Friday, April 8, 2011

BIG Haul

I never deny myself, or put a cap on my polish spending.
And when I attempt to enforce 
a "no buy" policy for a month or so, 
it usually has the reverse affect.
Most times I manage to control myself, 
and reign myself in from going into a polish frenzy...
This, clearly is not on of those times.
Too many collections and the excitement for Spring 
has caused me to go a wee bit overboard.






Let's start with Color Club's Wicked Sweet Collection 

This is 1 of 2 collections that Color Club has released for Spring

All of these polishes are scented. 
Scented, in that, after it's been applied and dried,I
t smells like its coordinating color.
I'm not really sure how I feel about scented polish,
kind of gimicky if you ask me.
I picked 4 colors out of this collection, solely based on colors.




Wicked Sweet

This Blue is very reminiscent of Towel Boy Toy from China Glaze,
the only difference is this has a slight golden pearl to it,
where as Towel Boy Toy has blue pearl.
It's very thin, 
but you do usually run into that when it comes to neons.
The scent is Blueberry.
Gimmie A Grape Big Kiss

I've got a few variations of this shade,
but none as bright and I'm such a sucker
for "in your face" bright neon's, 
especially come Spring & Summer.
This shade, being a cream, is much thicker, and goes on alot easier.
The scent is grape and in my opinion, 
the strongest scent out of the lot.



The Lime Starts Here

Again, another shade that I have many variations of, 
but none as bright.
This is slightly more runny. Somewhere between 
Wicked Sweet & Gimmie A Grape Big Kiss
I applied 2 coats, and it's still a bit patchy, so you are best with 3.
The scent is Lime.


Yum Gum
If you follow me on Facebook, you saw that when I received these polishes, this one was broken :(
but they have since sent me a replacement.
This is my favorite of the bunch.
I wouldn't categorize this a a neon, though it is very bright.
It's a classic bubblegum pink, and I couldn't be happier with it.
This is definitely my new go-to pink.
Another cream, 
so this applied nicely and was completely opaque in 2 coats.
The scent, fittingly so, is bubblegum.



I wasn't thrilled with the entire collection, but the colors
I decided on getting I am pleased with. 
The scents are all fairly strong, but last only a couple of days
before it starts to fade. 
And yes, you can still smell them even with a top coat.




There are several new shades out for CQ & Petites.
These aren't full Spring collections, but they have 
introduced several new colors.
 Rustic Dream

Though you can't tell from the photos, this is a douchrome.
While the base is copper, the duochrome flashes from Red to Gold.
I would wear this shade in the Fall, not Spring, 
but it was so pretty I had to grab it.


2 coats was all it took to get this beauty to shine, 
with a very smooth formula.
Pistachio

The lightest mint green I've ever come across, 
it's muted and subtle, but absolutely perfect for Spring.



Corduroy

Again, this is one of those colors that I have many variations of, 
but none like this. 
A muted Teal, this can carry through every season, 
and that alone makes this one a winner.





Creme Blue

I've never been a real big fan of Blue, but as of late,
I am definitely on a Blue kick for some reason.
I adore this color, another one that can carry 
throughout every season.
A classic dusty blue, this has a great formula 
with a great opaqueness to it.
1 coat would have done it, but as a standard, I went for 2






Zodiac

An intense violet shimmer.
This went on a bit more dull than how it appears in the bottle, 
and a bit thin,
but still a beautiful shade.


These small collections can usually be found in Rite Aid, 
and the next time you step into one, I recommend you taking a look
at these. They are commonly over looked, and it's a shame
because they are really nice!!




 Lastly, I went a bit nuts in the local beauty supply 
store when I saw that they had added a 
new rack of KleanColor polishes, 
most of them I had never seen before.





Bikini Green


A bright, fun kiwi green cream, I picked this up, 
thanks to a FB follower, Adriana, who had posted a pick of her own KleanColor haul, and when I saw this, I knew I had to grab it.
as with most KleanColor polishes, 
this went on great with just a single coat,
but as usual, I always go with 2.




Take A Hint


A Pink jelly with loads of opalescent hexagon glitter.
This is definitely more of a top coat, 
rather than a stand alone polish
In fact when I swatched it, I layered it on top of a soft pink polish..
Of course you can do that alone, 
but you'd have to add multiple layers to build up the color.








Blue-Eyed Girl


Another great glitter. 
This is a blue-based jelly with tons of hexagon glitter.
These are a bit more chunky than Take A Hint.
The jelly is pretty dense, and so I left it alone, 
and with 2 coats, it was fairly opaque.








Red-Hot


**** DUPE ALERT!! ****


I seriously did a little dance when I saw this shade.
A dupe for Wet n Wild's Limited Edition Holiday 
shade in Prancer, which is also a great dupe for 
Deborah Lipmann's Ruby Red Slippers.
If you missed out and/or lemming for either of those,
this is the color for you!






Black Out


A Black based jelly with again, the same multi-dimensional 
hexagon glitters.
These polishes are really loaded, and can be used alone,
or as a top coat.
Ohhhh goodie, time to experiment!!










Kiss Goodbye


Clear jelly jam-packed with fine glitter.
The overall shade is Magenta, but when you look closely,
you can see blue and gold, and even a bit of silver glitter.
This polish and the next are quite interesting to look at
and give a really unique finish, almost a holographic look to them.










Midnight Seduction


Same as Kiss Goodbye, this is a clear jelly, densely packed
with ultra-fine glitter.
At first glance, it looks like a dark silver shade, 
but oh no, this is SO much more.
I think the easiest way for me to describe the glitter shade range is,
Wet n Wild's Party Of Five Glitters,
only on a much tinier and denser scale.
I am really digging this one.








Metallic Green, Aqua, & Fuschia


They have a whole range of these metallic shades,
these 3 were the ones that really grabbed me.







INTENSE shimmer. I mean, WOW.
They look like there is an actual spotlight on them when swatched.
The literally glow.
One word, STUNNING.
I am going to go back to pick up the rest of the metallic shades.
I seriously suggest you run, not walk to your nearest KleanColor
supplier to check these out.
And of course if you don't have any suppliers,
you can always check out their website and 
the amazing range of colors they have.
www.kleancolor.com

Here's the swatches for all the KleanColor's  




With the exception of the remaining metallic shades, 
I think it's safe to say that I'm done with
buying any new polishes for a while.
Or until the next little bottle of love calls to me!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom's are one of the most revered flowers, 
and a personal favorite of mine.
They remind me so much of early, crisp days of Spring.



PRODUCTS USED:

Sinful Colors Base coat
Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure in - Made You Blush
Sinful Colors in - Pink Forever
Sinful Colors in - Innocent
Sinful Colors in - Snow Me White
Color Club's Art Club nail striper in - Mochalotta
Dotting Tool

 To see how I created this look, 
please visit my YouTube channel

 

Monday, April 4, 2011

Clearly many of you found my previous post upsetting, and I am sorry to hear that, because that was never my intent.  I've got absolutely no problem with anyone voicing their opinions positive OR negative, and I should have realized that not everyone would be happy about the prices. But, with that being said, because I pride both myself and this blog being "drama- free" I have removed the post that has caused such a disturbance.Again, I apologize to those who got upset, as well as to those who are still interested in the polishes.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Rainbow Sherbet


Inspired and aptly named by the delicious sweet treat.
This simple abstract design is great for both
Spring and/or Easter.


PRODUCTS USED:
Sinful Colors Base Coat
NK in - Mystical 
NK in - Spring Lavender
Wet n Wild Limited Edtion in - Garden Hose
Wet n Wild Limited Edition in - Sunburst
KISS Nail Art Striper in - Soft Green
Hurricane Nail Striper in - Baby Pink
L.A.Colors Art Deco in - Silver
L.A.Colors Art Deco in - White
"Franken" Striper in - Peach
Dotting Tool
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat


To see how I achieved this design, please check out
my YouTube channel, 


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

SWAP


 If you follow me on YouTube, 
you know that I've been doing regular swaps 
with Karolina aka ohfaciq for a while now.
I'm truly spoiled by swapping with her....not only 
do I get goodies from across the pond 
(she lives in London) AND also get goodies 
when she travels back home in Poland, 
but I also get her awesome & fun friendship.
We've been having a blasts with these swaps.

So here is my latest goodie box.


GOSH eyeshadow trio in Golden Sea




I've not worn this as of yet, but I am absolutely 
in love with the cool spring tones of this trio.
I'll be sure to post an eye look with this.



Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pens in Navy, Black & Purple


These I actually requested from Karolina.
I'd heard alot of about them, and since I'm such a fan
of the felt tip eyeliner, I had to give these a go.
The tip is SO fine and they go on flawless.
They did run a bit on me, but I've got watery eyes, 
so I can't say how they would work on anyone else.
I top them with eyeshadow and they don't budge.
I love them!



GOSH Varnishes in Gasoline, Frou-Frou, & Blue Metallic


GOSH is always on my swap list.
They've got some really stunning colors, 
and the formula is great.
Gasoline had been on my list for a while, 
and she found it for me, YAY!
It is a bold shimmery Violet, SUPER pretty.
Frou-Frou is a intense shimmery cool Pink, 
I wish I had this one for Valentine's, it is a winner.
Metallic Blue, WOW.
An icy teal, this color is SO hot for spring!
Even though I had specifically requested Gasoline,
I think Blue Metallic is my favorite of the trio.



Model's Own in 
Tangerine Queen, LimeLight, Beth's Blue, Buff Pink, Orangeade



Model's Own is another one of those absolutely fantastic 
UK based companies. I own several polishes from them, 
thanks to Karolina. I haven't tried a polish yet, that I didn't 
absolutely love the formula. 
and the color selection is AWESOME!!
Model's Own is definitely in my 5 top polish brands.
I picked these particular shades in preparation
for Spring & Summer. I'm going to love using these.




Eyeko Polishes in 
Lilac Polish, Military Polish, Petite Polish & Vampira Polish
 


These are so cute! I'm loving the bottle and the packaging.
These are my 1st Eyeko polishes, YAY!
Though I love them all, being a vampire lover,
naturally my favorite is the Vampira Polish.
Black jelly packed with red glitter, what's not to love?
The rest of the colors are all great for Spring and 
I am eager to use them.
The formula is incredibly smooth, 
and some only needed a single coat.


Sensique Polishes in #235 & #237 
NAILED Polish by Sleek in Geisha Seal


Sensique, if I remember correctly, is from Poland.
I've got a few others from previous swaps.
Again, I can't rave enough on these formula's,
they are really good.

I am not a big fan of Red shades unless it is the
siren; in your face, smut Red.
This nails it (no pun intended)
Geisha Seal is hot, HOT, and went on flawless in a single coat.




Lastly, she sent me a re-fill on my new love,
BOOTS Oil-Free Mattifying Lotion.
Most Target's carry Boots, but not this particualr product, 
so Karolina has been kind enough to supply me a new bottle whenever I run low.

She also sent
Pure Nature's White Tea face mask,
which I tried for the first time last week, and it is AWESOME!!
Tea, it really does work wonders, inside and out.

So, that's it for this swap, but I've already started a new list,
as I am sure she has too!

 

Friday, March 25, 2011

1,000 WOAH??!!

Yesterday, I hit 1,000 followers!
I am speechless!
Wow, it means so much to me that you follow me, 
my ramblings, my polish addiction, and my nail art!
I cannot thank you enough everyone!

And what a better way to celebrate,
than with some new nail art!

This is my mani for the weekend. 
It is based off a design from, 
fellow Blogger & YouTuber,

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Getting My Holo Fix

So a couple weeks back was my birthday,
and not only did I get some amazing gifts, 
but I was also lucky enough to get some cash too.
(You can never go wrong with the green stuff)


So I decided that rather than blowing my money on nonsense,
I would get some polishes to add to my collection.
But oh no, not just any polishes! 
Holographic/prismatic polishes that I have an obsession with.
These are highly coveted holo polishes.
I have been lemming for what seems like ages for these
and now they are mine!!
MWAHHHHH!

I paid an arm & a leg for these, 
but they are SO worth it!!


So yeah, I was one of the poor saps that saw 
the China Glaze OMG collection and thought,
" Do I really need anymore polish?, Nah, I won't get them"
Yeah, I know, stupid move, because they sold out, 
and then I realized, I MUST HAVE THESE!
I've been lucky enough to find a couple here and there, 
but 2 in particular I couldn't find except for E-bay.
So I splurged and grabbed QT and LOL




QT is a Fuschia holo.
The one thing I can say about the OMG collection
that you can't say about many others and that is, they look
BETTER on the nail than in the bottle.
Pure. Pink Love.



LOL is a deep Purple holo.
I was surprised to see the color, most swatches I've seen
portrayed the shade of Purple to be much brighter.
Still, this an AMAZING shade, and I am not
disappointed in the slightest.
Again, the vibrancy of the holo once it's swatched is really striking.


Next, I picked up My Private Jet.
I'm sure most of you polish lovers know that OPI has 
reformulated this shade for reasons I cannot understand. 
As I know, the older formulation had a much more vibrant holo.



My Private Jet is a blackened-Brown with a subtle holo.
Though I am bummed about this being the new formula,
as apposed to the old one, 
I'm still happy to have it as part of my collection.

Lastly, I went for the OPI Designer Series collection
I'm pretty open about my general distaste for OPI.
I think they are extremely over-hyped, and over priced
for a polish formula that is just MEH to me.
( Sorry to all you OPI lovers!)
But, with that being said, they do from time to time
hit the mark with a certain color, 
or in this case, and entire collection.



I picked up DS Coronation, frankly because 
I am obsessed with finding the perfect, "in your face" Silver holo.
While it missed the mark in that department, 
it is still vibrant enough that I'm happy to add it to my collection.
From what I am told, Nfu-Oh #61 seems to be the
kick-ass Silver holo I am looking for, but it is sold out.
:((
Incidentally, if you are looking for a dupe for this shade,
try Milani's 3D Holographic polish in HD.
While swatching Coronation, I placed it on my color wheel
next o HD and it was virtually identical.



And lastly, the final polish I picked up was
DS Glamour.
This is one shade that is completely 
worth the hype & every dime I paid.
If my house was burning down, this is one of the 
things I'd run back into the flames for. 
Seriously.
This polish is so drool-worthy, I haven't even brought myself
to put it away, it's just sitting on my desk, 
making me smile each time I lay eyes on it.


Here are swatches.





So what is your favorite holographic/prismatic polish??
What polishes are must haves that you would recommend?


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Storage - Thinking outside the box

When it comes to space, I'm sure everyone struggles with
innovative storage ideas.
My ever growing polish collection has forced me to get creative
and find solutions that work for my small space.


Here is a short video showing you what I've come up with.
The 3-tier racks are from Bed, Bath, & Beyond.

retails for $5.99 at Bed,Beth, & Beyond.
In total, I purchased 6, and I am currently using 4 on 
the main shelf 
shown in the video.

Each row is wide enough to store a double 
row for most nail polishes.
The tiers are currently holding about 145 of 
my most loved bottles, 
while the rest of my polish is stored in several 
bins that I currently have.







I highly recommend these, it's not only a 
fantastic storage option,but because of the tiers, 
you can still clearly see all the bottles, and until 
I move and can comfortably spread out my polish, t
his has really been a great solution & is working out nicely for me.


The CD Rack I use to store my KONAD plates,
is from IKEA, 
and sadly they no longer sell this particular one.
They do, however, have a similar option here:

retails for $ 7.00 and is available at most IKEA's, as well as online.

When it comes to storage, how well do you fare? 
Got a really creative way of storing your polish collection & supplies?
Let us know!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Wishing everyone a very Happy, fun & safe St. Patrick's Day!



Get yer Green on!

Here's my mani for the day!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Where's Me Pot O' Gold?

Hi everyone! I hope ya'll had a fantastic weekend!

I've got another St. Patrick's design for you!
Aptly named,
Where's Me Pot O' Gold?
Follow the gold trail to find an awesome rainbow and the whole pot!




PRODUCTS USED:

PRO Nail Systems Base Coat
OPI in - Jade Is The New Black
Migi Nail Art Pen in - Black
Gold Holographic Glitter
Nail Foil Glue
Royal Art Brush SG160

Acrylics paints:
Apple Barrel - Gloss Black
FolkArt - Metallic Pure Gold
Apple Barrel - Canary Yellow
Apple Barrel - White
Apple Barrel - Concord Grape
Ceramcoat - Fire Red
Ceramcoat - Mediterranean
Apple Barrel - Spring Green
Ceramcoat - Pumpkin

Sally's Beauty Secret Top Coat

To see how I achieved this look, check out the full 
tutorial on my YT channel page!



Friday, March 11, 2011

Get Your Green On

I was one of the lucky ones who got the 
news early about Zoya's
"Get Your Green On" promo event the other week.
All 3 polishes, Suvi, Shawn, & Ivanka, for just $5

Zoya sold out within hours, which just goes to show 
peoples love for Green!
Myself included in that, these polishes arrived yesterday,
and boy oh boy, they do not disappoint.



 
Some of the most stunning shades of 
Green I've come across in a LONG time.
So much so, that I created a new set of nails for my shop,
Dollish Polish, using 2 of the colors.
I have to apologize to everyone, because I know some of 
you have wondered and even asked me what ever happened 
with my nail shop.
After the name change fiasco,
 I do not think I ever formally announced the
re-naming & grand re-opening of the shop.

I asked my YouTube subscribers to help me 
come up with a new name, and then vote on their favorite, 
thus Dollish Polish was born.

At my shop, you will find a selection of my hand-painted 
nail art, as well as various nail art supplies, 
such a rhinestones, fimo, dotting tools, and more.

So, please, feel free to check it out. 
And if you are a follower of my blog/YouTube, 
then enjoy a 20% discount on any order, 
by simply typing in the code FOLLOWDOLLY during your checkout.

The new nail designs 
will be up and available on the shop by then end of the day. 
 

Thursday, March 10, 2011

St. Patrick's Day - Irish Meadow

Hey everyone!
I hope you are having an awesome week!
Sorry that I've been MIA over the last few days, but I am 
finally getting back into the swing of things!
So let's start off with a St. Paddy's look today!

I call this one, Irish Meadow, because it was inspired by the 
beautiful lush landscapes of Ireland.





PRODUCTS USED:

PRO Nail Systems Base Coat
Sinful Colors in - Innocent
L.A.Colors Art Deco in - White
Small Green Hexagon Glitter
Clear Round Rhinestones
Sally's Beauty Secret Top Coat

Be sure to check out the full tutorial at my 
YouTube channel,