Nicole by OPI New Target Exclusives Press Release

   This Fall, Nicole by OPI is releasing 5 new shades exclusively at Target.  I've heard sighting reports already, so be on the look out if any of these call out to you.  If they aren't at your local Target yet, they should be soon.  Also keep an eye out for the red clearance stickers, I've been seeing them pop up on shades from a couple of brands.  Please enjoy the following press release:

Accessorize with Lacquer!

Nicole by OPI Launches Five NEW Fall Shades,
Exclusively at Target

Nicole by OPI announces five new nail lacquers to be sold exclusively at Target this fall. With richly pigmented formulas in shimmering shades of deep blue, gold, purple, mauve and green, these five hues can be worn as the ultimate accessory to the season’s hottest styles, from military-inspired jackets and heavier brocades to micro floral prints and leather.

“Nicole by OPI is excited to bring the fashion-forward Target guest new lacquers for the fall season,” remarks Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Not only do the shades add the final touch to runway trends, the shimmery finish adds elegance and depth to these trendy colors.

The five new lacquers include:

For Gold Times Sake
Go on and try on this gold…

Iris My Case
Because this purple is amazing.

Just Busta Mauve
You will want to put on your dancing shoes to wear this one.

If the Blue Fits…
This blue fits all!

Mer-Maid for Each Other
This green is so hot it was made just for you!

Nicole by OPI nail lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. These new Target exclusive shades will be available August 2012 for $7.04 each at select Target locations nationwide and online at Target.com. For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

About Nicole by OPI:
Nicole by OPI offers a salon-quality range of bold, fashion-forward nail lacquers. The brand’s heritage is
based in OPI’s well-established foundation of excellence in both color and technology, providing premium
products to a broad range of consumers looking for trendsetting nail lacquers.

China Glaze Full Spectrum and Optical Illusion

   Today I'm bringing you two polishes from the China Glaze Prismatic collection from Spring 2012.  Both are glitter polishes with very small multi-colored hex glitters and a bit of duochrome/color shift to the bases.

   Full Spectrum has a light pink base with a silver shift and darker pink flashes.

   Application was good on Full Spectrum.  It doesn't have the typical thick glitter formula, in fact it is a little thin formula wise.  I used 3 coats for full coverage and Finger Paints base coat.  I added Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat on my index and ring fingers.

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   Optical Illusion has a sea green base and flashes purple.  Sadly the purple mostly just shows in the bottle and not as much on the nail.

   The formula was a little thick on Optical Illusion, but not too thick and application was still smooth.  I only needed 2 coats on this one for full coverage.  Again I used Finger Paints base coat and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat on my ring and index fingers.  

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   The color shift is very subtle in both of these polishes.  Though I've heard it comes out more if you layer them over black or another dark color.  They are still pretty polishes and apply extremely well for glitters.  The Prismatic collection has been out for a couple months, but should still be available for purchase easily online or at independent beauty supply stores.

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

Essie Mojito Madness

   Today I'm bringing you Mojito Madness from the Essie Summer 2012 Bikini So Teeny Collection.  

   Mojito Madness is a bright, but not neon, green creme somewhere between grass and dark mint.  Application was smooth and the formula was nice.  I did notice the first coat streaked a little, but the second coat even everything out for a nice even coverage.  I only needed 2 coats for full opacity and used Finger Paints base coat and no top coat.  Mojito Madness dries pretty much to bottle  color, maybe just a shade darker.

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   While the color of Mojito Madness isn't super unique, it is fun and a good color for summer.  I wore this for a pedi for about 3 weeks and by the time I took it off I still didn't have any really noticeable chips or wear.  I changed colors from boredom not necessity. 

Sinful Colors Fig with Spoiled Jewelry Heist

   Did anyone hit up the Sally's sale over the weekend?  If so I'd love to hear what you got.  Also don't forget to hit up Walgreens this week for the Sinful Colors sale.  With that sale in mind, I'm bringing you Sinful Colors Fig today.  I also used Spoiled Jewelry Heist on an accent nail, so you're getting a double review today.

   Fig is a rich red based purple with purple shimmer.  The polish has a bit of a glow to it from the shimmer and at the right angle even flashes a bit blue.  Application is smooth, but the formula gave me a few issues.  This is a polish you definitely need to use thin coat with and wipe your brush and the neck of the brush off well.  Otherwise the polish will run down the neck onto the brush and flood your cuticles.  

   Jewelry Heist is a clear base with multi-colored glitters.  The glitters are a mix of small squares and small and medium hexes.  Color wise the glitter isn't quite pastel, but it is definitely muted and bordering on neutral.  The hexes are yellow and rose gold tones in the medium size, silver or pewter tones in the small size, and the squares are a mix of jewel tones like blue, green, and orange.  Application for this one is pretty standard for this type of glitter top coat.  The glitter pieces don't want to go onto your nail and once you do get them on, they don't want to stay there if you go over them again too quickly.  To try to work around this, I let the polish bead on the tip of my brush when I pull it out of the bottle, then let most of the clear base drip back into the bottle.  This usually leaves enough clear on the brush to cover the nail and the glitter that sticks to the brush is more likely to move onto your nail.

   I used  Nail Tek Intense Therapy for soft, peeling nails and Nail Tek Ridge-Filler Foundation II for my base coat, 2 coat of Fig, 2 coats of Jewelry Heist on my ring fingers, and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat.

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   Both of these polishes have a few formula/application issues.  But those issues are minor and wouldn't stop me from buying these polishes again.  Especially if I found them on sale, but even at full price.  They're both priced under $3 at full retail.  The color of Fig is lovely and the color and size mix of Jewelry Heist is very unique, at least that I've seen.

Finger Paints Pop Rock Pink

   You all know that I'm generally not a big fan of pinks.  But from the first swatches I saw of Pop Rock Pink from the Finger Paints Gumdrops and Lollipops collection I wanted it.  When I found it on clearance recently I of course had to grab it.  Once I put it on, I loved it.  This might be my favorite pink ever.  I've even worn it as a full mani already, as part of a jelly sandwich, and didn't want to take it off.

   Pop Rock Pink is an orange leaning pink jelly with brighter pink shimmer.  It is definitely pink and not coral, which is why I say orange leaning.  I just love the squishy texture and how you can see the depth of the shimmer.  Application was very smooth and the formula is good, but a tiny bit thin.  I used Finger Paints base coat, 2 coats of polish, and no top coat.  With 2 coats you can still see a little bit of vnl (visible nail line), so you might want a 3rd coat if that bothers you.

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   The shimmer flashes a little blue at times.  Please click on the pictures to enlarge them.  My camera didn't capture the shimmer that well, but I promise it's there in person.  

   When I wore this as a jelly sandwich, I used Sally Hansen Princess Cut with Pop Rock Pink.  Princess Cut is a small flake polish with a pink base.  Here's a couple pictures from my phone of that mani.

   Again, please click to enlarge these photos.  What I love about jelly sandwiches is how the glitter or flakes appear to almost float in the polish.  For this look I did 1 coat of Pop Rock Pink, 2 coats of Princess Cut, then 1 more thin coat of Pop Rock Pink.

Polish Sales PSA

   I'm fighting a migraine right now so this is going to be a super short.  I wanted to let everyone know about a couple of great polish deals.

   First up, all red tagged clearance merchandise at Sally Beauty Supplies are an additional 50% off thru Sun July 22nd.  I believe that's the correct end date, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

   Next, Starting this Sun July 22nd and running through Sat July 28th, Walgreens will be having Sinful Colors nail polishes on sale for $0.99 instead of their normal $1.99.  So this is a great time to stock up on some shades you've had your eye on or try out a new brand.  For a look at some of the new displays and colors from Sinful, head over to Nouveau Cheap.  

   Finally, if you have a TJ Maxx, Marshals, or Ross nearby you might want to swing in.  Lots of Essie polishes have been popping up for about $3.99 each and I've heard of lots of people finding some Deborah Lippmann polishes at TJ Maxx as well for around $5.99.  I've personally seen the Essies at my local stores, but no luck on the Lippmanns here.  But with these types of stores, the selection varies greatly by store.  It's always worth a stop if you're already nearby to see what's in this week.

Zoya Tracie and Meg

   Today I bring you the last set of polishes from the Zoya Beach and Surf collections.  These two are definitely my favorites from the collections.

   Tracie is the only non-creme in the Beach collection.  It's a pistachio green with silver microshimmer.

   Unlike a lot of microshimmers, the one in Tracie shows well on the nail giving a nice pearl-like finish to the polish.  But it does mean you can see brushstrokes, so you'll want to be careful with application.  The formula and application were both great, aside from the brushstrokes, and Tracie dries bottle color.  I used Finger Paints base coat, 2 coats of polish, and no top coat.

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   Meg is a celery colored metallic foil with silver shimmer from the Surf collection.  Zoya calls Meg a mermaid green which might be the best description.  It's a little hard to pinpoint the exact shade of Meg.

   Meg is the most foil like of all the Surf polishes.  It shows any flaws you have in your nails so I would recommend a ridge filling base coat.  Brushstrokes show on this one as well, so again be careful with application.  The formula is ok on Meg, but the 1st coat goes on a bit streaky and you need to use thicker coats for best application.  I used Finger Paints base coat, 2 coats of polish, and no top coat.  Meg also dries to bottle color.

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   Because it's the most foil like, Meg is super shiny, even without top coat.  As I said at the beginning, these two polishes are my favorites from the Summer collections.  If you like greens, I definitely recommend grabbing both of these.

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

Zoya Lara and Kimber

   I have 2 more pinks for you today from the Zoya Beach and Surf collections.  These are darker pinks, bordering on berry even. 

   Lara is a medium pink creme from the Beach collection.

   Lara is very red/purple tinged and warm toned.  Formula and application were very good and the polish dries bottle color.  I used Finger Paints base coat, 1 coat of Lara, and no top coat.

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   Kimber is a raspberry metallic foil with gold and silver shimmer from the Surf collection.

   Kimber is very warm toned, probably from the gold shimmer, and dries bottle color as well.  It reminds me a bit of a fruity tropical drink with a little paper umbrella- I may need to hit the beach soon.  I had no issues with formula or application.  I used Finger Paints base coat, 2 coats of polish, and no top coat.

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   Unlike Shelby and Rory, I really like Lara and Kimber.  In fact, Kimber is one of my favorite polishes from these collections.  If you only pick up a couple polishes from the Summer collections, Kimber should be one of them.

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

China Glaze New Bohemian Press Release

   I have more Fall 2012 news for you today.  China Glaze is bringing us their New Bohemian collection of Luster Chromes this August.  The promo pics show some seriously promising duochrome goodness.  Please enjoy the following press release:

“NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST.”

China Glaze® Introduces Six Radiant Luster Chromes for Fall 2012

Los Angeles, CA – (June 2012): Say the word “Bohemian” and most people automatically
think bell-bottoms and fringed vests. Today’s Bohemian look is refined, feminine and carefree, epitomized by fashion icon Nicole Richie’s modern Bohemian look. China Glaze® gives the free-spirited look a fresh, trendy spin with its latest specialty collection, New Bohemian. China Glaze® New Bohemian will leave you mesmerized as the color shifts and moves across the nail, traveling with the light. The chrome-like finish radiates with high shine and intense color, captivating your senses with every twist and turn.

Push the boundaries of color and fashion with the unconventional collection of six lustrous
shades including:

Unpredictable – Multidimensional gorgeous green
Rare & Radiant – Extraordinarily rich gold
Swanky Silk – Brilliant beige with peach undertones
No Plain Jane – Lavish lavender-pink
Want My Bawdy – Sexy sapphire blue
Deviantly Daring – Adventurously bold peacock teal

The China Glaze® New Bohemian collection will be available at fine salons and beauty supply
stores nationwide in August 2012. Individual polishes retail for $6.99 MSRP.

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 Facebook (@ChinaGlaze), Twitter (@ChinaGlazeOfficial) and Pinterest (www.pinterest.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, Nail Tek, 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.

Zoya Shelby and Rory

   Today I'm bringing you Shelby and Rory from the Zoya Beach and Surf Summer 2012 collections.  

   Shelby is a bright pink creme, with a tiny tinge of blue for a cool tone, from the Beach collection.

   Formula and application were good and the polish dries darker than bottle color.  Because Shelby dries darker, it becomes a pretty standard Barbie or bubblegum pink shade.  I used Finger Paints base coat, 2 coats of polish, and no top coat.

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   Rory is a cool toned rose pink metallic foil with silver shimmer from the Surf collection. 

   I had no issues with formula and application with Rory either.  Again I used Finger Paints base coat, 2 coats of polish, and no top coat.  

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   Both Shelby and Rory are nice polishes, but are my least favorites from the Summer collection.  They feel very familiar and common to me and in Rory's case, even a little dated.  I guess I just expect more from Zoya and was a little disappointed with these two.

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