Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Barielle Carnival Fiesta Collection

Barielle has a winter collection called Carnival Fiesta.  It has a very Mardi Gras theme to me and the colors are all inspired by carnival colors.  This five piece collection has some polishes with names that go with the name of the collection and others that include a names.
Barielle describes these all as metallics, but I'll let you decide what they are for yourselves!

Rio's Rockin Bands is described by Barielle as a "metallic magenta." This beautiful frosted metallic is definitely a magenta-leaning, medium-toned purple.  I really loved this color.  The brushstrokes are somewhat visible, but only in bright light.  I loved this against my skintone!



 Holiday Madness is a "matallic olive green."  This metallic olive has a grey-ish blue cast which causes it to be a duochrome in some lighting (shifting from olive to a blue-grey).  Some have compared this to other metallic olives that have recently come out.  This one is beautiful, but I'm not sure how I feel with it on me yet.



 Jillian's Jammin is called a "metallic deep turquoise."  This polish has the most texture of the entire collection. It is a blue-leaning turquoise glass-fleck metallic.  This beauty also has a slight duochrome finish that shifts to a magenta-leaning purple.  It kind of gives a nod to Rio's Rockin Bands with this duochrome shift.  The shift is only visible in certain lighting (indirect to shade), as seen above.



 Lindsay's Dancin is referred to as a "metallic red."  While this is true, it is important to note that this is not a true red but more of a really dark hot pink or a really bright cherry red, it definitely has a pink-ish quality to it.  This polish had the smoothest application, and brushstrokes were nearly invisible because it leveled out nicely.



 Wanna Samba? is defined as a "metallic purple grey" on Barielle's website.  While this is pretty accurate, it fails to communicate that this metallic grey is a purple and gold shifting duochrome.  These properties are the strongest in indirect light and the shade.  A very pretty polish, with an unexpected twist.  This was the most difficult to apply and left me with crazy looking brush strokes.


The Verdict:
I really enjoyed the concept behind this collection.  I thought that there was a good variety in the colors, however the collection did not have too much of a variety of finishes.  Additionally, these polishes had my least favorite names of all of the previous collections but I liked them regardless of their names.  My favorites were definitely Lindsay's Dancin, Rio's ROckin Bands, and Jillian's Jammin.  If Wanna Samba? was less streaky/easier to apply I would have loved it more.  Also I'm still deciding how I feel about Holiday Madness... I cannot wait to use these polishes for a Mardi Gras manicure!

This collection can be found at the Barielle website and retails for $25.00.  You can also purchase the polishes individually for $8.00.


Disclosure: The product(s) in this post were provided to me by the manufacturer or their PR company for consideration.  For more information please visit the tabs below the header.


Friday, December 21, 2012

Zoya Song

I really loved the Zoya Designer, Diva, and Gloss collections from the autumn.  I thought that they included a little something for everyone.  One of my favorites was Zoya Song.
Zoya describes Song as a "Bold, vibrant medium primary blue with silver and blue glittery metallic sparkle."

The Verdict:

My favorite color is blue and I love anything and everything blue.  I adore bright blues.  And although I usually shy away from bright blues and greens on my tips I could not resist this beauty.  Song did not disappoint.  Application was flawless.  If you want a bright medium blue you need to pick up this stunner!

Zoya nail polish is available for purchase through their website and retail for $8.00 each.  Sign up for a Zoya account today and receive points that can be redeemed for promotions and discounts.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Zoya Harley

Many of you know that one of my favorite nail polish brands is Zoya.  I love their formula and color selection.  This is very important if you're picky about certain colors like I am.  I was having trouble finding a grey nail polish that I LOVED on me.  Sure, there were some that I liked, but I struggled to find one I loved. That was until Zoya Harley entered my life...
Zoya describes Harley as a "Light concrete gray base with subtle flecks of silver, gold and copper shimmer."

The Verdict:

Formula and pigmentation were incredible.  I could almost get away with one coat.  This polish has just enough warmth (a touch of gold & copper) to make it flattering and quite lovely.  I love this grey and cannot wait to wear it over & over again.

Zoya nail polish is available for purchase through their website and retail for $8.00 each.  Sign up for a Zoya account today and receive points that can be redeemed for promotions and discounts.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Zoya Lovely Press Release



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....
  • Julie (ZP650) - Soft Wisteria Purple Metallic - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Zang Toi/SS13).
  • GeiGei (ZP651) - Blushing Cherry Blossom Pink Metallic - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Zang Toi/SS13).
  • Piaf (ZP652) - Fresh Forsythia Yellow Metallic - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Fashion Designer Zang Toi)
  • Jacqueline (ZP654) - Perfect Magnolia Nude Cream - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Peter Som/SS13)
  • Neely (ZP655) - Earliest Spring Green Cream - Full Coverage (Originally designed for Peter Som/SS13).
  • Blu (ZP653) - Lucky Hyacinth Blue Cream - Full Coverage



Shipping January 01, 2013
Zoya Lovely $8 (US) each 

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.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

With the onslaught of amazing lipstick colors comes one problem...
Certain colors bring out every imperfection in your smile, particularly staining or discoloration.  

I like to think that I have a white smile, but at times I get caught up in everything and don't remember that I should be making an effort to keep my teeth white.  In fact, 
Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips remind us that "if you're not actively whitening your smile, you're yellowing it."

I was chosen to try and review 
Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips through Influenster.  And greatly welcomed trying these strips again.  I first tried these strips before I got married to whiten my teeth for that special day:)  I loved them then and I love them still.
The Verdict:
They do an excellent job giving you noticeably whiter teeth.  They are not messy, they are easy to use and they stick very well to your teeth (almost too well).  My biggest problem is that my gums and teeth became a bit sensitive from use.  But most whitening treatments cause some sensitivity.

This product was provided for me to review via Influenster.  Influenster provides products for review through their VoxBox program to innovative trend setters in the industry. http://www.influenster.com

Friday, December 14, 2012

Bad Ass Polish Bling!

The final Bad Ass Polish swatches that I have for you today are of another polish from the core line.  This beautiful polish is rightfully called Bling!  Bling! was inspired by Amy's, the face behind Bad Ass Polish,  husband's mixed metal (platinum and yellow gold) wedding band. Bad Ass Polish describes Bling! as a "combination of gold and silver glitter of various sizes."
I adore mixed silver & gold glitters!  The swatches below show one coat of Bling! over a nude polish (Zoya Minka).  I just love metallic glitters over nude!
The Verdict:
This was my favorite polish I recieved from Bad Ass Polish.  I cannot wait to wear this one again! Its application was buttery smooth and the clear base was not thick.  The glitter applied evenly and effortlessly.  This polish probably the most versatile and can be layered over any color.  I could not keep my eyes off of this manicure!  I think that this might be worn for Christmas or New Year's Eve!

You can buy this stunning polish from the Bad Ass Polish etsy page for $8.50. 


Also by Bad Ass Polish:
Go Pack Go!

America's Team
Dusk

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Bad Ass Polish Dusk

The next two days will showcase two absolutely stunning glitter polished from the core line of Bad Ass Polish.  I was so mesmerized by these two that I took far too many pictures and wore each for days afterward.  First up is Dusk which was inspired by a clear night with a star filled sky right before complete darkness falls.
Bad Ass polish describes this polish as "packed with tiny dark blue glitter and some tiny gold glitter scattered throughout it."  This is one of those polishes that takes your breath away even in the bottle.
The swatches are over black and silver and show only one coat of Dusk.  

The Verdict:
If you haven't already realized how much I love this then you should probably reread this post;)  The application of this was buttery smooth.  The glitter is very fine and is evenly distributed.  This polish is versatile as it can be layered over light or dark colors.  

You can buy this hypnotic polish from the Bad Ass Polish etsy page for $8.50. 

Also by Bad Ass Polish:
Go Pack Go!

America's Team

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Bad Ass Polish America's Team

Today I have another polish from Bad Ass Polish's Are You Ready for Some Football line.  This polish was inspired by the Dallas Cowboys and is called America's Team. Bad Ass Polish describes this polish as "a combination of silver glitters with blue stars" which is a spot-on description. 
The swatches below show America's Team over a metallic blue and grey.  The ring finger (blue) shows one coat of this glittery goodness and the remaining fingers show 2 coats.
This layering polish has a clear base and lends itself to endless layering combinations!  I can totally see this over red for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Veterans' Day.  I also think this could be amazing over a light blue for Hanukkah.  Bad Ass Polish mentions that for a perfect  Dallas Cowboys manicure a white base is a favorite choice. 

The Verdict:
The clear base of the polish was a tad thick but not difficult to use. 
The silver glitter in this polish is evenly distributed and applies smoothly.  The blue stars require a bit of "fishing" and direct placement but many come out on the brush each time.  Of the two Are You Ready for Some Football polishes, this is my favorite because of the variegation of the silver glitter and versatility of this beauty.  I'm already planning when I will wear this one next:)

Also by Bad Ass Polish:
Go Pack Go!


You can buy this lovely, themed polish from the Bad Ass Polish etsy page for $8.50.

Bad Ass Polish recently released a new team polish "The Vikes" based on the Minnesota Vikings. If you don't see your favorite football team's glittery polish yet, drop Bad Ass Polish a line on their facebook page requesting your favorite team!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Bad Ass Polish Go Pack Go!

Are you a nail polish bad ass???  Then look no further because you may have just met your match!  Bad Ass Polish creates high-quality, handmade nail polish.  They are currently working on two lines of polish.  The first is their core line which currently consists of Bling! and Dusk.  They also have a growing football team inspired line called Are You Ready for Some Football.  Go Pack Go is part of this line by Bad Ass Polish and is inspired by the Green Bay Packers
Bad Ass Polish describes Go Pack Go as "a combination of small green glitter with some scattered tiny gold glitter along with some chunky gold glitter." 

 This polish is very versatile due to its clear base and can be used as a layering polish or can be built up for full coverage. I cannot wait to layer this over red to see how Christmas-y it looks! Also, this would be incredible for St. Patrick's Day!
The above swatches are over yellow and green polishes.  The swatches are of 1-2 swipe on each finger depending on how the gold glitter was applying.  It is evident that every detail of Bad Ass Polish was thought through, even the packaging! The packaging is practical, informative, and very unique. 
The Verdict:
The packaging was amazing and included a cute message and felt for easy removal.  I love the creativity of appealing to fans of particular teams!  The glitter in this polish is evenly distributed and applies smoothly.  The clear base of the polish was a tad thick and I will definitely add thinner the next time I use it.

ADDITIONALLY...

I was sent this polish, and others, to be reviewed and swatched.  There was a glitch with PayPal (or my address) and Amy of Bad Ass Polish was sure to keep me notified every step of the way.  I can only imagine the care that customers are given if something occurs with their order.  The care and communication that was given was top notch!

You can buy this lovely, themed polish from the Bad Ass Polish etsy page for $8.50.

If you're hoping for your favorite football team to be turned into a polish for you to wear on game day, drop Bad Ass Polish a line on their facebook page requesting your favorite team!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

My Favorite Hostess Gifts to Give

Around the holidays it is always enough trouble finding the perfect gifts for all of those loved ones on your list, then to add in any host/hostess gifts...YIKES!  I always found hostess gifts to be kind of boring and generic.  I was giving too many bottles of wine and wondering if it was a wine that would be enjoyed.  THEN my mother-in-law introduced me to Lollia.  If you're still looking for a beautiful yet practical gift, look no further!  Lollia has the most heavenly scented bubble baths, luminaries, handcremes, and gift sets.
Take a look at my own very loved Lollia Breathe Petite Luminary.  I'm pretty sure this is my third candle.  I adore the elegant packaging and the delightful scents.  Another favorite fragrance of mine is Imagine. I have hooked my mother, sister, and best friends onto Lollia.  Each of us have our own favorites and we love trying out new fragrances.  My sister and I recently discussed how we're dying to try the Poetic License line of candles.  Here are some items from my Lollia wishlist:

Top to Bottom, L to R: Mercury Glass Ornament, Breathe Tranquil Bubble Bath & Petite Luminary, Summer of '82, Relax Evening Bubble Bath & Shea Butter Handcreme, Sunspots on a Photograph, In Love Limited Edition Bath Collection

Let me know if you have every tried them & what your favorites are!

I highly recommend you checking out their website.  Their petite luminaries are about $34 each but they are the best, cleanest soy candles I have ever used!  Their shea butter soap is so luxurious and is only $10 each. These also make excellent stocking stuffers:)

Monday, December 3, 2012

Cozy Knits and Lovely Neutrals

In the winter I tend to switch between rich, deep nail polish colors and subtle neutrals.  Additionally, I look forward to my cozy sweaters throughout the winter and fall.  Here's a quick shot of my mani.  
I don't know what it is, but this makes me want to cuddle under a blanket with a cup of cocoa/tea/coffee and watch a movie or read a book:)

On another note, I am still struggling to get nail polish to stick to my nails.  I thought this was just an October curse, but it has carried into December.  It's kind of unmotivating as far as manicures are involved, but I'm still trying different things.  If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them:)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Thankfulness Giveaway

I am so thankful for so much.  Every year I realize how incredibly blessed I am.  I among the things I am thankful for is the opportunity to blog, attempt nail art, and for the relationships I have made with those of you who follow this blog.  I am so grateful for each comment and email I am sent.  You have no idea how much you make my day by saying something so simple, kind, or constructive.  To thank you I am giving away Barielle's fall collections New York Style and Runway Fever.
Enter your info into the widget below to participate:)
**The giveaway prize can be sent to any US address.**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 12, 2012

Metallics make me...

smile:)

I love how a good metallic polish can elongate your fingers and nails.  I think metallics are perfect for autumn and winter (but they're amazing year round as well).  I always struggle to find metallic looking polishes that are not overly frosty (aka. brush stroke madness).  EVERY company has at least one metallic polish (heck, Essie recently made an entire collection of them!) whether it is silver, gold, bronze, etc.

Among metallic polishes, gunmetal grey is definitely a popular/staple color.  I have a number of gunmetal metallic polishes that I adore!  My favorites include:
  1. Zoya Freja
  2. Revlon Carbonite
  3. Barielle Granite Glitter
Here is a pretty shot of Barielle Granite Glitter...
The infamous non-swatching (left) hand!
What's your favorite gunmetal/metallic nail polish?