Sugar Skull Inspired

This manicure draws inspiration from the Mexican holiday el Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). This early November celebration somehow makes death and dying a beautiful celebration full of bright colors and flowers. Sugar skulls personify these festivities to me. Here is my festive, colorful rendition...

This manicure was fun and very random. It is one of those things that you probably cannot recreate because you just made it up as you went. The whimsy of this is that no two will be the same (my two hands looked different). While this looks complex, it was rather simple in its execution.

What do you think about this bright, festive manicure?

Barielle Summer Brights COMPARISONS

When Barielle released their Summer Brights collection, there were many who speculated that these were newly named past polishes. Additionally, I received a few emails about a comparison post to show the differences between these polishes and past collections. Below you will find comparisons between Barielle polishes except for Blue Capri, which I had no comparable Barielle polish.

To see the original swatches of the Summer Brights collection check out this post.

Sweet Addiction vs. Central Park (New York Style Collection)

L-R: Sweet Addition, Central Park, Sweet Addiction, Central Park

The similarities: Both are dusty, creme greens with a touch of blue, they were both easy to apply and very pigmented

The differences: Central Park is darker

Lemon Drops vs. Banana Drop vs. Sunshine

L-R: Sunshine, Banana Drop, Lemon Drops

The similarities: Well, they're all yellow...
The differences: Sunshine is a cool-toned bright yellow with shimmer, Banana Drops is a pastel creme, and Lemon Drops is a bright yelllow with a touch of warmth. Lemon Drops is the friendliest to apply (although, none of these are exceedingly difficult).


Pink Flip-Flops vs. Allie's Lace Cover Up vs. Pink Quartz

L-R: Pink Quartz, Allie's Lace Cover Up, Pink Flip-Flops

The similarities: They're all creme pinks.
The differences: Pink Quartz has a touch of orange, Allie's Lace Cover Up leans lavender, and Pink Flip-Flops has a distinct brightness reminiscent of Barbie. Allie's Lace Cover Up and Pink Flip-Flops are definitely more cool-toned than Pink Quartz. Choosing between these is a matter of preference and skin-tone.


Cosmic Kiss vs. Eli's Magic vs. Life of the Party

L-R: Life of the Party, Eli's Magic, Cosmic Kiss

The similarities: They all qualify as pigmented, easy to apply, bright pink, creme polishes.
The differences: Eli's Magic is what I would call a true bright pink. It's probably the color most think of when they think of a neutral hot pink. Life of the Party is still very vibrant but it has more coral (warm) undertones. Cosmic Kiss is the coolest of the three.


The only comparison that is not exclusively Barielle, Blue Capri vs. essie Butler Please

The similarities: Both are an on-trend bright, electric periwinkle blue. They both have a glossy creme finish.
The differences: Blue Capri is dustier and a touch darker than Butler Please. Blue Capri is a touch thicker and more pigmented, making application faster and easier.


The Verdict:
There are no duplicate polishes here! However, it is not completely necessary to own ALL of these. It's a matter of deciding which ones fit your skin-tone best.  Everyone has their own preferences so pick whichever one works best for you. Some do have better formulation than others making for easier application. If I HAD to pick I would choose: Central Park, Banana Drop (but maybe Lemon Drop), Allie's Lace Cover Up, Life of the Party, and Blue Capri.

"The Stripe" Nail Art

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the single stripe nail art that popped up at past fashion weeks. This is easy, classy nail art that leans more minimalist than past nail art ventures. To recreate the single stripe nail look, I used coordinating shades from Barielle's Some Like it Hot (summer '12) and Sweet Treats (spring '13) collections.

This is a great way to transition from season to season by bringing pastels and brights together. Here they are from in-your-face to subtle (also least favorite to favorite).

Green Apple Chew with Lily of the Valley stripes.

Banana Drop with Sunshine stripes.

Orange Parfait with You Gotta Have Fate stripes.

I really like this concept. I must also say I really don't like the green combo above. I am not sure if it is the mix of finishes, the extremes of the colors, or if the colors are just unappealing together. Also, I'm still not loving Green Apple Chew. You win some you loose some;) The coral combination is definitely my favorite but the yellow one is pretty too. I cannot wait to try this with other colors.

Have you tried this easy minimalist nail art yet?  What are your favorite colors to use?

Barielle Sweet Treats

Press Samples

When I received this package in the mail from Barielle, I was pumped to get to share the new spring collection with you. I love spring collections. Spring collections bring out my girly side and make me anticipate the warmer weather (which is still not here). Upon opening the package and finding five candy inspired shades, I was more than excited. Here is the new Sweet Treats collection, inspired by and named after candy.

Green Apple Chew is described as a "bright creamy lime green." I prefer to call it baby Shrek green. It is hands down the most unique polish in the collection. It is a very on-trend chartreuse cream polish. I think this will probably be the most popular out of the collection, however I think it does nothing to flatter my skintone. Perhaps it will grow on me, but I'm not sure.

Barielle has named this "creamy banana yellow" Banana Drop. This soft, creamy, pastel yellow still has a bright quality to it. It reminds me of baby chicks of the pale yellow variety;) This polish was not a pain to apply (considering it is a yellow) and this shows three thin coats. When I imagine a yellow that will be flattering on me, THIS is what I imagine. I have finally found a yellow that I like!

Lilac Jelly Bean is a "creamy grey violet." This polish is so dreamy. I love how subtle and sophisticated this pale purple polish looks on my nails. The above picture shows two coats. While this may not be the most unique color in the collection, it is still beautiful. I will have to see how this beauty compares to other light purples. 

This "frosted opalescent sea blue" was named Blue Cotton Candy. This is the only polish in the collection that does not have a cream finish. This beauty is packed with fine silver shimmer and was not streaky. This was one coat, but it could/should have been two. I really love this one. This polish appears to be pretty close to Butter London Victoriana (which I do not have or I'd compare).

Finally, meet Orange Parfait a "creamy soft coral." When I initially saw this I thought it looked like a dirty, browned, creamsicle orange. But once this was on, I changed my mind. I think it is quite lovely against my skintone. This was two coats.


The Verdict:
Again some of the names of these polishes were a touch odd, but I don't buy polish for the name. ALL of the polishes in this collection had flawless application and were quite pigmented. NONE of these polishes stained my nails. I really enjoy these pastels a lot for spring. My favorites are Banana Drop and Lilac Jelly Bean. Orange Parfait and Blue Cotton Candy were also lovely and I can definitely see myself wearing them a lot. Green Apple Chew might take some time to grow on me. It is the most unique, but also the most unflattering (on me) color of the collection.

**Barielle is having a special on their site through March 29th, go check it out**

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.