Fall Favorites: Unconventional Black

It's the season for dark vampy colors. That includes the mysterious black nail, however there is a right way to do a black fingernail. If you do it the right way, black nails can come across as mysterious and glamorous. If they are done the wrong way they come across as adolescent, grunge, and goth not that there is anything wrong with these.

If going for a conventional, black, creme nail it must be high-gloss, on a mid-length nail (not nail-bitting short or talon long), and on well-manicured/shaped nails. To pull the black nail off without being so high maintenence, it is advised to pick a nearly-black color OR a black polish with pizzazz. One such unconventional polish is the lovely Zoya Dahlia.

Zoya Dahlia is a sugary, sparkly, textured black polish. She has enough character and beauty to come across as a stand-out while still maintaining neutrality. The application was 2 flawless coats and drying time was not excessive. I highly recommend Zoya Dahlia as an alternative to a black polish.

Other fabulous blacks/near black:
Zoya Claudine
Tuff Scent Hope
SinfulColors Black on Black (as seen in this nail art/manicure)
Revlon Plum Night

(Not to jump the gun on holidays, but she's make beautiful "coal" in Christmas nail art)
Zoya nail polish is available for purchase through their website. PixieDust polishes retail for $9.00 each.  Sign up for a Zoya account today and receive points that can be redeemed for promotions and discounts.

Fall Favorites: Not Quite White

We all know that white nails were resurrected this past spring/summer. Many people raved about the clean, stark appearance of a beautiful white manicure. If you are looking for the perfect white, here is a post on my favorite white.

Since it is fall, and therefore after Labor Day, many fashion police shun those who don lovely white ensembles. If you are someone who just cannot look past the "no white after Labor Day" tradition, look no further. You can still wear a pale shade that is more of a "winter white" or an ivory than a stark, pure white.

Zoya Jacqueline, a magnolia nude cream, is the perfect autumn alternative to white. It still leaves your nails looking elegant and clean, without looking too harsh against the beautiful hues of autumn. This beauty applied flawlessly in 2 buttery smooth coats. I highly recommend Jacqueline, she is a lovely color to wear year-round. (Another "not quite white" favorite, but this time on the sheer side, is in this post)

Do you have a perfect alternative to white polish?

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

Fall Favorites: Better than...

Neutral

I love a good neutral, they're elegant, glamorous, and quite ladylike. However, sometimes these beauties can feel a little bit boring. I found a cure for wanting to be glamorous and everything but boring. Meet Layla Coral Glam.

Coral Glam is a hologram nail polish that is a soft, pinky-coral color. This is a neutral against my skin so I wear it as such when I want subtle color, but also want a bit of a wow factor.

I must say that this nail polish impressed me greatly. I have other "holo" nail polishes that either take forever to dry or are a royal pain to apply. This lovely was neither, it was beautiful and flawless in 2-3 coats depending on the digit. I love this polish so much, but sadly my little sister recently commandeered it when she was visiting last. It looks like I will be buying a new one:)

What's your current favorite "neutral"?

Layla, an Italian company, shares the breadth of their cosmetic products online. Their products can be purchased anywhere that Layla Cosmetics are sold. I purchased this polish from Ulta.

Fall Favorites: Oxblood

The oxblood trend hit its stride last fall, but I cannot let it go! I adore dark, vampy autumn colors. Add a flawless shine and I could wear this color all fall and not get bored! In my eyes it is an autumn staple and neutral. I can wear a stunning oxblood manicure with any outfit.

A recent favorite of mine is Zoya Toni.

This beauty debuted last fall as part of the fall collections (Designer '12). As you can see, Toni leans a little purple for an oxblood. But in my eyes she still fits the bill. It doesn't hurt that this highly pigmented beauty does not stain and has flawless application. She is lovely and is highly recommended if you have not yet been satisfied by other oxblood polishes.

Other beautiful oxblood hues that I have previously included in other posts are,
Barielle Wool You Marry Me? (browned oxblood creme)
Barielle Erica's Pencil Skirt (deep, nearly black oxblood jelly)
Zoya Vanessa (shifts from bright berry to deep, nearly black oxblood)
Zoya Pepper (browned, creamy oxblood)
AND the perfect topper for your oxblood polish to give it a bit of an edge:
Bad Ass Polish Chocolate Covered Cherry (bronze and pink fine glitter)

Zoya nail polish is available for purchase through their website. PixieDust polishes retail for $9.00 each.  Sign up for a Zoya account today and receive points that can be redeemed for promotions and discounts.