Friday, January 25, 2013

Zoya Carly

Today I have another favorite polish of mine that I have sadly neglected in posts.  Zoya Carly was part of the Summer 2012 Surf Collection.  However, it was not until late summer that my love with Carly began.  Carly is one of those polishes that is PERFECT for the transition from summer to autumn.  She's actually so stunning that I will probably wear her year-round.
Zoya describes Carly as a "very rich, bold, red-toned dark purple with iridescent red and silver metallic shimmer and a dense foil finish."

The Verdict:
I love this and I think it is a polish that everyone should own, especially if you love purple polishes!  Carly is also one of those universally flattering polishes.  The application was buttery smooth and removal was a cinch!

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, January 24, 2013

Butter London All Hail The Queen

Hello, loves!

I have had this polish for months but I apparently never shared my swatch pictures with you!  I was reminded of this last week because this was my mani during my vacation.


All Hail The Queen, by Butter London, is described as "opaque, holographic beige nail lacquer."  This is one of those perfect year round neutrals that looks demure and sophisticated.  Once it meets some sunlight, its fun side shines through as prismatic glitter throw the light around on your tips.  It may not be your typical pick for a beach vacation manicure, but in the end I realized that it was the perfect choice.

The Verdict:
It lasted all week (with a base and topcoat) with minimal tip wear.  This is an office appropriate option with some flair.  The base also added some warmth to my icy winter complexion.  While it must be stated that this polish does not have a linear holographic effect, the scattered fine glitter still maintains its rainbow-like effect.  

Butter London polishes can be purchased online or in some cosmetic stores for $15. (I believe that the price has gone up recently from $14)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Barielle Layering

Ok, so this manicure is actually about a month old.  I wore this around the holidays and fell in love with this tone-on-tone glitter.  The moment I saw Barielle Lindsay's Dancin' I knew that Cherry Blossom Sparkler would make a fabulous accent nail.  I dressed up an old manicure by adding a splash of cherry glitter on my ring finger.
I am such a sucker for tone-on-tone glitter.  This probably could have used another coat of glitter, but it was so stunning.  Now I'm dying to have a turquoise glitter to use this spring/summer with my favorite turquoise polish.

What's your favorite tone-on-tone glitter color?

Monday, January 21, 2013

Polar Bear in a Snowstorm

Today is the day I leave my warm, tropical hideaway and venture back to the frigid Mid Atlantic.  To commemorate this switch back to reality, I prepared a fitting manicure.  

I remember as a child taking a blank white piece of paper, and saying "Look, it's a polar bear in a snowstorm!" In that same way, I present my own manicure version of the same phenomenon.
This manicure was created using a base of Zoya Purity and then sponging glitter to form a snowy gradient.  The glitter is Barielle Star Dust, which when I first posted its swatch this summer I knew it would make the most amazing snowy manicure.

I'm really enjoying this frosty tipped manicure.  What's your favorite frosty/winter manicure?

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Playing With Polish--Beach Towel Inspired

I know what you're thinking, a weekend post?!?!?! Yes my friends, a weekend post:)

Before heading out in my Caribbean adventure, I had a blast getting outfit ideas, browsing Pinterest, scavenging blogs, and shopping for my trip. I unearthed my summer attire and swimwear, got out my floppy hat and broke my sunglasses. All the while I was inspired by airy fabrics, bright colors, and days full of sun.

I channeled this inspiration by playing with polish. I guess you could say this is beach towel/bag/swimwear inspired. It's really just a bunch of patterns as fun skittles on the nails.
I used a base of Essie Mint Candy Apple and painted designs using Barielle Surf's Up. The glitter accent nail is a layer of Barielle Star Dust over Essie Mint Candy Apple. My favorite is definitely the glittery nail. I'll have to try this on its own. Without my playing with polish I would never have thought to combine these two.

Hope your day is fabulous!

Friday, January 18, 2013

Golden Elegance

Every season has its trends that help to make way for the next fad. Last year Essie came out with their   luxe effects. Prior to this a number of brands were creating "toppers" that changed the appearance of a polish with glitters, duochrome shimmers, and flakies. The trend has since evolved into gold flake topcoats.

Originally I was smitten with this concept, but after much thought I decided that the gold flakes were not my style. I'm sure if I tried them I'd change mind. To curb my appetite for a real gold topcoat I decided to break out As Gold As It Gets from the Essie luxe effects collection.

I layered this golden beauty over L'Oreal Sweet Nothings. This was quite lovely and I received many compliments on this golden manicure. It reminds me of golden sun rays and sparkling warm sand. I love trying out new layering combinations. And although this is nothing like a gold topcoat I still find it beautiful and stunning.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Essie Butler Please

How can you deny the beauty of this polish? Essie Butler Please is a bright, cobalt-periwinkle. I simply adore how pretty and vibrant this polish is.

The Verdict:
This reminds me of warm tropical waters, coral reefs, and lazy lagoons. The formula is so butters smooth that this only needed two coats to reach full opacity. Perfect for spring and summer or adding some much needed brightness in the cooler or dreary months. I've heard this is not a dupe of Nails Inc. Baker Street as it is a touch dustier, so take your pick but this shade is a must have any way you look at it!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Today I'm sharing a polish that reminds me of springtime and summer. I know that this originally came out as part of a winter collection a few years back. Meet Essie Mint Candy Apple:
This bright pastel turquoise almost appears to be a neon shade in some lighting against my pale winter skin.

The Verdict:
I love this for spring and summer. I am so jealous of how awesome this shade looks on people who have deeper and warmer skin tones. Very beachy, very bright, and fabulously fun! Not too streaky or chalky. It gave me no application issues.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Zoya Jules

Those of you who have been following me through other social networks know that this week I am on a wonderful Caribbean vacation. Because of the circumstances, I will be posting some very loosely related posts and manicures.

First up is Zoya Jules. This golden beauty reminds me of sunbathing and elegant sophistication at the same time.
Zoya describes her as  "a sparkling neutral light taupe with gold, silver and champagne metallic shimmer."

The Verdict:
I love how I feel like a goddess every time I wear this polish. In this throwback picture I am wearing 2-3 coats of polish on each nail. This is so wearable that it can be worn in stricter work environments because of its taupe-y-ness. I think this polish should be a staple in everyone's collection.

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.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Zoya Evvie

So when I originally saw Zoya Evvie, when she was originally created and showed in fashion week by Peter Som, I knew I just had to have her!
Evvie is described as "Dark smoky grey cream with strong teal green undertones."

The Verdict:
I really love Evvie.  I think that this color is so beautiful.  It reminds me of juniper.  Application was easy, I believe this is two coats.  I kind of wish I would wear Evvie again.  I find myself reaching for her, but she hasn't made it to my nails again:-\  Soon though, soon!

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, January 10, 2013

365 Days of Color Waterlily


I love trying out new brands or polish.  I also love how some polishes make me want to stare at them in the bottle FOREVER!  This is one of those polishes.
Waterlily is a limited edition 365 Days of Color polish. Waterlily is a pale grey crelly base with a touch of purple and packed with teal shimmer. Also this polish contains teeny tiny teal-blue square glitter and square glitter in light green, pink, and turquoise.

The Verdict:
I love that this polish looks like confetti.  It's so beautiful and fun.  I love the touch of whimsy that it adds to a manicure.  This is Waterlily on its own (2 coats w/o topcoat) but this beauty would also look divine layered.  Application was a dream!  I hardly noticed that I was applying a crelly glitter!

Follow 365 Days of Color: http://www.365-days-of-color.com/
Buy some fab polishes from 365 Days of Color: http://www.365daysofcolorpolishes.com/

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Zoya Ibiza

I have a major weakness when it comes to dark colors: navy blue.  I adore the elegance and sophistication of a good navy blue.  It is one of those colors that can compliment any and every outfit.  I am however always hesitant to purchase navy nail polish that is so dark that it appears black.  After hearing so many opinions on which Zoya was better Ibiza or Indigo, I went with Ibiza (Indigo has holographic glitter/sparkles while Ibiza is a smoother slightly shimmery blue).
Ibiza can best be described as a "blackened indigo-blue brightened slightly by subtle metallic blue shimmer."

The Verdict:
I just cannot get enough navy.  I adore this and I have noticed that it definitely appears to be blue, not black, when it is worn.  I know that there are many amazing navy polishes out there.  Of all of them that I own this one is my favorite.  The formula was incredible and this took two coats and had no streakiness!  If you need a navy this one is fab!

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.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Zoya Maya

May I introduce you to one of my very first Zoya nail polishes, Zoya Maya.  I was almost certain I had already done a post on Maya.  Well I apparently took the pictures but never actually wrote the post.  I hope you will enjoy these "throwback" photos.
 Zoya describes Maya as "Semi-opaque bright pink coral with tangerine undertones. A bright tropical coral for a translucent jelly-like finish on your manicure or pedicure."

The Verdict:
Maya is still one of my favorites.  She is shown in 3 squishy jelly coats.  This universally flattering coral is perfect year round.  I you don't have a coral jelly that you love & are still looking for your "holy grail" this might be it (or Zoya Kate from Birchbox).

Here she is in one of my very early attempts at nail art:


REMINDER:  Zoya is having its 3 "free" nail polish promotion right now!

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.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Zoya Elisa

THIS was my favorite holiday red hands down.  I just could not get enough of this shiny, metallic, bright red.  It looks like ornaments, metallic wrapping paper, and and the red beads on my parents' Christmas tree.  
Elisa is described as "Bright, shining medium crimson red with subtle gold shimmer and a glowing metallic finish."

The Verdict:
This is my FAVORITE holiday red.  It applied smoothly, dried quickly, and really only required one coat.  I cannot say enough amazing things about this polish.  The one downer of this polish is that it turns you pink when you remove it, so it required a little extra care and effort after wear.  However, this is well worth it in my opinion.

REMINDER:  Zoya will be having a promotion starting 1/7/13 for 3 "free" nail polishes.


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, January 3, 2013

Darling Diva Polish Chandelle

Sometimes you fall in love when you least expect it.  Sometimes you think you will fall and love and there is no spark. Well my lovlies, this is a story of falling in love with a polish and falling hard.

Today I have the beautiful Darling Diva Polish (DDP) Chandelle for you.  Take a peek at the glittery goodness...
DDP describe this grown-up glitter polish as "crystal glitters in a rose/taupe base with pink, green, gold holographic, and copper glitter."  It is probably the PERFECT glitter for me.  You are all aware of my love for nude, taupe, and beige shades and this one is no exception.
The Verdict:
I adore this polish.  I love the pale pink and coppery glitters best.  I really like the shimmer throughout as well.  The golden yellow hex glitter is also quite lovely in this combination, however it took some time for it to grow on me.  I wasn't sure I would be a fan of such a citrus yellow glitter with the others.  That being said, my polish has absolutely, positively NO GREEN glitter in it!  Booooooo!  I'm assuming that they big yellow hexes were green at one point and have lost their color (despite living in the darkness).  In all reality, I do not miss the green.  I love the polish, it has smooth application and the above pictures show two coats.  I cannot wait to try this over a taupe or nude polish.

Darling Diva Polish can be purchased on etsy for $8.  The glitters are so lovely and there is such a great variety that you should be able to find at least one that is "you."


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Zoya Suvi

Many have already heard and responded to Pantone declaring...

Emerald Green for Twenty Thirteen!

While I adore emeralds and emerald greens, I am seriously lacking any emerald in my closet, clothing and accessories alike.  I'm not about to go all crazy with the green, I am probably going to choose to accessorize with emerald tips and toes.

I have very few "emerald" shades and I rarely wear green on my nails.  But the greens that I do have I adore.    One such green is Zoya Suvi.

Zoya Suvi can best be described as "A dense emerald green shimmer set in a sheer smoky base. This rich gem toned shade will inspire envy in everyone who sees it."

The Verdict:

I love the smoky base of this polish.  This polish is so glamorous yet fun. It's one of those polishes that you catch yourself staring at when it's on your nails.  Also I think that this is one of those Zoya nail polishes that are very understated and not given the love that it deserves.

***Update: Zoya will be having a promotion starting 1/7/13 for 3 "free" nail polishes***
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.