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FEATURED - Wednesday, January 30th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Fafi Collection Color Story

These pictures clearly speak for themselves!  WOW, was my first expression when seeing these product photos back in December of 2007.   There is always one or two collections that will be a huge hit, and this is going to be one of them!  I'd never thought any collection could top Barbie loves MAC, but, I may be wrong!  So many things I'm looking forward to seeing in these collection.  Paint Pots, Blush, Eye Shadow Palette's, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Lipglass, Fafi Doll's (not pictured but, will sell out super duper fast), and the cosmetics bags.  Which, pretty much sums up the whole collection!  Last year, around the same time as Barbie love MAC was released, the Barbie Dolls sold-out instantly, and were going for $400+ on ebay. 

Fafi, a french Graffiti and Fine Art Graphic Artist, who is known for her images of sexy and liberated girls.  Her drawling and graffiti's are absolutely amazing!  If you've never seen any of her Drawling's or Graffiti's, click here to check them out.

Now, on to business!  This rare, limited edition collection, officially releases on February 13th, 2008.  Be sure to keep up-to-date on the Fafi Collection in your area, by signing up on the MAC website.  Check out the amazing color story below, that leaves me drooling at my desk.

Lipstick
Fun ‘n’ Sexy Blue pink with blue pearl (G)
Not so Innocent Sheer tan with pink and peach pearl (G)
Utterly Frivolous Rosy coral with pink pearl (L)
High Top Grey purple with blue pearl (G)
Flash-n-Dash Intense tangerine red with pink pearl (G)
Strawbaby Coral rose with rainbow pearl (L)

Lipglass
Cult Face Blue mid-tone pink with white pearl (F)
Sugar Trance Creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl (F)
Squeeze It Brassy plum (F)
Totally It Sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl (F)

Eye Shadow  Quad's (x4)  Fafi Eyes 1
Howzat Deep grey with silver sparkle (S)
Hey Neutral tan with pearl (VP)
Pink Venus Washed pink (L)
Vanilla Soft pale-peachy-ivory flecked with shimmer (V)

Fafi Eyes 2
Bold as Gold Yellow gold with gold pearl (L)
You’re Fresh Pale green with silver sparkle (L)
Shockwave Intense orange with silver sparkle (V)
Prankster Muted dark blue (S)

Paint Pot
Nice Vice Dirty purple with purple pearl (F)
Girl Friendly Creamy grey pink (C)
Layin’ Low Creamy beige (C)
Cash Flow Green gold with gold pearl (F)
Perky Cream coral with white pearl (S)
Rollickin’ Aqua blue green with white pearl (F)

Fluidline
Blacktrack Solid flat black

Eye Kohl
Smolder Intense black
Fascinating Snake-eyes matte white

Zoom Lash
Zoomblack Rich black

Powder Blush
Hipness Intense coral with soft white pearl
Fashion Frenzy Mid-tone blue pink

Iridescent Pressed Powder
Sassed-up Soft coral pink with gold sparkle
Verve-acaious Intense yellow gold with gold pearl
Belightful Gilded peach bronze

Nail Lacquer
Girls Will Be Girls Pink with coral pearl
Boom! Rich eggplant with purple pearl

Brushes
210 Precise Eye Liner.
129SH Powder/Blush (with decorated pouch).
208 Angled Brow Brush.
182 Buffer Large Brush.

Bags
Rectangle M.A.C/Small/Clearly Fafi
Rectangle M.A.C/Mini/Clearly Fafi

Fafi Dolls
Fafinette

{Source via: Specktra}

Saturday, February 2nd 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Upcoming Collection Dates

An MAC ADDICT Ultimate Resource for 2008 

Slimshine - 2/7/08 (Int'l March 2008) Permanate MAC Line
Don’t speak. Lips are in danger of all manner of delicious indiscretion. Seductive in colour, shine and staying power. Seven new Slimshine Lipstick shades and 13 bring-back shades invite colourful, ultra-glossy conversations. People will talk.  

Check out the review and photo swatches for MAC's Slimshines Collection.

Mineralize Foundation - (LE) The release date keeps changing
Making headlines with our lightest mineral infusion yet! This unique loose powder foundation brushes on to adhere smoothly to the skin. Provides a radiant natural matte finish with medium-buildable coverage, and SPF 15 for everyday sun protection.

Fafi - 2/14/08 (Int'l March 2008) (LE)
A trendy collection inspired by the French Graphic Artist, Fafi. 

Check out MAC's for Fafi product photos, review & swatches part 1 and review & swatches part 2. 

Strobe - 3/6/08 limited edition
This collection includes: Strobe Liquid, Strobe Cream, Strobe Lip Conditioner, and 4 different shades of Tinted Lip Conditioners.

Check out the review and photo swatches for MAC's Strobe collection.  

Viva Glam VI - 3/6/08
Introducing a Special Edition VG VI Lipglass and new spokesperson into our mix - Fergie! A radical spirit, Fergie burst onto pop culture as female lead in the Black Eyed Peas. She joins Eve and Dita von Teese in speaking out on behalf of VIVA GLAM VI.

Check out review and photo swatches for the new Viva Glam VI Lipglass. 

Beauty Powder Blush - 3/13/08 (Int'l April 2008) (LE)
A micronized powder blush with a subtle pearlize pigment, 8 new shades and 2 re-promoted makeup brushes.

Check out review, swatches and product photos for MAC's newest Beauty Powder Blush. 

Heatherette - 3/20/08 (Int'l April 2008) (LE)
24-Hour Party People know what time it is when N.Y.'s counter-culture couturiers create a paint-by-numbers world of drama with two glittering looks. Choose from Good Girl for day, Bad Girl for night...or be the superstar you are and flip it!

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for MAC's Heatherette Collection.

Euristocrats - 4/1/08 European Stores only 

Naked Paris - Sheer pink brown with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Rue D' Bois - Sheer mid tone pink with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Patisserie - Sheer creamy neutral pink (lustre)

Barcelona Red - Frosty deep coral (frost)

Costa Chic - Frosty light coral (frost) ***A LUST have for coral lovers***

Milan mode - Sheer deep pink with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Going Dutch - Frosty mid tone pink (frost)

Saint Germain - Pastel pink (amplified creme)

London Life - Sheer deep berry with multidimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Ramblas Red - Blue red (amplified creme)

Cockney - Sheer yellow red with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Neon Orange - Bright clean orange (Amplified Creme) (PRO Store)

Show Orchid - Vivid hot pink (Amplified Creme) (PRO Store)

Full Fuchsia - Bright clean warm pink (Amplified Creme) (PRO Store)

Fast Play - Medium neutral pink with plum-brown undertones (Amplified Creme) (Repromote)

Bombshell - Soft bright rosy-pink with golden shimmer (Frost) (Repromote)

Check out Specktra's fabulous swatches for this colorful lipstick collection.

Dress Camp - 4/17/08 (Int'l April 2008) extremely rare and "very limited"
Super hot Asia exclusive collection.  This collection will not be available at MAC stores only online.

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for Asia's Dress Camp.

Dazzleglass - 5/1/08 (Int'l May 2008) (LE)
Electro-pearl atoms blast their light as Lipglass gets the dazzle treatment. High-shine + large particle quartz and opal crystal captured in a great new formula with light-reflecting, crystalline iridescence. To be this dazzling: that's power!

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for MAC's new glitter lipgloss.

Naughty Nauticals - 5/1/08 (Int'l May 2008) (LE) 3-part release
Sailors, ahoy! In her fleet of pinks, corals, reds, and the deepest navy Nail Lacquer seen this side of Marseilles, she's uniformly chic, and cruising for romance. In style and desire, she's poised for perfection. Go overboard!  

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for this Naughty collection. 

Stowaways Quad - 5/1/08 Part of the Naughty Nauticals Collection and only available at Nordstrom.

Skinsheen - 5/1/08 (LE) (Int'l June 2008)
Legs...Bronzed to distraction. Seductive and cruise-worthy. A sprayable lightweight gel that unlike your fancy, never drifts. Brushes lightly and flawlessly over the skin. For the ultimate secret application and smoothest sheen, try the 179 Body Buffer Brush.     

Neo Sci-Fi - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE) 3-part release
Spinning glamour into another orbit: our magnetic field of hot fluorescents, modern buffs, beiges and flesh tones are destined to test the laws of your style gravity. With these supersonic shades and neon orange compacts, go shock the galaxy! 

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for the Neo Sci Fi Collection. 

Future Earth - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE)
Lava-licious! The power of Volcanic Ash brought into one dynamic all-black element, Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. Mineral-rich. Cleanses, exfoliates, makes skin look radiant. Its glowing compliment: new Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Refinisher.

Check out the reviews, swatches and product photos for the Volcanice Mask and Lippie.  

Solar Field - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE)
Alternate sun power. Glamour beams across the universe via new Solar Bits: free-formed clusters of rich pigment and pearl. Its full-volt complement: skin made provocatively golden through Bronzing Powder in Solar Riche and Refined Golden

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for the Solar Field Collection.  

Tendertones - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE)
Sexier on the lips than balm. Silkier than gloss. More protective than naked. A lipcolour that combines soft shine, easy glide, and double-smooth satin finish with an everyday sun protective formula. To treat your lips...Love 'em tender.

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for this cult lip balm.  Check out Loreal's HiP Jelly Balm - is an excellent alternative that's actually better than MAC.

Summer Trend Bags - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE)
Shine-blasted. Shockingly fluorescent. Our easygoing Softsac goes patently neon in three tote-along sizes: mini, small and medium. Utterly functional and fun. The best complement to the M·A·C Neo Sci-Fi collection. Available in three buzzed-up colours. 

Cool Heat - 6/12/08 (Int'l July 2008) (LE)
Some looks are too hot for summer to handle but not Cool Heat. Sweltering corals, chill-out blues, complemented by Turquatic and its warm new sister shade, Turquatic Heat, create this season's coolest - and steamiest - beauty paradox.

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for this energetic collection. 

New View - 7/08
Natural and Shimmer. The split personality of powder to sheerly and subtly perfect skin with dimensionality and mineralized starshine. These Mineralize Skinfinish duos are state-of-the-art simplicity, high-resolution finish. 

Sonic Chic - 7/08
Mineralize Blush to break the style barrier: Screamingly chic, but soft, sheer, lightweight. Enhance cheekbones, create planes and contours with the 181 Buffer Brush for flawless blending. The fastest route to perfection yet is Ultra-Sonic.

Check out the Review and Photo Swatches. 

Electroflash - 7/08
Mineralize Eye Shadow in nine new duos with unblinking courage, and convincing new combinations. Add Lipglass and Lipsticks with quantum physics energy, in companion colours and electro-lustres. Electricity is our most precious resource...everybody, electrified!

Check out the Review and Photo Swatches. 

Colour Forms - 7/18/08 (Int'l August 2008) (LE) Nordstrom Exclusive

Lustre Twins - 7/31
Nine new shades of Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour featuring an exclusive sheer pigment top coat, with three Nail Lacquers. Separate if you must, but these Lustre Twins shouldn't live without each other. Codependent couture colour and shine starts here! 

Starflash - 7/31
Hollywood's new Power Couple. Our 12 new limited-edition Starflash shadows, combined with Kohl Power Eye Pencil. Shades for a smooth, creamy, cushioned life. Provides the double-wattage impact that will take you to the new stylesphere!

Check out the photo swatches and review. 

Cult of Cherry - 8/21 The new forbidden fruit. Deep, dark, dramatic. Lips ripened with juicy cerises and intoxicating kirsches while eyes smoulder in luscious spiced chocolate. With its sense of way-to-go dark, this is how we separate the bitter from the sweet...Fall drama just got more delicious. 

Check out the photo swatches, review, lip looks using cult of cherry lipstick colors, nail polish swatches and my makeup haul.  

Overrich - 8/21 Fall for luscious. Eight pigments that keep you de-lovely and delicious as ever. Oxidized, rich-metal hues are a cakewalk to apply, for eyes, face and all the sweet spots...These Overrich pigments satisfy an appetite for glamour.  

Check out the photo swatches, review and my makeup haul.

Suite Array - 9/25 Check-in to the double-delight luxury of our new Eye Shadow Suite. Eight shadow duos in unexpectedly fresh and frivolous colours paired with one of our new Pearlglide Eye Liners will provide you with all the accoutrements of day and night bedroom eyes.

Check out the review and photo swatches. 

Gold Fever - 9/25

MAC for Ungaro - 9/25 Dreamy, softly impressionistic, reverential...To celebrate his exciting debut, It-Designer, Esteban Cortazar, celebrity makeup artist, Sharon Dowsett, and M·A·C come together backstage to create a colour collection in the spirit of today's Ungaro.

Check out the review and photo swatches. 

Red She Said - 10/16 The retro-starlet allure of Hollywood glamour, with a modern twist. A season where lips connive, then confess in shades of provocative holiday reds. Party season and passions flare! "Red" She Said, and no one could resist her.

Check out the review and photo swatches.

FEATURED - Wednesday, February 27th 2008

MAC Cosmetics Fafi: Review and Swatches Part Two

Eye Shadow Quads. I purchased both of these eye shadow quads.  I honestly, did not expect to like Quad 2, but, that ended up being my favorite.

Quad 1.  Vanilla, a white color witha a velvet finish, that is good for highlighting.  Hey Neutral, a shimmery tan color, that is very pretty nude color.  Pink Venus, bright pink frosted color, that has great color payoff and texture.  Howzat, a dark gray-ish black color, good for crease lines.  

Quad 2.  Bold as Gold, a gorgeous shade of shimmery yellow-gold.  I really loved this color, perfect amout of shimmer that isn't over powering.  Shockwave, more of a shimmery tangerine color, that isn't as bright as it looks.  You're Fresh, as it looks green in the quad, it's quite sheer.  More of a greenish-yellowish shimmer.  Prankster, it may look navy blue, but, comes out more dark blue-blackish.

If you tend to play it safe, I would go for the Quad 1. If you are daring enough, I would definitely recommend purchasing Quad 2.  The colors may look funky, but, appear more sheerer than they actually look.

Paint Pots.  I absolutely love MAC's paint pots.  I purchased Cash Flow, and Perky.  I am planning to pick up Rollickin soon.  My favorite by far is Perky.

Perky, a coral-peach shimmer color, that is truely gorgeous, and the color pay-off is great.  This is a must have base for Quad 2.  Cash Flow, a goldish-brownish color, that is great with browns and neutral colors.  Rollickin, a tealish shimmery color, that looks great espically paired up with Parrot eyeshadow.  Nice Vice, a purplish brownish color, that was way too dark and purplish for my skintone (NC25).  Layin Low, a creamy flat brown beige color.  Girl Friendly, a very flat pink color.

 

 

Powder Blushes.   The powder blushes were something I didn't even look at twice until I saw in person.  They may appear "very bright" in their Fafi cases, but, that is not the case whatsoever.  The blushes have very  "build-able color".  I initially only purchased Hipness but, later purchased Fashion Frenzy.  It's really hard to choose between the two, because they are both equally beautiful.  

Fashion Frenzy, a medium cool pink matte color that is very buildable.  Just be careful with the blush brush, you can easily get outta control  with the blushes, which might reflect the brightness of the color.  Fashion Frenzy looks great with Quad 1, Sexy n Fun lipstick paired up with Totally It lipglass.  Hipness, a warm peach matte color with a small hint of pink.  Hipness looks great with Quad 2, Strawbaby lipstick, paired up with Sugar Trance lipglass.

Iridescent Mineralized Powders.  These powders are just gorgeous, and by far the best out of the Fafi collection.  If you love to sparkle and shine, then these powders are for you.  Unfortanetly, I could not get a good picture to justify the beauties of these powders with them being so sheer.  I purchased Verve-vacious, more of a golden bronzed color. 

Verve-vacious, a goldish bronzed powder with several pigmented gold flecks.  This is gorgeous, and can be used as a bronzing powder for summer also.  Sassed-Up, a soft golden peach-pinkish color.  I believe this color will be more appealing for everyone and the most popular.  Sassed-up is another one I would like to purchase, only if my bank account wasn't depleted by Fafi!  Belightful, a cooler brownish powder with gold specks.  Verve-vacious and Belightful were very similar in colors.  I opt for Verve-vacious because it's more becoming, and it's a limited edition color.

Nail Lacquer.  I purchased both of these colors, because I'm a nail polish freak!  However, I do think Girls will be Girl is more appealing than Boom.  Girls Will Be Girls, a pink with a specks of gold that makes it somewhat coral-ish.  The coral color is not very noticable to the naked eye.  If you prefer the sheerness, you will only need two coats.  However, In the picture above, I had to use 3 coats to cover my nail completely.  Boom, a burgandy color with specks of pink shimmer.  This metallic like color is very pretty, and looks great on nails.

Overall, Fafi is truely a great collection.  It offers alot of bright pink/corals, girly colors that are going to be "it" colors for spring/summer 2008.  Definite stand out items: Strawbaby and Fun n Sexy Lipstick, Sugar Trance and Totally It lipglass, Perky Paint Pot, and Sassed-Up mineralized powder.  The only items that are sold out nationwide is Fun n Sexy and Strawbaby lipstick.  But, they may still be available at your local MAC Store.

FEATURED - Wednesday, February 27th 2008

Dior: Limited Edition Poison Blue Nail Polish

Do you think the blue nail polish trend is too passe?  Well, think again!  This popular nail polish trend is just beginning and it's here to stay folks!  I suspect that this trend is going to stick around for quite sometime, and into fall of 2008.

Get ready Chanel and OPI, we have another contender knocking on your door.  What is it?  Poison Blue, a nail polish shade inspired by the legendary Dior Midnight Poison fragrance.  Available for the first time in the US, and exclusively only at Sephora.  Prior to the US release, this was only available in Europe.

Dior Vernis Long-wearing Nail Lacquer is drama at your fingertips! This spring, Dior takes nails to new levels of intensity by introducing Poison Blue, a deep midnight blue nail polish in a silky smooth formula for long-lasting, glossy nails. Only by Dior and only at Sephora.com.  $19.00 USD.

Is there really a difference?  Of course there's a difference!  The main different I notice, the formula doesn't have much shimmer which makes this polished and perfected.  Poison Blue is a very high gloss, and very sophisicated nail polish look.  I really like the polished look of Dior Blue Poision.  This is a great look not only for Spring, but, for Fall 2008. 

Love the blue nail polish trend?  Don't worry, it's going to be here for a while!  Be on the look-out for some gorgeous Blue's and Green colors to arrive now throughout fall of 2008.  This color is very much appropriate to wear through summer and fall!  Have fun with it!

Our next appearence of blue nail polish comes from Nars.  Nars is releasing a blue nail polish for Spring 2008. Midnight Express, described as navy blue.  Stay tuned for more information.

Check out the review and photo swatch for Dior Vernis Bleu Poison.

FEATURED - Tuesday, March 25th 2008

OPI India Collection: Ultimate Summer Accessory

Accessorize this season with OPI's newest collection, India.  If you love color, this is your season to shine and steal the spotlight.  Bold, Beautiful color is truely the "IT" this season and is featured on all the Fashion Runways!

OPI India nail lacquers are the ultimate accessory this season!  India's collection offers a little bit for everyone.  Neutral-to-Darks-to-Brights, they have it all!  I really liked OPI's India colllection this year.  From candy hued dreses in pink, light blue, to all out bright splashes of red's, orange, and yellow.

I knew this collection had many nail capablities, but, wow, this looks smokin!  I would never attempt to do this myself, because I am not patient or steady but, my manicurist on the other hand would give it a shot.  Check out a close up picture below. 

The two colors you will need from the India Collection is, Charmed by a Snake and Royal Rajah Ruby.  But, the directions may seem easier said than done.  This is something I may put my manicurist up to the challange.

If anyone attempts this, please let me know.  I would love to see pictures!

FEATURED - Thursday, April 24th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Naughty Nauticals Color Story

Get ready to set sail to MAC Cosmetics for the Naughty Nauticals Collection, set to release on May 1st.  Get your haulin list ready and your checkbook!  Check out the color story and promo images.

Lipstick

• Buoy-o-buoy - Sheer light pink with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (glaze)
• Party Mate - Creamy neutral pink brown (lustre)
• Ahoy, There - Sheer midtone pink (lustre)
• Port Red - Yellow red with gold pearlized pigments (frost)

Lustreglass

• Hey Sailor - Blue plum pink with white pearlized particles (lustre)
• Ensign - Peachy pink with white and gold pearlized pigments (lustre)
• Love Knot - Sheer pink with blue and white duochrome (lustre)
• Bateaux - Neutral brown peach with white frost (lustre)

Eyeshadow

• Shore Leave - Pale frosty cream (veluxe pearl)
• Illegal Cargo - Mid-tone frosty greyed plum (frost)
• Submarine - Mid-tone frosty clear blue (frost)
• Meet the Fleet - Matte midnight blue (matte)
• Pandamonium - Frosty gunmetal with whtie pearlized pigments (lustre)

Pigment

• Lark About - Sheer frosty white blue (frost)
• Mutiny - Sky blue with gold pearlized pigments (frost)
• Lovely Lily - Lilac with red pearlized pigments (frost)
• Bell-bottom Blue - Frosty blue with white pearlized pigments (frost)

Technakohl

• Smoothblue - Ocean blue wtih frost
• Greyprint - Rich pewter grey with frost

Pro Lash

• Coal Black - Black Mascara

Nail Lacquer

• Shirelle - Classic red (cream)
• Naughty Nautical - Dark royal blue (frost)

Check out the review, swatches, and product photos for this Naughty Nautical collection.

FEATURED - Saturday, April 26th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Neo Sci Fi Color Story

MAC Cosmetics introduces Neo Sci Fi for Summer 2008.  This future earth collection is due to release May 29, 2008 and International June 2008.  Check out the promo pictures and color story below.

Lipsticks: $14.00 USD

• Sci-Fi-Delity - (Frost) Burnt red with golden pearl (LE)
• Pleasureseeker - (Glaze) Creamy peach colour (LE)
• Astral - (Lustre) Mid-tone brown with red pearl (LE)
• Electro - (Lustre) Brilliant orange (LE)
• Sunsonic - (Frost) Gold with white pearl (LE)

Lipglass: $14.00 USD

• Supreme - (Frost) Bronze brown with white pearl (LE)
• Naked Space - (Frost) Frosted creamy natural peach (LE)
• Pink Grapefruit - (Frost) Pink-orange with gold pearl (LE) (Repromote)
• Soft and Slow - (Cream) Pale beige with gold pearl (LE) (Repromote)

Cremestick Lip Liner $14.00 USD

• Beurre - Dirtied plum (Repromote)
• 80% - Deep, deep cocoa (Repromote)
• Summerfruit - Pale coral (Repromote)

Eye Shadows: $14.00 USD

• Magnetic Fields - (Lustre) (LE)
• Femme Fi - (Veluxe Pearl) (LE)
• Evening Aura - (Veluxe Pearl) (LE)
• Time and Space - (Frost) (LE)
• Expensive Pink - Pink with gold duochrome (Veluxe Pearl) (Repromote)

Sheertone Shimmer Blush: $17.50 USD

• Space Out
• X-Rocks

Mascara: $11.00 USD

• Plushblack - A mascara formulated to instantly plump up lashes for extreme voluptuous effect. Volumizing, lengthening, curling, lifting. (Repromote)

Nail Lacquers: $10.00 USD

• Metalist - (Frost) Copper with white pearl
• Plasma Blu - (Frost) Turquoise with white pearl
• Neon 8 - (Frost) Brilliant orange with orange pearl
• Phosphor - (Frost) Buzzing bright yellow

This collection has my name all over it!  Neo Sci Fi features more warmer colors in this collection.  I can't wait to see the actual colors in person.  I'm loving everything, including the hot trendy nail polish colors!  Get your haulin list ready for May 29, and your checkbook!

{Source: Specktra}

FEATURED - Tuesday, April 29th 2008

MAC: Naughty Nauticals and Skinsheen Launched

Sailors, ahoy! In her fleet of pinks, corals, reds, and the deepest navy Nail Lacquer seen this side of Marseilles, she's uniformly chic, and cruising for romance. In style and desire, she's poised for perfection. Go overboard!

MAC Cosmetics launches Naughty Nauticals and Skinsheen online today.  This collection don't offically release at MAC stores until May 1st, 2008.  Take a sneak peak at the website swatches below.

Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous. 3g / 0.1 US OZ US $14.00.

Two high-powered effects - Lustre and Glass - in one new lip finish. This amazing ornamental finish shines the lips with hi-shine overlaid with various tones of pearlized glaze. Beyond sexy. Transcends all known shine.  4.8g / 0.17 oz US $14.00.

Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well.  1.5g / 0.05 oz US $14.00

 

Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Pigment comes in an excellent range of colours. Use to create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Pigment does not streak or cake, is easy to blend and long-lasting. Please note: Pigments are sold by weight not volume. Containers can appear to be less than full due to settling of the product. 7.5g / 0.26 oz US $19.50. 

Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted. Visibly different. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer! 10ml / 0.34 US oz US $10.00.  

 

Legs...Bronzed to distraction. Seductive and cruise-worthy. A sprayable lightweight gel that unlike your fancy, never drifts. Brushes lightly and flawlessly over the skin. For the ultimate secret application and smoothest sheen, try the 179 Body Buffer Brush.

A smooth-on, gel-based bronzer that’s soft and mousse-like to apply yet provides sheer to low coverage with subtle sheen and radiance. For flawless, streak-free results, apply with the 179 Body Buffer Brush. 75 ml / 2.5 fl oz US $22.50.

FEATURED - Thursday, June 12th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: Nicole Blue Lace

Nicole by OPI's Blue Lace - an aqua blue shimmer with yellow-green undertones makes this color oh-so fabulous.  A perfect color to go with MAC's gorgeous Cool Heat eyeshadows.  Now, I know ya'll may be thinking, MAC's Plasma Blu.  But, nope.  There are some noticable differences between the two.  What you can't see in the pictures is the yellowish undertones that gives this color green appeal!  And, I love green envy!  Plasma Blu has clearly no greenish or yellow undertones and is much more frosty.

Blue Lace is most defintely an cameleon kind of color.  She's had a chance to show off at the MAC store and at Applebee's for dinner with my Seafoam Green tube top.  I had to actually hold my nails against my top just to make sure it was still blue.  I loved how the seafoam green top reflected off my nails and gave blue lace a huge boast of green. 

This was my first bottle of the "Nicole by OPI" brand.  Being an polish by OPI, I had no doubts.  The application applied smoothly and only two coats were needed.  Nail polish makes me so happy when only two coats are needed.  I absolutely dread applying more than two coats of polish because I can't sit still.  My morning was so busy, I didn't have a chance to apply a topcoat.  And, I'm happy to report - no chipping yet!

    

Blue Lace matches perfectly with the blue-green eyeshadows from the Cool Heat collection.  If MAC featured a Nail Lacquer in this collection, Blue Lace would be her!

FEATURED - Tuesday, July 15th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Lustre Twins Collection

I'm seriously backed up on all my upcoming MAC Collection releases.  Here are the prelimanries details of the new Lustre Twins collection according to our friends at Specktra.

Pro Longwear Lustres - A two-step application of lightweight colour + mirror-finished top coat. Apply the colour. Let it dry. Apply the top coat! Provides sheer to medium coverage with a rich, lustrous, moisturizing finish. Longwearing, comfortable on the lips. Won’t shift, transfer, feather or smudge. $20.00 USD

• Coco Lust /Sweet Sexy - Deep red brown/copper brown with gold pearlized pigments
• Red Flame / Orange Flicker - Intense bright yellow red/bright yellow red with gold pearlized pigments
• Red Reflection / Mirror - Deep berry magenta with pearlized pigments/clear with white pearlized pigments
• Pink Air / White Top - Light pink with pearlized pigments/clear white with red and pink pearlized pigments
• Ripe and Ready / Soft and Lush - Bright pink coral with gold pearlized/yellow pink with gold pearlized pigments
• Gypsy Rose / Shimmer it - Berry red with gold pearlized pigments/white gold with multi-coloured pearlized pigments
• Custom Rose / Pink Virtue - Berry plum with pearlized pigments/light blue pink with silver pearlized pigments
• Boss brown / Slave to Pink - Chocolate bronze with pearlized pigments/champagne neutral with pearlized pigments
• Alta Moda / Hip Love - Deep blackened red/deep plum with red pearlized pigments

Nail Lacquer - $11.00 USD

• $$$$$ Yes - Metallic silver foil (frost)(Repromote from Heatherette) 
• Perplexing - Deep blue purple (frost)(New and PERM)
• Firehouse - Bright chrome red (frost)(New and PERM)

This collection should be available at MAC stores on July 31, 2008.  I'll defintely be passing on this release.  If your not familiar Pro Longwear Lustres, the lipstick combo dries out your lips to the extreme and two of the nail polishes will be perm.

{Source: Specktra}

FEATURED - Tuesday, July 15th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Cult of Cherry Collection

I've had the color information for months now.  It was one of those releases that just got lost in translation because their are so many upcoming MAC collections!  Check out the color and product information below.

Available at MAC stores August 21st

Eyeshadow Quad: Spiced Chocolate $36.00 USD (LE)

• Nanogold - Sheer yellow beige with pink pearl (Lustre) (Repromote from N Collection)
• Brash - Frosty reddish copper (Veluxe Pearl)
• Spiced Chocolate - Deep reddish brown (Matte)
• Sweet Chestnut - Frosted cranberry (Frost)

Eyeshadow Quad: Tempting Quad $36.00 USD (LE)

• Next to Nothing - Next to Nothing - Cream white with pink pearl (Frost) (Repromote from Smoke Signals)
• Sharp - Frosty bright yellow-green (Satin)
• Dark Edge - Dirty chocolate brown (Matte) (Repromote from N Collection) 
• Tempting - Sinfully rich coco (Lustre) (Repromote)

Eyeshadow Quad: Shadowy Lady Quad $36.00 USD (LE)

• Light Fall - Light Pink (Satin)
• Smudged Violet - Frosty blackened lavender with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost)
• Deep Truth - Dark blue (Frost) (Repromote)
• Shadowy Lady - Darkly veiled plum (Matte) (Repromote)

Lipsticks: $14.00 USD

• Creme Cerise - Sheer yellow taupe (Lustre) (LE)
• Lightly Ripe - Sheer mid-tone pink (Lustre) (LE)
• Russian Red - Intense bluish-red (Matte) (Repromote)
• O - Intense purplish-red with metallic golden shimmer (Frost) (Repromote)
• So Scarlet - Grape burgundy (Amplified Creme) (LE)

Lipglass: $14.00 USD

• Cherry Blossom - Sheer light pink with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Rich & Ripe - Mid-tone pinkish red with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Cult of Cherry - Red with red pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Liquor - Neutral brownish mauve with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost)(LE)
• Jampacked - Sheer grape with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)

Mattenes: $14.50 USD

• Rapturous - Deep berry red (LE) (Repromote from Mattene)
• Kirsch - Blackened cranberry (Mattene) (LE)
• Chock-ful - Blackened brown (Mattene) (LE)
• Bing - Blackened eggplant (Mattene) (LE)

Nail Lacquer: $11.00 USD

• Silverstruck - Frosted greyed taupe with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost)(LE)
• Illegal Purple - Creamy blackened eggplant (Cream) (LE).

Blush: $17.50 USD

• Plum du Bois - Frosted deep pink bronze with gold pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Blooming - Frosted deep peach (Frost) (LE).

Mascara: - $12.00 USD

• Zoomblack - Rich Black (Permanent)

The eyeshadow quads look amazing only if the colors weren't repromotes.  The Tempting quad has three repromotes (are you kidding me) along with a gorgeous new yellow shade that's in between Eyepopping and Going Bananas.  This kinda frustrates me knowing I have one, two and even three shades of each quad.

Check out the Cult of Cherry invitation for the launch party held on August 12th.  Craving cherries? take a peek at the photo swatches, review, lip looks using cult of cherry lipstick colors, nail polish swatches and my makeup haul.

{Source: Kiss and Makeup, Specktra}

FEATURED - Tuesday, August 12th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: MAC Cosmetics Perplexing

Today's nail polish of the day is MAC Cosmetics in Perplexing that was recently introduced in the Lustre Twins collection.  A vibrant purple color with blue and pink shimmer that dries to a thin matte - satin finish.  Now, the bad news - the formula is plain awful.  Honestly, I lost track of how many coats in my photo swatches - yes, it was that many!  Since it applies rather thin, it's easy to pile on the applications.

Perplexing texture reminds me of Rainy Day from the Storm Signals collection but, in a shimmer version.  It applied very blotchy and the visible brush strokes was very disappointing.  It's a great color but bad execution MAC.

Check out more swatches below.

Tonight is the MAC launch party for Cult of Cherry collection and I'm uber excited, woot woot.  Godiva choclate cherries and campagne - yum!  And the best part the Cult of Cherry collection - a much anticipated collection for fall.  Dark, vampy colors are right my alley - can't wait.  Hopefully, I'll have my swatches up tomorrow morning - if I make it outta there alive.

FEATURED - Monday, August 25th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: Borghese Palermo Plum

Today's polish of the day is Borghese nail lacquer in Palermo Plum (oops, mis-spelled in my pic above) - a deep purple wine shade that's an divine color this fall season.  My photo swatches applied flawlessly with two coats.

This is going to be my official review on Borghese Nail Lacquer since I haven't had a chance to do so.   Palermo Plum was my second shade of Borghese.  The brush and formula is absolutely marvelous and my favorite by far.  When it comes to painting my nails - I'm not a professional my any means.  Sure, I can paint within three swipes but not without touching my cuticles.  The brush allowed me to apply pefectly with hardly no clean-up.  Very impressive. 

If more brands were like Borghese - I could do more swatches for you guys!  Check out the candid shot below.

This color may look more of a reddish-wine but, actually has more purple distinction in real life.

Monday's are so blah, aren't they?  It's overcast, hot, muggy - just rain already and stop with the tease!  As much as I'm a Califonia girl at heart but living in KY - I'm ready for the cold weather and Fall to come.  How about you guys?   

FEATURED - Friday, August 29th 2008

Product Review: Sephora by OPI Remover

Product: Sephora by OPI Polish Remover

Price: $5.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sephora

Recommend: Yes

Summary: A non-drying nail color remover that quickly and effectively removes even the darkest shades of nail lacquer.

Sephora by OPI Nail Colour Remover is a fast, gentle nail polish remover without harsh, drying effects or the tell-tale white residue left behind by traditional acetone nail polish removers. The superior formula contains grape seed oil, vitamin E, and extracts of sea kelp and aloe vera, making it more effective than traditional formulas.

A few weeks ago, I was placing a Sephora order online and need five bucks to meet the free shipping requirement and Sephora by OPI nail polish remover was the lucky winner.  Finding a high quality nail polish remover is extremely important to me.   I'm not a hard core swatcher like some of my fabulous fellow beauty blogger gals - Steph, Scrangie, Michelle - but, I do find myself removing polish quite frequently at least more than I'd like.

Let's start with the negative and the only downside - the price.  Wow, this remover goes awfully fast when your constantly using it.  $5.00 for 2oz, doesn't go a long way.  But, it's so wonderful, I'm willing to overlook that part.  If you tend to use remover one or twice a week this will last for sometime.  Now, if your like me this could end up being a costly nail polish remover in the long run. 

Now, the good and there's so much of it!  The light fragrant scent is perfect - it don't fill up the room with those "gag-like" nasty fumes.  Vitamin E and the other added benefits kept my nails and cuticles heavily moisturized from drying out which was amazing.

My two biggest complaints about nail polish remover is the dryness and strong toxic fumes.  And,  Sephora by OPI passed with flying colors. 

The result - my nails are as hard as a rock - not soft and brittle!

FEATURED - Tuesday, October 21st 2008

MAC Dame Edna Collection: Color Story

Lipstick (LE) - $14.00 USD

• Kanga-rouge – Creamy dark blue red (amplified creme)
• Gladiola – Matte mid-tone blue pink (matte)
• Coral polyp – Creamy mid-tone coral (amplified creme)

Lipglass (LE) $14.00 USD

• Hot Frost – Sheer mid-tone blue pink with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (frost)
• Splendid – Frosty pale pinky coral (frost)
• Possum Nose Pink – Sheer bright coral with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (frost)

Eye Shadow Trio (LE) - $32.50 USD

Royal Tour Eye Trio

• Royal Tour – Mid-tone cool lilac (satin)
• Dame’s Desire – Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (frost)
• Climate Blue – Dark blue violet with pink pearlized pigments (velvet) (Repromote from Cool Heat)

Wisteria Eye Trio

• Fineshine - Frosty true-silver (lustre) (Repromote from Lustrevision)
• Wisteria – Frosty robin’s egg blue (velvet)
• Divine Night – Frosty charcoal with silver pearlized pigments (velvet)

Highlight Powder (LE) - $26.00 USD

• What a Dame! – Pale orangey pink
• Spectacle – Pale soft pink

Nail Lacquer (LE) $11.00 USD

• Asiatique – Creamy classic red (creme) (Repromote from Ornamentalism)
• Varicose Violet – Frost mid-tone pinkish purple (frost)

The Dame Edna Collection will be available December 26th (US/Canada).

{Source: Specktra}

FEATURED - Monday, November 9th 2009

New Holiday Mini Sets from Borghese

Product: Borghese Holiday Mini Kits, 4 minis per kit, .14 oz/ea

Price: $9.99/per kit

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Rite Aid, Walgreens

When you start to see the Christmas trees, lights and decor - you know the Holidays are right around the corner, which only means, exclusive gift sets! I'll be the first to admit, I'm a sucker for seasonal collections including this one from Borghese.

Each limited edition set includes four, small nail lacquers with Micronized Gemstones or what I'd like to call, Glitter. The mini sized bottle is accompanied with a pint size application brush that I had minor issues with. No biggie, but worth mentioning.

Are you ready for some swatches? Lets start with the first set called, Allegra.

Gold Glitter is a warm toned gold with gold glitter. It's much warmer than Nubar's 24K Nail Polish.

Red Glitter is a fabulous holiday color, it's an opaque red loaded with gold glitter. 

White Glitter is a frosting like white glitter with micro glitter that can be topped over any nail color or worn alone.

Black Glitter is a opaque black with silver glitter.

White glitter layered over Black glitter.

Next is the Serena Collection. 

Brown Glitter is a semi sheer brown/red with gold, red and silver glitter. If you love OPI's Holiday Glow like I do, you'll love this one. 

As soon as I swatched Green Duochrome, I knew we had a winner and a close dupe to Laura Mercier's Caviar Dreams. It's a gorgeous duochrome that switches from Gray, Green and Purple depending on the lighting. Really fabl!

 

Even though Borghese Green is a teensy bit more blue toned or tealish compared to Laura Mercier's, it's great alternative to the fabulous Caviar Dreams. 

Multi Color Glitter is a clear/sheer with blue, purple, gold and red glitter that's a close dupe to Sally Hansen's Rockstar Pink.  

Purple Shimmer is a vampy purple/plum with micro shimmer.

Overall, Great Sets! A perfect holiday gift for any fashionista. Each set includes trendy, up-to-date colors that are fabulous and unlike the typical package sets. Downside, I found the price of $9.99/set a bit high considering each bottle is only .14 oz. The smaller application brush gave me some minor issues. Micronized Gemstones or Glitter? Whatever the case, these are awesome! Borghese, we want full sizes!

My favorites: Green Duochrome, Brown Glitter, Red Glitter, Black Glitter and Gold.

What do you think of miniatures? Love them, Hate them? What's your favorites?

FEATURED - Friday, October 31st 2008

Allure's Editors Favorite: Borghese Vini Violet

Wouldn't being the beauty editor of Allure or a major beauty publication magazine be the best job ever?  This month in Allure's November issue, Borghese nail lacquer in Vini Violet ($7.99) gets the spotlight for editiors favorites.

Borghese introduced this scrumptous dark purple shade with the Wines of Tuscany fall collection.  Described as an gorgeous deep magenta purple creme that's stunning on nails or toes.

After organzing my enormous nail polish collection the other day, I came to realize that purple "rules" not only in my collection but in my heart beating out any other shade including blues.

The Wines of Tuscany collection should be available now at your Borghese retailer.

FEATURED - Wednesday, November 5th 2008

Limited Edition: Wet n Wild Holiday Gift Sets

The label should read - calling all nail polish junkies!  A few days ago, I stumbled across Wet n' Wild's holiday gifts sets for five bucks at my local Meijers.   Of course, the only reason that attracted me to the gift set was the precious metal nail polishes that looked simply metalicious and right up my alley.

Five bucks is a great deal for seven different beauty items.  Heck, you can't even get a bottle of Sally Hansen's Salon polish for that price.  Cosmetic companies are marketing geniuses around the holiday season.  They always include one or two fabulous products in holiday sets that you just can't resist.  In this case, it's the metall nail lacquers.

Check out the nail colors below. 

The nail poilshes don't officially have names since their included in gift sets, just shade numbers.  352 is described as a red/pink metallic with silver shimmer. Application and formula was perfect. 

354, my obvious favorite, is described as a pink/purple metallic with silver shimmer. This shade is so cool you guys, it's like piinkish purple foil on my nails - totally retro.   

Don't need the extra items?  You can always give the extra goodies to your sister, mom, friend or even a reader on your blog or site!

The holiday sets should be popping up now at your local stores.

FEATURED - Tuesday, November 18th 2008

I'm Back with lots of Goodies

I'm back, did you guys miss me?!  Today, me and my husband returned from our Florida road trip to the dreaded 25 degrees temperatures in the Cincinnati, Ohio region.  The high I had from the gorgeous weather and beaches was totally squashed by the snow flurries and extreme cold weather here.  But, on a good note, I did return with lots of goodies!

My husband was literally on the verge of killing me from all the stops we made at beauty stores, pharmacies, outlets and so fourth, accumulating 20+ new nail polishes that I can't wait to share with ya'll this week.

One particular line that I'm exited about is Black Radiance's new Bold & Sexy nail lacquer that offers dark, vampy colors right up my alley.  We don't have many stores that carry Black Radiance in my area, so I was uber excited to stumble across these at Walmart in Jacksonville.

Stay tuned this week for all the swatches!  Have an awesome day!

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 - Monday, December 28th 2009

MAC Cosmetics Love Lace: Nail Lacquer Swatches

Product: MAC Love Lace Collection, Nail Lacquer .34 oz

Price: $12.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordies

Couture's fascination with lace is a long love affair. Intensely intimate, our newest collection captures lace's notoriety and allure.

When I first saw the promo images for MAC's newest collection, I immediately thought of J Lo's chic lace nails created by Celebrity Manicurist, Elle. Love Lace brings us a limited edition shade this winter called, Light Affair. A crisp, clean neutral that's the perfect accessory to Lace.

Before we move on, let's talk about the application. It wasn't completely perfect. I had minor application issues, but managed to smooth out my brush strokes within three coats.

Check out the swatches.

MAC describes Light Affair as a creamy grey taupe. It's more along the lines of a pale grey nude with a hint of lavender that's barely noticeable. Very chic and wearable.      

 

Even though it's hard to tell from my swatch, Light Affair isn't an exact dupe to Body Language. The faint lavender shines through just a bit when compared side by side. If you already own Essie's, I'd say you can probably skip this one.  

 

Put your hands up if you love Polka Dots. Oh, yeah! I love how Cool Reserve contrasts the slight lavender undertones in Light Affair.

Has anyone picked up Light Affair? What do you think of lace nails? Have a wonderful night!

FEATURED - Sunday, February 8th 2009

MAC Hello Kitty: Let the Craziness Begin

Can you believe it's almost here.  Only two more days until the collection officially launches online and the Hello Kitty madness sets in.  To celebrate the excitement, today's post is geared towards that little Kitty we all love!

For my HK manicure, I wanted to mix it up without going over the top.  Sometimes just the littlest change can make the biggest difference.  Try adding a different colored shade to your manicure - it just may give you that flair.

My oh my, where do I start!  First, lets venture through the makeup side of MAC's Hello Kitty.

Neither of the eye shadow palettes are appealing to me, but can I really pass up the cute Hello Kitty packaging?

Eye Shadow Palettes X 4 (LE) - $38.00 USD/$46.00.  Lucky Tom (right) and Too Dolly (left) eye shadow palettes.

Hello Kitty Lipstick (LE) - $14.00 USD/$16.50 CDN.

Lipglass (LE) - $14.00 USD/$16.50 CDN.

Beauty Powders (left two) (LE) - $22.00 USD/$26.50 CDN.  Beauty Powder Blushes (right two) are must haves for me. (LE) - $18.00 USD/$22.00 CDN.   

 

All three are a must have for this nail addict - no brainer.  Nail Lacquers (LE) - $11.00 USD/$13.00 CDN.

 

Some of the accessories I'll be picking up is the small size makeup bag and the stretchy charm bracelet.  I'm obsessed with bracelets period.  So, this is a must! 

HK Soft Vanity Case (Traincase) (LE) - $55.00 USD/$66.00 CDN.  Available online.

HK Tote (LE) - $45.00 USD/$54.00 CDN. Available online.

HK Makeup Bags : Petite Makeup Bag - $22.00 USD/$26.50 CDN, Medium Makeup Bag - $35.00 USD/$42.00 CDN. (Available at MAC stores, Nordstrom and online).

HK Brush collection (LE) $49.50 USD $58.00 CDN (Available at MAC stores, Nordstrom and online).

Purse Mirror (LE) - $22.00 USD/$26.00 CDN (Available online).

HK Plush Doll (LE) - $42.00 USD/$50.00 CDN (Available at MAC stores, Nordstrom doors and online).

Beaded Bracelet (LE) - $34.00 USD/$40.00 CDN (Available online).

Mirrored Key Clip (LE) - $16.00 USD/$19.50CDN (Available online).

Bling, Bling and more bling...Seriously who can pass this up?! 

Dazzleglass (LE) $28.00 USD
Each feature a reusable silver chain pendant with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals on black with a pink crystal bow.

Sheer Mystery Powder (LE) - $90.00 USD
These will be available in three shades and are packaged in a silver powder compact with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals with a pink crystal bow on a black background. These come with a refill powder.

So, I wanna hear!! What's everyone gettting?!

FEATURED - Friday, February 13th 2009

Spring 09: MAC Hello Kitty Nail Swatches

Hello Kitty has arrived and MAC introduces two new lovely nail lacquers and one repromote to the Spring collection.  If the mixture of pink, gray and white doesn't catch your attention, the heavenly bottles with the hello kitty signature logo surely will.

First off, I'm super excited that MAC when out on a limb for us nail polish addicts to match the Hello Kitty line with the nail polish bottles.  Bravo, Bravo!  The bottles will have you at Hello!

All the polishes were exceptionally pigmented and only needed two coats on most colors with the exception of Vestral White.  You may need three coats to even out everything.

What I wasn't thrilled about is Something about Pink's brush.  It looks like MAC may be testing out the water with this new brush or I just received a defective batch.

Something about Pink's brush is slightly angled and tapered kinda like SH's Insta-dri (see pic below).  Immediately, I noticed brush differences when I was swatching the colors.  Thumbs down on the funky brush.

Check out the swatches below. 

Vestral White can be described as a french white that was opaque in two coats, but needed three to even out the streaks.

Pretty, but not a must have if you want to skip.  It's just your typical french white shade. 

On the Prowl, a must have color from the Hello Kitty collection.  The perfect mid tone gray creme that you'll want to sport around this spring and summer.  Her twin sister isn't as cute, but definitely worth checking out.

Gray's are on the rise big time, this is definitely worth picking up.

 

Something about Pink was the only polish that had an angled tapered brush that I found difficult to navigate on my nails.  Described as a girly vibrant hot pink that fit in perfectly with the Hello Kitty theme.  

Here's a picture comparison of On the Prowl and Something about Pink.  There could be two problems with this picture.

Number one, the most obvious, MAC produced a bad batch of polishes with defective brushes.  If you ordered from the site (which i did), you may be getting a defective brush like mine.  Secondly, they may be switching over all their brushes.  And, let's just hope it's not that. 

The Hello Kitty polishes sold out rather quickly online, but you can still find them at Nordstrom, Macy's and MAC freestanding stores which retail for $11.00/ea.  Don't wait a minute if you have any interest in Hello Kitty.  They will go super fast!

Want more Hello Kitty?  Check out all the makeup swtaches or my black and hot pink polka dot mani for this release. 

FEATURED - Thursday, February 19th 2009

MAC Hello Kitty: Review, Photo Swatches

Last Thursday, Hello Kitty made a crash landing at most MAC, Macy's and Nordstrom stores.  Since my store just received their stock late that day, it was pure craziness when I arrived.  And, with that being said, I was in complete disarray and totally unorganized when it came to swatching.

Overall, HK offers a great selection of memorabilia for die hard fans and for others (that's me) that just can't pass up the insanely cute girly packaging.

MAC introduces two displays for the spring edition.  The wild side, a mix of bright pinks & greens for that daring kitty in you and golds & oranges in the mild kitty for that day to day look.

It was easy to love the Lucky Tom palette along with the mild side of hello kitty because the colors meshed well with my NC-30 skintone.   But, I don't like to play it safe.  I'm all about the wild side baby and that's the route I took with this collection.

Some of my must have's from this line: Popster lip conditioner, Strayin' and Fashion Mews lipstick, Beauty powder blushes, Sweet Strawberry lipglass, Her Glitz glitter liner (for fun), On the Prowl nail polish.

Click here to check out the nail lacquers from the Hello Kitty line. 

 

 

  

Most of the makeup is still available online and at MAC store.

Here's a picture slide show of some Hello Kitty product pictures and swatches.

FEATURED - Tuesday, March 24th 2009

OPI Limited Edition: Breathe Life for a Good Cause

The facts will leave you breatheless:

• Lung Cancer is the #1 cancer killer of women, more deadly than the 6 next largest cancer killers combined.
• 60% of new lung cancer victims will be non-smokers
• 85% of those diagnosed with lung cancer will die in 5 years of less.

OPI's Breathe Life Nail Lacquer was created exclusively to help the Lung Cancer Foundation of America in its efforts to find a cure. OPI has also made a donation to the Lung Cancer Foundation. Lung Cancer has stopped our breathing long enough. Now, let's cure it.

Breathe Life is a limited editon, cool silvery blue shade that will be available April 1st at Professional Salons and Ulta locations.

See swatches below.

Breathe Life - is a sheer milky white opalescent loaded blue and shimmer. To achieve bottle color and complete coverage, you'll need around four coats.

Be sure to pick up a bottle for yourself and your mom or friends. It's for a great cause!

FEATURED - Tuesday, April 28th 2009

Massini Summer Neon Nail Polish Swatches

Neons, Neons and more Neons this summer. Today I'm bringing you some bright nail colors from Massini. Let's start off by saying, I feel kinda bad for posting these swatches because their only available at Meijers stores located in KY, OH, IN, and MI states. Maybe in the future, if we push hard enough, Mejier can start offering these available online.

As far as color and pigmentation, these are the best neon polishes I've seen. Most shades are thick, opaque and only require two thick coats or three to achieve bottle color. Like all neons, they dry to a matte texture and you'll need a topcoat for that glossy look..

And, let's gettie on to the swatches!

Neon Greenlight - bright neon lime green creme. 

Power Pink - bright neon pastel pink creme. Wow, this one really pops! loves it.

Orange Hot - bright neon orange creme. 

Lightening Blue - pretty neon blue creme. 

 Thunderbolt - neon purple creme.

Infusion - hot pinkish red neon creme.

Massini nail lacquers are only available at Meijers stores and retails for $2.99/ea for a huge-normous .6 oz/ea. Well worth the hassle, espically if you know someone that lives by a Meijer store.

I have a couple more neons from Massini that weren't included in this display. As soon as we get some decent weather, I'll post them in this entry. 

Update: I've had an ovewhelming request for Massini nail polish and it has me thinking about launching a store section on my site. Now of course, I love all my peeps and would only charge you guys what I paid plus tax and a shipping fee. Please note, I'm not an ebay scalper, I love to help people not rip them off. In all honesty, I would give them free if I could!

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 - Wednesday, May 20th 2009

Dolce and Gabbana Nail Lacquer: Stromboli

Happy Wednesday ya'll! Today I have a really fabulous shade to show you. Brand spankin' new, from the long awaited Dolce & Gabbana makeup line, Strombolio.

Described as a gorgeous black base with gold semi chunky glitter, packaged in a sleek and slim bottle with silver cap. The removeable caps are just like Dior's and Chanel's. I really loved the glitter texture in this one. It's not too over powering - yet not to mild at the same rate. Perfecto!

Application: Coming from Dolce & Gabbana, I expect nothing but the best and Strombolio surely pulled through. The formula was very rich and pigmented with only two smooth applications. Although, if you wanted to add a third coat for that ultra bling, it's just as fabulous. You know, I'm all for that!

The Wear: Today is my second day of testing and so good, so far! I'll keep reporting back.

Negative: The only issue I see is the price. At $20 (.37 oz) each, you'll want to stock up one by one - that's what I'll be doing. Saks often has free shipping, so make sure you take advantage of those if your interested.

One more swatch below. 

In this swatch, it's not completely sun - about half and half. I wanted to show you guys how much visible the glitter is compared to China Glaze's Wagon Trail. One thing I love about Stromboli, you can actually see the glitter.

You can find the Dolce & Gabbana makeup line at Saks Fifth Ave. The nail polishes retail for $20.00/ea. What do you guys think?

FEATURED - Friday, May 29th 2009

OPI Jumps on the Matte Bandwagon this Fall

“OPI Matte is cutting edge for nails in terms of sophistication and style,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI executive vice president and artistic director. “An all-matte nail is fresh, confident, and very fashion runway, and OPI Matte is meant for those moments when you want to make a major fashion statement.OPI Matte does not wear as long as original OPI Nail Lacquer – but its impact is long remembered!”

I'm sure most of you already heard about OPI's newest matte collection slated this Fall. To my undertstanding, OPI is releasing six duo shades, available in two finishes: matte and glossy - take your pick!  All six shades are standard OPI colors that are readily available, not new ones.

Alpine Snow - french white creme, You don't know Jacques - mushrooom taupey creme, Russian Navy - Navy blue shimmer, La Paz-itively Hot - hot pink creme, Lincolon Park after Dark - midnight purple and Gargantuan Grape - greenish yellow lime.

The Matte collection will be available beginning July 1st. In the meantime, here's a few examples that I added a matte topcoat, just to give us an idea.

Note: these are not actual OPI matte shades. Just recreations using a matte topcoat. In most cases, Matte shades usually aren't the same as topcoats.

Check out the swatches. 

The Matte collection will be available starting July 1st. Check out the official swatches and review. 

FEATURED - Wednesday, October 14th 2009

Holiday Collection: Wet n Wild Festive Flirt

Product: Wet n Wild Collection, Nail Lacquer 0.29

Price: $1.99/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Meijer, CVS

While Fall is still in full swing, the holiday collections are bursting out of their shell waiting to get noticed. And first up is Wet n Wild's Festive Flirt. A Christmas release of six sparkly colors ranging from foil, glitter and shimmer textures.

Wet n Wild's Chrome Collection shares something in common with this one as far as bottle shape and application. Each color applied fairly thin and I needed a minimum of three coats for full coverage. 

Are you guys ready for some swatches?  

Frostbite is a silver that lacks opaqueness unlike most foils I own. It's a bit thin and you'll need three coats for complete coverage.

Ho Ho Ho is your typical holiday red with shimmer. 

Gumdrop is a warm toned gold glitter that's a great topper layered over any nail color. Note: In the swatch above, my pinky color is actually brown not black. Sorry!

Red Velvet is a red wine with shimmer. 

 

 

Glided is a gold glitter with round holographic glitter that's pretty cool worn alone or layered over any nail color.  

Holly is a tad deeper than Red Velvet with added gold shimmer that's really pretty. Last weekend when my mom stopped over, I gave her a manicure with Holly and topped off Seche. The end result, 5 days with no chipping!

All in All, nice collection! A selection of Holiday Reds, Silver and Gold Glitters. Price is right at $1.99 each. Wet n Wild's lasting formula has proven to be a great drugstore brand.

Hope you have a great night!

FEATURED - Sunday, June 21st 2009

Fall Collection: MAC and Jin Soon Nail Lacquer

Coming soon Manicurist, Jin Soon Choi and M.A.C Cosmetics collaborate this Fall with a limited edition nail lacquer collection. A release of six, creamy shades to be introduced in September '09.

• Cool Reserve - Midtone Gray Lavendar
• For Fun - Rich Purple
• Dance All Night - Brick Red
• Rich Dark Delicious - Rich Blackened Brown
• Dry Martini - Khaki Olive Green
• Beyond Jealous - Blackened Blue Green  

I'm super excited about this collection. For one, I absolutely love Jin Soon Choi's work. Two, it's a collection dedicated to nail polish addicts!

A few months ago, I posted some of Jin Soon's work that was featured in Teen Vogue. Click here to check out some of my recreations of Soon's nail art designs.

This collection should be available September '09.

{Source: Specktra}

FEATURED - Friday, July 3rd 2009

Coming Soon: Sephora by OPI Matte Nail Polish

Can you even handle it? Yep, look what I found lurking on Sephora's site. Coming soon, Sephora by OPI introduces three limited edition shades available in a matte texture. Looks like this is going to be the same gig as OPI's Matte collection with standard core line colours. Let's cross our fingers and hope these are more like OPI's Paz-itively Hot matte. Check out the details below.

Sephora By OPI Matte is inspired by the cutting-edge of style. This breakthrough, no-holds-barred matte finish (available in three of the most popular Sephora by OPI Nail Lacquer shades) is not for everyone. It is for the woman who likes to lead instead of follow and who wants to make a daring fashion statement. Whether you choose an all-matte nail or a matte nail with a matching gloss tip, Sephora by OPI Matte transforms you into a fashionista fatale.

Sephora by OPI Matte does not wear as long as original Sephora by OPI. Do not wear Sephora by OPI Matte with a base coat, top coat, drying products, or hand lotion.

This collection should be available within the next week for a limited time only, retail price is $9.00. Get em' while you can! In the meantime, here's some swatches I messed around with. **Please note, these are not actual matte swatches.

The Matte collection will be available starting in August. Click here to check out the swatches.

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 - 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 - Thursday, October 15th 2009

Zoya Ultra Glitter Collection: Swatches, Review

Product: Zoya Ultra Glitter Collection, Nail Lacquer 0.50 oz

Price: $7.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Zoya, Professional Salons

This Winter, Zoya introduces two smaller collections delivered right to your fingertips, Ultra Glitter and Matte Velvet. And today I'm bringing you an Ultra-Glam, Ultra-Blingy and Ultra-Cool collaboration for my glitter lovers.

In this collection, we have three new sparklers from Zoya - Astra, Luna and Nova. The formula is semi sheer, buildable color and you'll need three coats for full coverage.

Please Note: All my swatches were taken in overcast weather and not direct sunlight.

Check em' out! 

Astra is a red toned pink in a reddish pink base with pink glitter.

Luna is a silver glitter in a cloudy, gray-white base. I really loved this one, it's reminds me of snow with a layer of diamond dust!

Nova is purple toned pink in a purple base with pink and silver glitter. The silver glitter was hard to pick up, but it's definitely in there with three coats.

Overall, great collection! It's Fun, Glitzy and perfect for the holiday season. Application was decent with semi-sheer coverage. Texture is smooth, not bumpy or gritty with a top coat.

Who's on board Zoya's Glitter Train? Have a wonderful night!

FEATURED - Tuesday, October 20th 2009

Finger Paints Holiday Collection: Swatches, Review

Collection: Finger Paints Holiday Collection, Nail Lacquer 0.5 oz

Price: $4.99/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sally's Beauty

Coming Soon to your Sally's Beauty Store is Finger Paints newest Holiday Collection and I'm super excited to show you guys a preview of this fantastic Winter release!

In the past I haven't mentioned Finger Paints that often, but deep down I'm a huge fan and I don't think the brand gets enough credit! Sure, maybe some of the core line colors aren't as unique BUT just when you thought you fell out of love, they bring you back with a really spectacular collection. *heart flutters*

Let's break it down. In this release, we have mostly shimmers - but not really? I'd like to call these shimmer flecks, Finger Paints Style. And they're absolutely gorgeous when light hits the glass like particles.

For the most part, all polishes are three coaters with the exception of a couple. Good application and formula.

Check em' out!

 

Snowman's Scarf is a red with gold fine shimmer that's a bit orange toned compared to Candy Cane Shimmer.

Yes, Yes, Yes a Green! And boy is Evergreen Dream a stunner. Think shimmer version of China Glaze's Emerald Sparkle. A Definite must have for my green lovers. Oh, and my swatch is with two coats! Good pigmentation.

Icy Ivy is a gorgeous, deep purple with pink and purple flecks. Sometimes it's really hard distinguishing the different colored shimmers in each shade.

 

Candy Cane Shimmer is a red with silver and pink shimmer that has a foil like appeal.

Sparkling Snow is a semi sheer silver foil, not as opaque as most foil polishes. 

Decked with Dazzle is another foil like, a pink with silver, red and purple shimmer.

All in All, one of the best holiday collections I've seen this Fall. Perfect for shimmer and glitter lovers that hate the hassle of glitter removal. Affordable and easily available at Sally's Beauty Stores.

What would I change? Maybe to replace the red, Snowman's Scarf with a Gold blinger and this would easily be a five star collection in my book.

Who loves Finger Paints? What do you guys think of this Collection? Have a great Night!

PS: Make sure you check out my Photo Gallery and subscribe to my new feed, I usually post new pictures before I publish my blog posts! 

FEATURED - Friday, October 23rd 2009

Icing Limited Edition Black Glitter Set

Product: Icing LE Black Glitter Set, Nail Lacquer 0.40

Price: $16.00/set or BOGOHO

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Icing Stores in the Mall

Happy Friday Diva's! Here in the Kentucky/Ohio region we're being drenched by massive rain, so I hope you guys are keeping warm and dry today! To end this week on a good note, let's start with a nifty black glitter set from Icing.

I'm sure you've heard me talk about Icing quite a bit in the past, so for those who aren't familiar to the brand I wanted to do a quick little recap. For me, Icing is a Hit or Miss. A Hit: The color selection is absolutely fabulous - you'll find unique and unusual colors every time. A Miss: However, the application is the downside - more so the applications brush. And it probably just boils down to a fixable manufacturer defect. With all that being said, I continue to stalk my icing for rare and amazing colors!

The formula on these were a hit and miss like I mentioned above. Some colors applied perfectly, while others were a pain. Are you ready for some swatches?!

Check em' out!

Blackened Green was the color that hooked me, a semi sheer black with green glitter.

Blackened Blue is a black with blue glitter.

Blackened Gold was a bit thick and gloopy, a black with gold glitter.

Blackened Purple is a black with purple glitter.

Blackened Brown is a black with orange/brown glitter.

Overall, Good Collection. The formula is a tad sheerer than Milani's Black Magic Collection. I found the price of $16.00 for a set of five to be pricey, but if you take advantage of Buy One, Get One Half Off it's a good deal. And according to my bottles, Icing polishes are Big 3 Free.

Stayed tuned, I have another Icing Fall Set to post that's gorgeous! How do you feel about Icing's Polishes? Love them, Hate them? Have a wonderful Friday!

FEATURED - Friday, November 6th 2009

Winter Collection: Zoya MatteVelvet Swatches

Collection: Zoya MatteVelvet Winter Collection, Matte Nail Lacquer 0.5 oz

Price: $7.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Art of Beauty, Professional Salons

It's another matte edition Divas and before you roll your eyes or shrug your shoulders, Zoya's new shimmering MatteVelvet collection is worth paying attention to!

Unlike the Fall release, these applied perfectly! So flawlessly that I thought the formula had been recalculated, but they haven't; every pigment is different. And the drying time isn't lightening speed either; you have plenty of time to swipe 3, 4, or even 5 strokes with no visible streak lines. Go Zoya!

Are you ready for some swatches?

Don't ask me how to pronounce Veruschka, but the color is absolutely to die for. A forest green with intense shimmer that looks almost holographic with a glossy top coat. Gorg and my favorite by far! 

Harlow is a magenta pink matte.

Savita is a purple with blue undertones; not your traditional blurple, but there's definitely blue in there. And with a glossy top coat, the shimmering mattes really come to life! 

Overall, Super Hotness! Quite honestly, if the staying power was there, five star rating in my book. Good application, formula and Big 3 Free. Versatile - you can wear them matte or glossy.

What do you think of the Winter Mattes? Love them, Hate them? Have a wonderful weekend! 

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 1st 2009

MAC Holiday: Magic, Mirth and Mischief Collection

Product: MAC Magic, Mirth, Mischief Collection - Nail Lacquer .34 oz

Price: $12.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: MAC, Macy's, Nordies, Dillard's

Magic, Mirth and Mischief is all about the sparkle, shine and seduction you need to dazzle and delight, with holiday colour to bring out the mischievous minx in each and every one of you. Have a ball!

This Holiday season, MAC Cosmetics gets decked out with two, ultra-shiny nail lacquers in the Magic, Mirth and Mischief collection. Each shade is a metallic/chrome based texture that resembles those mirror-like, disco oranments you'll find on your Christmas Tree.

Are you ready for some swatches? Check them out!  

Back in the Heatherette days, I wasn't too crazy for this frosty Silver and my opinion remains the same. $$$$$ Yes is your typical metallic and my application required three full coats to completely even out stroke lines.

Lucky Number is MAC's newest addition to the collection and it's certainly an upgrade from $$$$$ Yes. More like a chrome texture, you'll only need one or two coats for full coverage.

Unfortunately, Lucky Number is sold out online but you can still find this at Freestanding stores or online at Macy's, Nordies or Dillards.

Overall, A good collection for the metallic lover! I liked how MAC took a different approach from the usual Green, Red and Silver suspects. However, if your not a big fan for frosty nail polishes, I'd pass on this one - the application may give you one big headache.

What do you guys think of these two metallics? Did you pick up anything from the Magic, Mirth and Mischief collection? Have a wonderful day!

FEATURED - Saturday, December 5th 2009

The New Face of Sally Hansen Salon

Product: Sally Hansen, Complete Salon Manicure Nail Lacquer 0.5 oz

Price: $6.50 - $7.99/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens

At the Tracy Reese S/S '10 Fashion Show back in September, Sally Hansen unveiled a new line of nail lacquers to replace the Salon brand called Complete Salon Manicure. While the Tracy Reese Collection isn't officially due out until next Spring, 42 core line hues are introduced this Winter.

Before I get to the details, let's take a jump to one my faves.

One of the standout colors from the new Salon line, Commander in Chic. A creamy mixture of Taupe, Grey and Brown that resembles our loved, Metro Chic.

Not only are their names alike, they share a sisterly kind of relationship. Commander in Chic is a just a teensy bit darker compared to Metro Chic.

The biggest change I've noticed is the application brush. It's somewhat tapered like the Insta Dri polishes, but not as wide and a little easier to navigate on your nails.

Another difference, the bottle redesign. It's square on the bottom and more rounded near the top with a small rubberized ring around the cap. I'm not too crazy about the shape, but the added rubber ring is a nice touch.

Final Thoughts, I'm not completely sold. Along with the new face is a hefty price tag from $6.50 to $7.99 a pop, depending on the store. The application brush may be a disadvantage to some, especially if you like a flat style. The Upside: A great selection of base colors that range from sheers to vampy. Improved 5 in 1 formula includes: base coat, strengthener, grow treatment, color and top coat. Yes, you can actually skip a top and base coat. The wear is incredible!

Check out the standard colors below. 

 

Side Note: Please use the color chart as a reference only, swatches (above) may not be accurate.

Have you tried the new Complete Salon Manicure line? I would love to hear what you think!

Looking for more Sally Hansen colors? Check out Lavender Cloud.

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 - Thursday, December 24th 2009

Tis The Season To Be Mint Green

Merry Christmas Eve, all! To celebrate this festive holiday, I wanted to kick off with some minty green nail spam for your viewing pleasures. Enjoy!

(Above) Chanel Le Vernis in Jade

 MAC Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Peppermint Patti

OPI Nail Lacquer in Damone Roberts 1968

 OPI Nail Lacquer in Hey! Get in Lime

Essie in Mint Candy Apple 

RGB Cosmetics Nail Polish in Minty 

American Apparel Nail Polish in Office 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Creme de Menthe 

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Milf 

Avon in Teal Waters 

Claire's Cosmetics Nail Polish in Dream Catcher 

Nicole by OPI Nail Color in Hint of Mint 

And a little polka dot nail art for fun!

Those are a few of my favorites. Click here to check out more Minty goodness. Do you love this cool, pastel-y color? What's your faves?  

Wishing you a safe and wonderful Christmas!

FEATURED - Saturday, January 2nd 2010

Chanel Spring 2010: Les Impressions De Chanel

Product: Les Impressions De Chanel Collection, Nail Lacquer .40 oz

Price: $23.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Chanel, Chanel Counters, Nordies

This Spring, the Les Impressions de Chanel collection brings us a palette of three neutral nail lacquers ranging from sheer pink and classic nude to a grayed out muddy brown.

Let's get to the swatches, shall we?

Tendresse is a soft pink that's your typical spring shade. Tendresse may not be completely sheer like most neutral pinks. You can get by with three coats for decent coverage and four coats for full coverage. 

Chanel describes Particuliere as a grey creme, which is a little misleading. It fits into the mushroom/taupe/brown category. All you need is two coats to get the job done - the pigmentation is fabulous. If you're into mushroom shades right now, this is definitely worth the splurge.

I have some bad news for your pocketbooks. Particuliere does not have an exact dupe. It falls somewhere between OPI's Over the Taupe and Avon's Nocturnal. OPI's leans towards a mauvey-brown and Avon's is much darker like You Don't Know Jacques.

Edit: I've had a lot of questions regarding Essie's Mink Muffs and Orly's Prince Charming as close dupes. Just to clarify, both colors are much darker than Chanel Particuliere. Check out another comparison of Mink Muffs. 

Inattendu is a classic nude-beige cream with peachy undertones. A nice Au Naturel with good coverage, but not for me.

Overall, a nice selection of neutrals for Spring. Particuliere is the standout color from Les Impressions. Inattendu and Tendresse are nice, but can easily be duped. if you're looking for flesh or mannequin type shades, Essie has a good variety to choose from.

Does Particuliere live up to your expectations? Are you picking up any shades from Les Impressions? Have a wonderful Saturday!  

FEATURED - Sunday, January 3rd 2010

Sneak Peek: Barielle A Bouquet for Ava

Collection: Barielle A Bouquet for Ava, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $8.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Barielle - Available in February

Shades by Barielle blooms into Spring with six floral themed hues to the Wildflower Collection.  This release includes Blossom - an opaque peach, Snapdragon - a metallic sea foam green and Darling Dahlia - a deep fuchsia with a hint of silver metallic.

Three additional colors pay tribute to women close to Barielle who are still battling breast cancer. A Bouquet for Ava - a cool caribbean blue, June Bug - a teal with fuchsia glitter and Myrza's Meadow - a light lime green with silver glitter.  100% of the proceeds from A Bouquet for Ava, June Bug and Myrza's Meadow will be donated to The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund when purchased at ocrf.org.

Today I'm bringing you a sneak peek at the stunning, A Bouquet for Ava, created by Elle.

A Bouquet for Ava is a refreshing breath of caribbean air. It's a deep, cool blue that's perfect! This leans towards teal a bit, but not a dusty teal like Misa's Dirty, Sexy, Money. Spectacular and unique!

As far as dupes, Barielle's is darker and more teal compared to ChG Shower Together. 

And for the Polka Dot lover!  

Barielle's Blossom paired up with A Bouquet for Ava makes a great combination for Spring.

What do you think of A Bouquet for Ava? Are you excited about Barielle's upcoming Wildflower Collection?

Enough teasing, are you guys ready for some swatches?

Full Disclosure: The following product(s) was provided to Steph's Closet by the manufacture and/or PR company for consideration. 

FEATURED - Wednesday, January 6th 2010

Nubar Prisms Collection: Swatches, Review

Product: Nubar Prisms Collection, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Price: $59.95/kit or $9.49/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: ByNubar

Inspired by the colorful play of light through a prism, those bands of light and color are embodied in nubar’s new Prism Collection. Each shade is filled with holographic glitter reflecting every color of the rainbow.

Last Summer, Nubar made our Dreams come true with a collection of eco-friendly greens. For winter, they fulfilled our sweet cravings with decadent Chocolate Truffles. Now, it's Holo-ific for Spring - Yes, Double Yes!!

Nubar introduces eight holographic glitters ranging from subtle neutrals to vivid pink to pale blue. We have a couple different types of textures in the Prisms collection. Some are smooth and fine, while others have large and chunky glitter. Either way, all colors are non-gritty to the touch. 

Like most Nubar polishes, application and formula was pretty good. My average coats varied between two and three with the exception of Absolute.

Check out the swatches.     

Absolute is a semi sheer, baby blue with fine holographic glitter. Even though this is somewhat sheer, it's a great alternative to OPI's pale Blue Lagoon. Very nice!

Gem is very interesting...Is it Grey or is it Pink? Well, a little bit of both. Described as duochrome-like, mauvey grey with medium holo glitter.

Brillant is a light pink with fine holo glitter. Another semi sheer, three coats for good coverage.

Prize delivers a punch! Boom, right in your face holo-tastic. A ruby red-pink filled with massive chunky glitter.

 

Spark is a neutral tan beige with fine holo glitter.

 

A girl can never have to many purples! Treasure is a light purple with fine holographic glitter.  

 

Essence is a peachy pink with fine holo glitter. Nice, but nothing special...Moving on.

Jewel is one of my favorites from the collection. A little bit of charcoal, brown and taupe with chunkier holo glitter. Fabulous!

Will you be purchasing any of Nubar's Prisms Collection? What are some of your faves? Have a wonderful night!

Full Disclosure: The following product(s) was provided to Steph's Closet by the Manufacturer or PR company for consideration.

FEATURED - Saturday, January 9th 2010

Shades by Barielle: Wildflower Spring Collection

Product: Barielle Wildflower Collection, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Price: $8,00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Barielle starting in Feb, ocrf.org.

Happy Saturday Divas! After all this snow, I know I'm ready for Spring. And Shades by Barielle celebrates with six stylish colors to look forward to.

Last week you saw a sneak peek at the gorgeous, A Bouquet for Ava. Today I'm bringing you the remainder of The Wildflower Collection, starting with the shades that benefit The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund created by, Elle.

Celebrity Manicurist and Barielle's Creative Director Elle says, "It means so much to develop a collection that hits so close to home with women affected by ovarian cancer. Having my best friend pass away from the disease, I feel honored to be part of something that gives back."

Let's jump to the swatches, shall we?  

June Bug is a grayed-out blue with subtle shimmer and fuchsia glitter. The combination of pink glitter and blue shimmer is fab!. Two coats for full coverage; dries to a non gritty finish.

Myrza's Meadow  is a semi sheer, light lime green with silver holographic glitter. Even though the holographic effect is mild, it's a step in the right direction. I would love to see more holo's from Barielle.

A Bouquet for Ava is a cool, caribbean blue creme with a touch of teal. 

100% of proceeds from June Bug, Myrza's Meadow and A Bouquet for Ava will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund when purchased through ocrf.org. How incredibly cool is that? A 100%! If you're interested in these colors, I encourage everyone to call and order. The retail cost is $8.00 and phone number is (212) 268-1002. Free Shipping and it's for a great cause!

Having fun with A Bouquet for Ava and Blossom. 

Blossom is an opaque peachy creme. The color is pretty... very spring and summery. Since the formula was a bit on the thick side, I had application issues. Just be sure to apply in thin coats to avoid streaking.

Snap Dragon - is a frosty sea foam green metallic. Love the fresh green... but me and metallics never seem to get along.

Darling Dahlia - is a fuchsia with shimmer. The base is a jelly like berry with extremely subtle shimmer. Application was good with three coats.

Overall, Great Collection! A fun, refreshing mix of Spring colors that benefit a good cause. As always, Barielle's formula is Big 3 Free.

Do you like this collection? What are some of your favorite colors? Have a wonderful weekend.

Full Disclosure: The following product(s) was provided to Steph's Closet by the manufacturer or PR company for consideration.  

FEATURED - Friday, January 15th 2010

MAC in Lillyland Collection: Coconut Ice, Steamy

Product: MAC in Lillyland Collection, Nail Lacquer .40 oz

Price: $12.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: MAC, Macy's, Nordies

"When MAC meets the lore and legend that is Lilly Pulitzer, you get a fabulous and funky fun new chapter: a bit of Mar-a-Lago, some well-to-do winky-wink, and a dash of retro-modern pop culture mayhem in prints and colours that make it hip to be in permanent happy land!

MAC Cosmetics newest collection, MAC in Lillyland launches with two fresh and colorful Nail Lacquers for Spring. Steamy, a permanent color, is a hot pink creme and Coconut Ice, limited edition, is a peachy sorbet treat.

Check out the swatches.

Coconut Ice is a yummy confectionary sweet made from coconut, sugar, eggs, and milk. Depending on the food coloring, it can range between a whitish/red or pink tint.

MAC represents Coconut Ice in the Lillyland collection as a bright peachy-pink creme perfect for Spring and Summer on those tootsies.

Do we really have to talk about the formula... because I'm so bummed with a capital B? Gorgeous shade, but the application was troublesome. No matter what method I tried, I couldn't get away from streak lines.

Check out some comparisons below. 

Coconut Ice is brightened, less pastel and more pink compared to MAC's Seasonal Peach. A good alternative is Barielle's Blossom, which leans towards peach.

Steamy is a MAC core line shade, described as a hot pink creme.

Are you feeling Coconut Ice? Did you pick up anything from MAC in Lillyland Collection? Have a wonderful Friday! TGIF!

FEATURED - Saturday, January 16th 2010

Bargain of the Day: Wet n Wild Night Prowl

Product: Wet n Wild Wet Shine in Night Prowl, Nail Lacquer .43 oz

Price: $.99/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Most Drugstores, Grocery Stores

Bargain of the day is a new weekly series featured on Steph's Closet that focuses on stylish and fashionable nail polish colors without breaking your bank.

Happy Saturday, Divas! Hope you're having a great weekend. Today I'm launching a new feature called, Bargain of the Day. Each week I'll be introducing budget friendly shades for the savvy shopper starting with Wet n Wild's Night Prowl.

Check out the swatches below. 

Night Prowl is one of Wet n Wild's fabulous new colors for 2010. It's described as purple glitter in a thin, black jelly base. The application was good with three coats for full coverage.

The best news, Night Prowl is a whopping 99 cents - what a deal!

Have you picked up Night Prowl? What do you think of Wet n Wild's Wild Shine polishes?

FEATURED - Sunday, January 17th 2010

OPI Alice in Wonderland Collection for Spring

Product: OPI Alice in Wonderland Collection, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $8.50/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: TransDesign, Professional Salons

When January and February find you buried in a mountain of cupids and hearts, OPI and Disney will take you Underland to a world of wild imagination and color!

This Spring, OPI and Disney celebrates the remake of Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton, with a limited edition collection of four new nail lacquers. Absolutely Alice and Mad As A Hatter - magical glitters for your fun side, and Off With Her Red and Thanks So Muchiness - classy, powerful reds for your romantic side.

Glitter lovers, you are going flip for these glistening gems... They are fab! We all know fame comes with a price tag, and in this case it's the removal process. Let acetone be your friend. 

Check out the swatches!

Just looking at Absolutely Alice makes me smile. The blue glitter with flecks of gold sparkles to your little heart desires. She's intoxicating, breathtaking and just has that wow factor.   

Based on OPI's description I was expecting Mad As A Hatter to be more blackened. Even though the multi-colored glitter is in a clear base, the overall color leans towards silver.

Off With Her Red - is a reddish orange creme. I'm not a big fan or reds, but the orange undertones gave this one a kick. It falls along the lines of a harvest red. 

Thank You So Muchiness - is a red shimmer with subtle, pink glitter flakes. In my second swatch, you can slightly see the chunky flakies.

All in All, Great Collection! Absolutely Alice and Mad As A Hatter are the star attractions. The application and formula was decent with 2-3 coats for good coverage. If you're interested in any colors, make sure you grab them quickly - the glitters are more than likely to sell out.

Did you pick up anything from OPI's Alice in Wonderland Collection? Are you planning to check out the movie in March?

FEATURED - Thursday, January 21st 2010

Nina Ultra Pro: Crushed Velvet Collection

Product: Nina Crushed Velvet Collection, Limited Edition Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $3.49/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sally Beauty Stores

Last week when I stopped by my favorite beauty store to pick up some nail gel, I stumbled across a sweet, limited edition collection from Nina Ultra Pro that caught my eye.

The Crushed Velvet Collection introduces six, hi-gloss metallic nail lacquers laced with stunning flecks of gold shimmer. For the most part, each color is well pigmented and has a foil-y metallic finish. With the exception of Vintage Velvet, all shades applied smooth with two coats.

Are you ready for some swatches?

Vintage Velvet - is a gorgeous green metallic with flecks of gold shimmer. 

Velveteen Rabbit - is a mixture between a white gold and bronze metallic with flecks of gold shimmer.  

Viva La Velvet - is a red metallic with with flecks of gold shimmer. 

Velvet Underground - is a purple grape metallic with gold shimmer flecks.

Velvet Revolver was the only color from the collection that has a true metallic finish without flecks of gold shimmer. You'll notice in my swatches, the streak lines are more visible compared to the others.

Velvet Seas - is a blue green metallic with flecks of gold shimmer. 

And for the Matte Edition starring Essie's Matte About You. 

 

Overall, Great Collection for the metallic or foil lover. Nina Ultra Pro polishes are Big 3 free of toxic chemicals. Nice variety of colors, smooth application and reasonably priced for the budget savvy diva.  

My favorites: Velveteen Rabbit, Velvet Seas, Velvet Underground and Vintage Velvet.

How do feel about Nina Ultra Pro polishes? What are some of your favorite colors from the collection?

FEATURED - Thursday, January 28th 2010

American Apparel Gets All Lacquered Up

Collection: American Apparel Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $6.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Will be available in a week or two.

American Apparel, known for their edgy yet provocative clothing line launches a beauty brand consisting of 18 new nail lacquers.

Before we get to the initial review, I feel we need to discuss the article posted on Jezebel a few days ago. After hearing different stories and receiving numerous emails, I felt it was necessary to contact my PR rep to get the real deal and here's what they said:

After receiving a few reports of bottles breaking, we made the internal decision to do a voluntary recall of the bottles on both a retail and public level.

We chose this small US manufacturer to produce our nail polish because we support their business model and have a fondness for family who runs it. However, one of the realities of all manufacturing is first-run glitches. We worked all last week with the manufacturer to make the improvements necessary for the second run. Another reason we sought out a US-based company is so we would be able make changes and now, we can investigate what went wrong as quickly as possible. We still believe in the factory we're working with and the new polish will be in stores within the next two weeks.

We will offer an exchange of two new bottles or a $10 giftcard for anyone who brings in a unit from the original run or a receipt.

On another note, one thing we're taking very seriously is the disposal of the bottles we had in the stores. Even though our polish was DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde-free, we don't want our stores just tossing it in the trash. We're using our internal shipping and distribution line to arrange a pickup and removal of the polish to make sure it gets done right.

Since we have that covered, let's move on to the good stuff. American Apparel... who would of guessed? This stuff is selling like hotcakes and the proof is in the pudding or shall we say lacquer. The color selection is unbelievable with 18 different creme shades to choose from, reasonably priced at $6.00 each or 3 for $15 in stores.

Talk about perfect formula, these were oh so dreamy to apply. Each color is smooth, opaque and lasted four days with a base and top coat. Way to go American Apparel!

Check out the swatches.   

I never get tired of greens and Office is a nice minty green creme.

Mouse fits into the taupe/mushroom/nude category. It's much lighter than most mushroom shades on the market. A great neutral that goes with everything.

Hunter is a deep, vampy hunter green creme.

Hassid is a black creme that dries to a satin like finish.

Overall, Awesome! If you're a creme lover, then this is your cup of tea. Perfect application, formula and color selection.

Have you tried American Apparel polishes yet? What do you think of the brand? Have a wonderful day!

Full Disclosure: The following product(s) was provided to Steph's Closet by the manufacturer or PR company for consideration.

FEATURED - Thursday, February 18th 2010

Nubar Sparkles Collection for Spring

Product: Nubar Sparkles Collection, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $49.95/kit or $7.49/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Online @ Nubar

Big 3 Free: Yes, Cruelty Free and Vegan!

Add some glitz and glamour to your wardrobe this season with the Sparkles Collection. The fine glitter texture provides full coverage in two to three coats, and available in eight dazzling colors.

After a record breaking week of that fluffy white powder, a fresh dose of Spring air is in order, wouldn't you agree? Nubar celebrates with another fun lovin' collection of eight colorful glitters.

As far as the formula, we have a couple different variations. Night Sparkle and Fire Sparkle are the only two colors in a "not so jelly" texture. It's more like a tinted satin and the glitter isn't as brilliant compared to the others, which are in a clear base.

Just a small disclaimer before we get started. All my swatches were taken indoors with a flash and artificial lighting. As soon as we get some sun here, I'll get better pictures.

Night Sparkle - is a deep blue glitter in a matching base. Since the base has a nice tint, Night Sparkle can easily be a two coater.

Oh man, Violet Sparkle is extremely pretty! It's a violet purple glitter in a clear base that flashes a bit of pink or magenta in certain lights. A must have!

Meadow Sparkle - is a light green glitter in a clear base.

Star Sparkle - is the only holographic based glitter from the Sparkles Collection. It's described as a silver glitter in a clear base. This would look fab layered over any nail color too.

Hyacinth Sparkle - is a lavender glitter in a clear base.

My swatches do absolutely nothing for Petunia Sparkle. It's a gorgeous magenta glitter in a clear base. This is another one of my faves up there with Violet Sparkle.

Sky Sparkle, sadly, is the only four coater from the group. It's a bright turquoise blue that resembles Massini or Color Club's Sexy Siren. 

Fire Sparkle - is a vibrant and saucy red glitter in a matching tinted base just like Night Sparkle.

My favorites: Violet Sparkle, Petunia Sparkle, Star Sparkle and Night Sparkle.

Overall, A great collection for glitter lovers! Not exactly two coaters as they claim to be. On the average, most colors were opaque in three coats, which is still pretty good considering. If you can get past the stubborn removal, you'll love these!

Did you guys pick up any colors from the Sparkles Collection? What are some of your faves?

Full Disclosure: The following product(s) was provided to Steph's Closet by the Manufacturer or PR company for consideration. 

FEATURED - Thursday, February 4th 2010

Milani 3D Holographic Collection for Spring

Product: Milani 3D Holographic, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $4.25 - $5.99/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Meijer, CVS, Kmart

This Spring, Milani Cosmetics enters the realm of 3D with an assortment of new products consisting of Nail Lacquers and Makeup inspired by the blockbuster flick, Avatar.

When I heard that one of my favorite drugstore brands was unveiling a line of Neon, 3D Holographic and Nail Art polishes I was ecstatic and couldn't wait to test these babies out myself. Well the time is finally here, after a sneak peek at Fashion Week last September, Milani finally launches nationwide at stores.

If you're familiar with holographic or prismatic shades, then you can relate these to the Kaleidoscope Collection from China Glaze. The rainbow effect isn't nearly as strong; the large, glitter-like particles tend to break up the hologram a bit more compared to others.

The formula is light, airy and dries to a smooth, non-gritty finish with three coats. Have fun!  Try experimenting with different layering combinations for the ultimate look of sparkling, brilliant cut diamonds.

Check em' out! 

I haven't had a chance to check out Avatar, but when I do Cyberspace is the perfect accessory to tag along with for a total 3D experience. Even better, add some depth with Milani's Neon Dude Blue. 

HD - is a silver holographic.

3D - is a gold holo.

Hi-Res - is a light purple holo. To add more color, try using a coordinating base color like Milani's Rad Purple. 

Digital - is a pink holo.

Hi-Tech is absolutely fabulous! If you only pick one, this is your go to gal. Keep in mind, my swatches are NOT even close to being accurate, it's a bright (not neon) spring green with strong holo effect. Totally awesome with three coats!

Overall, Great collection! If you need a spur of the moment holo polish, Milani's are readily available at stores. The price may be a little on the high side, but if you figure in shipping costs and time for online ordering it all balances out.

To my knowledge (98%), Milani's Neon, 3d and Nail Art products are permanent items. I can't completely back that up until we starting seeing these more widespread. Look out for special BOGO (buy one, get one free) sales.

What do you guys think? Has anyone picked these up? I would love to hear feedback and what stores you've seen these? Have a wonderful pre-friday!

Feel free to link to this post; under no circumstances should my pictures be used without permission. 

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