Christmas Decorations Mani

Yesterday I created a mani for Adventures in Stamping Sunday Challenge. This week's challenge was Christmas Decorations.

For the base color I used Sally Hansen Pronto Purple and created the gradient with China Glaze Emotion topped with StudioM (Massini) True Passion.  For the accent nails I used a base of Color Club Foil Me Once and stamped with Pronto Purple using a fauxnad image plate.

A side view with my pink Angel.

I hope you like this Christmas mani. Have a great Christmas and wonderful Holiday Season!!!

Christmas Gifts

Christmas mani done using fauxnad image plates over Sally Hansen Jumpin' Jade and China Glaze Mistletoe Kisses. 

Super easy and quick. Inspired by one of my nail friends at Adventures in Stamping. Hope you like it :)

Zoya Spring 2013 Lovely Collection - Press Release

Zoya Lovely
Beauty is a lovely state of mind

Lovely, just LOVELY!

Spring is awash in six soft and lovely new Zoya shades including three dewy metallics and three fresh blooms of cream. Poetic in nature, this collection is sure to capture the beauty of the season like no other....

ZOYA LOVELY – SPRING 2013

Piaf (ZP652) - Fresh Forsythia Yellow Metallic - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Fashion Designer Zang Toi)

GeiGei (ZP651) - Blushing Cherry Blossom Pink Metallic - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Zang Toi/SS13).

Julie (ZP650) - Soft Wisteria Purple Metallic - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Zang Toi/SS13).

Blu (ZP653) - Lucky Hyacinth Blue Cream - Full Coverage

Neely (ZP655) - Earliest Spring Green Cream - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Peter Som/SS13).

Jacqueline (ZP654) - Perfect Magnolia Nude Cream - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Peter Som/SS13)

Shipping January 01, 2013

Ultra long-wearing, nail lacquers by Zoya are BIG5FREE - all formulas are completely free of harmful industrial chemicals such as toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that are known to cause cancer and birth defects.

Zoya Lovely $8 (US)

Follow the Zoya Nail Polish and Treatments Blog and stay tuned on Twitter (@Zoyanailpolish) and Facebook for release date updates.

Hashtags: #ZoyaLovely and #nailpolish.

Merry Christmas Trees

Wow! It's almost the end of the year. I can't believe how fast time flies. Another Christmas is almost upon us and I'm forcing myself to put some of my Christmas stamps to work. 

Today I'm sharing a mani done with my new Gals image plates The Fairy Set by Cheeky (GA27).  The images are a lot smaller than Cheeky's summer collection, but they are just right for my nubbins. The first stamp I tried is the collage of Christmas Trees. This is one of my favorite images from the set. 

For the base color I used China Glaze With Love. Then stamped with Sally Hansen Jumpin' Jade.  Jade is awesome for stamping. So glad I swooped it up from the Dollar Store.   

I really love how this turned out. Hope you like it too :)

Two Birds One Store

Hello beauties! Today I have a few polishes from Two Birds One Store to share with you.  

Just Keep Swimming is from the Matte About Summer Collection and it's loaded with square glitters: small bright blue, medium black and large white.  The picture didn't quite capture the lime dots that add additional interest.  I layered 1 coat over Ulta Un-tile The Morning. 

Shine By Night is from the Shadow Goddesses Collection.  It has a black jelly base with various sized green hex glitters and medium blue glitters throughout. I had to use multiple coats to build it up to my satisfaction.  I was happy with the 4th coat.  

Who Ya Gonna Call? is from the Hallow's Eve Collection.  It has a light grey base and is loaded with matte white, black and blue glitters.  I was concerned about the need for countless coats but the layers built up quite nicely.  I used 3 coats to make it opaque. 

Intoxicating is also from the the Shadow Goddesses Collection.  It has a wine jelly base with micro white and red glitter, small white squares and medium red hex glitter. A pretty combination that looks great alone, but I layered it over purple to see what would happen. I love the combination.   

An indoor picture to show a different view. 

Overall I must say that I was impressed with all of the polishes. The combination of glitters kept me staring at my nails. They all applied well but Shine by Night was a little tricky to get the look that I wanted. I wore Shine by Night and Intoxicating for a few days with minimum chipping. Like most glitters they were a pain to remove but that's what the glue and foil methods are for :)

Two Birds can be found on FaceBook, Etsy or SeeSarahSwatch.

~Sent for Review~

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Nail of the Week: Color Club Glitter Magnetic

A quick post to share my nail of the week. For the base I used my new Color Club glitter magnetic polish. I believe the name is Shock in the Dark but my bottle wasn't labeled. I tried the magnetic design first but it turned out horribly. I'll try to swatch it again later when I have more time to figure it out.  

A closer view to try and capture the glitter in the polish. It's a shame it doesn't show up very well because it's loaded with glitter.  I think that's one of the reason's the magnet didn't work well.

For stamping I used BM-309 and an old Daschica's Beauty image plate. I also tried Finger Paints Black Expressionism for the first time. It worked okay, but I think as it dries out more it will be perfect for stamping.

I hope you enjoyed this mani.  Happy Sunday and thanks for stopping by!

OPI Spring/Summer 2013 Euro Central Collection - Press Release

The New Voice of Fashion

OPI Announces the Launch of Euro Centrale for Spring/Summer 2013

  

Classic meets contemporary with Euro Centrale by OPI for Spring/Summer 2013. Celebrating a region where history meets modern design, the collection’s twelve new nail lacquers offer a mixture of glamorous metallic hues; playful bright shades in periwinkle, aqua and pink; and creamy blues in indigo, midnight and aubergine.

“Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania make up an exciting new fashion hotspot,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “When visiting these countries, you’ll view Gothic churches alongside vibrant graffiti murals, blending two very different aesthetics. This fusion of old and new was also seen in runway looks during New York Fashion Week, where classic styles were reinvented with modern silhouettes and patterns.

“Euro Centrale boasts a wide variety of shades, ranging from pale nude to deep blue – and featuring everything from shimmering copper to aqua in between!,” continues Weiss-Fischmann. “Whether you’re looking to spice up a black and white print, or add neutrality to a vivid brocade, these lacquers are designed to accessorize spring’s hottest looks.”

Euro Centrale by OPI includes the following shades:

Polka.com

Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.

OPI…Eurso Euro

This deep blue cream is very continental.

Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN!

Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!

You’re Such a BudaPest

If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?

Can’t Find My Czechbook

I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!

My Paprika is Hotter than Yours!

Get the extinguisher...this fiery red is sizzling!

Hands Off My Kielbasa!

Get your own...this bronzy tan is all mine!

OY–Another Polish Joke!

So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar...

A Woman’s Prague-ative

I’m changing this shimmery copper for...never mind!

Vant to Bite My Neck?

You know you want to...wear this deep eggplant.

I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw

Be seen in this deep midnight blue.

My Vampire is Buff

Creamy, pale and nude...just how I like my vampires.

Euro Centrale Collection nail lacquer shades contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

Euro Centrale by OPI will be available February 6, 2013, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $9.00 ($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 OPI

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names,OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.

OPI Mariah Carey Liquid Sand Nail Lacquers - Press Release

Chart-Smashing Colors!

OPI Partners with Multi-Platinum International Superstar Mariah Carey to Launch Limited Edition Shades, Featuring the Revolutionary New Liquid Sand™ Nail Lacquers

            OPI announces the launch of eight new limited edition shades inspired and hand-selected by multiple Grammy Award winning recording artist Mariah Carey. These shades include four new OPI Liquid Sand™ lacquers featuring groundbreaking technology for a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.  

“OPI is extremely excited to work with Mariah,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “She’s very passionate about beauty and her nails in particular. Her music, which includes 18 Billboard No. 1 singles, served as a wonderful inspiration for glamorous, sultry, vibrant colors.

“To pay homage to her iconic status, we wanted to launch her collection with something completely new and exciting. OPI Liquid Sand nail lacquer offers a never-before-seen look with a pebbled finish that lightly shimmers with fine glitter particles. Worn without top coat, Liquid Sand lacquer gives nails a unique textured matte finish worthy of a superstar.”

Mariah Carey by OPI includes four Studio Shades – ranging from pink glitter to rich plum crème – and four Stage Shades – each featuring the new textured finish. Studio Shades include: A Butterfly Moment (This sophisticated and frosty tan nude has us all a-flutter), Sprung (Fall hopelessly in love with this shimmery copper), Pink Yet Lavender (This pink glitter with lavender shimmer has superstar shine!), and Anti-bleak (This deep, creamy purple will lift your spirits).

Stage Shades include: Stay the Night (Make it last in this matte black with red glints), Get Your Number (Wearing this matte blue with sparkles is a great call), Can’t Let Go (Hold onto this matte purple with dazzling sparkle), and The Impossible (This matte fuchsia with star confetti will never give up). OPI Liquid Sand lacquers should always be worn without top coat.

Mariah Carey by OPI nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This promotion will be available beginning January 2013 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for  $9.00 ($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 OPI

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.

ABOUT MARIAH CAREY

With a distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting and producing talent, Carey has defined the modern pop performance. As a singer/songwriter/producer, she has been recognized with five Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” Award, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” to name a few. She recently made a substantial mark in film with her critically acclaimed role as a social worker in “Precious,” the 2009 film based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire. A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has generously donated her time and energy to a range of domestic and international philanthropic causes near to her heart including The Fresh Air Fund/Camp Mariah (a retreat where inner-city children explore career development), Save the Music Foundation and Make-a-Wish Foundation among several others.

Mariah is currently in the studio, writing, recording and executive-producing her next album for Island Def Jam Music Group; the lead single "Triumphant (Get ‘Em)," is now available on iTunes. Carey will join the judges’ panel of FOX’s American Idol when the series returns in 2013. 

Happy Halloween!

 Here's my last Halloween mani for the week.  For this look I tried a layering combination. I used Sally Hansen White Veil over OPI Black Spotted over Maybelline Orange Blazes.

I really like how this turned out. Interesting but not too over the top for work.  

Be safe tonight. Thanks for stopping by!

Halloween Week: CopyCat Pumpkins

Today's mani is a recreation of Halloween Nail Art done by the lovely Elvira at Belleza En Tus Manas. This is one of the cutest Halloween mani's I've seen so far this year. I omitted the Halloween stamp, only because I don't have that image plate.

Colors used: Konad Yellow, Konad Green (mixed with white), China Glaze Devotion.

Image plates: BM 229 and BM 204

Thanks for stopping by!

Halloween Week: Scary Pumkins

Dusted off my stamper to make these cute and scary pumpkins. I stamped using Konad White and image plate A37 over Julep orange crackle (Sabrina) and dirty blue (Eloise) combo.  

I tried to sponge the crackle on instead of polishing it on.  It made it look very "industrial".

A quick swatch of Eloise alone. 

All of the contents of the October Box American Beauty Box.  I'm excited to try the Quick Dry Drops. They usually never work for me.  Hopefully these will. 

More Halloween manis to come. Thanks for stopping by!

Halloween Week: Frankenstein in my Web

I consider this Halloween mani a fail. I thought it was too cute-sy and not scary enough. For the images I used stamping plate D04 (from Chez Delaney) over Sally Hansen Lickety Split Lime. 

Thanks for stopping by :)

Halloween Week: Candy Corn Drizzled with Glitter

Where does the time go? Halloween is about a week away so I decided to do Halloween themed mani's this week.  The first one was inspired by another nail fanatic I noticed on the nail board.  For the gradient I used Wet N' Wild White and then sponged with OPI Hi Pumpkin (orange) and Candlelight (yellow).  Then topped it off with Sticks N' Stones. I love how this turned out and so did everyone at work. 

Thanks for stopping by :)

China Glaze Holiday Season Joy Collection 2012 - Swatches and Review

Happy Monday! Today I have the China Glaze Holiday Collection to share with you. So without further delay, here are the swatches. 

Glitter All The Way

By far my favorite from the collection. A mix of multiple colors and various sizes of glitter. Very pretty for the Holiday but it reminds me of Mardis Gras. I used 3 thin coats. 

A closer view. 

Winter Holly

Emerald green glitter with micro gold glitter accents. I used 2 coats. 

Angel Wings

I was less impressed with the next 3 glitters coming up (Angel Wings, Glistening Snow and Champange Kisses). They all had the same feel but different colors (gold, silver and champagne).  I used 2 coats of Angel Wings, a golden holographic glitter in a gold base.  

Glistening Snow

The silver version of Angel Wings. My least favorite of the 3. I used 2 coats. 

Champagne Kisses

This was my favorite of the 3. I'm not sure if its because it suits my skin tone the best, but I like it. I used 2 coats. 

Pure Joy

Red and gold microglitter with medium gold glitter throughout a clear base. Easy application. I used 1 layer over Cranberry Splash. 

Pizzazz

Another favorite from the collection. A combination of pink, silver, yellow, blue and green glitter. I used 1 coat over Blue Bells Ring.  

Blue Bells Ring

I really love this icy blue. The silver in the base makes it look much lighter in the bottle, but it applies a shade or two darker. Extremely pretty! The application was also flawless. I used 1 coat. 

Merry Berry

My favorite from the collection of reds but probably an easy dupe. I used 3 coats. 

Cranberry Splash

My camera couldn't capture the foil highlights in this polish. Much prettier in person. I used 2 coats. 

Red Satin

I kept thinking Red Satan instead of Satin, LOL. Three thin watery coats with a little visible nail line.  Described as a pure red creme and I agree. 

With Love

Bright orange-red creme with a great application. I used 2 coats. 

Overall I think there's a little something for everyone in this collection.  I really like the glitters but I could have done without so many red polishes. Most of the collection applied smoothly and needed only 2 coats.  The holographic glitters dried matte but the shine was easily renewed with a top quick coat.  My favorites from the collection are Glitter All The Way, Winter Holly, Blue Bells Ring and Pizzazz.

Dr.'s Remedy Breast Cancer Awareness Collection 2012 - Swatches and Review

Get Gorgeous Tips and Give Back During BCA 2012 

  

Pink is the go-to hue this fall as beauty brands tap into every gradation of the standout shade in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Dr.'s REMEDY® leads the way in the fight for the cause by teaming up with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, whose mission is to empower all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

Purity

Purity is a sheer ballet slipper pink nude. Great to wear anywhere.  I used 3 coats which was enough to give me that pretty in pink look.   

Nurture

More opaque than purity and a shade darker.  Another great to wear anywhere nude. I used 3 coats.  

Hopeful

Bright hot pink described as a Hello Kitty meets bubble gum shade. I used 2 thin coats.  

The formula on this collection was good, they all applied effortlessly.  I had to use several coats on the nude shades but that's to be expected with sheer polishes.  They still built up nicely and covered my nail stains and uneven tips.  Overall it's a cute collection.  A little on the pricey side, but it's made with wheat protein and other organic ingredients.  They will also donate 10% of proceeds to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. 

 Dr.'s REMEDY® is sold online at www.remedynails.com or by calling 1-877-323-NAIL.

~Sent by PR for an unbiased Review~

OPI James Bond Skyfall Holiday Collection 2012 - Swatches and Review - Part 2

Casino Royale 

Dusty plum creme. Surprise favorite from the collection. I used 3 thin coats to make it opaque. 

Die Another Day

Red shimmer/foil that looks like wrapping paper.  It has a great formula and applied smoothly in 2 coats.

Skyfall

Dirty brick red. Another great creme. I used 2 coats. 

GoldenEye

Golden shimmer foil. I've always been a silver lover but this one changes that. I'll have to wear gold more often. I used 3 thin coats. 

Moonraker

Moonraker goes with the Bond theme, but it was my least favorite from the collection.  It's a metallic silver with a very thin formula. I used 2 thin coats.   

Tomorrow Never Dies

Dark purple with blue accents. Much prettier in person with less visible brush strokes.  I had a hard time capturing the true color but it's a much deeper purple (see the picture above).  I used 3 coats. 

I found myself loving the cremes more in the second half of the collection.  My favorites are Skyfall, Casino Royale and GoldenEye. 

The Skyfall Collection is scheduled to appear at retailers later this month but are beginning to show up now. 

~Sent for Review~