Maya Cosmetics Swatches and Review

Maya Cosmetics Swatches and Review

There are some indie shops that absolutely blow me away time after time.  Maya Cosmetics is one of those shops.  I don’t think Maya Cosmetics can actually make a bad polish.  What I really love is that Kat (the creator) puts out  creme polishes with shimmer as well as glitter creations that are different, eye catching and just beautiful!

Today I have 5 Maya Cosmetics Nail Lacquers to show you!  Prepare to fall in love!

Smolder:

Smolder is pure amazing.  Smolder is described as Blackened plummy brown with pink, red & bronze shimmer.  I used 2 coats for this mani.  The shimmer in this is outstanding and I kept staring at my nails!  If you like vampy polishes, you need this one.

No Big Deal:

No Big Deal is another stunner.  No Big Deal is described as Green-leaning charcoal gray base with blue and green, gold & blue color-shifting micro flakes.  Another amazing polish.  Full opacity in just 2 coats.  The blue micro flakes really pop when the light hits just right.

Surly:

Surly is one of my favorites!  Surly is described as a dark purple-gray with fuchsia and pink shimmer.  I only needed 2 coats for full opacity!  Maya Cosmetics has a knack for these creme based polishes with shimmer.  They are just perfect!

Grayscale:

Grayscale is described as micro and small gunmetal, black, and white glitters in a clear base.  I only needed 2 coats for full coverage and a shiny top coat to smooth it out.  I was rather surprised that Grayscale covered so well in just 2 coats, I was prepared for more.  The white and black glitters are matte, but the gunmetal glitters scattered within are not, so when the light hits just right you get a sparkle here and there.  Very nicely done glitter!

Sugar Rush:

Sugar Rush screams Valentine’s Day polish to me!  Sugar Rush is described as micro and small satin/matte pastel pink, hot pink, and white glitters in a sheer pink base .  Much like Grayscale, I only needed 2 coats for this one as well and I topped it off with a shiny top coat.  Very pretty and definitely will get used in February!

I’ve said it in previous Maya Cosmetic posts and I will say it again, Maya Cosmetics quality, application and pigmentation rivals polishes you would find in a department store.   The shimmers are 2 coaters and the glitters are just done perfectly and the base to glitter is just perfect.

Maya Cosmetics definitely did an amazing job with these polishes.  Each one had it’s own unique look and her store contains “Shimmers” as well as “Glitters” so there is a little something for everyone, since I know not everyone loves lots of glitters either because of the look or the removal process.  Either way, Maya Cosmetics Shimmers are just as fabulous if you prefer those!

Make sure you check out Maya Cosmetics on her Facebook Page as well as on Twitter.

Maya Cosmetics Nail Lacquer retails for $8.00 per bottle and can be found on her shop page HERE

Hope you loved these swatches!  I can’t wait to see more from Maya Cosmetics!  Truly amazing creations <3

***Products in this post were sent for review.  All opinions are my own.***

Posted in Featured, General, Maya Cosmetics, Nail Polish

Zoya Lovely Collection for Spring 2013 Swatches and Review

Zoya Lovely Collection for Spring 2013 Swatches and Review

Most of this post is going to seem a little “Déjà vu-ish”.  Back in September I received both the Peter Som trio as well as the Zang Toi trio and 5 of the 6 colors in the Zoya Spring 2013 are rereleased from those trios.  When I posted the original photos, I stated that I felt they were PERFECT for Spring and I wasn’t wrong!

The Lovely Collection consists of 3 “micro diamond particle” polishes as well as 3 stunning creme polishes.

Take a look!

Julie:

Julie is described as a full coverage icy cool lilac with a micro diamond particle ice princess.  It’s a shade of purple so of course this was my #1 of the group!  Perfect for Spring!  I used 2 coats for this mani.  The shimmer in this is beautiful!

Gei Gei:

.  Such a princess pink!  Gei Gei is described as a full coverage icy pink micro diamond particle ice princess!  I used 2 coats for this mani as well and the coverage was fantastic!  Now the bottle name actually says “Gie Gie” but the website says Gei Gei.  It was like this when it was released back in September and it apparently didn’t get fixed during the rerelease.

Piaf:

I didn’t know what to think of Piaf.  Yellow doesn’t suit me, but this one is pretty!  It isn’t bright, but it certainly isn’t dull either.  I really think it’s the shimmer in it that makes this more wearable for me!  Piaf is described as a full coverage icy micro diamond yellow ice princess.   Love!  I used 3 coats for this mani!

Jacqueline:

 Jacqueline is described as a perfectly balanced opaque nude cream with cool and warm undertones.  I used 2 coats for this mani.  This is probably my least favorite of the group.  I rarely reach for nudes like this.  It wouldn’t be bad as a base color or design color.

Neely:

Neely is described as a full coverage opaque creamy mint with subdued undertones.  One of my favorites!  I used 2 coats for this mani!

Blu:

Blu is the newcomer to the Zoya line!    Blu is described as a full coverage hyacinth blue creme.  I used 2 coats for full opacity and it’s just beautiful.  I have a backup bottle already!

Overall, I am pleased with the Zoya Lovely Collection.  This one definitely screams “SPRING!” in every aspect.  I didn’t have any application issues.  With Julie, Gei Gei and Piaf you want to make sure each coat of polish is dry before moving on, otherwise you may get “pulling” due to the shimmer in the polish.  I am pleased they brought a lot of the Limited Edition polishes back because I know a lot of ladies wanted them and they had missed out.  A very small selfish part of me said “but I already have most of them!” but that’s ok!  Now I have backups :)

Retail price: $8.00 Each

Head on over to the Zoya Website to place an order!  Also, now through the 13th you can order 3 polishes and ONLY pay $10.00 for shipping and handling charges!  Basically breaks down to $3.33 per polish.. not a bad deal!

Thinking of purchasing?  Zoya has a program called Share the Love!  If you click on the following link and set up a new account – you get a FREE polish (Just pay shipping!).. add a second polish and shipping is free PLUS the first polish is free!  I do get points based on my Share the Love link, which I generally flip and hold giveaways to spend the points.  You get a free polish, I get 100 points.

Here is my Share the Love Link:  https://www.artofbeauty.com/rd/015AAD32

***The products in this post were sent for review.  All opinions are my own.***

Posted in Featured, General, Nail Polish, Zoya

Above the Curve Fallen Angel Collection Swatches – Adriel & Diablos

Above the Curve Fallen Angel Collection Swatches – Adriel & Diablos

A few weeks ago I posted swatches for the Above The Curve Fallen Angel Collection and the polishes were just breathtaking.  I even picked Risen Angel as my #2 polish from my Top 12 of 2012 Indie Nail Polishes!  If you missed that post, be sure to visit it again HERE for the rest of the Fallen Angel Collection (seriously, you will love these creations!)

An important thing to know about Above the Curve is that $1.00 from each bottle sold will be donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children by Above the Curve.  So not only will you be receiving a beautiful polish, you will also be making a contribution to Shriners Hospital for Children.  Beautiful polishes for a wonderful cause!

Two polishes from the Fallen Angel collection were recently released after the collection launched.  Those 2 were Adriel and Diablos which I just received so I can show them off to you tonight!

Adriel:

Adriel is a beautiful medium burgundy to mauve holographic polish.  There is a slight duochrome shift to this polish and it’s really subtle.  I used 2 coats of Adriel and a top coat to complete the look.

Isn’t it lovely??

Diablos:

Diablos is one of those polishes that look different in every light.  A complete stunner!  Diablos is described as a mahogany holographic polish and I find that to be pretty accurate.  I used 2 coats of Diablos with a top coat for these photos.

Loving the holo within this polish!

Here’s a photo of Diablos with flash!

STUNNING!  Look at that holo <3

The entire Fallen Angels Collection is really amazing, and these 2 additions fit in beautifully!

Application was flawless with Adriel and Diablos and both were completely opaque in 2 coats!  Dry time was fairly fast and I was digging around in my purse 20 minutes after the full mani was finished on Diablos!

You can find Above The Curve on Etsy as well as on Big Cartel

Full Size Polish retails for $9.00

Mini Polish retails for $4.50

 Make sure you check out Above The Curve on Facebook as well!  Both Angel and Shawn are very active on their page and welcome any questions or comments you may have!

So what did you think?  Will you be picking up any Above the Curve polishes? Any polishes you currently own by them that I absolutely HAVE to have?  I’d love to hear about it!

***Products in this post were provided for review.  All opinions are my own***

Posted in Above The Curve, Featured, General, Nail Polish

Vivid Lacquer Thankful For My Console Collection Swatches and Review

Vivid Lacquer Thankful For My Console Collection Swatches and Review

Are you ready for more Vivid Lacquer swatches?  Being a bit of a gamer, I was really thrilled to review the Vivid Lacquer Thankful for my Console Collection!  Of course you don’t have to BE a gamer to enjoy these glitter creations, but if you know the references it makes it that much better <3

 The Cake is a Lie:

The Cake Is A Lie is probably one of the most used “gamer” phrases.  When I first started playing almost 8 years ago this and “Needs more Cowbell!” were 2 highly used things yelled out.  The Cake Is A Lie is a mix of red, brown and yellowmedium hex glitters and small white hex glitters in a clear base make up this top coat.  I layered 1 coat over Zoya Kelly.

Pick Your Portal:

Pick Your Portal is my favorite of the collection!  Pick Your Portal is a milky white base with reddish orange and blue hex glitters mixed in.  The hex glitters are in small and medium.  I used 3 coats for this mani.  Smooth application all around with this one!

Would You Kindly?

Would You Kindly? is a mix of gold, bronze and silver hex glitters and small glitter particles in a clear base.  I only used 1 coat of Would You Kindly? over Nailtini Dark & Stormy.   Perfect amount of glitter in just 1 application!

Spaaaace!:

Spaaaace! is a gorgeous blue jelly with silver hex glitters and small glitter particles scattered within.  I used 3 coats for this mani and the blue jelly base is just phenomenal.  Application was perfect with Spaaaace!

Woo! Tangent:

Woo! Tangent is a colorful glittery top coat!  This one contains multi colored glitter particles, hexes AND shreds!  There are also silver holo  shapes within the bottle like stars and moons!  A complete glitter bomb that literally contains every type of glitter Vivid Lacquer carries! I only used 1 coat of Woo! Tangent over Nicole by OPI Am I Making Myself Claire?

In The House of Upside-Down:

In The House of Upside-Down consists of a sheer teal jelly base with tiny pink and blue holo hex glitters, medium pink and blue “dot” glitter, blue hearts and pink butterflies!  I didn’t want to alter the normal color for the swatch, so this is 5 (yes F-I-V-E) coats of In The House Of Upside Down all by itself.  As I said in the description, this is a very sheer teal jelly.  This still works beautifully if you layer it over your favorite teal, blue, white creme (or any other color you want to pair it with!) and you will still get that gorgeous, squishy look to it!

There is one more polish in the collection that I do not have to show you at this time.  In total, Thankful For My Console is a 7 piece collection!  Much like all of the other Vivid Lacquer polishes I own, I had no issues with any of these as far as application either!  Fabulous job and I love the concept of the collection!

You can find Vivid Lacquer Polishes AND Stamping Plates (seriously check those out too, they are amazing!) on the Vivid Lacquer Etsy Shop

Full Size Polishes retail for $9.00 and Mini Polishes retail for $4.50

To check out restock updates or upcoming items being added to the Vivid Lacquer Store – make sure you “Like” the Vivid Lacquer Facebook Page HERE

I do have more Vivid Lacquer polishes to show you this weekend from a brand new collection releasing later this month!  Be prepared for that ;)

***Products in this post were provided for review.  All opinions are my own***

Posted in Featured, General, Nail Polish, Nailtini, Nicole by OPI, Vivid Lacquer, Zoya

1 Year Blogiversary Giveaway!

1 Year Blogiversary Giveaway!

I’m kicking off my 1 Year Blogiversary Giveaway with a company that has always been very supportive of my blog and that has always been incredibly generous with my readers!   Anise has donated 48 polishes (!!!) for this event!  There will be a total of 8 winners, each winner will receive 6 polishes from their Spring 2013 Collection – Full Bloom!   All 6 colors are brand new to Anise and you all get first shot at them!  How exciting is that?!

I don’t have ANY swatches of these beauties yet, so I’ll do some bottle shots so you can see what the prizes are <3  Once the full collection releases, I am sure I will have swatches up so you can view the entire Anise Full Bloom Collection!

This giveaway is open to ALL of my readers!  U.S. as well as International! 

 Onto the bottle shots!

Here are the beauties that are up for grabs!  Again, there will be 8 winners and each winner will receive the following polishes:

From Left to Right: Spontaneous, Belle of the Day, Generous, Sea Siren, Va Va Bloom and Witty

The entire Anise Nail Fashion line is free of Toulene, DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor. Not only that, they do absolutely NO animal testing!  Anise has been certified by both PETA and the Leaping Bunny Organization in recognition of their cruelty free position!  Anise Nail Fashion also has a 100% Vegetarian Ingredient Policy!

Ready to get your entry in?  Check out the Rafflecopter Widget to enter <3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All of the Anise colors are available at your local DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) for $6.00 per bottle (each bottle is .5 fl oz), and they are ALWAYS  Buy One Get One 50% off !  You could walk out with 2 gorgeous polishes for less than $10.00!  Anise doesn’t generally stock warehouses with their polish because they want to guarantee freshness and quality in every bottle.  Not too many polish companies can say that.  So you are getting a really good bang for your buck at $6.00 considering it is a 6 Free, cruelty free polish with top notch ingredients!

Be sure to join Anise on Facebook HERE as well as Twitter HERE.  Like ‘pinning’?  Check Anise out on Pinterest as well HERE!

***Prizes for this giveaway have been provided by Anise.***

Posted in Anise Nail Fashion, Featured, General, Nail Polish

piCture pOlish Ariel’s Tale Swatch and Review

piCture pOlish Ariel’s Tale Swatch and Review

I’m finally getting back into the swing of things after feeling sick for a bit.  I’m still not 100%, but definitely well enough to work on some reviews!

Tonight I have piCture pOlish Ariel’s Tale to show you and I have paired it with my absolute favorite piCture pOlish of all time, Jade!   When I got Ariel’s Tale in, I immediately knew Jade would be it’s match and I was right!

Ariel’s Tale is a beautiful mix of small glitter particles and small hex glitters in the same gorgeous aqua green shade all mixed in a clear base.  I used 1 coat of Ariel’s Tale over piCture pOlish Jade.  Like every piCture pOlish I’ve used, this one applied flawlessly!  I absolutely love how well these 2 piCture pOlishes go together!  Definitely a combo I will do again in the future.

Here are some more shots of this combo:

It’s an extremely simple yet stunning glitter that goes with a number of base colors!

piCture pOlish Ariel’s Tale retails for $9.50 AUD and is available from Picture Polish.  It is also available through all  Picture Polish Network Members.

Jade is also available for the same price!  If you are a fan of greens, you NEED this one as well!

For more swatches and updates – make sure you visit all of the piCture pOlish social networking sites:

 Facebook - piCture pOlish - a week on your tips never on your hips!

 Twitter - piCture pOlish

Pin on - Pinterest

***Products in this post were sent for review.  All opinions are my own***

Posted in Featured, General, Nail Polish, piCture pOlish / Ozotic