, I just don't particularly like sheer shades.  But, could be an excellent color to layer with, or for ombre designs.  

Glacial Mist: an icy light blue packed with sparkle and silver glitter to give it tons of dimension. 

(all swatches shown here are two coats, unless stated otherwise, and are taken outdoors in natural light). 

For the most part I am super pleased with this latest collection from CND.  Although its difficult for me in 80+ degree Los Angeles to wrap my head around the cool holiday season, this collection certainly helped paint a pretty picture.

I think CND has definitely stepped out of their comfort zone this season and introduced some really gorgeous glitters and dimensions to the line. 

I didn't have any issues with the formulas.  

My personal favorite shades are: Glacial Mist & Tundra. 

Shellac retails for $15.95 per 7.3 mL (.25 fl oz) bottle.  And Vinylux weekly polish retails for $10.50 per 15 mL (.5 fl oz) bottle.

For more info on CND, check them out online: http://www.cnd.com/

 





Zoya wishes winter/holiday 2014 swatches and review

Zoya wishes winter/holiday 2014 swatches and review 0

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Hello everyone.  Happy Hump Day, you've survived and made it to the middle of the week, only a few more days till the weekend.

In the meantime, I've got a great new collection to share with you all from Zoya- Wishes 2014 Winter/Holiday.  Six new winter inspired shades, three of which are Magical Pixie Dusts (matte textured glitter) and three regular nail polishes.

The Wishes Winter/Holiday Collection includes:

Prim: a shimmering periwinkle.  Provided excellent coverage in one coat, and was very highly pigmented.

Haven: a shimmering deep majestic plum with magenta undertones.  I also found this shade to be highly pigmented, and had great coverage in a single coat. 

Willa: a classic black creme.  Unfortunately there isn't anything too special to report regarding this shade.  Most people already own a black creme or two in their collection, so this would then be a pass. 

And now onto the three Magical Pixie Dust polishes.

Nori: a medium blue with various sized holographic silver glitter particles.  This reads more of a summer shade to me than it does winter, but it's still pretty nonetheless.  For a winter blue I picture a paler icier blue.

Thea: a medium plum purple with silver holographic glitter particles.

Imogen: a black with silver holographic glitter particles. 

(all swatches shown here are two coats.)

Overall I enjoyed this collection.  I like the fact that Zoya keeps things fresh by regularly introducing new shades of their Magical Pixie Dust line.  I personally love these matte texture glitters because you don't use them with a base or top coat, and they dry relatively quickly.  Whenever a little girl, say around the age of 5, asks me to paint her nails, I always make her choose from the Pixie Dust collection, and they always Love it.  The sparkle and shine is always truly magical.

I think the Wishes Collection as a whole has a little bit of something for everyone.  It is a nice representation of the season, as we transition from fall to the chillier winter months.  I also find this collection to be a nice departure from the conventional Holiday collections most nail companies come out with, featuring red, gold, and silver glitters.  

My personal favorites from this collection include: Imogen, Prim, and Haven. 

Each bottle retails for $9-$10 per .5 fl oz, and is available now.

For more information on Zoya or to purchase online, check out their website: http://www.zoya.com/


Prim
Prim
Prim

Prim
Haven
Haven
Haven

Haven
Haven
Willa
Willa

Willa
Willa
Nori
Nori

Nori
Nori
Nori
Thea

Thea
Thea
Thea
Thea

Imogen
Imogen
Imogen
Imogen

Imogen
Imogen

NARS Holiday 2014 Collection- swatches + review

NARS Holiday 2014 Collection- swatches + review 0

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Brand new for the Holiday season, I've got the three new limited edition online exclusive shades that comprise the  NARS Cosmetics Holiday 2014 collection to share with you all.  

For those of you who don't recall or know, I made a post earlier on the re-launched NARS polish line.  http://www.merricures.com/blog/nars-new-nail-polish/  I LOVE the new brush! It makes application smooth, easy, and flawless.   

The Holiday 2014 Collection includes:

Barents Sea: a shimmering true blue.

Sherwood: a shimmer medium mauve with cafe undertones.  Had great coverage in a single coat.

Algonquin: a light lilac shimmer, with silver sparkle undertones.  You know what they say, "save the best for last," and this shade is definitely the winner.  My personal favorite of the three shades.  Also had good coverage with just one coat.  Reads the most "holiday" to me of the three.   

(all swatches shown here are two coats.)

Also note that the bottles are different for this collection.  They feature special artwork on the bottle, that sort of resembles abstract shattered glass; least that's my take on it.  

Overall I enjoyed the collection.  I personally don't think the shades scream "holiday" time to me, I picture more gold and silver, or heavy glitters for that, but these shades are nice nonetheless.  I didn't have any problems with application, each shade painted on effortlessly, with much help of the fantastic redesigned application brush, and didn't show any brush strokes or streaking.  I also found the shades to be very highly pigmented, which I always prefer.

***Note: Although they are not “holiday” colors, Mr. Nars (NARS’ Founder and Creative Director) does not believe in beauty trends or seasonal-focused collections, he expresses his current inspirations in the colors compiled.

This new note makes me love the collection all the more!  

The polishes retail for $20 for a .5 fl oz bottle. 

This collection is available for a limited time exclusively online at NARS' website , so if you want to pick up any of the polishes better do so fast: http://www.narscosmetics.com/USA/makeup-nails/0607845036715.html#start=3

For more information on NARS Cosmetics, check them out online: http://www.narscosmetics.com/


Barents Sea
Barents Sea
Barents Sea
Barents Sea

Barents Sea
Barents Sea
Sherwood
Sherwood

Sherwood
Sherwood
Algonquin
Algonquin

Algonquin
Algonquin
Algonquin
Algonquin


Deborah Lippmann Holiday 2014 Swatches + Review

Deborah Lippmann Holiday 2014 Swatches + Review 0

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Hey guys.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Today I've got Deborah Lippmann's Holiday 2014 collection "Fantastical" to share.  Six brand new shades, both glitters and shimmers, that will dazzle your fingertips well into the New Year.  

According to the press release, "Bewitching, Mystical, Mesmerizing- An exotic illusion of the nails.  Let your creativity run wild with unexpected colors that are beautifully whimsical.  The only limit is your imagination."

The Fantastical collection includes:

Dear Mr. Fantasy: a bright metallic shimmering magenta, with purple shimmering undertones.  Highly pigmented.  It covered well in one coat.

Marrakesh Express: a shimmering coppery gold duo chrome with large gold shard flecks of glitter.  Reminds me of "The Hunger Games" series; it's very fiery.  It removed easily as well.  A highly unique shade.  

Weird Science: a bold lime green with gold shimmer.  Highly pigmented.  Had excellent coverage in a single coat. A very rare color.

Dream Weaver: a blackened purple/ teal/ green hybrid duo chrome.  Very beautiful in person.  The color shifts with the light.  It is similar to Essie's "For the Twill of it" and OPI's "Peace, Love, and OPI", but it's more teal than sage green.  This was my personal favorite color in this collection!

Xanadu: an icey blue with purple/pink iridescence, and small blue glitter particles.  I wouldn't categorize this as a duo chrome exactly,y however, it definitely has light reflecting properties to it. 

Magic Carpet Ride: multi- shaped holographic glitter in a semi- sheer black base.  The glitter shapes include- circles, bars, diamonds, and hexagons.  This shade was tricky to work with.  I found it best applied in a dabbing motion as opposed to in smooth brush strokes.  Nonetheless, I found it very clumpy, messy, and not pretty overall.  I was highly disappointed because I was so looking forward to being obsessed with this shade.  🙁   

(all swatches shown here are two coats.)

Overall I am pretty happy with the Fantastical Holiday 2014 collection.  I think there excellent variety offered, and some vary rare shades that you don't normally come across.  I was however disappointed with Magic Carpet Ride and do not recommend it.  Other than that, the shades were all great, and painted easily and smoothly, and I couldn't recommend them higher.  

The Deborah Lippmann Fantastical collection retails for $18-$20 each, and is available for purchase now.

For more information on Deborah Lippmann, check her out online here: http://www.deborahlippmann.com/


Dear Mr. Fantasy
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Dear Mr. Fantasy

Dear Mr. Fantasy
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Marrakesh Express
Marrakesh Express

Marrakesh Express
Marrakesh Express
Marrakesh Express
Marrakesh Express

Weird Science
Weird Science
Weird Science
Weird Science

Weird Science
Weird Science
Weird Science
Weird Science

Weird Science
Weird Science
Weird Science
Weird Science

Weird Science
Xanadu
Xanadu
Xanadu

Xanadu
Magic Carpet Ride
Magic Carpet Ride
Magic Carpet Ride

Magic Carpet Ride
Magic Carpet Ride
Magic Carpet Ride
Magic Carpet Ride


Color Club “Made in NY” Holiday 2014 Swatches

Color Club “Made in NY” Holiday 2014 Swatches 0

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Hi Everyone.

Today I've got an exclusive first look at the latest collection from Color Club, "Made in NY" for Holiday 2014.  The collection is comprised of "4 shimmers and 3 cremes to twinkle and shine like the city that never sleeps," according to the press release.

The "Made in NY" collection includes:

Shimmers:

Lady Liberty: a pale icy blue/green iridescent shimmer in a clear base.  The polish looks very pale blue in the bottle, but on the nail it looks virtually clear.  Reminds me of an iridescent icicle.  

Million Dollar Listing: a shimmering ultra fine white pearlescent glitter in a clear base.

Bright Kights Big City: an ultra fine cotton candy pink glitter in a clear base.

Concrete Jungle: a pale purple/blue/pink glittery shimmer iridescence in a clear base.  This shade also looks like a pale icy blue in the bottle, but on the nail it translates to almost an iridescent pearly white shimmer.

In general, I am not a huge fan of the shimmers.  They were not build able and you could see visible nail line.  I personally would only recommend using them as a top coat over another color to add dimension.  On the bright side, they did remove easily.  Concrete Jungle was the only one I particularly cared for. 

Cremes:

Off Duty: a coppery rusted bronze.

Apple of my Eve: a deep jeweled magenta wine.

Night at the Met: a strong shimmering medium blue with grey undertones.

(all swatches shown here are two coats.)

Overall I think this was an okay collection.  I definitely prefer the cremes over the shimmers.  Like I mentioned earlier I wouldn't use or recommend the shimmers on their own.  I would only suggest one use them as a top coat over another solid color.  As far as consistency and application is concerned I didn't experience any issues.  

The "Made in NY" collection from Color Club will be available soon.

For more information on Color Club, check them out online here: http://colorclub.com/


Lady Liberty
Lady Liberty
Lady Liberty
Million Dollar Listing

Million Dollar Listing
Million Dollar Listing
Bright Kights Big City
Bright Kights Big City

Bright Kights Big City
Bright Kights Big City
Off Duty
Off Duty

Off Duty
Apple of my Eve
Apple of my Eve
Apple of my Eve

Apple of my Eve
Apple of my Eve
Night at the Met
Night at the Met

Night at the Met
Night at the Met
Night at the Met
Concrete Jungle

Concrete Jungle
Concrete Jungle
Concrete Jungle

CND Gilded Dreams Holiday 2014- Shellac + Vinylux Swatches

CND Gilded Dreams Holiday 2014- Shellac + Vinylux Swatches 0

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I hope everyone has been having a great week so far.

I am very excited to introduce the latest collection from CND, "Gilded Dreams" for Holiday 2014 in both Shellac and VINYLUX.  

According to the press release, "Holiday 2014 is adorned with sparkle and splendor.  Gilt finishes add shimmering allure to party couture with the new Gilded Dreams collection from CND.  This holiday season, nails are luminous with glittery paillettes on sleek almond shapes, magically iced in rose gold, icy blue, and silvery pastels," says CND"s Jan Arnold.  "Marie Antoinette meets Cinderella with out Limited Edition Gilded Dreams collection, which can be used to create scene- stealing nail designs for a glamorous grand entrance."

CND did things a little differently with regards to this collection.  You aren't able to purchase the three new shades individually, instead they come in a two pack.  Each of the three two packs comes with a .25 fl oz Shellac and a matching .5 fl oz VINYLUX of the same shade. 

The Gilded Creams collection includes:

Grand Gala: a yellow and rose gold hybrid duo chrome.  Depending on the light, the hue changes from yellow to rose gold.  Has more yellow gold in it than it does rose.  My personal favorite in this collection! 

Chiffon Twirl: a shimmering rose gold with silver undertones.  

Dazzling Dance: a sheer icy blue with a pink iridescence running through it, and speckled with tiny holographic glitter particles. For the VINYLUX swatch I used two coats.  This is a sheer shade, so the natural nail line and any imperfections on your nail will show.  For the Shellac swatch I used three coats because it wasn't as highly pigmented as the VINYLUX version of the shade.  I did however use a single coat of the Shellac over both a white and a black gel polish and the results were Gorgeous, especially over the black.   

(all swatches shown here are two coats, unless stated otherwise).

 Overall I am very impressed with this collection.  I really love and enjoy the color palette and direction CND chose.  It is very magical, ethereal, and Holiday appropriate in my mind.  In general, duo chromes and rose golds are very rare to come by in gel polish, and this collection has both of those.  Although the color "Dazzling Dance" didn't do much for me on its own, I did like it a lot as a top coat to other base shades (especially black).  '

As with most CND collection introductions, the "Gilded Dreams" collection is limited edition, so do make sure to go out and pick up yours before it's too late.

For more information on CND, check them out online here: http://www.cnd.com/

 


Dazzling Dance
Dazzling Dance

Dazzling Dance
Dazzling Dance
Dazzling Dance
Dazzling Dance

Chiffon Twirl
Chiffon Twirl

Chiffon Twirl
Chiffon Twirl
Chiffon Twirl

1 coat of Dazzling Dance over White and Black
1 coat of Dazzling Dance over White and Black
Grand Gala

Grand Gala
Grand Gala
Grand Gala
Grand Gala

Grand Gala


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