Better than nude?

 Earlier this year I swatched Barielle's Gem Stone Earth collection.  This collection was made up of staple colors that everyone should own.  I have been finding myself reaching for these classics all month.  Here is a manicure I wore featuring the nude of the collection, Back to Nature. 

Originally I wasn't a fan of this neutral against my pale skin tone, however after the summer has warmed up my skin tone it looks much better.  I added a coat of Barielle Buddha-Ful to spice it up.  I loved how it added a bit of character to a nude cream polish! This was a very easy to wear manicure.  I can see myself trying this again sometime:)

Barielle is currently holding a manicure contest on their facebook page for all who are interested!  Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/barielle/posts/423026654428758

These polishes can be found at the Barielle website and retail for $8.00. 

Playing with Polish--Tribal

You get a BONUS post for today:)

This is what happens when I take on a challenge, I get messy and crazy!

This week Barielle is hosting a mani-pedi contest on their facebook page (something they do often).  So I figured I'd give it my best shot & enter.  I racked my brain and came up with this random tribal print.  This manicure is 2 coats of Back to Nature as a base coat.  I followed that by making stripes with Eli's Magic and other paint blobs and lines with End of the Rainbow.  I outlined and added details with Berry Blue and finished it with some Gold Digger details.

It's a bit messy and a tad crazy, but it was fun.  I entered and so far I'm one of the only entries that isn't just a solid paint job or layering.  And the down side to their facebook contests is that they're popularity contests so usually the first entry or the person with the most followers wins.  *sigh* Oh well, this was still a BLAST:)

Have you tried a tribal print manicure?

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.

Barielle Gem Stone Earth Collection

Press Samples

The latest collection by Barielle is the Gem Stone Earth collection.  It is made up of 5 beautiful earthy hues.  This collection features creams, metallics, and even a touch of sparkle.  They are perfect for any season and overall are very versatile, neutral colors.

Let's take a look at these beauties...

Pink Quartz is described as "opaque baby pink." This cream finish polish is my perfect pink.  I have been searching for a creamy pink just like this.  Pink Quartz is not milky, streaky, or orangy which makes it that girly pink perfection.  This Barbie-esque pink was opaque in 2 thin coats.  Pink Quartz was the easiest of the bunch to apply.

Granite Glitter is said to be a "metallic silver marble." Although the name contains the word glitter, there is no noticeable glitter or flecks in this polish.  This smooth metallic polish was opaque in 2 thin coats.  The formula of this polish was thinner, but not runny.  Granite Glitter is the perfect cool grey with minimal brush stroke visibility.  It is smoky yet it has a glowing quality at the same time.

Amber Sparkler is called a "metallic bronze w/ silver swirl."  This frosty metallic is rightly called amber.  This color is beautiful and takes on an almost rose gold tone.  Initially I was worried that this would not be flattering against my skintone, and was I wrong or what!  Although this is my favorite color of the bunch, I do wish that it was not as frosted (with visible brush strokes).  I would LOVE to have this color as a foil or a glitter!  This was 2 coats.

Back to Nature is deliciously named a "creamy cappuccino."  It actually seems like a light terracotta nude to me. It looks a tad orangey against my uber pale skintone.  It was opaque in 2 coats and was not milky or streaky.

Green Opal is best defined as a "metallic olive marble."  This golden olive metallic is not as smooth (not as in texture, this one has somewhat larger metallic particles) or frosty as Granite Glitter or Amber Sparkler.  Green Opal actually contains extremely fine flecks which flash a multitude of colors from gold and green to blue and red.  This is the most stunning polish of this collection.  It's gorgeous & I could not get a picture that does this beauty justice.

The Verdict:
Although these aren't the most unique polishes in the wide world of polish, they are all great staples to have in your collection.  I love how wearable these shades are.  My favorites in this collection are Pink Quartz and Green Opal because I do not have any other colors like them.  Granite Glitter & Amber Sparkler were tricky for me to apply, but were still beautiful.  And Back to Nature was a touch too warm for my complexion.  I think it will be more flattering on me in the summer.

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.