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Help a girl out?

I don’t like begging for things, but right now I’m going to anyway.

Bundlemonster has organized a nailart contest on Facebook where they are giving away 25 of the newest bundlemonster sets to the nicest nailart.

Today the voting has started and I would love it if you would spare me a vote and if you really like my nailart, spread the news for more votes.

This is my link, and this is the picture I submitted:

You can vote for it once every day, I’ll understand if you don’t do that of course but I’d love it if you tried. ;)

Have you submitted your own art to this contest, I’d love it if you linked below so I can vote for you in return!

Go Grey in May for National Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

Being a member of a few facebook groups dedicated to either Nail Polish or Nail Art I noticed that quite a few of the members started to create manicures to support the Go Grey in May Campaign. I became fascinated and curious and did some research before I decided that I also must “Go Grey this May” to support this great cause and raise awareness.

May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month in the United States. During the month of May, the Brain Tumor Awareness Organization encourages raising awareness through a variety of campaigns and activities. Each campaign or activity will serve as an education and outreach opportunity, a fundraising opportunity, a fitness event, a healing program/exhibit, a community initiative, a support group project or any combination that suits you and/or your group.

People often ask me what’s on my nails and sometimes even why, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to wear grey, a color that I otherwise rarely wear because it makes my hands look more red than they are due to the cool tint this color naturally has.

For this manicure I put on a nice base of Rejuvacote by Duri, my new favorite nailhardener and basecoat, and two coats of China Glaze – Recycle, a lovely opaque and creamy grey.

Over that I layered two coats of a holographic topcoat I created myself by putting a little bit of Spectraflair pigment into a regular topcoat and I decanted a little bit of China Glaze’s amazing Sexagon into the topcoat as well to make sure the spectraflair had some suspension.

After that was dry I added a nice topcoat, Seche Vite in my case, and there you have it, grey nails with a little bit of a holographic pop that will surely make heads turn on a sunny day.

What do you think, will you be going Grey in May and help spread awareness for this cause?

 

For more information on the campaign please visit: www.braintumorawareness.org

Oh MAN how cool is this bottle?!

I don’t do this often, but I am going to start off by showing you 20 pictures of nail polish. Here we go:

How amazing is not only this bottle shape but also this nail polish? I mean look at them, one has flakies, some have glitter, some glow in the dark while others are amazing under black light! And I love that it all is happening in just ONE collection!
This ladies and gentlemen is a polish by the brand Blackheart and they are out now at Hot Topic for only $5 a piece! That’s a steal!
The sad thing is though that due to airline restrictions, this item can only be delivered within the 48 continental United States using Ground Shipping. So I, as a European am out of luck and cannot order this from the site.

I may have to ask one of my friends in the USA to get some of these for me though, as these for the bottle alone already looks too unique to pass up!

Have you ever bought a polish merely for the unique bottle? And what do you think of these colors and finishes?

Look at my Layla!

Look at what I’m wearing today, isn’t it just amazing? I think this is the best black holo I’ve seen since Glitter Gal came on the scene! The color is called Flash Black and is by an Italian brand called Layla. There are 8 beautiful colors in this set, the colors out right now are:

  • Mercury Twilight
  • Coral Glam
  • Retro Pink
  • Ultra Violet
  • Jade Groove
  • Mermaid Spell
  • Ocean Rush
  • Flash Back
There will be more colors out soon but I am not certain if I want those yet because they are more scattered. And I like my holographic nail polishes to be a bit more linear like these.

As a very VERY early birthday present I recently ordered myself the entire set of 8 colors from http://www.aveyou.com which worked quickly but is very expensive and I don’t think as a European it’s worth ordering from there again. But hey, you live you learn right? You American ladies (and gents) have it good because not only can you order them at Ave You but they are also for sale at Ulta and their webshop HERE. Notice that these are certainly not cheap and that you can also just buy one or two, but I do think they are seriously worth getting all.  I actually think it’s safe to say that these are a serious contestant in the Holo Holy Grail of polishes. Anyway, they all got here safe and sound and are amazing in person, so amazing in fact that it’s pretty much impossible to really photograph or film the beauty of these polishes.

I mean look at these bottles, even the holographic effect on the wrapping is pretty awesome don’t you think?

Here’s a very short video of these babies in indirect daylight:

Aren’t they lovely? Seriously though, pictures and video don’t do these any justice, you need to see them in person as you can see on the pic below here, sometimes in pictures and videos they’ll look really subdued when in reality they so are not!

I’ve swatched these on a wheel so I can see them together and compare them to other holographics in the future. Each swatch has no top or basecoat and consists of 3 layers of the polish. I do this with all my swatches for comparing reasons. These nail polishes truely need two or three layers to become opaque and they can be a bit difficult to work with sometimes. You have to shake them really well before applying or else there are actual clumps of the tiny metallic glittery shards on the nail that you will have to distribute fast because these polishes dry quickly. And when you’ve just applied them they do not look very appealing at all at first, but when they start to dry the reflective pieces in the polish start to lay more flat and you get this amazing rainbow effect on the nail.

Now, let’s give this polish some stars. All in all I give these polishes the following rating:

For staying power so far: I’ve only worn this Black Flash and Coral Glam for two days and Ultra Violet for three but so far so really good!

For color: They have all colors imaginable since they have a rainbow reflection, I love it!

For coverage and application: You really need to build up the color and the opacity of these and they are a bit hard to apply sometimes, but most holo polishes are.

For price: $15.50 is quite a bit of money, but man, do these colors rock

- For amount: I would have loved to have more for this price. But it is a reasonable 10 ml/.34 fl oz.

Had you heard of this brand yet? Or do you maybe already have a few or are planning to get some? Let me know!


Queensday nailart.

Just a quickie for you today showing off what I am wearing on my nails right now in honor of Koninginnedag. (Click the word to read more about this Dutch National Holiday)

For the base I’ve used OPI A Roll in the Hague as it is of course the most perfect orange for this occasion.

On the tips to halfway down my nail I’ve dabbed some Orange You Unique by the amazing Amy of Nailventurous  which I’ve incidentally designed the labels for so go check them out!

When it was dry and topcoated I stamped a black crown over it with black Konad special polish so the golden crown I stamped over it with Passion by China Glaze after that stood out a bit more.

Have a fabulous Queensday everyone who celebrates it!

Did you do something special too for this day?

China Glaze Crackle Glitters swatches and thoughts.

Recently I posted about the new China Glaze Crackle Glitters in this post right here. And now I have a little exclusive for you all, I have been sent these to review and swatch so hang on, keep on readong and I’ll show you what these look like! And I’ve got to say, I wasn’t expecting this because I was a bit over crackle but oh man, these are so cool!

As you can see there are four lovely glittery crackles to this collection, they all came with the same little tag (as pictured on the polish on the left) that has the China Glaze logo on the front and on the back there are directions on how to apply these to the nail. (Click the image to read the directions)

Just to make sure I did everything right I read these little notes before swatching them as some crackles are to be applied when the base polish is still wet, the other type, like these, are to be applied when your base polish has dried completely.

I used a black polish called Liquid Leather, and a white polish called White on White, both by China Glaze, as a base of these swatches and made sure it was completely dry before I applied these crackles. Application went really smoothly, something I did not expect as glitter can be quite problematic to apply.

As you can see when you click on the picture on the left, this glitter is just so fine that you don’t have any trouble distributing them evenly and you have a moment to make sure all is covered before these start to crack.

And oh my, when it starts to crack it is very pretty! The glitters are shimmery and light enough to contrast beautifully with the basecolor and you get a nice clear crackle effect. It is important that you do topcoat this after it has finished cracking as it seems to dry quite matte.

Sadly I don’t think swatching these on my own nails would look very nice at the moment as I pretty much broke all of my nails on my left hand when I picked up my laptop and it slipped. Ouch. So you will have to do with my nailwheel instead I’m afraid. I hope you can forgive me.

Let me show you these on the black base first:

Jade-d is a soft green, so soft actually that it looks more gold than anything. But it is pretty, especially in certain color combinations which I will talk about soon as well.

Glam-more, the second polish pictured is a nice and bright fuchsia that really pops over a dark color and looks really nice over a light color as well.

The third color Gleam Me Up is a light blue, I think, after Glam-More my favorite polish of the set.

Last but certainly not least there is Luminous Lavender a soft purple, or indeed lavender color.

I personally prefer lighter colored crackles like these over a dark base, but to each their own of course. I will show you these colors over white next to show you the difference in effect.

See how the Glam-More pops and the other three are just kind of sitting there being pretty?  There’s nothing wrong with them over white, but with the black they just look better to me.

I was toying around with them a bit more in combination with other China Glaze colors and I came up with a few snazzy combinations.

First there’s Jade-d over Stella because the green looks even more gold over this luschious wine red it gives it a very interesting look don’t you think?

The next two combinations just scream summer to me, Glam More over For Audrey and Gleam Me Up over Orange Knockout, these colors just pop over brights like these and they’re sure to catch anybodies eye.

Last but not least Luminous Lavender over Urban Night, both a shade of purple, but still complimenting each other rather well. Very classy I think so myself.

Now you’ve seen my swatches and read all about the polishes do you think you’ll get yourself this set? I was not planning on buying these but now that I have them and was able to test these I have to admit I am quite impressed with them! So if you get the chance, do pick one up, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised as well! They will be out this may!

Welcome to St. Tropez! – The Catrice Cruise Couture collection.

Sunbathing on a yacht, a nice relaxing swim in the deep blue ocean and being on your way to the most exclusive parties in town…

Welcome to the St. Tropez lifestyle!

The new Limeted Edition “Cruise Couture” collection by Catrice will take you on a lovely trip to the Côte d’Azur. You’ll find bright colors in different Blues, Corals, Apricots and Pinks. Stylish and elegant just like Catrice.

There are five Ultimate Nail Lacquers in this collection and they feature a new, wider, brush that guarantees to help you cover your nails in one go.

Pictured from left to right are:

  • Hi, Society!
  • Jetsetter
  • Welcome To Pink Tropez
  • Feel The Yacht Beat
  • Nautica
I might just get the blues as they remind me of the ones Chanel and KOH and pretty much every other brand have released lately ;) but other than that those two the colors aren’t calling me. By the way, I do think that the design on the caps is a nice touch!

This collection will be out June 2012 and the lacquers will be € 2,49 each. Are you planning on getting anything from this collection?

China Glaze Breast Cancer Awareness – United in Purpose

Last year China Glaze released a whole Breast Cancer Awareness set of polishes called Fight Like A Woman in October. This year they are releasing a whole new set of 12 colors called United in Purpose for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I just found pictures of the colors and I am excited to share them with you!

Now if you’ve followed my blog it shouldn’t be a secret to you that I’m normally not into pinks and reds, So this collection, no matter how awesome the cause is, will probably not end up in my nailpolish drawers… APART from the two browns which look -AMAZING- up close in the product pictures!

You see, when you look closely at the picture below, you can spot little holo shimmers in there, I’m telling you, these are the two polishes to watch in this set!

I don’t think they will be an awesome linear holo like the infamous China Glaze OMG collection, but I bet it will be quite glorious either way! I can’t wait to see swatches of these two, Hello Gorgeous being the favorite of the two for me by the way.

I think we will have to wait a while for this collection to pop up (like half a year probably) but I think the wait will be worth it. Don’t you think?

China Glaze Magnetix II!

After the success of the first set of China Glaze magnetix that were released this February they are set to release a second set of 6 magnetic polishes and a fabulous new magnet that I am really looking forward to.

First let’s take a look at the colors:

Here we have from left to right:

  • ColdFusion – A lovely golden copper color.
  • PositivelyInLove – A rich magenta.
  • Bond-Tastic – A chocolate bronze brown.
  • GetCharged – A dusty purple.
  • SparksWillFly – A deep blue.
  • Confused – A gorgeous green.

I like them a lot but I have to confess that this isn’t why I am so excited about this collection… Do you want to know what makes my heart beat faster? It’s the magnet, they have collected such unique magnet shapes for this set that I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

I mean just look! There’s a grid! And there’s circles! And there’s of course some stripes, which are something all the magnetic polishes look fab with.

If you want to see what the circles and the grid do look at the girl on the display, click on the image to make it bigger, don’t they look unique? The grid especially gets this whole 3d look. I hope it also looks like that when you do it yourself but time will tell on that one I guess.

Sadly I have not found a release date for these yet, but as soon as I do find it I will edit this article.

What do you think? Do you have the first set of China Glaze Magnetix, or have you tried other magnetic polishes yet?

Alright, I’ve given in! Here’s my Easter manicure!

I didn’t think I would do it, honestly I don’t care much about Easter nail art. All the Easter eggs, bunnies and crosses in pastel shades usually do not do it for me but when my mom asked me if I wasn’t going to do any Easter themed nails I took it as a bit of a challenge to find something I like that does have a bit of an Easter feel to it.

So I came up with these:

Excuse the dry cuticles, I’m working on those, believe me! I know what’s causing them too, you see, I’m just too stubborn or actually too impatient to stop using Acetone free remover, so every time I take off my polish I dry out my cuticles a tad more and I have to use my OPI Avoplex things again to get them a bit more presentable again… A never ending cycle really. You know how it goes I’m sure…

Anyway what I used for this mani is the following:

Orly Nailtrition – The basecoat

China Glaze‘s For Audrey – The base color

Konad‘s Wine Red stamping polish for the dots as I couldn’t find my brown.

A Sponge Bob Stamping plate for the dots (Click here to go to the Ebay page to buy it):

And of course a royal coat of Seche Vite to protect it all and after that I was done. That’s all there is to it really and it makes for a cute, really wearable Easter manicure.

Did you do an Easter manicure as well this year? If so, what did you do?

Orly Dark Shadows mini collection 2012

Another Johnny Depp & Tim Burton collaboration coming out soon you say? And he’s playing a vampire? AND there will be a nail polish collection by Orly based on this movie?! YES PLEASE!

What am I talking about you may ask? If you are a Johnny Depp fan I’m sure you’ve heard of the new movie he’s starring in called Dark Shadows.

And if not let me present you with the movie poster and the 4 new Orly nail polishes:

I’ve got to say, I do like all of them, apart from the pink. I just can not rock a light color like that. But I know that some of you have quite the weakness for a soft pink like that so I’m sure they will all sell well. And Mysterious Curse looks like Galaxy Girl to me by the way so I wonder how they compare!

The collection will be available this May.

Are you looking forward to this collection, or is it maybe the movie you are looking forward to the most?

Orly Feel the Vibe Summer 2012 Collection

All the big brands seem to know it and are showing it in their new collections, brights are part of the hottest looks for this summer!

Orly isn’t one to stay behind and always stays on trend with their collections. So this Feel the Vibe Summer 2012 collection is filled with gorgeous neons and colors that match them and if used in a manicure along with the neons will make them pop even more.

Here’s a quick introduction to the colors and their names:

  • Beach Cruiser – A neon fuchsia
  • Skinny Dip – Electric light blue
  • Dayglow – White with a pearly finish
  • After Party – A navy blue with iridescent blue shimmer
  • Melt Your Popsicle – A neon orange
  • Glowstick – A neon yellow

How are you feeling about all these brights coming out for the summer? Do you follow trends or do you wear whatever you feel like?

China Glaze announces four new Crackle Glitter Polishes!

SPARK YOUR SUMMER STYLE!

Sparkle all summer long with China Glaze’s new Crackle Glitters collection. Once again taking crackle technology to the next level, this third-generation polish pairs the edgy innovation of crackling nail lacquer with glamorous glitters. The China Glaze Crackle Glitters features four shimmering shades including:

  • Luminous Lavender: Luscious light purple
  • Jade-d: Radiant bright green
  • Glam-More: Bold fuchsia
  • Gleam Me Up: Bright sky blue

Create glamorously different looks with just one sweep of China Glaze Crackle Glitters. Layer over different base colors to create bold styles. Use a lighter coat to create a fine crackle, a thicker coat for a deep shatter effect. Brush sideways or on an angle to create different looks. As versatile and edgy as China Glaze’s biggest celebrity fans (Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicole Ritchie and Kelly Osbourne, to name a few), China Glaze Crackle Glitters add a sparkle to one of the hottest nail art trends!

The China Glaze Crackle Glitters collection will be available as open stock colors and four-piece counter display. Individual polishes retail for $9 MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) and will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in May 2012. China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

These Four New Crackle Glitter Polishes are scheduled for release for May 2012

The O.P.I. Germany fall 2012 collection – a first look!

First it was the Netherlands with the more than fabulous O.P.I. Holland collection, now Germany is being honored by O.P.I. with their own range of nail polishes!

Creamy neutrals. Rich jewel tones. Pull out your lederhosen, because this Fall OPI is taking you back to Europe with the Germany Collection by O.P.I! These are the 12 colors from left to right, from top to bottom:

  • My Very First Knockwurst,
  • Don’t Pretzel My Buttons,
  • Berlin There Done That,
  • Dont Talk Bach to Me,
  • Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!,
  • Schnapps Out of It,
  • Suzi & The 7 Dusseldorfs,
  • Every Month is Oktoberfest,
  • Unfor-greta-bly Blue,
  • Deutche You Want Me Baby*,
  • Danke-Shiny Red
  • German-icure by OPI.
(*=I hope that is a spelling mistake of the person that posted this as it should totally be ‘Deutsch’)

Some of these names just made me laugh out loud, and I’m not sure what to think about the colors just yet. I’d like to see some swatches first before I’m convinced I guess.

I have found a few more pictures and even a release date, scroll down to see when these are out.

Release date: August 8, 2012

What do you guys think? Are these a must have for you? Or quite possibly a must pass?

Hed Kandi joins forces with Models Own!

Hed Kandi joined forces with Models Own to create a new exclusive collection of nail polishes inspired by the party capital of the world, Ibiza!

“With this year being Hed Kandi’s 10 year anniversary on the Balearic party island, the range of five polishes reflects the Hed-turning, fashionforward glamour that the fabulous brand brings to all their events on The White Isle. The ‘Hed Kandi collection’ instantly brings to life the recognisable glamorous girls synonymous with the brand, transporting you to the jet-set global dance floor. With three of the brightest Models Own shades and two premium glitters making up the collection this embodies the whole essence that Ibiza has to offer.”

 

There are 5 colors in this set:

  • Balearic Cool: a lovely aquamarine that will remind you of the waters by Formentera.
  • Hedonist: a sizzling hot bright coral that in this picture kind of reminds me of a more orange version of O.P.I’s Red Lights Ahead… Where?
  • Beach Party: a sunny yellow polish inspired by the world famous sunsets on the White Isle.
  • Disco Heaven: a glittery gold nail polish that seems to be infused with blue green iridescent sparkle.
  • Ibiza Mix: a gorgeous multi-coloured sparkle that will surely catch anybodies eye when you’re out club hopping.
Here’s another view of the two glitters and I can’t help but wonder how they’ll look as a topper over the three brights in this set.
I think these two glitters will be the big hit of the collection and might end up being quite sought after for a long time so get your grabby hands on them while you can!
The Hedkandi polishes will be on sale at £5 from the end of March online and are due in UK Boots stores in April. 

I’m loving all these brights coming out right now and I have got to say that I really like this little set! What do you all think?

Sally Hansen teams up with Avril Lavigne!

Don’t these just look great? They are the 12 brand new Salon effects nail polish strips by Sally Hansen that were designed by Avril Lavigne!

They will be out this April so if you want these, keep your eye out for them next month!

Do you have a favorite? I have to admit that I actually like all of them! I love wearing nail polish strips on my toes as they’re quick, stay on great and just look fabulous!

Do you wear nail polish strips? And have you ever tried them on your toes before?

The O.P.I. Vintage Minnie Mouse Summer 2012 collection

I’ve been aware of this new set by O.P.I. for a little while, but until now I just haven’t been very motivated to post it. Not because it’s not cute, it’s adorable really, but man I just do not do pink or red or huge glitter and this little set has all of this and nothing else.

What am I talking about you ask? The new O.P.I. Minnie Mouse Summer 2012 collection of course!

There are just four colors in this collection, two reds, two pinks. And they will be available June 1, 2012.

Here is another picture and a quick description of the colors:

Nothin’ Mousie ‘bout it. - This looks like a transparent pink jelly with glass fleck shimmer and little white or possibly light pink heartshaped glitter pieces.

I’m All Ears. - A magenta shimmer that looks more red than pink in the display picture so I am not sure what to think about this one yet.

If You Moust You Moust. - This one looks like a typical bubblegum pink.

The Color of Minnie. - The signature Minnie Mouse cherry red you know from her cute little polkadot dress.

What do you think of this collection? Are you underwhelmed like I am? Or are you in fact a big Disney or Minnie or even pink and reds fan and will you be getting these as soon as they hit the shops?

  • Edited to add the first bottle shot I’ve found of these online. (Source the O.P.I.’s official twitter page)
  • Edit number two: BeautyJunkies has swatches up!

 

Zoya Summer 2012 collection – Beach & Surf!

Just a quick picture as I don’t have much details just yet besides what is mentioned on the picture itself, but would you just look at these lovely colors! I am going to need Arizona and Reagan! Plus all the metallic foils for sure as they’ll look amazing knowing Zoya and I’m sure they’ll make GREAT stamping polishes to boot!

What do you think about these? Are any of these calling your name? Do they actually HAVE your name, let me know!

China Glaze – New Bohemian collection 2012

Yes! Finally China Glaze is hopping on board of the Duo/Multichrome train and boy do they do it well! Duo- and multichrome nailpolishes are a metallic looking polish that shift in the light as you move, one moment they look green, the next they are gold or even have a blue hue to them, trust me on this, you will not stop looking at your nails when you wear one of these. I have a few Models Own Beetlejuice polishes, and a couple of Ozotic multichromes and they are just amazing. So I have high hopes for this little set that China Glaze are going to be releasing in the, hopefully very near, future.

Because not only is there a lovely Chanel Peridot look-a-like, there are also 5 other colors to get excited about!

Pictured here from left to right you see:

  • Unpredictable
  • Rare And Radiant
  • Swanky Silk
  • No Plain Jane
  • Want My Bawdy
  • Deviantly Daring

Sadly I have not been able to find a release date or any swatches for these yet, but I hope they will come out soon and that they will be gorgeously opaque.

Are any of these polishes on your wishlist now you’ve seen them here?

Source

Essence Fruity

 

The next Essence collection was just revealed here in the Netherlands via a press release and they have picked a very cute theme this time that fits Spring that at the makes you long for summer: Fruity!

This collection does not only have 5 lovely polishes but also some other nice nail related goodies, keep reading and I will introduce you to all of it.

First up though, I have five cute and fruity nail polishes to show you, namely:

  • 01 Banana Joe,
  • 02 Peach Beauty,
  • 03 Very Cherry,
  • 04 One Kiwi A Day…
  • 05 Mashed Berries.

As you can see in the close up pictures on the right (click it to enlarge) there are 2 creams and three glittery polishes in this mini collection. And I have to say, I do like the little touch of using different types of glitters for the polishes. The Kiwi green one has a different glitter shape than the Cherry and Berries ones, which is a nice little detail I think.

That’s not all in the nail department by the way as they are also releasing a cute little set of fimo cane slices that looks like sliced fruit called “Nail Fruits” that comes with its own nail glue. Because the slices are of course a bit thicker than say a striper line or some dots you make with a naildotter they have added a Nail Art sealing topcoat called “Stay Fruity” to the collection.

Now we come to something I am quite excited about: With this collection they’re also releasing a scented topcoat called  ”Smells like strawberry…“ that… you guessed it; smells like fresh strawberries! I am so going to have to chase this one down because I am very much into fruity scents and how fun will it be to have a yummy scent coming from your nails all day?

The Essence Fruity collection will be exclusively for sale at Kruidvat & Trekpleister from halfway April until May 2012 here in the Netherlands.

So, what are your thoughts on this collection? I myself will probably only grab the topcoat but I do think that if I like it that I will grab several.

 

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