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.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Teal

I love this polish.  It's one of my go to's when ever I don't have much time to do my nails.  It's a one coater and glides on.  The formula is perfect.  I should have bought a back up when I could, but it's no longer available.  I can't think of any exact dupes, but OPI Ski Teal We Drop is close.

This is one coat (with top coat).

Color Club Ruby Slippers

Okay so you can't go though the holidays without wearing at least one red glitter.  China Glaze Ruby Pumps usually gets all the love so I dug through my stash and found Color Club's Ruby Slippers.  Like Ruby Pumps it has a red base with red glitter, but the red is a bit brighter and is packed with even more glitter.  I love it!

It applied great.  It wasn't too thick and was easily controlled.  It is however a top coat eater so be prepared to bust out Gelous before your final top coat.

This is 2 coats.

Illamasqua Radium

I was digging through my stash today and couldn't figure out what I wanted to wear.  (That's probably because of the massive amounts of untrieds I have.  I mean its ridiculous.)  So instead of my usual ritual of paint each finger a different color  and seeing which one fit my mood best, I closed my eyes and picked one.  Out came Illamasqua Radium!

Radium is from Illamasqua's Spring 2011 collection.  It's a bright pea green that has a bit more brown in it and subtle green shimmer that shows up in bright light.  It wouldn't say it's the most unique shade, but I love it on.

I have no complaints about the formula on this one.  It applies nicely.

This is 3 coats but could have gotten away with 2 if I was more careful.