Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Yep, I have been YEARNING for Essie "Starry Starry Night" and I got my hands on it....but it's called Llarowe "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and it is AMAZING!

Colors by Llarowe "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
2 coats, with top coat

Yes, it's amazing!

It is a royal navy jelly with intense silver glitter. I love, love , love this polish. It is everything I have imagined and I wish I bought two bottles instead of one. :)

Applied perfectly in 2 coats, and dried to a smooth shine, however top coat is "a must" if you want this fabulous manicure to last.

Now that I have this polish, my longest nail polish lemming has been CURED!  Thanks Llarowe :)

If you want a bottle, get your HERE, at Llarowe.

Keep It Sweet!

Orly: Black and Silver Pixal Manicure

Today I have a super easy manicure to share, I decided I wanted a little glitz and I did not have any time to do nail art, so I simply applied the Orly Pixal colors in "Silver Pixal" and "Black Pixal" and one coat of top coat.

Orly "Silver Pixal" and Orly "Black Pixal".

 

Super easy to apply, and in two coats I was done.  You are not supposed to apply top coats with this type of polish, but I like applying it for several reasons.

1. It really makes the glitter in the textured polish SHINE!
2. It seals in the texture so it is not easily dulled by everyday wear and tear.
3. Adding one layer of fast drying top coat speeds up the drying time, and helps with extended wear.

If you don't want your textured polish to be on the "shiny side", you can always add a coat of matte top coat instead of a regular top coat, thus preserving the matte texture and still giving it the added protection of a top coat. :)

I love these two colors, however I wish the "Black Pixal" had a deeper black base, thus making the silver glitter really stand out, almost like stars against a night sky.

I had great wear with these, four days and I was taken care of.  Plus, I had a nail that was "mid-break" and I was trying to prolong having to cut it, because the break was so low. This textured manicure really protected the glued edge and I was able to go about my week "snag free". :)

Keep It Sweet!

Nicole by OPI unveils a new line of nail care products!

I'm back!

Yes, I took an extended "vacay" after my Indian travels, to refresh and regroup myself. I'm back and ready to blog, LOL!

What better way to rehab my nails, than to re-hydrate, refresh and protect them with new products by Nicole by OPI!

NOPI has released a new cuticle pen, 3 in 1 base coat, quick dry top coat and a matte top coat.  So I decided to try out the first three products on my most recent manicure.

I started out with the base coat, then applied 2 coats of my color and then topped it with the quick dry top coat.  For the entire week, I ditched my usual cuticle oils and pens and used their pen exclusively.

The results after 4 days...


Wearing Zoya "Belinda" and on the pinkie Ruby Wing "Festival"

Not bad!  4 days, minor tip wear, and no major chips!  The base coat was super easy to apply, and dried quickly, the top coat applied in record time, very close in time to my go-to "Seche Vite".  The top coat was thinner than Seche Vite and did not dry to the "high shine" that SV delivers, but it wasn't bad at all.

The cuticle pen was amazing, and smells like sweet fruits, watermelon, berries, very candy-licious!  It has a brush head and glides on very easily. To apply all you have to do is squeeze the tube and brush it on.  The pen is leak proof too, so you can safely drop it in your purse with no worries. :)

I am a huge fan of cuticle pens, and this one went immediately into my purse. Which is why there are no pictures of it, LOL...sorry :(

Overall, even-though I love the base products I use, I really like the base coat and the cuticle pen the best. I need to try the matte top coat next.

You can find these in your local drugstore or big-box store, and all the products retail for $7-$10 dollars.

Keep It Sweet!

*Products provided for review. 

OPI Partners with Music and Fashion Icon, Gwen Stefani

OPI Partners with Music and Fashion Icon

Gwen Stefani to Launch Limited Edition Nail Lacquers, Featuring Breakthrough Finishes

  

                 OPI joins celebrity partner Gwen Stefani in announcing seven new limited edition nail lacquers for 2014, featuring standout color in breakthrough finishes. Highlights from the collection include a bold red lacquer that pays homage to Gwen’s signature lipstick, a new semi-matte satin finish in shades of gold and black, and a mirrored chrome paired with a special base coat.

Inspired by the 2013 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala that featured the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” OPI Executive VP and Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann decided to create a collection of lacquer celebrating the role of music as a major influence in fashion. “With her expertise as a singer, songwriter and designer, who better to collaborate with than Gwen Stefani?” asks Weiss-Fischmann. “Known for her trademark red lips, bold eye makeup and nail art, Gwen uses beauty to accessorize her style.”

Gwen’s signature red OPI hue – Over & Over A-Gwen – is available in a boxed set, which includes Swarovski black crystals and silver, gold and pewter studs in bar, square, diamond and circle shapes for creating unique nail designs, as well as nail glue for easy application.Love.Angel.Music.Baby. and 4 in the Morning feature a new, semi-matte satin finish designed to be worn without top coat. Push and Shove, a bold chrome hue, is also worn without top coat but requires a special complimentary base coat – Lay Down that Base. One thin coat of Lay Down that Basetopped with two thin coats of Push and Shove yields an intense, mirrored finish. The collection is rounded out with two glossy crème lacquers and one sparkly glitter shade: Hey Baby, I Sing in Color, and In True Stefani Fashion.

“OPI wanted to create a collection as dramatic, diverse and glamorous as its namesake,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “With crème and glitter hues, new satin matte texture, a mirrored chrome and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Gwen Stefani by OPI presents the latest in pigments and finishes, while combining elements of haute couture and street fashion.”

                Gwen Stefani by OPI includes the following seven limited edition nail lacquers: Hey Baby, I Sing in Color,Love.Angel.Music.Baby., 4 in the Morning, In True Stefani Fashion, Push and Shove* and Over & Over A-Gwen**.

Gwen Stefani by OPI nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This promotion will be available beginning January 2014 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for  $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer. The boxed set including Over & Over A-Gwen and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS will retail for $14.95 ($18.95 CAN).

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become aFacebook fan!

*Must be worn with Lay Down that Base, which is complimentary when purchasing Push and Shove

**Sold only in a boxed set including SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

ABOUT OPI

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names,OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.

ABOUT GWEN STEFANI

A singer since childhood, Gwen has fronted the band No Doubt for the past 22 years.  During this time she has achieved worldwide success as a performer, songwriter and recording artist selling almost 50 million albums worldwide. No Doubt’s five genre-blending albums have showcased her adept songwriting and poignant lyrics with number one hits like "Don't Speak", "Just A Girl", and "Hey Baby" along with many others. 

After the double-platinum retrospective Singles Collection, featuring the hit "It's My Life," Gwen released two highly successful solo albums. Love.Angel.Music.Baby was released in 2004 and The Sweet Escape was released in 2006.  In 2009, after a nearly five-year hiatus, No Doubt completed a 50-plus city North American tour performing for more than 750,000 fans that summer. The following year they were invited to perform for President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Sir Paul McCartney and others as part of the annual Kennedy Center Honors. In 2012, No Doubt released their sixth studio album “Push And Shove” which debuted #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The band is currently writing and recording new music to be released this year.

In addition to her singer-songwriter career Gwen’s original sense of style and lifelong passion for creating her own clothing designs culminated in the launch of her fashion label L.A.M.B. (Love, Angel, Music, Baby) in 2003.  Gwen is widely recognized as a trendsetter and accomplished designer within the fashion industry L.A.M.B is a luxurious collection of clothing, handbags, shoes and fragrance, based on Stefani's personal style and aesthetic.  In 2005, Gwen launched her highly successful second brand Harajuku Lovers.  Harajuku Lovers is a playful line of apparel, bags, shoes, fragrance, stationary and electronics that reflects Gwen’s love of Japanese culture and Pop Art.  L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers are sold in over 2500 retail doors worldwide. In 2011, Gwen launched Harajuku Mini exclusively for Target in all 1700+ doors.  Harajuku Mini is a designer children’s brand that includes shoes, bags, accessories, swimwear, and home.

In 2011, Gwen became actively involved in the relief and recovery effort in Japan.  In addition to donating $1,000,000 to Save The Children’s Japan Earthquake-Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund, Gwen created a charity auction and limited edition T-shirt with 100% of proceeds benefiting the relief effort.

*Info sent by PR

New Nail Polish Collection for Spring 2014: Zoya Awaken

Just as Spring emerges from a natural Winter slumber, Zoya Awakens to a fresh season of BIG5FREE* color...

Open your mind to the beauty of color discovery; the new, the unexplored, the excitement! Awaken by Zoya.

Six new, full-coverage, dew-drenched creams and gold-kissed metallic nail polish colors for Spring 2014. Full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that will take you far beyond the hazy, barely there hues of seasons past into a new world of chromatic joy.

ZOYA AWAKEN - 2014 SPRING

• ZP723 - Dillon: Green Mint Shimmer Metallic Full Coverage Formula.
• ZP724 - Rebel: Blue Sky Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula.
• ZP722 - Hudson: Purple Orchid Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula (Yes, it's a Radiant Orchid!)
• ZP720 - Dot: Pink Petal Cream, Full Coverage Formula
  (originally created for fashion designer Zang Toi’s SS14 collection).
• ZP721 - Cole: Peach Whisper Cream, Full Coverage Formula
  (originally created for fashion designer Peter Som’s SS14 collection).
• ZP725 - Brooklyn: White-Gold Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula.  $9.00 ea. (US)

PLUS, A SPECIAL EDITION TOPPER

Create a nail color masterpiece. The multi-colored, holographic flakes of Zoya Monet lend an impressionistic color change option to existing color palettes. Never boring, this artistic topper can be applied as an accent or used as an overall color changer.

• ZP726 - Monet: Multi-Color, Cellophane Holographic Topper. $10.00 ea. (US)

*BIG5FREE: Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment Formulas are free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor.
Find over 300 long-wearing, beautiful Zoya colors on www.zoya.com. Each and every color has a name as unique as the women who inspired it.

ZOYA IS THE COLOR OF FASHION!Available on Zoya.com

*Info sent by PR

KBShimmer: The Misfits Collection "White Noise"

Hi All! I'm slowly getting back int my "blogging" groove so bare with me as a get back on track with my post.

Here is a color from KBShimmer's Misfit Sale, from earlier this year, "White Noise".  After wearing colors on my tips, I wanted something clean and bright to show off my extra long nails. I think these are the longest they have ever been this year, thanks to Duri "Rejuvacote"... that stuff is magic!

KBShimmer "White Noise"
2 coats, with two coats of top coat

LOVE!

KBShimmer "White Noises" is a white crelly with metallic multi-colored glitter.  I like this because the glitter is colorful, but light and fresh... almost "airy".  I consistently have good application with KBShimmer colors, her formula is very easy to work with.

This applied very well, no issues, it went on mike a dream and stayed on! Unfortunately you can not purchase this color anymore, but I'm sure there are a few bottles floating around on some FB nail polish sale pages :)

Keep It Sweet!

Pretty pink holo for the holidays, Jindie Nails "Just Claws"

Jindie Nail "Just Claws" was formerly "Mrs. Claws"; from their 2012 Santa Claws Collection.

Yep, I'm wearing a pink polish, LOL!

Jindie Nails
Just Claws
2 coats, with top coat

"Just Claws" is a medium berry pink holographic polish. Went on perfectly in 2 coats, no dragging, no bald spots, just 2 layers of holographic perfection!  :) I am not a "pink fan", but I do like medium, dark and neon pinks.  I know that sounds like almost all pinks, but I still turn my nose up at most of them, LOL...what can I say...I'm a blue girl!

The holographic pigment in this is both linear and scattered.  I prefer scattered holographics since they sparkle in all light, where linears tend to shine only in natural lighting. But honestly, if it is a holographic I WANT IT..ALL OF THEM...don't judge! :)

I wore this for 3 days, no chips.  This polish was gorgeous on the hands, and it made me feel like a pretty pretty princess, LOL!

You can grab this beauty at Jindie Nails, HERE.

Announcing the PANTONE Color of the Year 2014!

Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2014: PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid Expressive, exotic Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and warmth CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 5, 2013 – Pantone, an X-Rite company and the global authority, today announced PANTONE® 18-3224 Radiant Orchid, a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple, as the color of the year for 2014. “While the 2013 color of the year, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.” “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” Radiant Orchid for Fashion Radiant Orchid’s rosy undertones radiate on the skin, producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. A dazzling attention-getter, Radiant Orchid permeated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and is already making its way onto the red carpet. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2014, including Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan, Juicy Couture and Yoana Baraschi, are incorporating Radiant Orchid into their spring collections and variations of this hue will carry into men’s and women’s clothing and accessories throughout next year. Radiant Orchid for Beauty A modern and surprisingly versatile shade, Radiant Orchid enlivens the skin, making all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Blending both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing hue for distinctive combinations and flattering to many hair, eye and skin tones. This multifaceted hue is seductive when combined with red and pairs well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink, which provides an assortment of lipstick and blush options. Radiant Orchid’s exuberance also acts as a brilliant finishing touch to nails. Radiant Orchid for Interiors Spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows. Likewise, the vibrant color is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergizes almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces. About the PANTONE Color of the Year The color of the year selection requires careful consideration and, to arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention. For more than a decade, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past colors include: PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013) PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012) PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011) PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010) PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009) PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008) PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007) PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006) PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005) PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004) PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003) PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002) PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001) PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000) About Pantone and the Pantone Color Institute Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. Pantone products have encouraged colorful exploration and expressions of creativity from inspiration to implementation for more than 50 years. Through the Pantone Color Institute, Pantone continues to chart future color direction and study how color influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions. Pantone furthers its commitment to providing professionals with a greater understanding of color and to help them utilize color more effectively. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest and Instagram and the Pantone Blog.

*Info sent by PR.

SINFULCOLORS: Crystal Crushes and Leather Luxe: Swatches and Review

I'm BACK! Yep, I'm back from my trip to India and I have fully recovered from my "jet lag".  The 12.5 hour difference was a "doozie", LOL!

Here are FOUR new colors from SINFULCOLORS.

Two from the "Leather Luxe" collection and two from the "Crystal Crush" collection. SINFULCOLORS can be found at

First Up...

Sinful "Cold Leather"
2 coats, no top coat

"Cold Leather" is a matte blue polish, that is best with no top coat.  It was a bit difficult to apply the first coat, but the second coat was much better, however when you apply the second coat, you must use a gentle touch..don't be heavy handed.

Sinful "Leather Loose"
2 coats, no top coat

"Leather Loose" is a gorgeous dark brown matte with shimmer.  This is okay as a matte, but when top coat is added...

WOWZA! Yep, this is an amazing color! It is the kind of shimmer and glitter that shines from within....Amazing!  This applied well , better than the previous color. Two coats is what is needed to get an opaque smooth coat.

Sinful "Emerald Green"
2 coats, no top coat

"Emerald Envy" is a textured green shimmer.  This color is bright and very pretty.  Applied well in two coats, no issues.

Sinful "Face the Facets"
2 coats, no top coat

"Face the Facets" is a lemon yellow textured shimmer. It is described as "banana bling", LOL!  I really like how bright and fresh this yellow is.  This applied with no issue sin two coats. Because it was thick, it did take longer to dry, without a fast dry top coat. Next time I'll use 1 thin coat of a fast dry top coat to speed up the process.

Overall I love the Leather Luxe colors with the shimmer, very pretty.  my favorites are "Leather Loose" and "Emerald Envy" from the Crystal Crush Collection.

All these colors can be found at your local Walgreens, and make sure you stay up to date with all the newest Sinful Colors, by checking out the website.

*Product sent by PR for review