Christmas Tree Mani

If you've followed my blog for a bit, you'll notice that I never do much nail art.  Mostly because I'm lazy and I'm not much of an artist,  but I've seen this tape Christmas tree several places and I decided to try.  This was definitely quick and easy, even for someone like me, and it looks so festive!  For the gold background I used China Glaze Midnight Kiss (a gold foil from the 2010 holiday collection), for the glitter I used China Glaze Party Hearty (multi sized red, green glitter and smaller gold glitter), and for the tree I used China Glaze Emerald Sparkle (the most perfect green glitter in a green base).  I also put a little rhinestone for the tree topper.

OPI Just Spotted the Lizard

If holos are for sunny days, then duochromes were made for overcast days.  I can't be the only one who's noticed how great they look on those kinds of days.  Anyways, LA was having great weather and now it's cold again (read 58 degrees Fahrenheit or 14 Celsius) and the clouds are out in full force, so duochrome it is.

I picked out OPI Just Spotted the Lizard from their 2012 Spiderman collection.  It's a pretty gold that shifts green, and turquoise.  For some reason, I have about 3 other polishes that look just like this.  What is wrong with me?

Formula was nice, and no layering over black required.

This is 2 coats over Aqua Base.

Artificial Light:

Outside:

Zoya Naturel Collection Swatches and Review

*Press Sample

Today I have some swatches of the new Zoya Naturel.  It consists of 6 polishes and as the name suggests, focuses on a neutral color pallet.

First up is Chantal.  Described as a french vanilla cream, Chantal is the lightest of the bunch.  A lovely nude with some peach undertones.  This is 3 coats.

Next is Taylor.  This one is described as a light toffee cream.  It's a bit darker and more brown than Chantal.  This is 2 coats.

Chantal/Taylor comparison:

Next is Rue and is described as a boudoir blush cream.  I really loved this one.  This is 2 coats.

Now things are starting to move into mauve territory with Bridgette.  It's described as bombshell mauve.  I don't think I have any mauves in my collection that I can think of off the top of my head.  I kinda like it.  It's not bad, but still not my favorite polish color.  This is 2 coats.

Zoya calls Odette a sultry maroon cream.  This is 2 coats.

Last but not least is Normani, a sable mauve cream.  It's one of those taupes that lean a bit purple that have been really popular.  Very pretty, but not the most unique.  This is 2 coats.

******

Overall this is a very nice collection of neutrals.  Perfect as a palette cleanser or for times when a more conservative polish choice is necessary.  The formula on these were good with the exception of Chantal.  It wasn't terrible, but it was the only one that needed 3 coats and required a little more effort to apply.  My favorites in the collection are Rue and Chantal.

The Naturel Collection is now available on the Zoya website with each polish retailing for $9.00 ea (US).

Will you be buying any of these?  Which ones?

*These products were sent for review from Zoya.  For more information please see my disclosure.

Girly Bits Into the Night

I bought Into the Night around a year ago.  As you can see this is one of the older bottles with the crystal on the bottle.  Into the Night has lots of holo glitter in a black jelly base.  Now I'm thinking this was just a batch problem, but there were tiny little pieces of black pigment that hadn't quite mixed in all the way (I noticed this when I first bought the polish) and no matter how hard I shook, it still didn't want to mix in.  On the first coat the little chunks would make streaks, but the subsequent coats covered it up.  The first coat is also really sheer, but it builds up nicely.  Like a lot of glitters it was a little on the thick side, but nothing unmanageable.  I also needed two layers of top coat to make it smooth.

This is 3 coats.