Zoya Marley

   Who watched the Oscars last night?  There were some beautiful looks, and some rather strange ones too- I'm looking at you James Franco in the Marilyn Monroe get-up.  I want to see The King's Speech even more now.  I love Colin Firth.  More importantly, who stayed up to watch Kimmel afterwards?  That Toddlers & Tiaras spoof with Tom Hanks was priceless.  Especially the end when Ron Howard suddenly showed up.  

   And now for something completely different.  Well, different from the previous ramblings, not different from the normal content of this space.  Marley is the second purple in the Zoya Intimate collection.  This one is a soft lavender color which initially looks like a creme, but when you look closely has a subtle pearl finish to bring extra depth out of the polish.  

   As a reminder, with all the colors in this collection I used China Glaze Strong Adhesion base and Barielle Manicure Extender top.  Marley is nicely pigmented and only needed 2 coats for opacity.  No complaints about formula or application.  One complaint about my klutziness which led to a dent in my pinkie finger on the way outside to take photos.  Please ignore said dent.

Direct Sun

   Click this photo to enlarge and see the soft pearl finish.

Shade

Indoor

   Marley is a very lovely color, and I'm never the person to say you don't need a purple, but it's not a very unique color.  The pearl finish does give Marley an edge over other lavenders to me.

Disclaimer: The product(s) in this post were sent to my by the company for consideration.

Zoya Dove

   I never really thought I would be a fan of grey nail polish.  And then I tried Dove from the Zoya intimate collection.  Now I'm a convert.  Bring on the greys!!!!!!  And the trumpets, but that's something else entirely.  Side note, my husband does not find that commercial amusing at all.  I admit it's random, but it's just fun to me.  Back to the polish.  Dove is the perfect name for this color.  It's a soft grey creme, just like the color of a dove's feathers.

   In the bottle you can just tell that this is grey and not white.  Formula and application were just what I expect from Zoya.  I used 2 coats to achieve full opacity.

Direct Sun

Shade

Indoor

   On the nail though, there is no question that this is grey.  I was initially afraid this shade would make my hands look dead.  Luckily, this was not the case.  I think this is actually a very flattering color to my skin tone.

   If you've never tried grey polish, this is good one to start with.  Very soft, nice pigmentation, smooth application.  What do you folks think?  Want to try grey polish now?  Already tried some?  What are your favorites?  Let me know which ones I should try.

Disclaimer:  The product(s) in this post were sent to my by the company for consideration.

Zoya Caitlin

   I know, I know it's Sunday.  So what am I doing posting a polish review?  Well, between un-cooperative weather and a recent promotion at work that's led to more hours, and training stress, I have fallen very far behind on the new spring collections.  So in an effort to catch up and show you lovely people all the polish goodness I have for you, I will be doing some weekend polish posts for a little while.  If I can get enough edits and swatches done I may even try to do multiple posts on some days.
   First up for you on these extra postings is Zoya Caitlin from the Intimate collection.  Caitlin is a dusty grey-purple creme.

   This is a very hot color right now.  Caitlin is one of those colors that could easily change which color, grey or purple, is more dominant depending on your skin tone.  On me I feel it leans a little more purple, and we all know how I feel about purple.  Application was nice and only took 2 coats for full opacity.  The formula felt just a little on the thin side when I was applying.  Not so thin that it became a problem, just a touch thinner than I normally expect from Zoya.

Direct Sun

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Indoor

   As you can see from the direct sun photo, Caitlin dries a few shades darker on the nail than the bottle color.  Click on the shade photo to enlarge it.  Now look at how shiny that is.  If you look closely enough, you can see my camera reflected in my nails.  :O 

   If you don't already have a similar color, I would say Caitlin is a must have.  She's a nice modern yet classy color that grabs your attention.  What do you ladies think?

Disclaimer:  The product(s) in this post were sent to me by the company for consideration.

Nicole by OPI Contest

   Nicole by OPI is holding a video contest to win the entire One Less Lonely Girl polish line, and a few other things Bieber related too.  Check out the info below on how to enter:

China Glaze Crackle Collection

   Please enjoy the following press release about the new 6 color China Glaze Crackle collection:

LET’S GET CRACKING

China Glaze Introduces Six New Crackle Colors

Los Angeles, CA – December 2010: Roughed up grunge meets gorgeous glam! China Glaze brings a whole new level to the game with “Crackle” polish! Create endless edgy looks and make a statement with fun, fearless, color. Everyone has asked for it, and now China Glaze is giving it to them! The six different Crackle colors include:

• Lightning Bolt – White Crackle
• Black Mesh – Black Crackle
• Broken Hearted – Pink Crackle
• Cracked Concrete – Grey Crackle
• Fault Line – Purple Crackle
• Crushed Candy – Teal Crackle

An innovative technology allows you to play with a wide array of color combinations and achieve an edgy, new wave look. This unique formula was developed to give your nails a “crackled” design over traditional nail color. Contrasting colors are used one over another to achieve a deconstructed shatter look that takes place right before your eyes. Instant art for your nails!

How do you do it? It’s easy! Apply your favorite China Glaze glitter, shimmer or crème. Depending on the color you are using, apply either one or two coats for full coverage. When the colored enamel is dry, brush on a thin layer of the Crackle color. Allow the Crackle to work its magic during dry time. After approximately 5 minutes when the crackled design has completely formed, apply a top coat to seal the design for prolonged wear.

China Glaze Crackle will be available starting February 2011 at Sally’s Beauty Supply and BSG in 12 piece displays and 3 pack color kits which will include a base color, a crackle glaze (Black Mesh, Broken Hearted or Crushed Candy) and a China Glaze Top Coat.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks,  Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s,  and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

PIRATES & Polish

   Happy Valentine's Day!  If you're a fan of pirates like me, or will forever be in love with Johnny Depp, also like me, then you will love the following press release. 

Discover a Treasure Trove of Color with New BRIGHTS by OPI, Inspired by Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Create Waves with Silver Shatter!

OPI captures the bright colors and breathtaking escapades seen in Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides with six limited-edition Nail Lacquers and a new Silver Shatter!  Disney’s highly-anticipated fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise is directed by Rob Marshall and features an all-star cast, including Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz.

To celebrate the new film, OPI launches its Spring 2011 BRIGHTS Collection, which features a groundbreaking new color addition in the Shatter coat formula– Silver. Inspired by graffiti art, this shade leaves behind a crackled, two-texture silver finish when painted over any dry OPI hue.

“OPI is thrilled to celebrate the latest film in this beloved series,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides lacquers were inspired by a world filled with mythical mermaids, gleaming treasure, and high-seas adventure. With shades ranging from sage and lavender to khaki gray and pastel pink, these colors are evocative of a warm, tropical setting, with a classic nautical influence.”

The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides collection includes:

Skull & Glossbones

Best light gray ever, no bones about it.

Mermaid’s Tears

Few have seen this magical green.

Steady as She Rose

This gorgeous pink is your final destination.

Planks a Lot

Dive into style with this lustworthy purple!

Sparrow Me the Drama

This cool, collected pink means business!

Stranger Tides

Explore this uncharted sea of sage.

Silver Shatter

A shimmering sea of silver with a two-texture finish.

The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides-inspired Nail Lacquers by OPI contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. 

This limited-edition Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides collection will be available beginning May 2011 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for  $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer.

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

###

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Berges-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

The screenplay for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” was written by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio, suggested by the novel by Tim Powers.  The film opens in theaters on May 20, 2011, in Disney Digital 3D™.

Pirates, nail polish, AND silver shatter?  I can NOT wait for this collection.  What do you all think?  Looking forward to it or tired of the tie-ins?  Let me know.  Now excuse me, I must go brush up on my pirate-ese.

Zoya Jules

   Chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne is probably one of the most romantic and decadent combinations possible.  While I'm not getting either for Valentine's most likely, it doesn't help that hubby hates champagne, hopefully some of you lovely ladies will.  But if not, at least you can get the feeling of champagne on your nails.
   How you ask?  Simple.  Just try Jules, a lovely gold champagne metallic sparkle from the Zoya Intimate collection.   The glass-fleck sparkle reminds me a bit of bubbles in the light. 

   Jules was slightly sheer, so I needed 3 coats for full coverage.  Application was very nice with a good consistency to the formula.  Again with this polish, wipe in one direction only during removal to minimize sparkle left on your fingers.

Direct Sun

Shade

Indoor

   Jules works well with my skin-tone, but is a little too similar in tone for me.  This feels close to mannequin hands, or at leaning that way.  And the mannequin hands look kinda freaks me out.  I'm sure this would look absolutely wonderful on many of you, or those of you who like the mannequin hands look.  For me, I think this will become a summer color when my skin isn't quite as pasty white.

Disclaimer:  The product(s) in this post were sent to me by the company for consideration.

Zoya Dannii

   Why hello there Mr. Sun.  I've missed you so.  Please don't go away for so long again.  In case you can't tell, I finally had a sunny day today when I was off work.  So of course I ran outside to get some swatching action on.
   This spring I'm noticing a trend towards soft muted colors on one end and bright bolds on the other.  At least that's what I'm seeing so far.
   Zoya definitely went with the soft muted colors for their Spring Intimate collection.  Now I'm not normally a subdued nail color person, but I must say I am really liking this collection.  First up is Dannii, a lovely lilac/orchid purple with what I'm calling the new Zoya signature sparkle. I would not call her a neutral color, but she is a soft purple not a bright or bold purple.

   Application was smooth, but I noticed some bubbling on my nails.  I did apply in a hurry, so that may explain the bubbling, but I'm not sure.  The bubbles were camouflaged fairly well by the sparkle, especially to the average eye from a distance.  Formula was nice as usual with Zoya.  With all the polishes in this collection, I will be using China Glaze Strong Adhesion base coat and Barielle Manicure Extender top coat unless otherwise noted.  For Dannii I used 2 coats to achieve opaque coverage.

Direct Sun

Shade

Indoor

   The sparkle of Dannii really shows up in all lighting.  She pulls a little more red under artificial light and more blue under natural light.  But either way a very lovely medium purple.  Remember with removal to wipe your nails in only one direction to minimize the micro-glitter left on your fingers.

Disclaimer: The product(s) in this post were sent to me by the company for consideration

Milani Cosmetics Info and Coupon Code

   I haven't talked much about Milani Cosmetics in the past, but I have some fun stuff by them to show you coming up.  If it ever. stops. raining.  Can you tell I'm getting a little frustrated by the lack of sun?  But for now read about some new things from Milani and check the bottom for a coupon code.  And have a good weekend.

 

PENCIL IT IN

Milani Cosmetics introduces spring’s hottest beauty must-have!

Electrifying color and immensely hydrating, Milani Cosmetics introduces Lip Flash --- spring’s trendiest beauty accessory in Crayola-chic form! This highly-pigmented pencil allows you to perfect your pout with the convenience of a pencil, coverage of a lipstick. Similar to designer brands such a Clinique and NARS, Milani’s Lip Flash offers designer quality with bargain prices!

Lip Flash is easily sharpenable, non-tacky and anti-feathering formula.

Available in eight fashion-forward shades at CVS drugstores. Retail, $6.99

KISS AND MAKEUP

WITH MILANI COSMETICS

Cupid! Ready your arrow. This Valentine’s Day, Milani Cosmetics has red hot looks to get you ready for love!

EYE CANDY: Milani’s Baked Eyeshadow in I Heart You (Retail, $7.49)

CRUSH & BLUSH: Milani’s Baked Blush in Dolce Pink (Retail, $7.99)

PUCKER UP: Milani’s HD Advanced Lipstick in Vivacious Fuchsia (Retail, $7.99) &

Milani’s Lip Flash Pencil in Hot Flash (Retail, $6.99)

NAIL HIS HEART: Milani’s One Coat Glitter Specialty Nail Lacquer in Red Sparkle &

   Milani’s Jewel FX Specialty Nail Lacquer in Silver (Retail, $4.99 each)

For additional information, please visit www.MilaniCosmetics.com or contact B|W|R Public Relations.

Show your love for Milani Cosmetics by ‘liking’ our Facebook page! 

Glamour Editors love it so can you, $2.00 off Lip Flash enter promotional code: xxoo

China Glaze Ruby Deer and Milani Red Sparkle

   I think I may have to start building an Ark soon. Though I'm pretty sure it would kill my mani and nails. This is day 5 of rain here.  I really want to go buy some Wellies/Rain Boots/Galoshes, whatever you want to call them, but David says I don't need any.  Personally I think he's mistaken.  I mean if 5 straight days of rain and flood warning doesn't call for Wellies, I don't know what does.
   With Valentine's Day just over a week away, I'm sure lots of you are starting to think about your manis for the day.  So today I'm going to show you two reds you might want to consider.  I used them together for a fun take on a french manicure.  The polishes are China Glaze Ruby Deer from the Naughty or Nice holiday collection and Milani Red Sparkle from the new Rockstar Nails collection.

Ruby Deer

   I don't have a bottle shot of Red Sparkle unfortunately.  I thought I took one, but I can't find it at the moment.  

   Ruby Deer is my current favorite red creme.  It is a true red with no blue or orange leanings.  It's just RED.  Application was as smooth as butter and completely opaque in 2 coats.

   Red Sparkle is just what you would think from the name.  It's a red glitter with I think a black base, but the glitter is so dense it is hard to tell exactly what the base is.  I only used 1 coat of Red Sparkle on my tips.  Because of the density, the formula is a little thick but not too hard to work with.  I free-handed the tips and think they came out pretty well.

Direct Sun

Shade

Indoor

   Remember to click to enlarge to see full details.  I loved this combination.  David didn't like it, not that that is surprising.  He thought it was too red.   Boys huh?  Lol.     

   What do you ladies think of these two?  If I could draw hearts at all I could totally see a light pink or white base with hearts in either of the colors, or both, on accent nails.

OPI Sorbet-Like Finish Video

   Hello everyone.  I'm still sick so today I have a short video for you about the new sorbet-like finish from OPI.  Remember this new finish is being introduced with the new Texas collection.

   The official release date for the Texas collection is today Feb 2nd.  So start looking for the polishes in select stores and salons near you.

Nicole by OPI Never Give Up

   Welcome to February.  February is often a bad month for me.  In previous years a roommate got appendicitis, drama with former friends started, and my grandmother died.  Not all in the same year, but all in February.  And this year I'm starting off the month with a cold.  So I'm sure you can see why I am glad that this is the shortest month of the year.

   But to try to stay on a more cheery note, today I am bringing you my favorite of the Nicole by OPI Wal-Mart exclusives.   Never Give Up is a raspberry foil with multi-color glitter.  The glitter almost gives off a holographic effect, but not quite.

   In general, I have been really impressed with the Nicole formula and application.  Never Give Up didn't quite live up to the rest of the collection in this respect, I found it a little thick and gloopy.  And being a foil finish any ridges or imperfections in your nails will show up.  Saying that however, I still loved this polish.  It is nicely pigmented and super shiny.  I used 1 coat Seche Base, 2 coats Never Give Up, and 1 coat Seche Vite top coat.  The glitter and shine of the polish freaked my camera out a little so most of my pictures are a bit fuzzy.  Sorry about that.  You should still be able to get a good sense of the color however.

Direct Sun

Shade

Indoor

   Please click on the pictures and view them in full size to really see the glitter sparkle.  Shade does kill the glitter effect, but the pretty raspberry color still shows nicely.

   Just for fun I decided to add a layer of Black Shatter from the new OPI Katy Perry collection on top of this polish.  And OMG am I glad I did.  This might be my new favorite combination.

Topped with Black Shatter

   In the background you can see some of the evil white stuff on the ground that shut down half the state for like 3 days.  If I still lived up north, this little bit of snow would not have been an issue, even with the layer of ice on top of it.  But in Georgia where we don't have plows or salt trucks....MAJOR problems.  There's a Youtube clip of a guy ice skating on the street in midtown Atlanta one night of the storm.  And yet there were still people driving on the streets.  THIS is why I stayed home and didn't go out anywhere, and the fact that nothing was open.

   Never Give Up is the star of the new Wal-Mart exclusive collection for me and a must buy.  What do you folks think?  Do you like it better solo or under Black Shatter?  I love it both ways, but it really just pops under Shatter.

Disclaimer:  The product(s) in this post were sent to me by the company for consideration.