Mint Mesh

Konad Plate: M57 
Base Colour: Barry M - Mint Green
Konad Colour: Sally Hansen Chrome - Amber
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OPI Diva of Geneva

Good morning, Dear Reader!

I have another OPI Swiss for you today, Diva of Geneva.  This one's a purplish red shimmer that took three coats.  So far, I've only shown you the shimmers from OPI Swiss, but the collection's half cremes - I'll have to get moving on showing you some cremes soon!

I like Diva of Geneva.  It reminds me of a toned down SpaRitual Days of Wine & Roses.

OPI Diva of Geneva Nail Polish, Three Coats

Today I decided to forsake the annual wearing of SpaRitual Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - it's my mom's birthday today.  I figured she's probably too busy in heaven making God bake her a cake to notice...

That's what I have for you today, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  

♪♫ Everybody's Starry Eyed.

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM20
Base Colour: W7 - Purple Paradise
Stamp Colour: Miss Sporty - Zodiac
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♪♫ The Flowers You Gave Me Are Rotting...

... and still, I refuse to throw them away.

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM21
Base Colour: Collection 2000 Hot Looks - 17 Wow
Stamp Colour: W7 - Black
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OPI The Color to Watch

Good morning, Dear Reader!

I have another OPI Swiss nail polish for you today, The Color to Watch.  It's a kind of dusty lavender shimmer with a blue flash, and was a three coater for me.  It's an odd shade, but I like it.

OPI The Color to Watch Nail Polish, Three Coats

That's just about all I have for you today, Dear Reader.  Until tomorrow, love and nail polish to you!  

OPI Yodel Me on My Cell

Good afternoon, Dear Reader!

I got my OPI Swiss nail polished today, and I used Yodel Me on My Cell, a blue shimmer.  I also had to cut my nails off this week - I've got some computer stuff to set up, and some of the connections are dang near impossible to do with long nails, so I lopped them off.  They'll be back!

Even with the short nails, I needed three coats of Yodel Me on My Cell for it to be completely opaque.  Here it is finished with top coat.

OPI Yodel Me on My Cell Nail Polish, Three Coats

I'll have more OPI Swiss Collection to come.  Until then, love and nail polish to you!  

♪♫ Hold Me Real Close...

... clap me in irons. Come on Caligulove me.

My computer keeps warning me that a 'hard disk failure is imminent' so I may be out of action for a while. I have a new one on the way and once it's in, service will resume as normal!

Also. I'm going on a short break this weekend which is when my giveaway ends, so the winner will be announced some time next week. So if you haven't entered yet, you have until then. If my computer blows up in that time, you might have a bit longer :D!!

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM12

Base Colour: BYS - Matte Grey
Konad Colour: Collection 2000 Maxiflex - Moonlight Shine

A few more pictures of GOSH Holographic (Swatches)

Here are some better pictures of the GOSH Holographic polish I got on the weekend. Monday's post didn't really show it in all its Holographic Glory.

This time, I applied it without using a base coat, which I read to do somewhere, and it was a much easier application.

Sorry, but I couldn't get a good video on my crappy old digicam and my SLR doesn't take them.

(click the pictures to enlarge)

Before you go, don't forget to check out today's Konadicure.

♪♫ Golden Brown...

... Texture like sun.

Or rather - Gold 'N' Brown!

It's totally flipped now and I'm doing mani's to match the songs!!

Anyone got any ideas that I could do using the Bundle Monster plates that matches up with a song or some lyrics?

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM01
Base Colour: E.L.F - Smoky Brown
Stamp Colour: Sally Hansen Chrome - Amber
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♪♫ Can we pretend that...

...airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars.

Perhaps I will just use songs as titles all week!!

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM21
Base Colour: Collection 2000 - Hot Purple
Stamp Colour: Collection 2000 - Moonlight Shine
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Nails Inc Sorbet Collection: Pelham Place

Good morning, Dear Reader!

I'm finally getting back to the Nails Inc Sorbet Collection ofter being distracted by new Fall colors for a while.  Today's Nails of the Day is Nails Inc Pelham Place, a very pale pink creme.  I needed three coats of Pelham Place, which is pretty typical of a really washed out pink.

Nails Inc Sorbet Collection: Pelham Place Nail Polish, Three Coats

That's all I have for you today, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  

♪♫ Red and Orange, Yellow, GOSH and Blue

Sorry about the late post. I've had trouble with my internet connection all day but I finally got it working. Turned out to be as simple as turning the router off and on.. DUH!

This is my new GOSH Holographic. Now I know what you're thinking... Sammy, whatever happened to your budget?

I've been lemming this for a while and yesterday, my darling Mummy was nice enough to buy it for me when she saw it on my nail after I tested it in Superdrug. She is very attracted to shiny stuff and bought one for herself too.

It chips easiliy and application is a bit frustrating but once you get the hang of it it's fine. You just have to make sure the first coat is dry before the next one else you will just smudge off the coat underneath. It says 'Special Formula' on the side and you should buy a special base coat for it. This is probably why. 

The picture doesn't show how eye catching this is. I will get another one up soon and maybe a video to show you the full holo-ness.

 

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM05

Base Colour: GOSH - Holographic

Stamp Colour: W7 - Black

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However, I did spend more money on some Collection 2000 polishes that were on sale in Boots. There was a big tub of them reduced to £1 so it was really hard to resist such a bargain

For them to be reduced I assume they are end of line. But I saw the two 'Maxiflex' shades after in Superdrug and they were in different packaging - well, the same but with black lids so I guess that's the reason for the reduction. The one on the left, 'Moonlight Shine' is great for stamping too!

China Glaze Awakening for Halloween 2010

Good afternoon, Dear Reader!

As promised, I have more China Glaze swatches for you today, this time of their Awakening Collection for Halloween 2010.  These were manufacturer samples.

Here is the press release for them:

AWAKEN YOUR HALLOWEEN SPIRITS WITH GLAMOURISHLY GOULISH NAILS

China Glaze Introduces Three Limited Edition Halloween Polishes

Los Angeles, CA – (July 2010): Sink your claws into these three ghoulish glitters from China Glaze, perfect for a night of fright! Uniquely alluring and unlike any other Halloween colors before them, this collection is sure to entice. Colors in the promotion include:  

·        Zombie Zest: A mossy green shade with gold flecks of micro glitter.

·        Ick-A-Body: A dark green base chock full of orange glitter.

·        Mummy May I: Vampy, wine colored purple with flecks of hot pink glitter.

The 18 piece display will be available at Sally’s Beauty Supply Stores only and the 4 piece with free Fast Forward Top Coat will be available at all other beauty and nail supply outlets, stores and e-tailers. 

All three shades are great for Halloween.  Here's Zombie Zest, of which I used three coats for opacity.

China Glaze Zombie Zest Nail Polish, Three Coats

I used two coats of Ick-A-Bod-y since the glitter is so dense in this one.

China Glaze Ick-A-Bod-y Nail Polish, Two Coats

Mummy May I is my favorite, a two-coater that I'd wear when it's not Halloween.

China Glaze Mummy May I Nail Polish, Two Coats

I'm wearing Mummy May I now, and it's passably smooth with just one coat of top coat.  It seems like another coat would make it glassy.

That's China Glaze's Awakening for Halloween 2010 - another hit!

Until tomorrow, Dear Reader, love and nail polish to you!  

Purple Polka Dot (Bikini)

I really like this polka dot design but it's so hard to get it to look perfect because of the Bundle Monster designs being so small. I might have to buy the Konad plate with the polka dots soon.

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM19
Base Colour: BYS - Ultra Violet
Stamp Colour: Miss Sporty - Zodiac
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Simple Summer Nails

Konad Plate: M71

Base Colour: Barry M - Berry Ice Cream

Konad Colour: BYS - Glamourpuss

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China Glaze Fight Like a Woman

Good morning, Dear Reader!

I received samples of China Glaze's Fight Like a Woman, their Breast Cancer Awareness Collection, and I have swatches for you today.  These are seriously nice BCA colors - no wussy sheers here!

So we all know what we're talking about, here's the copy of the press release:

Los Angeles, Calif. (July 2010) – Join China Glaze Nail Lacquer this October in the battle against breast cancer, one nail at a time! The professional line of nail lacquers brings on the fight with three powerful pinks. Inspired by the women who fight everyday and those that support them in their battle, these fabulous shades are sure to help you defeat the toughest opponents with style and class. China Glaze representative Rachel Schafer voiced that “in an industry dominated by women, for women, it is important that we strive to work together towards finding a cure.”

The three colors in “Fight Like A Woman” include:

Encouragement – A baby pink shimmer that brings on the cheer

Endurance – Power through the punches with this raspberry shimmer

Empowerment – Stand up tall with this cotton-candy crème on your nails

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization dedicated to the science of cancer and promoting international collaboration in cancer research.

The “Fight Like A Woman” Collection will be available at professional beauty supply stores and select salons this September. Availability will be very limited internationally.

China Glaze colors may change from season to season, but our formula remains the same amazing longwearing lacquer with hardeners. Designed with the professional in mind, our 220-strand brush is great for ease of application. Best of all, our non-thickening formula provides great coverage. For more information, please visit www.chinaglaze.com.

Here are the colors.  I used three coats of each for opacity.

Encouragement is better than it sounds - it's a glass flecked baby pink.  Very wearable, very beautiful.

China Glaze Encouragement Nail Polish, Three Coats

Endurance is a vivid glass flecked  raspberry, really pretty and really not what I expect from a BCA shade.

China Glaze Endurance Nail Polish, Three Coats

The one creme is Empowerment, which is a perfect medium light pink.

China Glaze Empowerment Nail Polish, Three Coats

This is definitely not what I'd expect from a BCA collection - no sheers and all distinct colors.  I'm a big fan of the polishes in themselves, let alone the fact that a portion of proceeds goes to a good cause!  Thanks, China Glaze, for making really cool BCA colors!

That's what I have for you today, Dear Reader!  I hope to have more China Glaze swatches for you tomorrow.  Until then, love and nail polish to you!  

RBL The Real Housewives of the Tudor Dynasty

Good afternoon, Dear Reader!

I'm back with swatches of the Fall 2010 Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polishes (samples from RBL), and they are fantastic.  All were good in two coats, and all four are gorgeous shimmers.  You can read about Ji Baek's inspiration for the collection here. RBL will announce their availability on Facebook.

Jane is a pale neutral with a hint of pink and lavender, and just the perfect subtle shimmer.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Jane Nail Polish, Two Coats

Anne is a grey green with just a hint of pink shimmer.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Anne Nail Polish, Two Coats

Catherine H. is a gorgeous Wedgewood blue shimmer.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Catherine H. Nail Polish, Two Coats

My favorite is a real stunner, Catherine, which is a deep purple shimmer.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Catherine Nail Polish, Two Coats

I am absolutely in love with all four of these!  What do you think?

That's it for the RBL Extravaganza today, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  

I Lost my Sally's Virginity!

I went to Sally's for the first time today and it was very exciting. They had OPI's for £9.99 and China Glaze's for £5.99 which is very expensive for a 15ml bottle of polish but I don't know if they retail at a similar price in the States.

I was on the lookout for some ASP Nail Whitening Paste which was recommended to me by Beata but it was £5.99 (which I knew before I went but I just wanted to go and see it!) so I ended up leaving without it but I did buy a monster (500ml) bottle of acetone which works out at half the price of buying a 50ml bottle each time in a pharmacy.

I'm trying to grow my nails a teeny bit longer and get them all at the same length but even as I type this, the nail on my ring finger is winding me up! I keep hitting all the wrong keys, especially caps lock instead of the A. I don't know how all you ladies do anything with such long nails!

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM21

Base Colour: Collection 2000 Hot Looks - Button Moon

Plus: Sally Hansen - Hidden Treasure

Stamp Colour: W7 - Black

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RBL Fall 2010 Press Release

Hello, Dear Reader!

I just received the press release for Rescue Beauty Lounge's Fall 2010 release.  I should have the polishes today, so swatches will come later.  Click on the image for a full page view.

Deborah Lippmann Bad Romance

Good morning, Dear Reader!

I was going to hold off on changing my manicure until later today, but my Ruby Red Slippers was chippy, so I did a quick change to Deborah Lippmann Bad Romance.

Bad Romance is kind of like a purple Ruby Red Slippers.  It's a black jelly base with purple regular and hex glitter.  I used two coats, but really could have used a third to make it totally opaque.  Here's the finished mani with Bad Romance.

Deborah Lippmann Bad Romance Nail Polish, Two Coats

I really like it - I think it ties with Lady Sings the Blues for my favorite of the Lippmann glitters of this season.

I expect to have something really good for you later today, assuming all of the stars align properly.  As soon as I have it, I'll give you a peek!  Until then, love and nail polish to you!  

Daydreamer

I went to see Inception the other day. Has anyone seen it yet? 

And for those who have seen it, trying not to spoil it for the rest, do you think the totem was going to fall? There's so much speculation all over the internet, I don't really know what to think!

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM11
Base Colour: Glo Baby Glo @ Primark - Yes Cyan!
Plus: One coat of BYS Tinkerbell
Stamp Colour: NYC Glossies - 243B
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Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slippers

Good evening, Dear Reader!

Today I have a Lippmann glitter nail polish for you that's not new, but really, really good: Ruby Red Slippers.  It's a black jelly base with red regular and hex glitter.  For easier removal, I layered one coat of Ruby Red Slippers over one coat of Chanel Black Velvet.  I really like it, and it got a lot of compliments today.

Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slippers Nail Polish, One Coat over Black

I've really been enjoying the glitter lately, and have another planned for tomorrow - I managed to get hold of a bottle of Bad Romance, which I'm looking forward to trying out.

That's it for today, Dear Reader.  Until tomorrow, love and nail polish to you!  

Anemenemonemy?

Title inspired by NEMO!!

I never thought to use the Sally Hansen Chromes as a base before because I prefer 'flat', some might say boring, colours but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed wearing this.

Konad Plate: M64
Base Colour: Sally Hansen Chrome - Anemone
Konad Colour: Stargazer - 118 White
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Tickle Me Pink

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM19
Base Colour: BYS - Tickle Me Pink
Stamp Colour: Sally Hansen Chrome - Anemone
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Anna Sui 318

Good afternoon, Dear Reader!

Today I needed a bright, chipper nail polish, and I went with Anna Sui 318.  It's a very pretty red pink shimmer that's nicely rose scented, which I acquired in a recent Urban Outfitters purchase.  Urban Outfitters doesn't use the color number, which complicates things.  If I'd been thinking upon opening the shipment of these, I would have noted on the the color number on the invoice, but I did not.  In their infinite wisdom, UO shipped each polish I ordered in a separate box, so I would have been able to connect a color number to a description upon opening them.  Lesson learned - I'll do that in the future...

Back to Anna Sui 318... It was a two coater, and just screams flowers - the color, the fragrance, this is one flowery nail polish!  Here's the finished manicure.

Anna Sui 318 Nail Polish, Two Coats

That's what I have for you today, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  

Estee Lauder Surreal Violet

Good evening, Dear Reader!

I'd planned on leaving Lippmann Across the Universe on all day today, but this afternoon I got no less than five chips, one of them giant, in it.  That was kind of a bummer - I use SpaRitual Lacquer Lock base coat, which even works with the old chippy Chanels.  Ah, well... It gave me a chance to use Estee Lauder's Surreal Violet, so it's not all bad!

Surreal Violet is another neutral with purple shade, and a really nice one.  It's darker, has a more purple base, and a different shimmer than Essie Demure Vixen, the closest thing I can think of to it.  I used two coats of Surreal Violet, and this is it with a top coat.

Estee Lauder Surreal Violet Nail Polish, Two Coats

I really like this one a lot, even though I wouldn't call it violet by a long shot.

That's what I have for you today, Dear Reader.  Until next time, love and nail polish to you!  

Leaf Me Alone

Plate: Bundle Monster - BM04
Base Colour: Glo Baby Glo @ Primark - Yes Cyan!
Stamp Colour: No7 Stay Perfect - Totally Teal
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