Home / Tag: Fall 2009

Fall 2009

FEATURED - Thursday, August 20th 2009

OPI Fall Matte collection: Review, Swatches

This Fall, OPI introduces the Matte collection, a release of six current OPI shades available in a non glossy, matte finish. Each bottle is included with an instruction tag that states the following:

• Matte by OPI does not wear as long as original OPI Nail Lacquer.
• Do not use base coat, top coat, drying products, or hand lotion when wearing matte.
• Do an all Matte nail. Or do a Matte nail with matching Glossy tip.

Before we get to the details, let's discuss what this means. It's time to toss that rule book out the window because skipping a base coat would be a bad idea. You don't want your nails super stained. If you can hunt down a no shine base coat, that would be best. I've had better luck using a ridge filler for my base.

As far as hand lotion, just be sure to wipe your nails off with a tissue or cotton pad to avoid that shiny, satin finish.

Application is the challenging part. Every matte polish I've tested is super fast drying, which may create problems for the habitual coater. The good news, OPI's wide brush makes it easier to accomplish three brush strokes. Anymore than that, you'll notice streak lines in your application.

Ready for some swatches guys?

Alpine Snow, a white chalky flatte matte. This reminds me of a winter snowy morning when the snow is intensely bright to look at.  

As much as Gargantuan Grape looks minty green in my swatches, it's not. It's a tad bit more yellow based and has that chalky texture.

La-Pazatively Hot is true to the name! A gorgeous hot pink matte with shimmer that's one of my faves from the collection.

 You Don't Know Jacques, a mushroom brown taupe chalky matte.

Lincoln Park after Dark, a vampy blackish purple matte. 

As much as I'd wish Russian Navy was a shimmer like the original, I still love it. A flatte navy blue  matte.

The matte collection is now available at Professional Salons and online at the E-tailers. Have a wonderful night!

FEATURED - Wednesday, May 6th 2009

Zoya News: Limited Edition MatteVelvet for Fall

Most of you probably thought I was crazy when I blogged that Matte's were bringin sexy back, and just lookie what Zoya has in store for us this Fall 09'.

Note: The MatteVelvet is a special limited edition release that's not part of the regular Zoya seasonal collections.  

After working with hundreds of matte formulations and color options, the ZOYA color experts are happy to announce three perfect LIMITED EDITION, exclusive MATTEVELVET* shades for Fall 2009 (available July 1, 2009).

Loredana (ZP498) - Gunmetal gray matte shimmer.

Dovima (ZP499) - Black matte shimmer.

Posh (ZP500) - Wine matte shimmer.

Designed to appeal to a multitude of matte color trend lovers; including every metro mod, vintage stylista, retro pin-up, goth beauty, glam rocker, street chic fashionista and color junkie out there, Zoya MATTEVELVET* shades deliver the new color of fashion. Get all of the color, none of shine with MATTEVELVET*, Zoya’s exclusive blend of matte base and subtle shimmer resulting in utterly wearable and truly stylish nail polish.

Zoya nail lacquers are free of harmful industrial chemicals like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that are known to cause cancer and birth defects.

As always, each and every Zoya color is made for women so we name the colors after women. Find your favorite shade, Zoya MATTEVELVET* and over 300 other ultra high-fashion shades at http://www.zoya.com.

*MATTEVELVET (matte velvet) nail color by Zoya is not intended to be worn with a base coat, top coat or speed dryer of any kind. Due to the unique matte formulation, color is not as long-wearing as traditional nail color. A completely clean, dry nail surface yields the best results for matte nail color wear. For best results make sure to always prepare nail with Zoya Remove + (3-in-1 nail polish remover, nail plate cleaner and new color prep.) prior to applying color.

The MatteVelet collection will be available at Art of Beauty beginning July 1st.

FEATURED - Friday, August 7th 2009

New Colors: Sally Hansen Insta Dri Fall

It's Friday and what gal doesn't love that!!  Since you've worked long and hard this week, girlfriend... You deserve a much needed treat from Sally Hansen's Insta Dri line. Your totally worth it!

This Fall, Sally introduces a variety of eight, limited edition colors to the Insta Dri line. The collection ranges from reds, pink, white (sheer), violet (ooh la, la), teal and blue.

Application: I'm not entirely convinced with Sally's wide, tapered brush. It's a love, hate relationship. Love the opaque colors, but my petite nail beds say no, no, no to this large, oversized brush. But, I'll deal. The formula itself is perfecto.

On your mark, get set, go... Grab your kicks, it's time to head over Walgreen's and let the stalking begin!   

Check out the three I snatched up.

Violet VOOM has that boom, boom Pow! A vivacious, blurple with pink and blue shimmer. Oh my, this is really fabulous and unique! More purple than OPI's Play til Midnight and not as blue as OPI's Blue my Mind. I'll post comparison swatches tomorrow.

Ink-a-Blink-Blue is another great shade from this collection. A deep sky blue with bright aqua shimmer.

It don't suprise me I fell for this blue green shade. Teal Takeoff is a gorgeous shimmering teal.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! This collection is now available, keep your eyes peeled.

FEATURED - Sunday, August 9th 2009

Sephora by OPI Matte Nail Colour Collection

Happy Sunday! Hope your having a fantabulous weekend! Are you ready for some Mattene this week, Diva's? I have a few collections to show you, starting off with Sephora's newest one.

This Fall, Sephora introduces a limited edition collection of fashion forward, matte nail colours available in three of Sephora by OPI's most popular shades.

Matte Finishes may not be for everyone, especially die hard glossy lovers. It's trendy and gives us Manicure Mavens an alternative to shiny polish. But until the formula is perfected, I don't think this fad will be catching on quite yet...we'll see! 

Before I get to the goodies, let's talk about application and formula. Like most non glossy nail polishes these are fast drying, which might usher problems when applying mattes all together.

On all my swatches I used three thin coats. But I've found applying thicker coats may deliver a smoother application with less stroke lines.

Shall we check out the swatches?

Domestic Goddess, a flatte vibrant purple grape matte. 

Metro Chic, a flatte smokey brown, gray, purple, muddy matte. 

I'm excited to add another flatte black to my collection. What's a Tire Jack, a flatte jet black matte. I really loved this one, not as dull as the other two.

The matte collection is now available online at Sephora for a limited time and retails for $9.00/ea. What do you guys think? Love or hate the Matte trend?

FEATURED - Friday, September 4th 2009

MAC Cosmetics: Nail Trend FW 09 by Jin Soon

Collection: MAC Nail Trend F/W 09, Nail Lacquer .34 oz

Price: $12.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: MAC Cosmetics, MAC Stores

More than a colour statement, an of-the-moment approach that dazzles with innovation and style. How to do it? Enter Jin Soon, much-sought-after nail guru who has worked the shows, collaborating with us to create nail colours exclusively for M∙A∙C.

I’m excited to bring you MAC’s latest collaboration called Nail Trend, created by professional nail artist, Jin Soon Choi. In this new collection, we have a variety of six falltastic runway colors ranging from luscious chocolate to blackened teal, army green to party purple and cool lavender to brick house red.

A little Jin Soon Choi  Aside from Jin’s incredible talent, she owns a Natural Hand and Foot Spa located in New York City where you’ll find the best nail art around - even the celebrities are taking notice. Known for her “No Airbrush” rule, you’ll walk out with a Choi masterpiece.

Are you ready for some swatches?

Cool Reserve is one cool Cat and I have nothing close to compare. It's a grayed out lavender creme that coordinates perfectly with the ongoing gray trend.

Dry Martini, not quite olive nor army green - perhaps a mix of both rolled around in the mud. As much as I raise my eyebrows with Dry Martini, I find myself drawn to the strange and unusual color.  

Beyond Jealous, a blackened Teal and just in case you're wondering, Beyond Jealous is a bit greener compared to Sephora's Dark Room. But, both are similar. 

Dance All Night, A red brick house creme. 

Rich, Dark, Delicous is one of my faves from the collection, a blackened chocolate with very subtle shimmer that dries to a creamy texture.  

 

For Fun is a fun party purple, and paired up with MAC's Peppermint Patti makes one sassy combination. Don't you love how the mint green polka dots pop on this purple grape?

All in All, Nail Trends F/W 09 hit the spot. Each cream shade flowed perfectly on my nails with minor application issues. And, not to mention the fabulous color selection to choose from.

What do you guys think? Love this, hate this? Favorites? 

FEATURED - Tuesday, September 8th 2009

Halloween Collection: Milani Black Magic

Collection: Milani Black Magic, Nail Lacquer 0.45 oz

Price: $3.49/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Meijer, CVS or other Stores

Hope y'all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! It's dreary and rainy on this Tuesday afternoon. The good news, it's a short week for us work-goers. Let's ring in the new season with a drugstore favorite of mine, Milani.

Halloween is undoubtedly one of my favorite holidays of the year, so it's no surprise I fell over heels for Milani's new Black Magic Collection. Aside from this new Fall collection, Milani hit the scene with two more limited edition releases sure to love, Vintage and Welcome Back Color.

In Black Magic, you'll find two qualities I adore: Black and Glitter, Yes Glittah! Each color is based in a thin, semi-sheer black jelly loaded with sparkling glitter. My Application was like most Milani's - smooth, excellent and dries to a non gritty finish. Noted below, you'll find the average coat-age on my swatches.

Let's down to biz-nass, shall we?

Magical - A Black jelly loaded with brown glitter.

Fairy Tale - A Black loaded with blue glitter. 

Charmed - A Black with loaded silver glitter. 

Enchantment - A Black with "ink" blue glitter. 

Whimsical - A Black jelly loaded with purple glitter. 

Spellbinding - A Black jelly loaded with red glitter.

Before you ask about dupes, I haven't pulled out any glitters to officially compare. But, I can probably think of around 20 look-alikes off the top of my head.

Milani's Black Magic Collection should be available at stores for a limited time only.

Do we have any Milani fans? What's your favorite drugstore brand? 

FEATURED - Wednesday, September 23rd 2009

Halloween: Color Club Master of Disguise

Collection: Color Club Master of Disguise,    4 minis per box, 0.25 oz. ea

Price: $5.95 and up

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Head2Toe Beauty, VNS

Summer has officially kicked the bucket this season, and I couldn't be happier to celebrate Fall. Football, Sweatshirts & Long Pants, Bonfires - All things I love! And don't forget, Halloween!

Today let's start with a wickedly cool collection from Color Club called, Master of Disguise. In this new boxed set, you'll find four halloween mini polishes averaging .25 oz/ea. All colors applied fairy well not exceeding three coats.

Check out the swatches! 

 

Abracadabra is a thin orange jelly with chunky round gold glitter that has a slight matte texture.  

Abracadabra layered over black screams Halloween.

Taboo is absolutely gorgeous and one of my faves. It's a blue purple shimmer that's certainly pretty. Just a tad bit blue compared to her sister, Electronica.

Ghost of Chance is a opaque french white creme.

Witchy Woman or Master of Disguise, you pick? On the original press release both names are mentioned, but I'm going with Witchy Woman. It's more fitting. Described as a black creme that has the same satin/matte texture as Where's the Soiree.

All in All, great collection! Price is right and the small mini bottles are ideal for travel and everyday use. The only downfall, Abracadabra and Taboo aren't sold seperately.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

FEATURED - Tuesday, September 29th 2009

MAC Style Black Nail Lacquers: Swatches, Review

Product: MAC Style Black Collection, Nail Lacquers .34 oz

Price: $12.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: MAC, MAC Stores

From '80s Sprouse-in-the-House kohl and fringe to London New Goth, going back to black changes the mood, deepens the drama. Eyeliner, beehives and beyond, this is a celebration of going madly, deliriously noir. Don't wait 'til midnight.

Black is back Divas and I'm excited bring you MAC's latest Fall release called, Style Black. An edgy, yet wearable collection inspired by the gothic lovin' shade, Black! In this review, I'll be covering the nail lacquer portion only, but you can check out additional swatches from Style Black and Dazzleglass Creme Collection in my Photo Gallery.

MAC introduces three nail polishes to the dark side. Nocturnelle is a classic black jelly that's a frequent repromote, along with two bodacious new colors, Seriously Hip and Baby Goth Girl.

The formula is rich, opaque and a bit on the thick side, but no biggie. All polishes applied smooth with two or three applications depending on the thickness of your coats.

Are you guys ready for some swatches?

Baby Goth Girl is a blackened red toned purple with shimmer and chunky gold copper-y flakies. It's a great vampy color that's Fall-tastic!

And just for the fun of it, here's an oldie - perhaps a distant cousin of Baby Goth Girl called, Vin Goth. A gorgeous vampy purple with silver glitter.

Seriously Hip is Seriously cool! It's a blackened olive-gold with shimmer and chunky glitter much like Baby Goth, but more visible.

And for my dupe lovin' gals. Let's break it down. It's a cross between Wagon Trail and Stromboli. More chunky than China Glaze and less pricey than D&G. You choose!

All in All, nice collection! Application is smooth and full of opaqueness. The deepened shades coordinate perfectly with MAC's Style Black Fall collection. And not to mention Halloween right around the corner. Right on!

Who's loving MAC's Style Black Collection? Did you pick up goodies? Please share!

FEATURED - Tuesday, October 6th 2009

Fall 09 Collection: Nubar Royal Gems

Product: Nubar Royal Gems Collection, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Price: $49.95/set or $7.49/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Nubar

After the spectacular summer collection, Going Green, Nubar swings forward into Autumn with seven new shades inspired from the richness and luxuries of the finest jewels around.

The Royal Gems consists of Platinum, Gold, Sapphires, Rubies, Emerald, Amethyst, Tiger's Eyes and the queen of the crop, Tiara - a dazzling multi faceted glitter that can be worn alone or layered over any nail polish for that extra sparkle, bling baby!

With the exception of Tiara, most polishes from this collection are shimmer based with glitter.  The application is like most Nubar shades, full of opaqueness and only requires two to three coats for bottle color.

Let's get down to business! 

24K is a semi sheer, vivid gold with gold glitter.

Tiger's Eye is a brown red with shimmer.

Platinum is a white silver with silver glitter.

Ruby is a ruby red with red glitter.

Emerald is a gorgeous green with glitter.

Sapphire makes this virgo proud! A gorgeous blue with glitter.

Amethyst is a royal purple, almost blurple with glitter.

Tiara looks great both ways - alone or layered over any nail polish.

Overall, good collection! A variety of seven rich, jewel-toned hues to choose from. Each color applied well in 2-3 coats. And as always, the formula is Big 3 Free.  

What's everyone's favorite? Hope your having a fabulous week!

FEATURED - Thursday, October 8th 2009

Orly Matte Couture Collection: Swatches, Review

Collection: Orly Matte Couture Collection, Nail Lacquer 0.6 oz

Price: $2.99/ea and up

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sally's, TransDesign, Head2Toe

"Always the trend-setters, ORLY introduces Matte Couture, a collection of matte lacquers created to keep you on the cusp of this fashion-forward craze".

Along with Once Upon a Time this Fall, Orly embraces the Matte trend with three edgy, yet fashionable shades to the Matte Couture collection. With the exception of Matte Vinyl, each shade has a satin texture that I'm absolutely thrilled about!

Before we get to the goodies, let's take a minute to discuss application. Unlike most matte polishes, these dry like regular nail polish - not at lightening speed. A huge plus in my case! If you need to re-coat 3, 4, or even 5 swipes - you have plenty of time. And the formula is most excellent - thick, pigmented and perfect!

Testing in progess: The only issue with mattes is the staying power. Sadly, it's just not there. But since were dealing with a different kind of breed, Orly recommends using a base coat, specifically Orly Bonder for extended use. While I'm still in the process of testing with and wiithout bonder, I should have results in a week or so. Make sure you check back.

Check em' out!

Purple Velvet is a reddish purple, mulberry-tastic with subtle shimmer. It's more of a satin/velvet finish lightly sprinkled with a dose of shimmer. I love this, a great fall color too!

Matte Vinyl is the only one with true matte qualities. A flat black that's a bit washed out compared to Knockout and Sephora's version.

Blue Suede is just marvelous! It's a gorgeous blue that has a satin/velvet texture.

All in All, fabulous! Fashionable colors for Fall that dry to a velvet like quality, excluding Matte Vinyl. Formula and application is right on. Big 3 Free. Priced right starting from $2.99. Great starter collection for mattes.

What's everyone think? Will Orly's collection break my non matte lovers out of their shell?  Have a wonderful Thursday guys!

FEATURED - Tuesday, October 27th 2009

Nubar Modern Matte Collection: Swatches, Review

Product: Nubar Modern Matte Collection, Nail Lacquer 0.5 oz

Price: $7.49/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Nubar Online

This Fall, Nubar gives us Matte Mavens a couple different alternatives to the traditional glossy look. Modern Matte, one of their newest collections, is a small release of four stylish and sleek colors with a no-shine finish. Don't wanna splurge on an entire collection? No worries! Nubar offers a matte top coat that's a personal fave of mine called, V for Men. Stay tuned for a separate product review.

Each color is shimmer based, which I adore. And if you don't fancy matte textures, just slap on a shiny top coat and their just as spectacular - if not more! The application and formula was good - fast drying, smooth and opaque.

Check out the swatches!   

 

Contempo is a classic red matte with shimmer. 

Prevail is a gorgeous, deep purple matte with shimmer.

Advant Garde is a russet red/brown matte with shimmer.

Vital is a red/purple wine matte with shimmer.

Overall, Good Collection. Nubar mattes are versatile - you can wear them glossy or matte. The formula was smooth, opaque and as always Big 3 Free.

What do you think of Nubar's Mattes? Love them, Hate them? Have a great night!

FEATURED - Tuesday, November 17th 2009

Fall 09: Icing Limited Edition Nail Polish Set

Product: Icing 5 piece Nail Polish Set, Nail Lacquer 0.4 oz

Price: $15.99/per kit

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Icing Stores

Now that you've seen the Gothic Lovin' side of Icing's Halloween Set, it's time to bring you more of a reserved, Fall collection of teal, purple, orange, taupe and black shimmers that's right up my alley.

The formula and application was a total hit for me, and quite honestly that doesn't happen as often as I'd like from Icing. Each color is shimmer based with either gold or silver. Like most Limited Edition collections, there's no official polish names.

Are you ready guys for some swatches?

Orange Shimmer is a hard shade to describe. Is it Orange or is it Pink? Maybe even a rustic combo of red, pink and orange with gold shimmer.

 

Teal Shimmer is really gorgeous, blue based teal with silver shimmer.

Purple Shimmer is a frosty Purple.

 

Black Shimmer is a deep, olive brown with gold shimmer. It's a bit more olive green compared to China Glaze Wagon Trail, both are very similar.

Khaki Shimmer is a cross between gray and khaki with silver shimmer.

Overall, Good Collection! A great selection of colors for Fall. Each shade was opaque and applied fairy well with two coats. Formula is Big 3 Free. Makes great holiday gifts for any nail polish lover. 

What do you guys think of the colors in this set? I have a special treat for my glitter vixens, stay tuned for massive bling, bling from Icing's Holiday Mini Set.

FEATURED - Tuesday, December 22nd 2009

OPI Suede Collection: Swatches, Review

Collection: OPI Suede Collection, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $8.50/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Professional Salons, E-tailers

Be Per-Sueded with the richness and luxury of Suede by OPI. A new collection of six best selling colors available in lush, shimmering metallic finishes.

The matte craze has exploded this year - from flatte paint and shimmering textures to the pure brilliance of no-shine top coats. There's pretty much a choice for everyone and every budget. Following up from the previous Matte collection, OPI introduces one-of-a-kind, Suede.

Shall I start raving now, or save it for later? These are spectacular. Each color is insanely opaque and loaded with glistening, metallic shimmer that dries to a satin or velvety finish.

Before we get to the goods, let's take a minute to recap application. Like most matte polishes, it's not recommended to wear a base coat. But in my personal experience, a base coat don't hurt as long as your nails are completely dry and free of natural oils or lotions. Another difference is the formula. Smooth, flawless and perfect. Bravo, OPI!

Check em' out!

You Don't Know Jacques Suede started a new era of the mushroom color, released in the Fall 08 Le Collection De France is a golden brown with silver shimmer.

 You Don't Know Jacques with glossy top coat.

Russian Navy Suede was my first navy blue crush, released from the Winter '07 Russian Collection is a blue with silver shimmer. 

Russian Navy Suede with glossy top coat.

We'll Always Have Paris released from the Fall '08 La Collection De France is a purple plum with silver shimmer.

We'll Always Have Paris with gloss top coat. 

Lincoln Park After Dark released from the Winter '05 collection is a purple with silver shimmer. 

Lincoln Park After Dark with glossy top coat.

Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees Suede released from Winter '09 La Coleccion de Espana is a charcoal grey with silver shimmer. It's much different from the orginial, smokey blue shade.

Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees with glossy top coat.

Ink Suede released from the Summer '07 Night Brights Collection is a blue-purple with silver shimmer. Ink is just a tad more purple compared to Russian Navy Suede.

Ink Suede with glossy top coat.

Mixing combinations can be so much fun! How cute is We'll Always Have Paris with polka dots?

All in All, Fabulous collection! The Suedes are versatile - you can wear them glossy or matte; both ways look great. Smooth formula and flawless application.

What do you guys think of the Suede Collection? Which ones did you pick up? Have a wonderful night!

Quick Poll

FEATURED - Saturday, January 23rd 2010

NOTD: Rescue Beauty Lounge Scrangie

Happy Saturday, gals! This morning I had some spare time to whip up a fresh manicure for the weekend and decided to paint my nails with the lovely Scrangie. During Rescue Beauty Lounge's fabulous VIP sale, I picked up this beauty along with a few other goodies.

What can I say other than, wow! It's described as a bluish-purple with blue and green shimmer with a touch of gold glitter. The gold glitter and green shimmer sets this apart from most purples I own.

Check out a low cost comparison below.

Since Scrangie is a limited edition, sold-out color you may a little trouble tracking her down... but there is still hope. Not exact dupes, Sally Hansen's Grape Going is a budget friendly alternative that's a bit more blue. I have to warn you though; I've had many problems with Insta-Dri polishes staining my nails. Use with caution.

Overall, perfect color, application and all around awesomeness! Go Team Blogger!

Did you guys snatch up Scrangie before it sold out? Did you take advantage of RBL's 50% off sale? If you did, what colors did you snatch up? Have a great weekend!

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