NCLA Nail Wraps in It Don't Matter (& a brief tutorial)

Press Samples

I was contacted by NailPolishCanada.com to test and review NCLA Nail Wraps. I was so excited to try out another brand of nail wraps/polish strips. Everyone is pressed for time in this day and age and NCLA Nail Wraps are a saving grace. When you want to have killer nail art but either don't have the time or skill to execute it, NCLA Nail Wraps come to the rescue.

Here is a brief tutorial on how to apply the NCLA Nail Wraps:
Each kit comes with 2 sheets of 22 wraps (good for 3-4 applications), a NCLA nail file, easy-to-follow directions. 

This kit is called It Don't Matter and features a variety of black and white geometric designs. The images below match the instructions described below.

1. Apply a base coat to clean nails.
2. Choose the size and design that you would like to wear. Peel the chosen strip off of the backing.
3. Line the curved side up with your cuticle. Stretch the strip and smooth out the bubbles.
4. File off the excess in a downward motion using the included file.
5. Apply a top coat to seal and protect your nail wrap.

The result...

The Verdict:
These are a time saver. They are quite durable. These are beautiful without the painstaking work of creating these designs as nail art. NCLA Nail Wraps can be worn as a full manicure or as accent nails. The wraps come in a variety of sizes. I have VERY small fingers so it made it somewhat difficult to wear this as a full mani. I don't know if there are strips small enough for my pinkies. That being said, these can be cut so they can be the appropriate size.  I would definitely recommend these to anyone and everyone. Go pick some out today!

There are 29 different designs to choose from on NailPolishCanada.com and they retail for $16.00 for one set.

Polishes used: Barielle Nail Rebuilding Protein (base coat), Barielle Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender (top coat), essie Barefoot in Blue

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.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Source: http://www.melissarosedesign.com/collections/inspirational-wall-art

Zoya Godiva

After trying the other PixieDust nail polishes by Zoya, I ran out to Ulta to snatch up more of these polishes. Many of you know that I am a sucker for neutral polishes, so it should be no surprise that I picked up Zoya Godiva. I also bought Vespa and Dahlia, which I will share at a later date:)

Here she is in 2 glorious coats...

The Verdict:
I LOVE the sparkle and texture in this pale cool-toned neutral polish. This is work appropriate, on-trend, and VERY durable. I love this an recommend this to anyone who wants to try the textured trend but still be in the "safe" zone. The only problem that I have with this nail polish is that it is too cool toned for my already uber cool, pale skin. It almost makes Godiva appear slightly greyed on my nails. However, Zoya has a special tip if you run into a similar problem:

INSIDER PRO MANICURE TIP: If you would like to customize Godiva to perfectly match your skin tone, it’s easy. Simply add a drop or two of another Zoya PixieDustTM color, usually Chyna, as desired to the bottle and blend by gently stirring the two shades together. Wearing the color as a semi-sheer single coat also allows your natural skin tone to show through for subtle “naked nail” look that works beautifully with any light or dark skin pigmentation.

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.

Zoya PixieDust FALL Edition Press Release

MAGIC AND WONDER INFUSED TEXTURED PIXIEDUSTTM COLOR FOR FALL

The best-selling, revolutionary matte, textured, sparkling Zoya PixieDustTM formula returns for Fall with six spot-on trend colors for the season.

ZOYA PIXIEDUST- FALL EDITION

• ZP698 - Tomoko: Glowing Silver. Exclusive Zoya PixieDustTM - Textured Matte Sparkle formula.
• ZP699 - Chita: Emerald Green. Exclusive Zoya PixieDustTM - Textured Matte Sparkle formula.
• ZP700 - Sunshine: Van Gogh Blue Exclusive Zoya PixieDustTM - Textured Matte Sparkle formula.
• ZP701 - Carter: Regal Purple. Exclusive Zoya PixieDustTM - Textured Matte Sparkle formula.
• ZP702 - Arabella: Rich Fuchsia. Exclusive Zoya PixieDustTM - Textured Matte Sparkle formula.
• ZP703 - Dhara: Dazzling Copper. Exclusive Zoya PixieDustTM - Textured Matte Sparkle formula.

Ultra long-wearing, nail lacquers by Zoya are BIG5FREE - all formulas are completely free of harmful industrial chemicals such as toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that are known to cause cancer and birth defects.

PixieDust Application:
For BEST RESULTS apply 1-3 (for full coverage) thin coats of polish. Allow product to dry completely for full effect. No base coat and top coat required. Zoya Get Even base coat can be used if desired.
Find over 300 stunning Zoya colors on www.zoya.com. Each and every color has a name as unique as the women who inspired it.

ZOYA IS THE NEW COLOR OF FASHION! 

$9.00 ea. (US)
Available on Zoya.com