Nicole by OPI Fall 2011 Target Exclusives

Happy Sunday! I thought I'd play with my nails before I began studying. Today I have the OPI Target Exclusives to share with you. They really packed a lot of fun in this 4 piece set!

Sounds Grape to Me. Wine base with duochrome golden pink flecks that really pop on the nail. Sometimes I'm disappointed with polishes that look great in the bottle only, well this one didn't disappoint. The 3rd coat sealed the deal.

Green Up Your Act is a muted green creme that's very beautiful on the nail. Two coats are all that was needed.

I Love You Cherry Much has a cherry jelly base with multi-colored red flecks. It's like a party on my nails. Three coats got the party started, lol.

It's Not Me It's Blue has a blue base with silver and a hint of bronze glitter combined to create a blue-jean effect with 3 coats. I'm really diggin' this one!

Matted it just for fun.

This is a really fun set with quite a few surprises. I really like the different textured looks that the glitters and shimmers created especially Sounds Grape to Me and It's Not Me It's Blue. Application was smooth and easy and most of the colors required 3 coats. These are great additions for the upcoming Fall.

~The polishes were sent to me for review.~

Color Club Back to Boho Collection - Fall 2011 Swatches

"The Back to Boho Collection feautures twelve 70's inspired longwearing polish shades perfect for creating an effortless "Boho Glam" look. "

Rebel Spirit

Chocolate brown creme that looks more like a jelly, opaque in 3 coats. I don't wear vamps too often but I'm in love with this one.

Earthy Angel
A pretty creme camel opaque in 2 coats.

Nomadic in Nude

Greige creme opaque in 2 coats. Color Club describes this one as off-white but it looks more grey-beige to me. It's a pretty neutral but I prefer Earthy Angel with my skin tone.


Artsy Crafty
Muted military green creme, opaque in 3 coats.

Boho Mojo

Frosty silver that needed 2 coats. I'm a true silver lover but this was my least favorite because of the streaks. If you apply a top coat you may want to wait until the polish is dry to avoid smears.

Shabby Drab

Purple greige that was thinner than I expected. I used 3 coats but I didn't mind because it's quite beautiful.

Rad Nomad
Dark purple-brown creme that reminds me of Essie Smokin' Hot. 3 coats.

Voodoo You Do

Charcoal grey with blue undertones. Two coats are all that was needed.

Nouveau Vintage

Red wine base with green/gold shimmer throughout that comes together to give off a rustic look. I really love how textured it looks on the nail.

Red-ical
Crimson red creme opaque in 3 coats.

Blue-topia
Deep blue jelly that looks almost black indoors. Quite beautiful. I used 3 coats.

The polishes went on smoothly with 2-3 coats each. Some of the colors were thinner than I imagined but they dried well with a shiny finish. Most are cremes so there may be some dupes out there. The only one I can think of is Rad Nomad and Essie Smokin' Hot. So if you missed out on the Essie, Rad Nomad just might crush that lemming.

The standouts for me are Nouveau Vintage, Rebel Spirit, Blue-topia, Shabby Drab and Artsy Crafty. Most of the colors capture the Boho-Glam feel but I would love to see a dirty orange thrown in the mix. I'll just have to settle for Nouveau Vintage which best represents the theme for me!

The Back to Boho Collection will be available Septemeber 2011.

~The polishes featured above were sent to me for review~

China Glaze Metallica Collection Swatches

Hello everyone! I can't believe it's almost Friday. I started a new rotation this week and I've barely had time to relax but I wanted to pop in and share the China Glaze Metallics Crackles with you. Enjoy :)

Oxidized Aqua

Platinum Pieces

Tarnished Gold

Cracked Medallion

Haute Metal

Latticed Lilac

All of the crackles were applied over dry polish, except Oxidized Aqua and you can see there's a difference in the way that it crackles (larger gaps). I actually prefer this look, so next time I'll apply them over wet polish. My only concern would be getting the base coat mixed in with the crackle, but that can be fixed by applying it over a clear top coat instead of directly over the base.

I like the idea of Metallic crackles and how they shimmer, especially when they're matt-i-fied. It seems like everyone is jumping on the crackle band wagon, even those that aren't too familiar with polish trends. My boss even asked me about crackle polish, lol. I think China Glaze did a great job putting a spin on a trend that's being over utilized. The Metallics provide an edgy look but can be softened by pairing them with your favorite pastel.

China Glaze Metallic Crackles can be found at Sally's Beauty Supply or your favorite E-tailer.

~Some of these products were provided for review~

Snake Skin Mani

Snake skin is the new nail trend and while I will probably never put the real thing on my nails, I'm always down for a little stamping. Since brown doesn't allow enough contrast for my taste I thought I'd try it over pink. Not very realistic but still fashion foward and eye catching.

Products: Orly Cotton Candy, Color Club Kiss & Break Up, Konad White, BM-215.

And I leave you with a little breakfast video... and a little lunch. Todrick Hall is a former American Idol contestant. I just found out he was making a series of youtube videos. They are quite entertaining. Enjoy :)

OPI Announces Pink Shatter - Press Release

Let’s Shatter Breast Cancer!

OPI Announces New Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer to Support

Susan G. Komen for the Cure^®

OPI launches the limited edition Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure^® in its promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever. The 2011 Pink of Hearts edition will follow in the footsteps of its namesake 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Nail Lacquers in raising awareness of breast cancer for the fifth year in a row, during the months of September and October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month). Unlike previous shade incarnations, this year’s Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer marks the debut of fan-favorite Shatter coat in OPI’s first pink shade.

“We are continuing to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the hopes of increasing breast cancer awareness, while inspiring and empowering women. The organization’s dedication to this cause is unwavering,” remarks Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “OPI is proud to join with Susan G. Komen for the fifth consecutive year to offer Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts. By launching our first-ever Pink Shatter coat, we hope this exciting new textured hue will generate lots of awareness for this cause.”

Each bottle of Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts has a special pink-ribbon tag and pink cap wrap to call attention to breast cancer awareness. OPI will also be making its annual donation of $25,000 to Komen for the Cure. Pink Shatter coat contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and it also features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

The limited edition Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts will be available throughout the months of September and October 2011 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world’s largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.9 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

No Room for The Blues

Happy Monday! I had a long, not-so-great day today. I planned on studying tonight but I'll have to put that off until tomorrow. For now, I just want to sit at home in my jammies, watch trash TV and forget about responsibility for a few hours while I paint my nails :)

My NOTD is No Room for the Blues by OPI. It's very fitting for a not-so-fun day and it did manage to brighten things up a bit. NRFTB is a gorgeous medium blue creme with a splash of green. For fun I added foil accents. I know many of you guys don't like foils but these are some of the easiest to work with.

Fun, simple and elegant.

A close-up to show details of the foil. My boss was so amazed by this technique, lol.
Well, I have to catch-up on my shows now. Hope you had a better day than I did! Thanks for stopping by :D

Color Club Fractured Collection 2011 Swatches, Part 2

Today I have swatches of the second half of the Fractured Collection. You can see the first half of the collection here.

Spitting Image a medium blue over Maybelline Go-Getter Green. I love this combination! Very summer-ry.

Kiss & Break Up a pretty fuchsia crackle. It's somewhat sheer which allows the base color to show through. I layered it over Orly Cotton Candy.

Tattered in Gold is a sheer foil crackle that should be applied in a medium coat. It looks great over pastels. I used Finger Paints Blissfully Blue.

Close-up to show texture. It dries matte but a topcoat brings out the bling.

The colors are fun for the summer, easy to apply and crackles in a few seconds. They look best with a medium coat of fractured polish, too thick and you get too few crackles. My favorites are Tattered in Gold and Splitting Image. Tattered in Gold is a great alternative for those who haven't been able to find the Sally Hansen Gold Crackle, or are overall dissatisfied with the results.

NOTD: Flower Power

A quick post to share my NOTD. These are nail foils over Sally Hansen White-On polish. I ordered them from Jenny Sells Foils on Ebay after watching a youtube video.

The foils come on plastic rolls/straws so they're not damaged in transport.

I also ordered a second floral design, butterflies and lace. The gold & silver foil was a free gift because I ordered 4 designs. Yay!

I applied them like regular foils but I let the glue sit a little longer than normal. I usually let it dry for about 2 minutes but I waited 3-4 minutes instead.

I think they turned out pretty good. Hope you like them!

Nicole by OPI Announces Kardashian Partneship!

Featuring 14 “Kaptivating”

Nail Lacquers

Nicole by OPI joins the Kardashian/Jenner family in announcing the launch of Kardashian Kolors, 14 new nail lacquer shades inspired by these six trendsetting women. Kris Jenner and her five daughters – Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Kylie and Kendall Jenner – are known for their head-to-toe unique style, which now includes nails!

“We are so excited to work with everyone’s favorite TV family – the Kardashians – to share a diverse collection of fashion-forward shades,” declares Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “With lacquers ranging from high-shine and sparkly hues to neutral taupe and pinkish coral, Kardashian Kolors offers the perfect accessory for every woman – from teens to moms and everyone in between.”

Kardashian Kolors includes:

Fashionista - This delicious deep brown is the chicest hue in town!

Red-y for a Pedi - And this captivating coral looks “fab” on everyone!

It's All About the Glam

Shimmering-white glitz for the glamorous gal!

Kim-pletely in Love

Finally! The pink of her dreams has arrived.

All Kendall-ed Up

Powder your nose and get some pink on those toes!

Wear Something Spar-Kylie

Glitter-ly the prettiest pink ever!

Sealed with a Kris

Handle with care: This klassy red is top-of-the-line!

Rainbow in the S-Kylie

Girls just wanna have…glitter in every color!

Disco Dolls

Glittery gold glam gone wild!

Kendall on the Katwalk

A head-turning blue-green with a “sparkling” personality!

Listen to your Momager!

If you don’t, you’ll never see this fabulous blue again!

Follow Me on Glitter

A glittery deep gray that always has something to say!

My Empire...My Rules

This take-charge taupe is always on-trend.

Khloé Had a Little Lam-Lam

A deep dark emerald worth falling for.

Hard Kourt Fashionista

This delicious deep brown is the chicest hue in town!

Kourt is Red-y for a Pedi

And this captivating coral looks “fab” on everyone!

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality, with products featuring the Perfect Stroke brush for streak-free, even coverage.Kardashian Kolors will be available Holiday 2011 for $7.99 each ($11.00 CAD).

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

OPI Serena Williams Glam Slam England Collection

"OPI joins tennis superstar Serena Williams in announcing the latest three lacquers in the Glam Slam! collection. To celebrate the world’s oldest, most prestigious tennis tournament, Glam Slam! England features two duo-packs filled with sparkle.

Grape...Set...Match. A dark purple with hints of shimmer throughout. The textured look on the nail adds an interesting twist. I used 2 coats to make it opaque. My favorite from the collection.

A close up to show the shimmer and purple & blue highlights.

Servin' Up Sparkle instantly livens up Grape Set Match with it's small and large holographic hex-glitter.


Your Royal Shine-ness. A lovely silver foil. It's slightly darker than the other foils I have in my collection. It also looks platinum from certain angles.

Overall Grape...Set...Match is favorite from the collection. It looks very interesting on the nail because it flashes a lighter purple-pink with an additional highlight from the shimmer. I like that it was released during the summer months because I like to take breaks from pastels. Your Royal Shine-ness was my second favorite because I'm a serious fan of silver polishes. Servin' Up Sparkle is nice but I would prefer it alone or over black not purple. Grape Set Match is pretty enough to stand on it's own.

~ The above products were sent to me for review~

China Glaze Metro Collection - Fall 2011 - Press Release

I'm really excited about the new China Glaze fall collection, especially Trendsetter and Skyscraper!!! Here's the release.

URBAN EDGINESS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

China Glaze Introduces 12 New Purely Pigmented Crèmes, High Coverage Glitters and Intense Shine Shimmers for Fall 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (April 2011): City living boasts excitement, a cool, edginess and confidence that oozes from fashion forward women like none other. City loving celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Ivanka Trump, Rosario Dawson and Jaime King have style to spare and their fashion sense trickles down to everyone from working women to college kids. This Fall, China Glaze has captured the big city feel in 12 sexy, sophisticated shades that are on trend, exciting and will be on every fashion maven’s “must have” list. Whether you prefer downtown funk or uptown class, China Glaze’s METRO collection pulls together ensembles and will undoubtedly make heads turn! Colors in this collection include:

v Skyscraper: A sparkling, glitter blue reminiscent of the sky over the city.

v CG in the City: Glittering dusty purple, bronze and silver multi-tonal glitter, perfect for a pop of edge from West side to East side.

v Urban-Night: Exactly what you need for a night on the town – rich purple crème.

v Traffic Jam: Stop traffic with a breathtaking, raspberry pink crème.

v City Siren: The perfect deep, red crème to match any outfit.

v Loft-y Ambitions: Burgundy shimmer and cocktail hour – nothing better.

v Brownstone: Burnt terracotta crème mirrors the quaint townhouses of the city.

v Midtown Magic: Burgundy base with flecks of gold shimmer captures the latest fashion trend.

v Street Chic: This gorgeous beige crème is the perfect go to shade letting your clothes do the talking.

v Concrete Catwalk: Steel grey crème is amazing for a chic mani.

v Westside Warrior: For the trendsetting woman this camo green crème is to die for.

v Trendsetter: Mustard yellow shimmer translates beautifully from hot dogs to nails.

Fall in the City is a magnificent time and China Glaze has interpreted the hues of the urban jungle into their limited edition METRO collection. Escape your everyday and indulge in the city life!

The China Glaze METRO collection will be available in a “Downtown” 6 piece box collection (includes Skyscraper, Concrete Catwalk, Westside Warrior, Trendsetter, Loft-y Ambitions and Midtown Magic), an “Uptown” 6 piece box collection (includes CG in the City, Urban-Night, Traffic Jam, City Siren and Street Chic and Brownstone), a brand new, amazing 3D 12 piece counter display, a 36 piece rack display, and as open stock colors. China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries. For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women. Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

Midnight Mani 3

Last week I ran across a youtube video of the prettiest nail foils and that got me excited about them again. I've tried just about every foil I own except the floral design below. Initially I was a little disappointed because the flowers were so big, but with the right placement, the design is very beautiful.

Non-metallic foils are very forgiving so my mistakes aren't noticeable.

Two coats of Sally Hansen's Lively Lilac was a great match.

Overall I'm pleased with the results. I feel feminine and girly in this mani.