Sally Hansen - Lightening (Insta-Dri)

We have a few more weeks until summertime is officially over (09/22/12), so I'm posting a polish I wore back in May when my nails were a bit longer and Summer was in full bloom.  Now, from the archives we have Sally Hansen's Lightening and it truly is lightening in a bottle!

Color Description: Lightening is a bright lemon yellow, not to be worn by the faint of heart.  And not really for those who care what people think about their nails.  It's a daring, bright, artsy color for the willing and able - lol.

Similar To: Nothing else I own is the same but Lightening has been compared to Chanel Mimosa (color not finish) and Revlon Electric by the wonderful blogger Fab Fatale (check her out!).

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of Ligtening and one coat of Shine & Hold.

Price Point/Availability: Of late, I've seen this online for as little as $3, however, I purchased mine a while ago at Big Lots and generally when cosmetics go to Big Lots or discount stores they've been discontinued.  But, by all means, check your local drugstore for the Insta Dri's, you may just find it there.

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed wearing it.  Have a great day!

OPI - Don't Talk Bach to Me

Don't you just love the title of this lacquer? Some lacquer names I could care less about, others will prevent me from purchasing a lacquer altogether, and some I must own due to the great name.  Well, with this lovely shade, I fell in love with the color long before I knew the name.

Don't Talk Bach to Me (DTBtM) hails from OPI's Germany Collection for Fall/Winter 2012. This collection is described as "edgy elegance" and is said to include "rich colors and striking textures for fall". I would describe it as redundant, with the exception of two shades, the namesake of this post, and Schnapps Out of It!  The other colors I've seen before and could not justify purchasing.

Color Description:  OPI describes DTBtM as a sassy lime-yellow.  It's sassy because there's a secret silver shimmer going on that makes this lacquer extra shiny.  I love this color because on me it turns into a lovely neutral that can be worn with anything.

Similar To: Okay, so I pulled out American Apparel's MacArthur Park and at first glance, in the bottles they look very similar but the AA is darker albeit in the same family.  It has also been compared to Fiercely Fiona in OPI's Shrek Collection (not even close) or China Glaze's Trendsetter which is closer but not nearly enough to call it a dupe.

This Look: One coat of Growing Nails Orderless Garlic base coat, two coats of DTBtM and one coat of my all-time favorite Shine & Hold topcoat.

Velusa: yellow green/gold -
Wallpaper from the 70s

Price Point/Availability: Germany by OPI became available August 8, 2012 and can be purchased at Professional Salons near you including JCPenney and ULTA; retails for $8.50.

70's Vinyl Sofa

Don't Talk Bach to Me is the kind of color that you just forget you have on all together until someone pays you a compliment - which will happen, a lot. This yellow leaning, green reminds me of a throwback to the 70's upholstery fabric or wall coverings.  Just gorgeous!

OPI - My Boyfriend Scales Walls

Has it really been over three months? The answer is yes! What have I been doing? 

Well, I've been job-hunting, double-dutching, roller skating, watching my weight and just living life.  My nails as you can see are now nubbins but I still like them.

I must tell you, though, I have missed blogging and thought I'd try one of my many untrieds from OPI's Summer 2012 selection. Now on with my Q&D review...

Color Description - The pale gray-blue (almost white) My Boyfriend Scales Walls (MBSW) from The Amazing Spiderman Collection is crisp and fresh. I think this will look great on most complexions!

Similar To - MBSW has been compared to OPI's Alpine White. Not close, in my opinion, and is pretty stand-alone.

Price Point/Availability - This collection became available May 2012 and was limited edition.  You should still be able to find it at your local salon/store.  Retails for $8.50 + tax.

Thank You! - Thanks so much for hanging out and hanging around! I am so humbled to have you all still here and will see you in the very near future...

Essie - Bazooka

Right in line with Pantone's Color of the Year for 2012, Essie Bazooka is bright and bold and, interestingly enough, very wearable when compared with other neons.  Bazooka hails from Essie's 2012 Poppy Razzi collection, as did, Action (my previous post).


Color Description: Bazooka is a bright orange translucent creme lacquer bordering on a jelly finish.  Again, it is not outlandish and can be very wearable in a fun setting.


Similar To: Bazooka reminds, in some ways of, Sinful Colors Big Daddy.  However, Big Daddy has a bit more red in it.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of Bazooka, and one coat of Sally Hansen's Mega Shine.


Price Point/Availability: Available now in your local drugstores and salons for a suggested retail price of $8.00.

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonliebigstuff/)

When trying to figure out where its name came from, I came across Bazooka bubble gum in the flavor Juicy Orange and the nail polish is the same color as the package.  Coincidence? Probably, but coincidences intrigue me.  This bubble gum was popular in the 80's and 90's. I remember Bazooka but not the Juicy Orange flavored kind.


So what do you think?  Would you wear this color?  Or, better yet, have you ever eaten Orange Juice flavored Bazooka bubble gum?

Essie - Action

Today we have Essie Action from their neon collection - Poppy Razzi, which makes me want to go to the grocery store and pick up a nice big box of Creamsicles!  Very reminiscent of  a hot summer day waiting for the ice cream truck to come my way...

Color Description: Described by Essie as a vivid and wild tangerine, Action is definitely in the citrus family.  As you can see from the picture, it's light and creamy in the bottle but a bit darker and translucent on the nail.

Similar To:  Essie says, Action isn't "your 80's neon" because it has a "new generation of fluorescent pigments" so it's unique to others that may seem similar including L.A. Colors Color Craze in Shock (see Nightly Nails swatch of Shock here) which I thought was an exact dupe - no-go!  Shock is definitely more yellow than orange.

This Look:  One coat of OPI Acrylic Nail base coat, three coats of Action (and I still have VNL - yikes!) and one coat of Nutra Nail Ultra Shine topcoat. (Side Note: I've switched up my base and topcoat. I do this occasionally when swatching and don't plan to wear a lacquer very long).

Price Point/Availability:  The Poppy Razzi collection is popping up at my local CVS and Salon locations.  You may also be able to find this at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Retail price is $8.00.

Well, what do you thing of Essie's fluorescent offering? While it is a fun color that conjures up memories of my childhood, I think the formula could have been better (i.e. somewhat difficult application). 


It looks like they're trying out a new formula that needs a few wrinkles ironed out.  Good thing I was given this lacquer to try by a friend.  We'll see if the next one is any better - I will be reviewing Essie Bazooka next...

OPI - I Vant To Be A-Lone Star

I'm attending a wedding tomorrow and will be wearing a yellow/gray floral dress and this color was calling my name. I Vant To Be A-Lone Star is from OPI Texas Collection (Spring/Summer 2011). 


After doing a little sleuthing, it appears that the name of this lacquer comes from a famous Greta Garbo quote from the movie The Grand Hotel. 


Wikipedia states that Garbo saying, "I want to be alone..." became so popular that "in 2005 it was voted the 30th most memorable movie quote of all time." I guess there is something to these collection names, after all.


Description: Isn't she lovely? On my skin tone this shows up as a creamy gray frost (EDIT: definitely a pearl finish not frost) with blue undertones but OPI describes it as a starry-silvery blue.  Whatever the case may be it will look good on anyone!

Similar To: China Glaze Sea Spray is almost a dupe for this out of my collection. It is also said to be very similar in hue to Essie Sag Harbor.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of I Vant To Be A-Lone Star, and one coat of Shine & Hold topcoat.


Price Point/Availability: You can still find this lacquer at some salons and online retailer for up to $8.50.


Have a great weekend everyone!

Kleancolor - Funky Yellow

Whoooo! Can you say bright? Well, today is a rather cold and dreary Tuesday here in Southern California, so I decided to brighten things up a bit with this bold lacquer from Kleancolor - Funky Yellow.  


I should also mention that I'm housebound (without wheels) today so this is the perfect color to wear inside - p.s. I don't think I'll be sporting this look for the public, but you can be sure that bold and daring celebrities rock this color all the time; everyone from Seal to Rihanna have been spotted with this look.


Color Description:  Neon (aka highlighter) yellow creme.


Similar To:  There are many colors like this on the market but this one is by far the least expensive.  Perfect for a lacquer that more than likely won't be worn much.


This Look:  One coat of Instant Artificials, three coats of Funky Yellow and one coat of Shine and Hold.  Note: Two coats were totally opaque but had balding in certain spots, thus the third coat.


Price Point/Availability:  If you can find these in a local beauty supply, that's your best bet; I've seen them for as low as $1.00. They are also available at Kleancolor's website for $3.49 (+ an $8 shipping charge - yikes!).


Would you wear this color or is it too avant garde?  Have a great evening and take care of yourselves. :)

Revlon - Cherries In The Snow

Revlon Cherries In The Snow has been a cult classic since the 50's and is still going strong!  I had a special assembly to attend on Sunday and this was my lacquer of choice.  Vivid and elegant and just perfect for the occasion.


Color Description: Photographing here as a classic red creme, Cherries In The Snow is anything but.  Yes, in certain lighting it definitely is what you see on the screen but in the bottle and at first glance, it's a blue-based dark red bordering on fuchsia. 


Similar To: This the same color as my previous post, OPI Do You Think I'm Tex-y!  The major difference is the finish with OPI being a jelly/sorbet (needing about 3 coats) and Revlon ending up a nice one-coat creme.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats (because I wanted two not because I needed two) of Cherries In The Snow and one coat of Shine & Hold topcoat.

Click to expand and read for a good giggle!

Price Point/Availability: As mentioned earlier, this lacquer's been around since the 50's and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere.  You can find this wherever Revlon is sold retailing at $4 -$5/ea.


If you choose to pick up this beauty you will not be disappointed and thanks for stopping by!

Pink Wednesday: Cheri - Spring Mauve

,

I wore Spring Mauve for a week and just took it off!  What a lovely off-brand lacquer I've stumbled upon. 


Color Description: Spring Mauve is a lovely lavender based hot pink with a secret shimmer to die for.  The secret shimmer is what pull lavender and makes this lacquer extra shiny.


Similar To: What came to mind first was Wet N Wild's How I Met Your Magenta but they're totally different in the bottle.  So, I don't have anything to compare Spring Mauve to, really.


This Look: One coat of Instant Artificials, two coats of Spring Mauve and one coat of Sally Hansen's Mega Shine.


Price Point: I believe this color is discontinued but the Cheri brand is sold online for $2.00/ea.  What a bargain!  I truly believe that with a great base and top coat any lacquer can be a lasting beauty...


I sincerely hope you liked this look as much as I did!  It's taking me longer and longer to change my polish lately because I'm in love with the spring colors.  Hope to have a few more looks for you this month and again enjoy you Spring to the fullest.


p.s.  I'm actually looking for an opaque lipstick in this color - any ideas let me know (lol)... 

Pink Wednesday: L.A. Girl - Matte Pink

It's been a week since Spring's arrival and it's about time to start wearing your brights - wouldn't you say!  So I have for you today, L.A. Girl's Matte Pink...


Color Description: Matte Pink is a neon hot pink creme that definitely needs a topcoat over it to make it come alive.  These pictures aren't really showing the neon quality but believe me, it's there.


Similar To: Misa's Sandals, Flip Flops and Hip Hop is a bit brighter than Matte Pink and  it's not a matte but it's the closest thing in my collection.  Both are nice!


This Look: Two coats of Instant Artificials, two coats of Matte Pink and one coat of Sally Hansen Mega Shine.


Price Point/Availability: L.A. Girl Matte Raspberry retails for $4.00 and can be found online at http://www.lagirlusa.com/ or in your local beauty supply store.


Well, thank you all for being here and I sincerely hope your Spring is off to a great start!

L.A. Girl - Matte Raspberry (03/06/2012)

L.A. Girl Matte Raspberry is an awesome long-wearing lacquer that needs no clear coat to make it stand out! I've worn this for close to a week with little tip wear, no chips and no color fading.  Now on to the color description.

Color Description: Raspberry is not only a great color name but it's also a great color description. Matte Raspberry is a blue-based magenta matte creme lacquer that brightens up with a topcoat (though not necessary).

Similar To: After a few bottle comparisons and swatches Matte Raspberry is most similar in color to the new WnW Megalast Through The Grapevine, especially when a topcoat is added.

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials with two coats of Matte Raspberry (if you're in a hurry, one coat will suffice).  Then after a week of wear I added a coat of Shine & Hold.

Matte nail polishes are not shown much but definitely should not be overlooked.  Edgy, yet classic colors are the way to go.  Check these out when you get a chance.  Do you own any matte lacquers?

Price Point/Availability: L.A. Girl Matte Raspberry retails for $4.00 and can be found online at http://www.lagirlusa.com/ or in your local beauty supply store.

COMP-POST: Essie Navigate Her vs. CQ Mint Green - Part Two

Navigate Her (2 coats) ~ Mint Green (3 coats)

Well, the verdict is in and as you can see, there's no dupe here.  I would even say that if you like one, you may not like the other - that's how different they look on the hand.


The picture to the left is showing, on alternating fingers,  Essie Navigate Her (index and middle) and CQ Mint Green (middle and pinky).


Color Description: Navigate Her is a warm-tone creme that has yellow undertones and I would definitely describe it as a pistachio or celery green, whereas, Mint Green is cool-toned with more of a pastel green and is a bit lighter and airier, which I prefer.  Personally, I think Mint Green is prettier.


Application: Navigate Her was almost opaque in one coat with the application being easy and pretty much flawless with little effort.  Even though I prefer the look of Mint Green, it was thin and watery and a challenge to apply.  The question is which one did I choose to wear out the door?


This Look: As you can see in the picture to the right, I chose to wear Essie's Navigate Her for the ease of application with two coats, and one coat of Nutra Nail Ultra Shine topcoat.


Price Point/Availability: I found both Navigate Her and Mint Green at Rite Aid for $2.99 and $8.00, respectively. If only CQ's application was as good as the price we would have a winner!  But as it is, it's just gonna take a little more time and forethought before applying.


Hope you enjoyed this comparison post and that it will help you in your selection process. :)

COMP-POST: Essie Navigate Her vs. CQ Mint Green - Part One

Okay, so I've searched high and low for something remotely close to Essie's Navigate Her ($8.29) and I think I found it - CQ Mint Green ($2.99).


I know they're not identical twins but they are definitely more than fraternal twins.  So here's the bottle pic but I will have actual swatches up shortly.

The Essie has a bit more of a yellow undertone but I would describe them both as a celery green creme.

Can't wait to see what this looks like on my nails.  Exciting stuff, but I must admit that I'm easily pleased.  See you soon!

Revlon - Royal (02/18/2012)

Royal needed its own post even though it was used as a layering lacquer!  
Not much detail will be given on this one, other than, this can be picked up at your local drugstore.  Happy Hunting...

Wet n Wild - On A Trip (02/10/2012)

w/ Cloudy Setting (most accurate)

Run, don't walk to your nearest Walgreens and pick up Wet N Wild's new MegaLast Salon Nail Color in On A Trip!  I found this today and just had to put it on my hands, especially after I looked in my melmers and finding that I have no similar color in my collection.  However, I will still do the "Similar To" section and let you know what I thought it would be close to - NOT!!!


Color Description: Periwinkle creme! That's it and that's all... It definitely photographs blue so in order to get the truest color I had to set my camera to cloudy and wahlah a nice rendition of what On A Trip really looks like on my hands.  I ♥ IT...


Similar To: This is what I imagined China Glaze's Secret Periwinkle to look like on the nail.  I've only seen in real life once and watched while one of my nail polish buddies snagged it telling me how sought after it was.  Well for all you CG SP lovers, give this one a spin.  I also thought it would be close to Zoya Mira or American Apparel African Violet but these are darker with less blue-tones.

w/ Auto Balance

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificals, two coats of On A Trip, and one coat of Shine & Hold.


Application: I thought I'd add this since the brush is huge!  About the same size if not larger than the Sally Hansen Salon Manicure brushes which can be a bit unwieldy.  But it wasn't a real issue and the formula is very creamy and thick; bald with one coat and opaque in two.


Price Point/Availability:  I've only seen this collection at Rite Aid and Walgreens.  Walgreens is having a sale right now for B2GOF and at only $1.99/ea. you'll be getting 3/$3.98.  Nice deal!


Hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!  Please let me know if you've picked it up and your thoughts. :)

Ulta Salon Formula - Limelight (01/24/2012)

Light Box w/ OTT (daylight) lighting

Good Afternoon All!  Today my nails are inspired by the lovely blogger, Wig Wam, who so nicely named me in her favorite 15 Versatile Bloggers!  Please click on the green award to the right to check out her post and the others that she's selected.  


I am so happy to get this because I don't do a lot of designs and never do konading (which some would consider versatile), but what I do ♥ to concentrate on is beautiful color - vivid, saturated, intense, soft, mysterious, you name it color's the name of the game for me.  That's how I keep things ever changing...


So I thought I'd do a beautiful green that is similar in hue to the Versatile Blogger Award which brings us to Ulta's Limelight's review:


Color Description: Limelight is more of a fresh leaf green which would be great for the Spring. It's a unique color that's not shocking in any way.

Incandescent Lighting

Similar To:  This color has been compared as a dupe to OPI's Green-wich Village by Noelie (click to see post here). Very close indeed!  Other than that not sure what else to compare it to.


This Look: Two coats of OPI Acrylic Nail Base Coat (I have it so I said I might as well us it!), three coats of Limelight and one coat of Shine & Hold.


Price Point/Availability:  I purchased this a year or so ago at Ulta and since then they've changed the packaging but the price still retails for about $5 and they're always running a bogo of some sort (i.e. buy 2 get 2 free, etc.).


So now I'm off to compile my list of 15 ladies for this award...  The versatile blogger post will be coming soon!

Pink Wednesday: Miss Marion - Neapolitan

Can you say yummy?  Who doesn't like Neapolitan ice cream?  Strawberry, Vanilla and with a hint of Chocolate, this Miss Marion lacquer is very appropriately named.  I must say I was a bit puzzled at the name until I sat down and took a real close look at the bottle, then it all came together like two scoops and a spoon - lol!!!


Color Description:  A creamy, dusty pink with brown undertones, Neapolitan is definitely a neutral to be reckoned with.  It applies sheer and shiny like the best jellies, which was a pleasant surprise. So I guess I would sum this one up as a dusty pink with a jelly finish.


Similar To:  I found this to be close in hue (not finish) to Sally Hansen's Infinite Natural, which I previously compared to OPI's Dulce De Leche but again Neapolitan is definitely a jelly which makes it unique.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, the coats of Neapolitan and one coat of Shine & Hold.


Price Point/Availability:  Miss Marion can be purchase directly from Miss Marion via JBK Trading for 3 for $8.95.

Boy does this bottle (and picture) bring back memories.  In the late eighties and even into the early nineties all the ladies (including myself) would request Miss Marion's Garnet to be placed on our medium to long acrylic talons.  Well, Miss Marion's is still in business and I found them to purchase a multitude of colors a few years ago and am happy that I did.  


Have you ever worn Miss Marion's lacquer?  If not, you can still find out about their history here.

Finger Paints - Asylum over Revlon Fearless (12/27/2011)

Asylum [əˈsaɪləm] n.  An institution for the shelter, treatment, or confinement of individuals, esp. a mental hospital (formerly termed lunatic asylum). - The Free Dictionary (online)


Finger Paints Asylum will have you questioning your sanity it's so beautiful and I'm also glad that Finger Paints has brought a few more unique flakie formulations to the general population.  "Hidden Treasure" (Sally Hansen) is so "2010" (Nubar) - LOL!!!


All jokes aside, what I mean is that these type of multi-colored flakies (see FingerPaints ad below) are usually a bit more pricey and available online only - this is not the case with Finger Paints.  Plus, I'm not a fan of buying polish online when I'm literally swimming in nail polish in my local area.  Now that my mini-rant is done, on to the review...

Color Description: Asylum is a mix of purple, orange and yellow flakies suspended in a clear milky base and will amplify the look of medium to dark lacquers.  It may get lost on pastels or paler colors.  My red combo is showing peeks of color for a more subtle look but to really show this line off you'll need to go much darker, if not black.


Similar To: A combination of Nfu Oh #56 & #43, but I doubt there's anything on the market right now that has these colors all mixed up like Asylum.


This Look: Two coats of Asylum over my previous mani with a coat of Shine & Hold for a nice shiny quick-dry.


Price Point/Availability: These will be available at your local Sally's Beauty Supply come January 1st, 2011.  I just asked if they had them, they did and I purchased two on sale for $4.99 (regular $5.49, I believe).  I'm hoping for these to be placed in Finger Paints core line but know today's marketing strategies, they will more than likely be "Limited Edition".


I can truly say that Asylum and Twisted are my favorite lacquers of 2011 (even though they're not to be officially released until 2012).

Revlon - Fearless (12/24/2011)

I spotted this new Revlon at CVS this weekend and fell in absolute love all over again.  I keep falling for these colors and just convince myself when I'm in the check-out line that it's slightly different from the the four or five other brands that I have at home.  


You do have to be very careful with Revlon color choices, though, because they have been known to rename and recently repackage the same color and sell it as new.  How Tricky!


Color Description: Fearless is a gorgeous orange-red creme that can almost be jelly-like, but not quite.  It is bright, thus the name but I find it to be very wearable and this shade always garners lots of compliments.


Similar To:  Let me count the ways (cough, cough)! Let's just say that a few in my collection are similar... Click here for my orange-red collection.


This Look: One coat of Nutra Nail Touch of Color Nail Strenghtener, one coat of Instant Artificials, two coats of Revlon Fearless and one coat of Shine & Hold. Great application that gives a flawless finish.


Price Point/Availability: This lacquer is $4.99 and was found at CVS in a new freestanding display toward the front of the store.  Be careful, there's a dupe of Perplex in this collection called Naughty (do not be fooled, like me - lol).


Thanks for checking me out today!  I can't wait to try the new flakies at Sally's later on.  Picked up Asylum and Twisted - crazy names but beautiful effects. :)

Sally Hansen - Gray Area (12/16/2011)

Has it almost been a month since my last post?  Where did the time go?  Well, it's been a busy month betweem the job hunt, a wedding, a funeral and life in general - let's just say, "things have really been going on!" I have been, however, polishing my nails.  


So what have you missed?  OPI's Warm & Fozzie - I just couldn't take it off and wore it for two weeks straight! Also, really liked OPI's Designer De Better.  I will have posts of these soon.  Now on to what I'm wearing today.  Sally Hansen's Gray Area which is inspired from a handbag that I purchased recently from the Junior Drake Warehouse sale.

Junior Drake - Gia

Color Description: Is it gray? Is it purple? Is it taupe? It's a "Gray Area" is what it is.  It's very unique as far as creme lacquers go and it's very wearable.  Stays in the dark family but does not go black indoors - nice!

Similar To: This is the creme version of Chanel Paradoxal and Dare To Wear's Fortune.  A very rich looking color, indeed.

OTT Lite with Light Box

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of Gray Area and one coat of Shine & Hold.


Price Point/Availability: I'm almost certain that this is in Sally Hansen's core line and can be found at most drugstore's for no more than $2.99.


Now if you can imagine this dark gray handbag that in certain light looks like the picture below which is some sort of grayish purple - this is what the Gia bag in Shadow looks like.  


More about Junior Drake coming soon!  One of my favorite handbag designers of 2010-2011...