Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Wake Me Up When September Ends....

Wow, can't believe Fall is already here :-( I feel like summer was essentially skipped here in the Northeast. Oh, poop :-(

China Glaze Joy
(outdoors, direct sunlight)




Joy is from China Glaze's Romantique collection. This is one of my favorite ChG collections! All the polishes have a metallic look to them and they are SUPER opaque. They only require one coat, but for consistency, I applied two here in the pics. I love this color -- it's like a frosty dark mauve/purple -- super super pretty! Can't wait to try the other polishes I have from this collection :-) Happy Fall, everyone!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

China Glaze Paper Chasing + My First Konad!

Hi All! Sorry for the long break -- I've been super busy again! Today, I'm excited to show off my first Konad! Konad is nail stamp art, and though I picked up a starter kit months ago, I did not get around to using it until recently. Ch- ch- check it out!

China Glaze Paper Chasing
(outdoors, direct sunlight)




Paper Chasing is from this year's Kicks collection. It is somewhat sheer, so I believe I used three coats here. The formula is a tad runny. Since the color is so bright, I decided it was a great base for Konading! I used Konad's special white polish and I believe this is plate M2 (or M3 -- those are the only two I have). As you can see, my Konad skills need to be perfected still. After I stamped the flowers on, I started putting on my top coat, but didn't realize that the white polish was still a little wet, which is why some of the flowers look streaky. Also, I ended up smudging some of my nails, because I was stamping and trying to fix my nails before the green polish actually dried. However, I think I made a valiant first attempt, and hopefully my future Konad manis will look a lot better!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Essie Mink Muffs

I have another gray Essie to show off today. YAY!

Essie Mink Muffs
(indoors, with flash)




Mink Muffs is part of Essie's newest Fall 2009 collection. I got a set of 4 mini polishes, so my application wasn't stellar, because those little bottles and brushes are kind of a pain to work with! I have two coats on here, but I probably should have used three to avoid the visible bald spots. Each coat was kind of sheer, so I definitely recommend three coats with this polish. I usually end up doing my nails late at night, because that's the only time I have "me" time. As a result, I'm always rushing to finish my nails and dry them so I can go to bed haha.

I really love this color -- it is a gorgeous mushroom-y creme. Most of the shades in this collection are gorgeous. I'm not too crazy about the bright pink and orange in the collection, but the pink came with my mini-set, so I guess I will be trying it out soon!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Essie Over the Top

I have a bonafide love affair with the color gray. I never used to like it very much, but now I absolutely LOVE it!! Not just on my nails, but clothing, shoes, handbags -- everything!

Essie Over the Top
(indoors, with flash)




(outdoors, direct sunlight)




This is a super beautiful gray. It reminds me a lot of OPI's Baby It's Coal Outside. This one went on a little sheer, so I am wearing three coats + top coat. It is a gorgeous dark charcoal gray with the slightest hint of shimmer. Totes loves!!! Essie needs to break away from the pinks and reds and make more colors like this one <3

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Wet N Wild Craze Glitzy

I normally don't buy a lot of my nail polishes from the drug store, but every once in a while, I'll come across some that really strike me and I'm like, "Ooh, I want!!" That's how I feel about Wet N Wild's "craze" collection. I remember when I was younger and just experimenting with makeup and stuff, I would raid my local CVS or Osco Drug (RIP) and clean out the Wet N Wild section. They were known for their .99 cent makeup, and I couldn't get enough of them. I'm sure I looked like a hot mess during my pre-teen and teenage years, but I've managed to clean up nicely since then, so it's all good :-)

Wet N Wild Craze Glitzy
(indoors, with flash)




While walking through the Walgreens near my gym a few weeks ago, I finally found a store that carried the Craze nail polishes, so I picked up a few. This one was bling-tastic, so I knew I had to try it first. I am wearing two coats here, and obviously it isn't enough to get full coverage on my nails, so I should have put on three or four instead. But, I didn't want to completely coat my entire nail because glitters are a pain in the ass to remove. I wore this when I went to go see Britney Spears in concert, because I figured it fit the occasion well :-) Glitzy is purple/pink-based glitter, but it also has some blue and silver and other colors mixed in there as well. It is incredibly beautiful and I love it!! Application wasn't horrible -- though the brush handle is short due to the size of the bottle, and the handle top is fat (as opposed to thin and tapered), so it was a little big in my tiny hands, but overall, no big issues. Also, at $2/bottle, how could you go wrong??

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

My Favorite Things: Crocs Prima

Before anyone kills me, I need to preface this entry by saying that I used to think Crocs were the most hideous things on the face of the Earth and I would have been caught dead in a pair. Since then though, I've actually had a chance to wear them and I *really* like them.

It all started innocently enough -- every child I know owns a pair. Literally, I don't think I know any kids, whether they be a toddler or a preschooler, who does not own a pair of Crocs. You know which ones I'm talking about -- the clog/mule-shaped ones with the holes in the front and the slingback. I still think those are somewhat ugly, but for my fellow Croc-haters out there, have you ever tried a pair on?? After I did, I started to like them. I have really high arches on my feet, and Crocs are so incredibly comfortable and lightweight. After I slipped into a pair, I feel in love.

Of course, after I realized that I wanted to own some, I read that the company was in financial trouble and might have to fold soon. Grrrrrreat! So, my quest for colorful and comfy Crocs just hit a little speedbump. No biggie.

I decided not to start off with the ugly-looking Crocs and decided to get the Primas instead. The Prima is a ballet flat and is actually kinda cute!



I came across a pair in my size at my Nordie's Rack, and they were only $15, so I picked them up. I wore them all weekend and absolutely LOVED them. I decided I needed more. So, I found a website, www.endless.com that had them in a bunch of colors and sizes. The ones I got at Nordie's were light pink, so I also ordered a black pair and also a red pair. Endless.com is amazing -- the Primas were between $19.95 and $24.95 and they had free overnight shipping. Yep, you read that right -- FREE overnight shipping. I ordered my shoes at around 4pm on Monday and they were at my doorstep at 1pm on Tuesday. Is that amazing service or what?? I don't think I can recommend Endless.com nearly enough.

Anyway, now that I have three pairs of Croc Primas to whet my appetite (I am wearing my black ones today), I am going to try and look for some colorful Caymans (that's the name of the traditional Croc style that most people are used to seeing). I am debating what color to get next -- I am kinda diggin' on the green, but there are a million colors, so I will most likely change my mind (or just buy multiple pairs... haha). Another Croc convert here!! Wow, there are four words I never thought I'd say.

Oh, and for sizing reference, I believe Crocs only come in whole sizes. If you are in between sizes, you can most likely size DOWN. Happy shopping!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Zoya Evangeline

Sorry for my absence lately! It has been a super busy few weeks for me! But, now things are a little better, so I should be able to go back to regular posting :-) I have my second Zoya to show off today!

Zoya Evangeline
(indoors, with flash)




(outdoors, direct sunlight)




My biggest beef with this polish, like the first Zoya I tried (Shivon), is wear. Immediately after I put on my topcoat (Seche Vite), I could see the polish "pull in." The first two pics were taken immediately after I finished putting on a top coat, and you can already see a little bit of white on the tips. Kind of disappointing, to say the least :-( But, the polish itself is gorgeous! Evangline is a super pretty jelly-like bright pink with shimmer. I am wearing three coats here. It is a tad sheer, but I didn't have any application issues. I also wore this as a pedicure (but without topcoat), and it lasted a lot longer. So, that seems to be the secret with Zoya -- don't wear a topcoat and you'll be OK :-)

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

OPI No Spain, No Gain

Here is my first polish from OPI's somewhat-newly-released Spain Collection (Colleccion de Espana). I got a few full-sized polishes and then I got the Senioritas Mini 4-pack, which had three mini polishes and a mini top coat. This is one of the minis, hence why my hands look gigantic holding the bottle!

OPI No Spain, No Gain
(indoors, with flash)




(outdoors, direct sunlight)




I don't know why, but my camera did not pick up the color well at all. The polish is actually a lot more purple, even though it appears more pink in the pictures. The best way I can think of describing the color is a purple/pink (but a tad more purple than pink). Confusing, I know! I had some trouble with the application -- mostly due to the size of the bottle and the tiny brush. So, my application isn't perfect, but the formula is pretty good. It is a tad watery, but I was still able to wear only two coats here in the pics. I like most of the colors in this collection -- can't wait to try more of them :-)

Monday, September 07, 2009

China Glaze Stroll

This is probably one of my favorite polishes from China Glaze's Retro Diva Collection, right after Far Out!

China Glaze Stroll
(indoors, with flash)




Okay, so red is not that original of a color, but I really like this one. It is more of a jelly polish, and the sparkle really makes it pop. I think I am wearing three coats here, and it applied fairly easily. I am more than halfway done with the Retro Diva Collection now I think. YAY!!! I am *so* behind on posting! I have a lot more polishes to post... hopefully I can increase my posting frequency so that I can get them all up, but it is going to be a super busy week for me!!

Saturday, September 05, 2009

China Glaze Stella

Yet another polish in the Retro Diva Collection -- this also happens to be the first "real" purple I've worn from Retro Diva:

China Glaze Stella
(indoors, with flash)




(outdoors, direct sunlight)




This is two coats here. I had no problem with the formula or application. It was actually pretty good! I got a lot of compliments on this color -- I think it's because I normally don't wear a lot of purple, and it's not really my shade of choice, so it was a welcomed change. I like it -- it's a shimmery, vibrant purple that is perfect for late summer. Good job, China Glaze! So far, other than Cruisin', I think I've liked every color in this collection so far!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

OPI Sahara Sapphire

I apologize in advance for the crappy application job. It is totally my bad. I messed up my middle finger badly as I was putting on my top coat. So, I decided to wipe it all off and start over. That turned out to be a horrible idea, because I didn't get all the tissue/cotton bits off my finger and the nail polish I layered on over it caused the unsightly bumps and bubbling on my middle finger :-( Oh wells... well, at least the color is pretty :-)

OPI Sahara Sapphire
(indoors, with flash)




(outdoors, natural light)


I got the re-released version from the Colorcopia collection. I am wearing two coats here. This color is super pretty and very difficult to describe. Sometimes, it looks gray... other times, blue.... and other times, I swear it is a lavender color. It has a gorgeous frosty finish, so when you apply it, you gotta make your strokes quick and thin so that the color layers correctly. I am showing my left hand for the outdoor picture so that you don't have to see the nasty bubbling on my finger lol. I will most definitely be using this color again in the future -- and will hopefully have a less flawed application the second time around!

Ugh, and I am now into my fourth day of a horrible migraine. I've had it since Sunday and no matter what I do, I just can't shake it. I have been taking as much OTC medicine as possible, and that is the only thing keeping me functional. Hopefully, it goes away tomorrow so that I can enjoy my weekend!!

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Sephora by OPI Set the Mood

Happy September!!! Now that the summer is nearing a close (not that we've had much of a summer here...) here is a cheery color to perk everyone up! :-)

Sephora by OPI Set the Mood
(indoors, with flash)




I absolutely love this color! It is the most gorgeous shade of pink and the shimmer just makes it that much more beautiful! The formula was great and was opaque in two coats. I wore this color to my cousin's wedding shower and it matched my dress perfectly :-) I need to pick up some more Sephora by OPI colors! If only they were all as gorgeous as this one!

Sephora by OPI is a tad more expensive than regular OPI ($9/each), and you can purchase them at any Sephora store nationwide, or online at www.sephora.com.