Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Black

Technically it is still autumn...but as soon as Thanksgiving is over I go into Christmas mode. It makes focusing on fall for the remainder of this nail art challenge a tad difficult, as seen with my silver manicure. Without further ado this week's manicure for...

Black

Just some skittles in black polishes:) Simple and fun. (Sorry about the snowflake ornament, I couldn't help it!)

Polishes used: Zoya Dahlia, Willa, Imogen, and Dovima

Take a look at the other black manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448838

Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Silver

This week the challenge was difficult because I usually associate warm colors with autumn, not cool metallics. I tried to create a unique design without it looking too wintery and was rather unsuccessful. It looks like an icy winter manicure. But that's what you get when the challenge is...

Silver

I kind of took some liberties with this one and used more of a grey/pewter/silver approach. I tried to do the design on the ring finger on all of my nails but was wildly unsuccessful so I created a different look instead.

Polishes used: Zoya Loredana and Seraphina

Take a look at the other silver autumn manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448837

Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Pink

I think I'm on a floral kick, which is odd considering it's autumn! That being said I went for a more subdued, neutral palette much more appropriate for fall than brights and neons. And here is your manicure for...

Pink

This entire manicure hovers in the nude, pink, purple realm and is not distinctly one or the other. I think that is what I like so much about it.

Polishes used: Zoya Harley, Rue, Brigitte, Harlow, Veruschka


Take a look at the other fabulous autumn manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448832

Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Purple

Another week, another colorful autumn manicure. My posting has been limited as my infant son has thrown sleeping out the window. I've been focusing on being a mom versus a blogger for the past two weeks, I apologize but that will happen at times as my family is a priority. Thank you for sticking with me through everything so far, you guys are the best.

Until this week, I was unaware of how many different purple-toned polishes I own. I really love purples, but find them hard to pair together in nail art because of their varied tones. Purples can be so complex, I love it! Without further ado, this week's autumn manicure in...

Purple

This was supposed to look like mums. It kind of looks like brocade, but still seems autumnal:)

Polishes used: Zoya Hudson, Savita, Belinda, Sansa

Take a look at the other fabulous autumn manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448828

Autunn Nail Art Challenge--Green

In the autumn most things are changing color and taking on more vibrant hues. That being said, green is not very high on my list of autumnal colors. Trying to be inspired, I took out nearly every green polish I owned, put a few away, and used the rest. Here is the result for...

Green

I think it kind of looks like leaves. Due to the leaf-like nature of this manicure, I decided to see how the leaves would look on trees...

Not sure which I prefer. It was fun to experiment and play with my greens:)

Polishes used: Zoya Neely, Vespa, Bevin, Evvie, Chita, Veruschka, Suvi, Hunter, Edyta
Take a look at the other fabulous autumn manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448820

Zoya Matte Velvet Re-release

Press Samples

Matte is back!
Zoya decided to re-release their two, three piece collections from fall and winter of 2009 as one, big, happy family of 6 matte polishes! There is also a new matte topcoat and a red matte lipstick out there. In a way, Zoya is going all-in when it comes to matte (right on the heels of the Ultra PixieDusts). Due to this matte obsession, I have included a "perfect pairing" of PixieDust to embellish or to wear as an accent nail with these lovelies. Enjoy!

Posh is a "medium cool-toned wine red with metallic red shimmer and a velvety MATTEVELVET finish." This rich red is truly glamorous. This is what I think of when I hear of velvet, a soft red. This was two buttery, smooth coats.
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Arianna

Harlow, a "rich, saturated rose plum packed with sparkling metallic shimmer in a velvety MATTEVELVET finish," was probably the most anticipated re-release. This pinky hue had the chunkiest shimmer of the bunch but was still opaque in 2 coats. She must be related to Zoya Mason, they are both a cool, saturated rosy plum!
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Noir

Savita is described as a "bold, vibrant medium purple with strong red and gold shimmer with a velvet MATTEVELVET finish." This is such a royal hue. The color and shimmer remind me of Zoya Carter...I think they may be sisters:) Again, two easy coats.
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Carter

Veruschka is "a deep evergreen garnished with strong metallic shimmer in a velvety MATTEVELVET finish." This is gorgeous. I am not someone who wears green on my fingers often, but I would love to wear this every day! It seems to glow like emerald sea-glass on your tips (2 coats).
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Chita

Dovima is described as a "smoky charcoal-black with strong silver shimmer and a velvety MATTEVELVET finish." I have a soft spot for not-quite-black shades. This is perfection in two buttery coats.
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Dahlia

Loredana, a "medium gunmetal grey, packed with silvery shimmer and a velvety MATTEVELVET finish," was the only one that needed three coats. This polish had the wateriest consistency but still stunned after applied and dried. Something about this one reminded me of graphite, maybe it was the chunkier shimmer.
Perfect Pairing: Zoya London


The Verdict:
I am in love, "matte-ly" in love. I adore watching this polish dry to its velvety, matte finish. The shimmer is what makes this polish, without it these would be quite bland and one-dimensional. All of these beauties applied easily and flawlessly. Please note the following:
MATTEVELVET nail color by Zoya is not intended to be worn with a base coat, top coat or speed dryer of any kind. Due to the unique matte formulation, color is not as long-wearing as traditional nail color. A completely clean, dry nail surface yields the best results for matte nail color wear.
If you MUST wear a basecoat, most ridge-filling basecoats are matte so they will not alter the finish of this polish. Also if you have an uneven nail surface the matte polish might accentuate the flaws. My favorites (if I HAD to choose) were Posh, Dovima, and Veruschka. Also, love the frosted bottles. Well done, Zoya!

MatteVelvet polishes are available at zoya.com and at select retailers for $9 each.

Brighten Up!

Brrrr! It sure it a chilly one. To heat it up, I created a bright coral manicure with just a little twist. Half moon manicures have been everywhere on runways, red carpets, and in the media. I created a neutral moon by simply taping it off before adding a bright, orangey crelly to my tips. To finish it off I matte-ified it and added a ray of sunshine in the form of yellow, square rhinestones.

I know the edges are a touch messy, that is my own error. I need more practice with striping tape and french tip guides:)

Polishes used: Zoya Elodie and Revlon Matte Top Coat

Thanksgiving Manicure--Texture and Typography

The holidays are that time of year when we see family more and want to look our best. Whether your upcoming holiday festivities are casual or formal, I have a few nail art ideas to help you plan that Thanksgiving Manicure!

Today I have a manicure that mixes 3 different textures/finishes to create a fun and festive manicure. I used a combination of metallic, glitter, and matte polishes to create dimension and interest. Once that was done, I added some typography with a sharpie to give a specific nod to the holiday.

 This manicure bridges the gap between a casual and formal affair. And your nails will be the envy of all around. To personalize this you could write specifics of what you are thankful for this year.

Polishes Used: Tuff Scent Wisdom, SinfulColors Leather Loose, Barielle Gold Digger

SinfulColors Leather Luxe: Leather Loose

Press Samples

One last new release from SinfulColors. I know that many of you may be over both the textured and the matte trend, but remember that you can always add a topcoat! This next polish might even make those of you who are not fans of this trend think twice about writing off this finish. 

Leather Loose is a "safari sinful brown." It took two easy coats of this matte polish for an even, opaque nail. Again, this formula dried quickly, but not so quickly that it impeded application.

The Verdict:

This was ultimately my favorite polish out of the Crystal Crush and Leather Luxe polishes that I tried. I love the richness of the brown base juxtaposed with the glowing, ember-like, bronze shimmer. This polish is gorgeous matte and I am sure is stunning with a topcoat. I love how unique this matte polish is and I wish that more of the polishes from this line contained shimmer. Nonetheless, go pick this one up it is just beautiful!

The Leather Luxe collection is described as "a texture rich, trend-setting collection of stylish matte finish nail polish shades which are richly pigmented to provide a flirtatious way to flaunt your style.  The Leather Luxe Collection features eight weather-warming shades with leather-inspired finishes."

SinfulColors Leather Luxe Collection is available exclusively at Walgreens for Fall 2013. Each polish retails for $1.99.

SinfulColors Leather Luxe: Whipped

Press Samples

Along with the Crystal Crush polishes I received from SinfulColors, I also received polishes from their other new line, Leather Luxe. Leather Luxe is described as "a texture rich, trend-setting collection of stylish matte finish nail polish shades which are richly pigmented to provide a flirtatious way to flaunt your style.  The Leather Luxe Collection features eight weather-warming shades with leather-inspired finishes." Today I have the scandalous Whipped to share with you.

Whipped is a "beguiling black." This polish applied smoothly in two easy coats and dried quickly, but not so quickly that it was difficult to work with.

The Verdict:

Many people love the matte polish trend, but it can be difficult to find a matte polish that is truly matte and not just a satin finish. This polish is truly a matte nail polish. It is in a classic, black creme and would serve as a staple in any polish collection. This would be perfect to combine with my favorite glossy black, SinfulColors Black on Black for a mixed texture manicure. I would love to use this with a glossy black french tip. This would also be perfect for back-to-school as a chalkboard manicure. The possibilities are endless. If you don't already own a black matte polish, I highly recommend this almost-one-coat polish.

SinfulColors Leather Luxe Collection is available exclusively at Walgreens for Fall 2013. Each polish retails for $1.99.

Matte You Look

Press Samples

Today I have a comparison of two matte top coats. I received Barielle Matte-inee (I adore the name) with their spring collection, Sweet Treats. I decided to compare this higher end matte polish with a drug store brand. Take a peek at how Barielle Matte-inee and Revlon Matte Top Coat compare over a glossy polish.

L-R: Barielle Matte-inee, no top coat, Revlon Matte Top Coat

L-R: Revlon Matte Top Coat, no top coat, Barielle Matte-inee

The Verdict:
BOTH topcoats alter the finish of glossy nail polish. They also change the color of the polish ever so slightly.

• Barielle Matte-inee creates a satiny finish (which is what their product claims to do). Application was smooth and very easy. However, this product is rather pricey. This product also conditions nails and does a great job as a ridge filling polish. Would be great for guys or gals who want to condition their natural nails without a high shine polish.
• Revlon Matte Top Coat creates a matte finish. This polish was difficult to apply (maybe it was just my bottle?). It was very thick and was hard to apply evenly, which is very noticeable in the above picture. This top coat was inexpensive and easy to find, but does not claim to have any conditioning ingredients.

Revlon polishes can be purchased at many pharmacies and groceries. I paid $3.99 for my top coat.

Barielle polishes can be purchased online from their website. This matte top coat retails for $16.00.

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.