Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Red

I was invited to join the "Blogger Bragger Autumn Nail Art Challenge" (via a facebook group). I enjoy participating in challenges as they encourage me to think outside of the box while providing some sort of inspiration or theme for a manicure. This is perfect timing as I have been in a bit of a nail art rut lately. The challenges are once a week for the next twelve weeks. They all have an autumn theme and incorporate one particular polish color. This week the challenge is...

RED

I love red polish. I know that many people do not. I was excited to try to incorporate some of my favorite red polishes into one cohesive nail look. I decided to hand paint a maple leaf to add an element of fall into the look.

Polishes used: Zoya Oswin, Jacqueline, Livingston, Pepper, Edyta

I also love looking at all of the great work that comes out of challenges. Take a look at the other fabulous autumn manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448814 

Feel free to join the group on facebook and join the challenge!

Autumn Alternative French Manicure

I love cream finish polishes. Some think its boring, I like to think it's classic. That being said, sometimes I paint my nails with a polish and get bored. Sometimes a plain cream finish is enough, other times you yearn for a little more pizzazz. This manicure started out completely satisfying me. I wore it for days on its own. It complimented my outfits, made my nails look lovely, and was an understated classic. Then I wanted more. I added a metallic tip and gave this manicure new life.

Polishes used: Sally Hansen So much Fawn and Gilty Party

Gilty Party might be my favorite fall metallic. What do you do to spruce up a manicure that you're tired of?

Autumn Gold

I was sitting there staring at my polish hoping inspiration would strike. I love autumn nail polish colors. The deep, richness of the colors always appeals to me. I dug out Barielle Wool You Marry Me? a polish I chose initially for its name (not something I do very often). Its a great fall color so I painted it on my nails. After wearing it for a bit, I realized it needed something else. What pairs better with rich autumn colors that a metallic? Not much. So I chose Barielle Gold Digger. I "dry brushed" it onto the tips to achieve this effect. I'm pleased with the result. I think these colors are quite lovely together.

Polishes used: Barielle Wool You Marry Me? and Gold Digger

What colors/finishes do you like to pair together in the fall?

Playing with Polish--Contemporary Color Block Edition

Yesterday Zoya announced a new feature on their website, a trend guide. I was very excited since it also boasts of tutorials for each trend. The trends are inspired by none other than the runways of New York Fashion Week. While perusing this new feature I was intrigued by the "Contemporary Color Block" manicure mentioned. I began conjuring up other fabulous trios to try. Below you will see three other ideas (along with the original color suggestion). I came up with a red, mint/sage, and ivory/neutral version. I haven't decided which one to wear for a full manicure yet. I might just have to try something new! I could have created so many other pairings, I might have to have a sequel to this post sometime!

Polishes used: (base, moon, stripe)
Index: Neely, Bevin, Vespa
Middle: (original) Genevieve, Ryan, Dahlia
Ring: Jacqueline, Jules, Bar (Godiva or Tomoko would also look gorgeous with this. I had trouble deciding)
Pinkie: Livingston, Pepper, Oswin

I do realize that I forgot to make the "moon" portion curved, maybe next time:)
What other combinations would you like to see? What do you think of this trend?

Check out Zoya's new Trend Guide for Fall 2014!
Also check out their new promotion/sweepstakes #MyNameMonday

Zoya Entice

Press Samples

My favorite season began yesterday and I am just itching for cooler weather, cozy layers, and rich colors. Zoya's fall collections usually get me in the spirit for the season and this year is no different. 

Zoya promised a "palette of lush, deep color including wines, browns, navies and greys" that was inspired by the "classic wools, textured brocades and metallic accents of the season." The Ignite Collection did a fabulous job conveying this and the Entice Collection continues in this vein.

Nyssa is a "milk chocolate brown" and in two easy coats has me yearning for a cup of hot cocoa. Brown polish is on the rise again and this shade makes the summer/fall transition a breeze. A friend of mine wore Nyssa as a "transitional" manicure. She looks lovely with a tan or against richer skin tones. 

Claire is referred to by Zoya as a "warm, rich burgundy." She reminded me of a dark, brownish red or classic oxblood shade. She applied smoothly in two easy coats. 

Veronica, a "brilliant red wine," is a darker berry hue. She may not be the most unique berry shade ever, but she is perfect for the transition from summer to fall. Probably the most wearable color for everyone. In two easy coats, she transcends generations and heritages to look rich and classic on everyone.

Margo, described as a "modern red plum," took two easy coats for full coverage. This dark, fuchsia plum may not be the most unique color but it is lovely nonetheless. I'm currently wearing this beauty as my pedicure color. She transitions from summer to fall beautifully while giving a nod to the color of the year, Radiant Orchid.

Ryan, a "classic indigo," did not stain! This dark indigo seemed to have a touch of teal in its base. She applied smoothly and evenly in two flawless coats.

Genevieve is a "cool leather grey." This "blurple" dark grey appears to have a fine pearl shimmer in the bottle. This shimmer does not appear as a a shimmer on the nail but adds subtle dimension and highlightsto prevent the color from being too heavy. The shimmer also helps with a smooth application. This was the thinnest polish of the bunch, requiring three coats.



The Verdict:
Per usual, I am a sucker for cream polishes. I just love the classic feel of a cream finish. Zoya has delivered once again with six beautiful, richly pigmented cream polishes. Each one applied like a dream! My favorites of this collection are Claire, Ryan, and Genevieve.

ZOYA IS THE HEALTHY COLOR OF FASHION!

$9 (US) Available on Zoya.com and at finer salons and spas.