Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Gold

Two more weeks are left in autumn! Autumn is definitely my favorite season and what better way to celebrate the end of autumn than with some rich metallics. This week's color fits the bill and is more autumnal to me than the last couple manicure challenge colors. Here is this week's challenge in...

Gold

Just a good, classic, glitter gradient. I should have sponged the last layer of Brooklyn to avoid brush strokes and also mattified it. Then this would have been stunning. (I used a leaf ornament instead of a snowflake this time too!)

Polishes used: Zoya Brooklyn and Bar

Take a look at the other gilded manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448841

Zoya Wishes

Press Samples

The holiday collection from Zoya features color-coordinated polishes in a variety of finishes including three Magical PixieDust polishes. I know that I was excited to see that Zoya mixed some PixieDust polishes into this collection.

At first glance, this collection appears to have a little bit of something for everyone.

Willa is a "full-coverage, densely pigmented onyx black cream." Willa was originally released as 'Black Swan' during Zang Toi's NYFW SS15 show. This standard black was gloriously opaque and uber glossy. Its super buttery smooth formula took 1-2 coats depending on how much of a polish rock star you are. I did two coats above.

Prim, described as a " velvet blue metallic," and is shown in two coats above. This metallic periwinkle was smooth but streaky in its application. I'm (not so) secretly wishing it was a MatteVelvet polish. I love the color and will probably figure out how to apply without visible brush strokes (they weren't THAT bad though). Someone mentioned sponging on the final layer? Must try...

Haven is "true holiday plum liquid metal with a thin vein of orchid to ensure brilliance." This shimmery plum glows. I loved its smooth application which only required 2 coats for full opacity.




The following polishes are considered Magical PixieDust polishes. Zoya used more of a jelly base on these three polishes so that the glitter would reflect more light and also shine through when layered. Due to the jelly formula, they are not as matte or textured as the original Magical PixieDust polishes.

Imogen is "black crystal Magical PixieDust with holographic hex glitter." Three coats were used in the above swatches as the formula was thin with lots of glitter.

Nori is a "sapphire blue Magical PixieDust with holographic hex glitter." This was the thinnest of the three Magical PixieDust polishes and required three coats, as shown above.

Thea, described as a "deep amethyst Magical PixieDust with an orchid flash, packed full of party-ready holographic hex glitter," shown in two coats. Looking at the swatches, I think I could have used one more coat but in person the nail line was not as visible.



The Verdict:
The type A, perfectionist in me LOVES that this collection coordinates. I really enjoy that Zoya included a cream, shimmer, metallic, and PixieDust finishes. They're a brand that usually has a pretty good variety in their winter/holiday collections. Application was smooth and easy with all of the above polishes. Favorites of the collection are Haven and Imogen. Prim would be my favorite if it was a MatteVelvet finish...

Wishes Collection $57
$9 (US) Standard Colors
$10 (US) - PixieDust Colors
Available in top salons, spas and on zoya.com

Beachy Nail Art

I moved to the Midwest (from the Mid Atlantic) at the beginning of the summer and went into labor the day after we moved! Needless to say, my life has been a busy whirlwind but I love it. My husband and I usually spend a week every summer at his family's beach house on the ocean. Due to finishing jobs, packing, moving over 1,200 miles, having a baby and starting a new job we never got our vacation. That is until our families surprised us and we adapted our schedule. We will be flying to the east coast at the end of this month for our beach vacation and I cannot wait! (Any tips for flying with an infant are appreciated!)

In lieu of my excitement I created a beachy manicure complete with sparkly texture, dry-brushed gradient, and some "scribbles."

Polishes used: Zoya Bar, Song, Rocky, Rebel, and Purity

Share your favorite summer manicure below. Also check out these fabulous summer manicures: http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/summer-2014-nail-art-challenge/ Don't forget to vote for your favorite while you're there!

Fun fact: I was proposed to on a beach 6 years ago today!

Beat the Winter Blues

Winter is upon us, and it doesn't feel like we will be shaking it soon. I'm dying to wear lighter and brighter colors, flowy fabrics, sandals (or even flats!) and springy florals. Until then (because I'm still dressing in layers and wearing boots) I will channel my love for spring into my manicures.

 I chose some glitter, polka dots, and a favorite pastel to create this cute manicure which is the perfect balance between winter and spring.

Polishes used: Zoya Kristen, Purity, and Cosmo

Ps. Thank you for your support and patience over the past few months. My inconsistent posts have been due to horrible morning sickness and extreme exhaustion. I appreciate all of your supportive emails and well wishes as my husband and I are trying to prepare for the adjustments we will be making to our lives. We are excited to be welcoming our bundle of joy in mid July (halfway there, woot!). I will continue to make posts and be in touch, but it may be more delayed than you are used to. Thank you again, what would a girl do without you?

Zoya Magical PixieDust

Press Samples

Get ready for some gorgeous sparkle. And considering the winter we've had this year, I think we all need a little more sparkle (and sunshine) in our lives! Please meet the Zoya Magical Pixie Collection.

Zoya describes these polishes as a holographic version of their best-selling PixieDust formula. This much anticipated collection is finally shipping, despite the uncooperative weather. Take a look at these three glittery ladies...

Cosmo is a "silver crystal sparkle, textured PixieDust with mega hex iridescent particles." This brilliant silver sparkles like crazy and would make the perfect New Year's Eve manicure.

Vega can be described as "a blue opal sparkle, textured PixieDust with Mega Hex Iridescent Particles." This firework-of-a-polish reminds me of a glittery, blue Statue of Liberty (Yes I know Lady Liberty is green, but this blue polish has an oxidized copper hue to it.).

Lux, "a rose quartz sparkle textured PixieDust with mega hex iridescent particles," is a soft, blush-toned sparkler. This was the thinnest of the bunch, as seen by the visible nail line.

The Verdict:

All swatches show 2 coats. Many bloggers noted that the second coat seemed thicker than the first, I agree. Despite how hard you try to apply this as 2 thin coats, the first coat will be smooth and thin and the next will be thicker. This is most likely due to the roughness of the polish after the first coat. Other than that, it seems to have a similar base texture (although overall it is much more pronounced and rough *see photo below*) to the original PixieDust polishes. Wear time was great and drying time was not an issue, even though you have to wait until it is dry  between coats.

Angled, texture shot in sunlight. (Vega)

This is a fun twist on the texture polish trend, the colors were spot-on and I loved them all. For me, they seem like party polishes (read perfect for holidays and special occasions such as NYE). I do not normally don glitter on my nails (unless as an accent nail) so that is probably why I have such a distorted perception. If you love PixieDusts, you will love these:)

These beauties can be purchased from zoya.com for $10 each.