Home / Tag: Spring Collection

Spring Collection

FEATURED - Monday, December 17th 2007

Blue is Back: Chanels 2008 Spring Collection

Chanel's Spring/Summer 2008 collection line is focused around blues, and pastels.  Last week I had a chance to preview the collection early, and picked up some goodies.  Blue is going to be the "IT" color for Spring/Summer 2008, if you haven't already noticed.  I have to say this collection is Smoking Hot!  GRRR

Chanel Nail Polishes for 2008.  Blue Satin (actual pictures above), Azur (actual pictures above), White Satin, and Rose Satin.  My favorite picks are Blue Satin and Azur.  Blue Satin is to die for, and if have read my previous articles, this is already selling out like hotcakes.  Azur is my second pick.  It is more translucent than it actually appears but, looks great over Blue Satin and is definitely buy worthy.  I passed on the Rose Satin and White Satin, they are nice colors, but, nothing spectacular.

Chanel Eye Shadows.  Now, this is where Chanel hit the jackpot.  The Les 4 Ombres in Bleu Cèlestes (actual pictures above), is quite frankly the BEST Blue quad I have seen period!  It is absolutely gorgeous and is definitely a must have for spring.  The 4 Fleurs in Ferries, Camelias quad (actual pictures above), is also very beautiful.  Almost too beautiful to even use!  If I had to pick one, I would definitely go with the Bleu Cèlestes. 

Some of my other favorites that I will be purchasing: Chanel Inimitable mascara in Noir-indigo, and Crayon Lèvres Cardamone.  The Crayon is a great shade of blue, and I know a lot of you have been looking for a good blue pencil, so, here it is!

Overall, I loved this collection.  The definite must haves are Blue Satin nail polish and The Les 4 Ombres in Bleu Cèlestes.  I have a feeling both of these items will be sell-outs.  So, be sure to get an early start!

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for a chance to win a bottle of Chanel Blue Satin. What do you guys think of this collection?

FEATURED - Monday, January 28th 2008

OPI India Collection: Spring Summer 2008

  

OPI Introduces India Collection for Spring Summer 2008.  This India Collection is focused around sunny, high-energy pallette for the nails and lips. This season trends will include: hats, brightly colored bangles, metallic clutch purses, and India inspired beading and embelishments.

I'm really loving OPI India's Collection and China Glaze OMG Collection for Spring and Summer 2008.  Essie and Zoya is taking a different route by introducing sheers and neutral colors for their Spring Collection.  Neutrals are nice, but I need bold colors for Spring and Summer! 

Move over Blue Satin and Russian Navy, OPI Yoga-ta Get This Blue is in town and is on Fire!  OPI introduces a new blue nail polish in this collection, which I cannot wait to see!  See the nail polish colors and names below. 

I'm Indi-a Mood for Love - Hot Pink	Yoga-ta Get This Blue - Dark Blue
Get Me to the Taj on Time - Pale Opal	Curry Up Don't Be Late - Metallic Gold
Charmed by a Snake - Bronze	Lunch at the Delhi - Coral
Royal Rajah Ruby - Burgandy	ElePhantastic Pink - Light Pink
Black Cherry Chutney - Dark Blackish-Red	Keys to my Karma - Rich Red
MonSooner or Later - Orange	Moon Over Mumbai - A Soft Gray

Check out the Reviews and Swatches for this collection.

{Photo via: Ball Beauty}

Wednesday, February 6th 2008

OPI India Collection: Review and Swatches

OPI India Collection for Spring/Summer 2008 has officially launched today.  I had a chance to get a sneak peek at this collection, and pick up a couple of bottles.  First off, I really love India inspired collections.  This collection has a little bit to offer for any appetite.  Neutrals: Soft Grey and Opal colors.  Dark: A gorgeous blue that no-one should overlook, and a deep burgandy with red shimmer.  Metallics: Sheer Gold and Bronze perfect for summer. Brights: A beautiful fuschia magenta (pictured on model), Bright Pink .     

If you haven't been locked up and living as a hermit, then you know by now,, that blue is the "IT" color for Spring/Summer 2008.  Most nail collections this season have featured some kind of blue shade.  Chanel Blue Satin, is one of my personal favorite nail colors this season, but, something was just missing.  As much as I love Blue Satin, it's just too darn dark without putting a topcoat of Azur.  Don't get me wrong, I still love the color and will continue to wear it.  But, it was hyped up so much, that I already had high expectations and the vision in my head didn't match up with actual color.  Maybe if the formulation wasn't as thick, it would have an potential of being a 10.

 

Charmed by a Snake.  A bronzed color that is perfect for any anybody.  This is a great color and much approiate for warm and cool tones.  This is definitely tied with MoonSoon or Later as my second favorites.  "Bronzed" and "Goldened" are one of the color trends for this summer, which brings me to the next color.

 

Curry Up Don't Be Late.  A sheer gold color with yellow undertones. I think this color is more appealing to the warm tone crowd.  A Metallic Yellowish-Gold is a tricky color to pull off.  But, I'm really liking yellow this spring/summer.  If your feet get really tan in the summer, this is a must for pedi's!  Check out the OPI India Collection Promo Ad, featuring this color.  I'll be honest, I love this color but, it was really hard to paint my nails.  It's very sheer, and I certainly needed 3 heavy coats to cover completely.  But, it's defintely worth the hassle, the color payoff is a gorgeous metallic yellow-gold.

Lunch at Delhi.  Described as a soft coral shade with pink-undertones.  I honestly don't see the pink undertones in this one.  It defitnely has more reddish undertones which makes it dark coral color which is really pretty.  Coral is going to be an "IT" color this spring/summer 2008. 

I'm Ind-ia Mood for Love.  Described as a Fushia-Magenta color.  A Magenta Fushia creme color that is a must have for pedi's this summer!  Take a look at the model in the picture above.  She is wearing this color.  How cute would that be on your toes, white flip-flops, and a toe ring.

 

Yoga-Ta Get This Blue.  So true to the name.  Yoga-Ta Get this Blue!  What are you waiting for!  WOW!  This color is exactly what Chanel Blue Satin lacked and is amazing.  It is exactly the blue I have been looking for.  If you love the blue nail polish trend, well, this is going to be your holy grail color.  So, what makes this blue different from all the hundreds out there?  Well, OPI for one, secondly the beautiful aqua and blue shimmer that makes this perfect!  And, one more thing, it LOOKS blue! Unlike Blue Satin and many others, where it looks black-ish in different lighting.  Russian Navy fans, get ready, your going to love this color!  Same type of texture, instead of the purple-ish pink shimmers, it's aqua and blue.  This is my favorite color of this collection, and think it's going to be a HUGE hit.

 

MoonSoon or Later.  I absolutely LOVE this color!  Described as a bright reddish-organish color.  I think this is one of the colors that most people will overlook.  And, if you love orangey-red's, this defintely shouldn't be overlooked!  It's not as bright and orangey as you might think.  Described as a creamy tomato red.  At first, I honestly overlooked this color.  Two days later, I saw this color and messed with it a little bit, and ended up loving it and purchasing it.  If your attracted to reds as I am, you'll love this!  This color is my second favorite, right under the blue.  Coral and Oranges are going to be a Hot color this summer!

Moon over Mumbai.  Descirbed as a gray shade.  I was really hoping I would like this color.  I'm honestly seeing more pink in this shade.  I would describe it as a very light pink shimmer with gray undertones.  It is a very pretty shade, but, I was hoping for more gray.  Essie's, Body Language is by far the best gray color I have seen this spring.  This color is much like Essie's 2008 Spring Collection.

Keys to my Karma.  Described as a rich tomato red color.  Honestly, I see this color being more like a cherry red opposed to a rich tomato red, which I have plenty of similar colors.

Elphantastic Pink.  Described as a bold carnation pink.  Much talk was going on about this color.  So, I was really looking forward to it.  But, I was quite disappionted.  My skin tone is warm and this color stands out like a sore thumb.  It's just too bright for me.  This color may look more appealing on cooler skin tones.

Here are some other colors I didn't get, but, would be more appealing for me in the fall.  Spring and Summer is almost here so, I'm ready for some colors.  Royal Rajah Ruby, a burgandy with reddish shimmer.  If the shimmer were light pink, this would be an huge it color.  This is more of a burgandy-blackish color.  Black Cherry Chutney, a dark black cherry red.  

Below are some photo swatches I took from my salon.  

The first picture was taken with a flash, the second without a flash. 

Overall, I really liked this collection.  Yoga-ta get this Blue!  Go get this stuff now!  That was the best color hands down.  Followed by Curry up Don't Be Late, Charmed by a Snake, and MoonerSooner or Later.  

What do you think of this collection?  Are you planning to purchase any colors?

Check out the ultimate summer accessory featuring two colors from the OPI India Collection.

FEATURED - Wednesday, March 5th 2008

China Glaze: Ecollection for Spring

China Glaze is going eco-friendly for spring! China Glaze introduces a second collection for spring 2008.  ecollection, to preserve the beauty of our world's colors, tread lightly and leave only footprints. In Blahniks or Birkenstocks, going green is always fashionable. 

The ecollection colors is based around earth, sand, sun, water, clouds and trees.  This collection is very much different from the previous spring release, OMG collection.  I love how this collection is focused around more "earthy colors".  Check out the color swatches and display photos below.

 

It's really hard to judge the color by these photo swatches.  The colors that I'm interested in seeing are: Recycle, Unplugged, Hybrid and Shower Together.  Tree Hugger and Solar Power will be interesting to see on.  These are colors I normally wouldn't go for, but, we'll see, you never know.  The ecollection is now available at Head to 2 Beauty and other China Glaze retailers.

Check out the reviews and swatches on this Eco-friendly ecollection.

FEATURED - Saturday, March 22nd 2008

Rescue Beauty Lounge: Steph's Spring Picks

Rescue Beauty Lounge features two of my favorite nail color picks for spring 2008!  What better way to celebrate spring with two eco-friendly colors.  I love rescue beauty lounge's formula and all the beautiful array of bold colors they offer.  The only drawback, they are $18.00 USD, just as much as Chanel or any name brand nail polish. But, it's defintely worth the money for the beautiful bold colors you wont find anywhere else!  These two shades I predict will be smoking hot colors for this Spring and Summer 2008.

Here's a little history if you are new to the Rescue Beauty Lounge name.  Several lab technicians quit their job before Ji was satisfied with the polish that would bare the Rescue name.  The result is a long-wearing polish created with resin and high molecular polymers to improve flexibility, durablitily and high shine.  What you won't find- harmful and drying Touluene, Formaldhyde or DBP. 

I know alot of ya'll probably think I'm crazy for picking these bold colors, that most of us won't even wear!  But, they are HOT colors and anyone, any-age can wear them!  Come on break out of that shell, I know your in there!  Be daring!  Next time you go get a pedicure, manicure, or even do your own nails, try someting daring!  Have fun, summer's almost here!  Whoohoo!

Recycle, described as a deep blackish emerald green creme that is about 97% identical to the coveted, Nars Zulu, that was sold-out instantly at Sephora.  I actually prefer Rescues's Recycle over Nars Zulu polsh.  This is probably my favorite color of 2008 so far.  The blue/green trend is right up my alley.

Yellow Fever, described as a bright lemon yellow creme color, that just brightens my day like the beautiful sun!  I just get happy looking at this beautiful yellow color.  Rihanna, has been seen sporting around this "trendy" yellow nail color.  Yellow is going to be an hot color this summer. Green Bay Packers fans these are must have colors for next football season!  These colors rock together, espically for those packers fans!

Check out some nail polish comparisons below.

China Glaze Solar Power, is more of a toned down mustard yellow color, with noticable shimmer.  This is a new color from China Glaze's ecollection, for spring 2008.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Yellow Fever, is more of a bright yellow color (like the sun) with hardly noticeable shimmers.  This is a new color from the Spring collection

My favorite is Yellow Fever.  It's a very bright and bold yellow color that looks great on darker skin tones.  I think yellow is going to be a harder color to pull off, for some.  But, I love bright bold colors, and I think anyone can pull it off, espically paired up with the right outfit.

China Glaze Tree Hugger, is described as a granny smith apple color with noticeable shimmer.  This is a new color from China Glaze' ecollection, for spring 2008.

Rescue Beauty Recycle, described as a emerald green creme polish.  This color is very similar to the infamous, Nars Zulu.

I love green, and I love both of these nail polishes.  Think Green for spring!  Going green is an continuing trend this season, and what better way to start off with eco-friendly nail colors!

Love Rescue Beauty Lounge?

Check out Ji Baek's new book, Rescue your nails or the new lavendar nail polish trend that's becoming the next it color for summer.

FEATURED - Wednesday, May 27th 2009

Win Sally Hansen's Honeydew, Night Hydrangea

Hope ya'll had a fabulous Memorial day weekend. Next week, I'll be giving two fabulous shades away from Sally Hansen's Tracy Reese Spring collection. Honeydew - a gorgeous teal and Night Hydrangea - a gorgeous purple with shimmer.

How to enter: Anyone can enter. Just post a comment in this entry telling me why you would want to win. Also, please include your twitter name in the comments for those who tweet.

Two winners will be randomly picked from my followers at Twitter and Steph's Closet subscribers. Both winners will be announced on June 10, 2009. Good Luck all!

FEATURED - Friday, May 9th 2008

Trend Alert: Lavender Purple Nail Polish

Product: Purple Haze Nail Polish

Price: $18.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Rescue Beauty Lounge

Recommend: Yes

More love goes out to the fabulous Ji and the Rescue Beauty Lounge team!  I've had my eyes on Purple Haze since it was introduced in their Spring Collection.  But, never took that next step to purchasing it.  So, after months of debating, here it is. 

Purple lavender nail polish started to make an appearance in winter, hitting most nail polish collections in Spring of 2008.  Essie's Spring Collection, was one of the first lavender nail polishes that caught my eye.  Looking for love, described as a sheer lavender nail polish, was one of the firsts I've tried.  But, with much sadness, looking for love was extremely sheer, and the color pay-off just wasn't there.  At that point, it was a color that I just put on the back burner, until now!

Ji and the Rescue Beauty team have created another truely unique polishes with outstanding color pay-off!  I have nothing but good things to say about this color and the Rescue Beauty Lounge formula.  The color is described as a creme lavender with dark blue undertones.  The consistency applied like a charm and only two light coats are needed.  Purple Haze has everything that Essie's, looking for love, lacked.  And, you won't find a comparable polish to this color.  Actually, it's hard to find many lavender blue-based colors in stores period.  Check out the photo swatch on my toes below.

So, I have been sporting around this color for the past few days on both my hands and feet.  And, I to say, this color is amazing!  I usually don't wear matching colors unless the color is fab, and that is exactly what it is!  The navy blue undertones makes this color a periwinkle blue outside in sunlight, and a deeper lavender purple inside.

I predict that this color will be a hit through the summer and fall seasons.  Purple Haze will be an appropriate color in the fall to coordinate with your grays/blues/purples.  Chanel, OPI, and many others are introducing a lavendar based nail polish to their summer collections as well.  I think most of us will sway away from this color because of it's boldness.  If you love blue, your sure to love this color also.  Purple Haze espically looks great with darker skin tones; it tends to give you the perfect amout of pop on your nails or toes!  It also looks great with a tan or a sunless tan.

Let's talk about Rescue Beauty Lounge!  My first few impressions have been absolutely fantastic.  And, we all know first impressions are crucial!  It can usually make or break your business.  My RBL collection is consistency growing with bold and beautiful colors.  I'll usually wear any color, as long as it fits my style.

Future Colors.  I would love to see Ji and the team create an orange nail polish for summer.  Orange is rapidly becoming one of the next nail polish trends, and I know the Rescue Beauty Lounge color would be amazing!

FEATURED - Monday, November 24th 2008

MAC and Hello Kitty: Let the Insanity Begin

You've heard the rumors for months now.  WWD sets the records straight for this highly anticipated collection we've all been waiting for.  Seriously, do you know how insane the demand is going to be for this collection?  Read more details below.

MAC has teamed up with Sanrio Global Consumer Products to create a Hello Kitty color cosmetics collection.  This new collection will arrive on MAC’s Web site Feb. 10, in North American stores on Feb. 12 and into overseas stores in March.

“We are thrilled to partner with a brand that shares the vision of offering an innovative, authentic and transforming experience to our loyal fan base,” said Janet Hsu, president of Sanrio. Sanrio’s worldwide retail sales of licensed products for 2007 is estimated at $5 billion.

While the 34-year-old Hello Kitty character is usually assumed to be a cat, she is actually a girl, according to Sanrio. And a girl without a mouth, so she “speaks from the heart,” the company said. “She may not have a mouth, but she’s going to sell a lot of lipstick,” cracked Demsey, noting that a waiting list for the items will go live on Jan. 7 at maccosmetics.com.

“To me, MAC Hello Kitty embodies the ultimate beauty icon,” said Jennifer Balbier, senior vice president of product development for MAC Worldwide. “She’s sweet and sexy, slightly edgy, and appeals to a wide range of customers. We wanted to reflect that through a sweet side, but also something slightly mischievous when it came to the colors. I started out by creating a palette of pinks, since they fit and always trend well in the spring. And this look is so much about the eyes that we did two eye shadow quads.” The Lucky Tom quad has violet blue, brown, gold and pink-coral shades, while the Too Dolly palette has mint, blue-silver, pale pink and magenta shades.

“We incorporated glitter eyeliners because she loves anything that twinkles, and we took the coral and hot pink theme and did pretty, poppy [colored] blush,” added Balbier.

While this collection is intended to have a sophisticated presentation, MAC hopes to appeal to younger fans with two shades of lip conditioners.

The Hello Kitty offerings fall into two collections: the Hello Kitty Colour Collection and the more high-end Hello Kitty Kouture. The bulk of the items are in the former category: six shades of lipstick with names like Fashion Mews and Strayin’, each $14; six Lipglass shades, each $14; and two tinted lip conditioners, $14.50 each; two eye shadow palettes, which each contain four shades and retail for $38; two shades of pigment are $19.50 each, and two Reflects Glitter stockkeeping units — one blue, one pink — are $17.50 each. Four Glitter Eye Liners, each $16.50, two shades of Beauty Powder, each $22; three shades of nail polish, each $11; a black mascara, $12, and false lashes, $12, round out the color offerings. Shades range from pinks and turquoises to lavenders and greens.

Hello Kitty Kouture is intended to be the high end of the collection. Two shades of Dazzleglass, each $28, 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, $90 and available in three shades, is packaged in a silver powder compact with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals with a pink crystal bow on a black background.

“We wanted to have affordable luxury and a high-low aspect, so it made sense to do the Hello Kitty Colour Collection and Hello Kitty Kouture,” said Demsey.

The Hello Kitty Colour items, a Petite Makeup Bag, $22, and a medium Makeup Bag, $35, will be in all doors, currently about 581 department and specialty stores in North America including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, as well as MAC’s 138 freestanding stores in North America and at maccosmetics.com. Internationally, the items will be in 1,307 doors in 69 countries, including 296 MAC freestanding stores outside North America. Hello Kitty Kouture will be available at MAC stores and maccosmetics.com only. At the maximum, the collection will be available for eight weeks.

A plush doll, $42; purse mirror, $22, and three-brush collection, $49.50, will be available at MAC stores, Nordstrom doors and maccosmetics.com only. A mirrored key clip, $16; beaded bracelet, $34, will be sold in MAC retail stores and at maccosmetics.com only, and a tote, $45 and soft vanity kit, $55, will be exclusive to maccosmetics.com. These items are intended to animate the counter presentation and create an entire Hello Kitty world at retail, Gager noted.

While none of the executives would discuss sales projections, industry sources estimated that the limited edition MAC Hello Kitty collection could do upwards of $12 million in North American retail sales. That projection is slightly larger than that of the hit Barbie collection.

In-store visuals, shot by Nick Knight, show the polar opposite aspects of the collection. One is an image of a blonde model holding a black vinyl Hello Kitty doll, which will be part of the accessory line. The other visual is what Gager terms “more of a dominatrix creature.” The point, said Gager, is to show that makeup can be transformative. Makeup was done by Val Garland, with hair by Sam McKnight.

And Demsey promises the surprises aren’t over yet. “There will be more products to come in the next three months with this partnership,” he said.

Ladies - start saving up!

FEATURED - Tuesday, December 2nd 2008

Coming Soon: China Glaze Romantique for Spring

For Spring 2009, China Glaze introduces the Romantique Collection.  A sensual collection of twelve metallic chrome textures due to set release in the beginning of Janurary 2009.

The Romantique collection is split into two seperate releases just like the Rodeo Diva collection.  Warm palette consists of yellow, browns, and oranges while the cool palette consists of greens, blues, and purples.

Check out some sneak peek swatches from the ladies at E-polish and All Lacquered Up.

FEATURED - Wednesday, December 17th 2008

Nail Trends: Chanel Goes Purple for Spring 09

With all the co-motion from the hot new Moscou collection, this little guy was just screamin' to get noticed!  And, darnit I took notice!

For Spring, Chanel introduces two new nail polishes - Django, pinkish peach shimmer and Vendetta, a blue purple with blue and pink shimmer.

Chanel's promo images of Vednetta appeared to be basically a Blurple (Blue + Purple).  So, I wouldn't quite classify Vendetta as a true Blurple like say, OPI's Play til Midnight and neither a "true purple" because there's definitely blue in there.   Did I confuse ya yet?  Colors can be so confusing sometimes, yet so fun!

So, is it dupeable?  Probably.  I have to sort through my Purple's which may take some time considering there's about 300 of them.  And I'm not exaggerating with that number.  Purple is a shade I just can't resist, obviously! lol 

Bottom Line - Vendetta is hot!  After wearing it whole day, I felt - well chanely.  Because after all, Chanel's nail polish is probably the closest thing to feeling rich and luxurious without breaking my bank.  And, Honestly I think that's why alot of us love the polish so much.  It's Chanel for cryin' out loud!

Have a good night peeps!  Any takers?

FEATURED - Sunday, December 28th 2008

Sneak Peek: Dior Spring 2009 Nail Colors

For Spring 2009 Dior introduces two new lovely colors right on track with the Whites, Pink, and Nude upcoming nail trends.  When Dior's promo images surfaced on the net a few weeks ago, I was thinking "oh more pink and nudes" how boring.  So, to make a long story short - I'm totally biting my tongue on this one you guys.

Porcelaine is decribed as a feminine porcelain pink nail color with fine white/silver shimmer that was surprising pretty.  It reminds me of a perfected version Chanel's Allegoria with added shimmer and less the hassle.  Porcelain also resembles Chanel's new one, Django but with more pink undertones.

Dior's Porcelain has it going on because it's actually opaque in a non streaky way.  While swatching, it wasn't like I had time to paint three and four coats.  So, my nail swatches below are all done with a firm two coats.  Which is one of the reasons it sold me!  

All swatches are done with two coats including the MAC Colors. 

Now let's talk about Dior's Nude Chic.  A true to color nude beige jelly with no visible shimmer.  Slighty sheerer than Porcelain, but still good color pay-off for a nude.  Application was perfect with no streaking.

Picture Above: Dior 189 Porcelaine/Porcelain.

 

The Dior 09 Makeup collection should be available online and at counters mid Janurary.

FEATURED - Sunday, December 28th 2008

Chanel Spring 09: Bohemian Fantasy Collection

With the birds chirping and warm sunny days we've been having, you'd think Spring is on the way.  Trendsetter, Chanel, starts us off with a preview for the upcoming Spring 09 season.

The Bohemian Fantasy offers a collection of browns, plums, and silver eyeshadow quads and singles.  Bold bursts of red, pinks, and beiges for your lips not to mention the stunning yet vampy Vendetta nail polish for all you purple lovers.  For the not so bold, Django vernis offers a nice feminine touch of pink appropriate for any work envirnoment.

This year Chanel goes all shades of Purple - a girls best friend.  What a brilliant idea, purple!  Much different from last year's Aurora Blue and the typical "pastel shades" that I personally dislike.

Mystic shadow quad is much gorgeous in person.  The stunning silvery plummy shade will have you at hello - no kidding!  Need to brighten your eyes up? Try Delta Irisdescent fluid, a gold metalliic eyeshadow base that's stunning under Mystic Eyes.

Check out all the swatches below.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Spring collection should be available mid January at counters and online.

FEATURED - Thursday, January 1st 2009

Spring 09: Chanel Django Nail Polish

Happy New Years Day!  It's officially Janurary 1st 2009 - can you guys believe that?  And I was just getting used to writing 2008. Django is the second installment from the new spring 09 nail polishes.  Described as a soft pink with peach undertones and subtle shimmer.

We first saw Django make an appearance at Chanel's Spring 09 Fashion show last September.  This fabulous spring shade looked stunning on the runway models.  It was definitely a shade I had to see in person since I'm not so keen on light colors.

I'm impressed.  Django is the perfect shade for Spring.  Not pink, peach, or white.  Very different and perhaps a mix of the three.  The shimmer is very subtle and hardly noticeable for you creme lovers out there.  

Since the formula was a tad on the thick side, you may able to get by with two coats.  All my swatches were done with three coats.  Brush strokes were slighty visible in bright sunlight - rarely noticable though.  But, I'm also pretty critical when testing out my polishes.

 

Dior's Porcelain is similar to Django, but not an exact dupe when paired next to each other.  

Django is available online and at Chanel counters.

FEATURED - Monday, January 19th 2009

Spring 09: China Glaze Romantiques Swatches

Let's Spring forward to the Romantique collection from China Glaze.  A large collection of chromey metallics broken down into two seperate releases.

First up is the cool tone release which consists of six shades that include pinks, purples, blues and charcoals.  Some of my favorite shades from the cools tones are Adore, a teal metallic and Harmony, a mid purple metallic.

Overall, for me, The Romantique collection was clearly a miss.  The number one problem with Metallics is they possess brush streaks and often leave your application looking messy.  So, I knew it was going to a hit or miss.

As much as I wanted to like this collection, the dreadful application held me back.  Most colors had excellent pigmentation and being too thick may have been their down fall.  However, I did have more luck when applying in thin coats.

Check out all the swatches below. 

 Cherish - a light green sage metallic.

Awaken - a dark charcoal metallic.

Devotion - a silvery light purple metallic.

Admire - light pink metallic.

Harmony - A very pretty purple metallic.  Boy oh boy, I really wanted to love this along with Adore.  Those two colors totally stand out.

Adore - Probably my favorite color of the collection, a teal metallic.

I'll be posting the Warmer color toworrow.  Well, that is if I can get through the dreadful application process.  I'm going to mess around formula, maybe add some thinner to see if that helps.

FEATURED - Wednesday, February 4th 2009

Nail Polish of the Day: Fingerpaints Lilac Love

Hope ya'll are having a fabulous Tuesday.  I'm trying to keep my head high but it's hard.  Everytime I turn on the Tube - helloo " bad news."  Think positive though and stay away from that TV!  Lets gettie on to some good news folks.

Ever since the gray plum trend took off this winter, I've been intrigued by any lilac gray color like this one.  I stumbled across Fingepaint's spring collection at Sally's and Lilac Love was the only color out of six that caught my attention.

Described as a pink lilac with subtle white rainbow micro shimmer that has grayish undertones.  This was interesting, very interesting...  Infact, I didn't like it until the third coat.  Lilac Love applied as a pastel pink lilac but after the third coat become more of a grayish lilac pink. 

Three coats to achieve bottle color.  If you wanted to apply a fourth coat (which I forbid to do) the grayish undertones would probably shine through better.

Fingerpaint retails for $6.99 and is available at Sally's beauty store.  Have a great day.

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 - Wednesday, February 11th 2009

Zoya Jumps into Spring with a Twist

This Spring, Zoya introduces six new resfreshing colors to the Twist collection.  Instead of going the traditional route of sheers, pastels and nude, Zoya mixes it up with some feminine yet edge colors for everyone to love.

Overall, this is a fantastic collection.  All the colors flowed perfectly with my skin tone which made it easy to love the entire collection.  The formula was smooth like butter which made this collection a dream to apply.  All my swatches were done with two coats.

Check out all the swatches below.      

Harley - a mid tone gray with flecks of goldish bronze shimmmer that tops my favorite from the twist collection. 

 Jo - a mix between periwinkle and cornflower with silver shimmer that top's my second favorite.. 

 

 Mailia - a gorgeous lilac creme that looks great on both tips and toes.

Barbie's name couldn't be anymore fitting.  A barbie pink with subtle shimmer that's not very noticeable.  In my swatch above, you can notice the subtle shimmer on the bottle.

Cassie is a mix between a peach and coral with gold shimmer. 

Moxie is a great shade that you can wear all year round. Described as a deep berry creme.

The twist collection is now available at Art of Beauty and retails for $36.00. 

FEATURED - Wednesday, February 11th 2009

Spring 09 Collection: Sephora by OPI Swatches

Spring is in the air and Sephora introduces six new vibrant OPI shades to kick off the season just right.  Sephora's OPI Digital Diva is a varitey of pinks and orange for Spring and pops of coral and yellow as we enter the summer season.

Overall, this is a nice collection of Spring and Summer polishes especially if your looking for bolts of color to add to your Spring wardrobe. Most shades applied within two or three coats with no true application problems. 

Check out the swatches below.

 

  

IM Beauty is a bright soft buttercup yellow creme that was a little finicky when applying, but no huge application problems.  This is the only color out of the collection that I had to apply thicker to avoid any streaking issues.

IM Beauty is the perfect shade of yellow that's not too bold nor to bland.   

Hi Def - a rich vibrant tangerine creme.

Lost without my GPS is one shade darker than I'm wired with added red undertones.  Described as a coral red ceam.

 Access 24/7 is a juicy magneta pink creme.

Techno Girl is a pink barbie creme.

 I'm Wired is described as a true coral creme with subtle red undertones.

Sephora by OPI's Digital Diva collection is now available only at Sephora and retails for $9.00 each.

Want more Sephora by OPI? Check out the Summer 09', Mermaid in the Shade Collection. 

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 - Saturday, February 14th 2009

Sneak Peek: Rescue Beauty Lounge Spring 09

Get ready to be dazzled this spring with Glitz and Glamour from our friends at Rescue Beauty Lounge.  It's time to roll out the red carpet for these A listers because they deserve special treatment!

A collection of three new glitter polishes inspired by the metallics and sequins previously seen on the runways back in September.

Ji says, "I was the one who'd actually call up for those 'price upon request' items." "Now I'm taking the subway, cooking at home, taking more yoga classes - with this economy, we're all sifting our priorities."

While the September shows of the Spring/Summer 09 lines preceded the economic meltdown in October 2008, Baek nonetheless was surprised at the excess of embellishment seen in the many collections.

"I've never seen so many sequins, embroideries, shimmering metallics and jewels sewn into fabrics. And price points seemed to reach all time highs, with a spangled Balenciaga dress going for $42,000 and jeweled Lanvin sandals for $2,200."

This need for an affordable way to sparkle led Baek to create three "super-shiny glitter" nail polishes for Spring. "We have brights, bold prints and florals from past seasons. All we need to update our look is a bit of opulence on our fingers and toes."

 

Frugalista (left) is a gunmetal shot through with purple glitter.

In the Spirit of of our J. Crew to Jimmy choo-loving First Lady, there's Look Rich, Be Cheap (middle) - a mix of gold and purple glitter.

And for sifting through locally grown produce at the Farmer's Market, there's Locavore (right), a dazzling combination of gold, green, blue and silver glitter.   

The polishes have much more glitter than polishes you've seen in the past - they sparkle like diamonds," adds Baek, "It makes me giddy."

The spring collection officially launches in March and will be available at Rescue Beauty Lounge.

 

 

Make sure you guys check out the photo swatches for this blingtastic collection!

 

 

{A special thanks to Ji at Rescue Beauty Lounge}

 

FEATURED - Monday, February 16th 2009

Spring 09: Rescue Beauty Lounge Swatches

This Spring and Summer is all about the bling, bling baby.  And, Ji Baek introduces three fun, yet edgy glitter shades to the Rescue Beauty Lounge family that just tickles my fancy.

When Ji dropped the bomb on the new spring collection, I just about fainted.  Sparkle, Sparkle and more Sparkle.  These new additions are down right gorgeous!  Diamonds for your nails, Ji put it best.

The glitter consistency is thick and chunky in a clear base.  It's not fine like some glitter polishes out there, where you need four or more coats.

Check out all the nail candy below.  All my swatches were used with three coats. 

Locavore is a mulit combination of blue, green gold and purple.  The green and blue glitter really shines through this one. 

Look Rich, Be Cheap is a rich gold and purple glitter combination.

Oh my goodness, Fugalista is just gorgeous!  Look at the sparkle and shine!  Obviously, this is my absolute favorite.  A combination of chunky silver and purple glitter that had a thicker opacity than the others.  This is a definite must have.

The spring collection will be available in March at Rescue Beauty Lounge.

Help me Decide! I'm dying to try one of these beauties on my toes.  Which one would you like to see?  I'll be posting the results along with my pedicure in three days.

FEATURED - Tuesday, February 17th 2009

Spring 09: Orly Carnivale Collection Swatches

Orly introduces two collections this spring, Carnivale and Prepster.  Carnivale is a release inspired by the vibrance and energy of Brazil's colorful Carnivale festival.

Six new shades debut in the Carnivale collection. Bold pops of Fuschia, purple and orange for us craving some color and peach and pinks for those to tame it down.

Overall, this is a nice mixture of brights and lights to the Spring edition.  Maybe not the most unqiue, but certainly pretty.

I found most shades to be pretty sheer.  All my swatches were done with three coats including the lighter colors.  No problems with the formulas.

Check out all the pictures below. 

Confetti is a light pink french creme that's a great everyday shade.  I usually don't line pink french colors, but confetti just popped with my skintone.     

Bongo Beat, the only shimmer from the Carinvale collection, a light pink with blueish purple iridescent shimmer. 

Festival Lights is a nice light peach shade that looks good with all skintones.

 Chica Boom is a great color to sport around this summer, a bright orange tangerine creme.

 

Samba - a magenta pink creme.  

Rio Nights was my favorite from this collection.  It's a perfect shade of purple that's not too light nor to dark.  A great color for those tootsies too!

Orly's Carnivale collection is now available Head2Toe, Sallys and other retailers.

FEATURED - Sunday, February 22nd 2009

Nail Polish of the Day: Massini Starry Violet

Happy Sunday, ya'll!  Hope your having a fabulous & relaxing afternoon.  Today's nail poilsh of the is a starry violet pink with silver glitter that's really pretty on.

Massini nail polish retails for $2.99 and I've only seen this brand at Meijer (or fred meijer) stores.  So, I'm not sure if this line is available elsewhere.

On my swatches, three coats were used, but you could get away with two easily.  The silver glitter is more obvious with three.  Starry violet dried to a matte finish and I topped it with OPI rapid dry topcoat.

Today, I plan on finishing up my Spring collections then on to Summer.  Have a great day!

FEATURED - Sunday, February 22nd 2009

Essie Spring 09 Collection Swatches

Essie Springs foward this season introducing six new shades.  A mixture of mostly reds, pinks, nudes and blue sure to please a craving or two.

Overall, this is a collection of safe colors.  If your looking for professional shades you can sport day to day to work, this is a great varitey for your spring wardrobe.  For the nail addicts (like myself), you'll probably find the Spring release to be a bit boring and bland.

Mesmerize is a bold pop of Blue that I suggest everyone grabs.  A great color that looks fab on any skintone.

All my swatches were done with two applications.  On the lighter colors, you'll need a firm three coats with most.  I applied mine rather thick to achieve two coats.

Check out the swatches below. 

Flawless is a muted mauvey pink creme that's really starting to grow on me.  At first, I wasn't sure about this shade because it's different from most pinks I own.

 

As much as I wanted to love this perfect shade of nude pink creme, Eternal Optimist seemed to clash with my olive skin tone.  Although, I'll probably keep her around because this is an awesome color for the office.

Status Symbol is a vibrant medium toned pink that comes in as my second fave.  A great summer shade for mani's and pedi's.

Be Mesmerized with this vibrant shade of blue from Essie.  A medium blue with hints of periwinkle.  A definite must have from Essie's Spring collection.

On to my two least favorites from Essie's Spring collecton.  One of a Kind is a red with orange that's similar to Lacquered Up with the exception of orange undertones. 

 

Lacquered up is a true cherry red creme.

The Spring collection is now available at Head2Toe & Tansdesign and retails between $4.00-$8.00.

FEATURED - Tuesday, February 24th 2009

Spring 09: Color Club Femme Fatale

Color Club Springs forward this season with two new collections, Femme Fatale and Catwalk Queen.  Each release consists of six new shades of holographic and pearlized textures.  First up is the Femme Fatale collection.

Ooh, la, la...Femme Fatale is a mysterious women of great seductive charm that lives life dangerously.  

Color Club gave us all a reason to look forward to spring by introducing new Holoographic shades to the line!  And, what gal doesn't love sport around holo's.

Check out all the swatches below.

Worth the Risque is a silver holographic shade that applied perfectly in two coats.  Wow, gorgeous, speechless!  The pictures pretty much justify the gorgeousness of this stunner.

As you can see in the photo comparisons that Worth the Risque texture is completely different from Diamond and OMG.  A def must have! 

Revvvolution is a black hologrpahic shade that applied perfectly in two coats.  Another break-taking shade.  Wow, amazing!

Revvvolution's coverage is just amazing compared to OPI's MPJ. 

Oui Oui Oui is a sheer white pearlized iridescent that has greenish shimmer that needs three full coats to achieve the bottle color.

 

Femme Fatale is a clear base loaded with pinkish shimmer.

 

Ooooo La La is a white pearl that needs a good three coats for bottle color.  My swatches could have used an additional coat to even out everything.

Where's the Soiree, the outcast of the group, is a black creme that dried watery to a satin like finish.

The Femme Fatale collection is now available at Head2toe and retails for $2.50/ea. 

FEATURED - Thursday, February 26th 2009

New Spring Colors From Butter London

Created Backstage at the Spring / Summer 09 Fashion shows in London and New York, Butter London is now proud to share these colours with our Fashionista friends.

Butter London is running a great deal for these new spring shades.  Now thru March 10th, purchase all five colors for only $40.00.  Enter FASHIONISTA09 at checkout page.

Artful Dodger - This true teal is a show stopper, Hi fashion and so unique, it's the perfect way to wear this trend without overkill.

The Old Bill - Burnished copper with a beautiful antique patina.  For sophisicated metal heads.

Blowing Raspberries - Rich, delicious berry lacquer.  Perfect for in between days when red is too much and pink is too little.

Muggins - Not your mother's lilac, A opaque shade that's pale, but packs a punch.

Cheeky Chops - Why no, I do not have a banana in my pocket, but I am happy to see you.

Now availabe online.  Click here to go straight to Butter London's site. 

FEATURED - Sunday, March 8th 2009

Deborah Lippmann Spring 09: Purple Rain

For Spring, Deborah Lippmann introduces two light & feminine shades named after popular music artists from the 80's.  Pretty Young Thing (PYT), named after Michael Jackson is a very sheer peach pink and Purple Rain named after Prince, is a metallic light purple.

For Purple Rain, Zac Posen teamed up with Deborah Lipmman to create a shimmering metallic shade to showcase in his Spring 2009 fashion show.

Me and metallics just don't get along.  It's a love hate relationship.  Love the color but hate the application.  The color itself is just lovely.  

All metallics have the same problem - visible brush strokes.  And, Purple Rain being that same case.  The brush strokes were visible in sunlight but not as noticeable in artificial lighting. 

Pretty Young Thing and Purple Rain are now available at Deborah Lippmann and retail for $15 each.

FEATURED - Monday, March 9th 2009

Spring 09: Orly Prepster Collection Swatches

The Prepster collection from Orly is the second edition to the Spring 09' round up.  In the Carnivale Collection, we saw bright pops of orange, purple and pink. This collection is the soft side of spring that offers six nex shades ranging from pastel pink, blue and nudes.

It's time to get your tennis rackets and polo sticks out while you get ready for Orly's Prepster spring collection.  A mixture of shades you'll see at the country club or on the tennis courts with names like Cashmere Cardigan, Polo Princess and Prim & Proper.

Some must haves: Cashmere Cardigan, Polo Princess and Country Club Khaki.

Check out all the swatches below. 

Cashmere Cardigan is a gorgeous periwinkle blue creme that applied perfectly in two coats. This color just pops, loves it! 

Tennis Anyone is a off white sheer creme that applied with three coats.  In all honestly, this could have used a fourth coat. 

Prim & Proper is a light metallic purple with pink undertones.  A much lighter and version of Deborah Lippmann's, Purple Rain.

If you don't mind the hassle of metallics, you'll like this one.  The application is much like any metallic really, including Purple Rain.

Country Club Khaki is a fantastic color all around.  Described as a khaki nude creme perfect for any season.  A great alternative to Rescue Beauty Lounge's, Grunge. 

Polo Princess is a pastel pink creme that applied a tad streaky, but not terribly.  I needed three coats to even everything out.

OMG is a bright hot pink coral creme that applied fairly sheer.  I needed three coats to achieve bottle color.

The Prepster collection is now available at Head2Toe and retails for $3.50/ea.

FEATURED - Monday, March 9th 2009

Borghese Gardens Spring 09 Collection

This Spring, Borghese introduces six new limited edition shades straight from the Gardens.  A sweet floral mixture of delicate pink and purples perfect for spring.

Borghese Gardens introduces two new gorgeous purples to this collection.  Campanula Bellflower and Argento Mist are the prettiest purples I've seen this Spring and Giardano Heather is a midtone pink that's also worth checking out.

Some other colors I didn't pick up are: Peonia Blossom - a sheer light pink,  Piccola Tulip - magenta pink and Primulsa Primrose - a coral pink.

Application: I found the formulas a tad bit sheer, but no biggie.  You'll need a good three full coats for bottle color.  Overall, no application problems and Borghese's patented brush was perfect. 

Campanula Bellflower - a gorgeous purple with rainbow colored shimmer.

Giardino Heather - a mid tone pink with rainbow colored shimmer.

Argento Mist is a gorgeous light violet purple with rainbow shimmer.  This one is packed with shimmer and just looks stunning.

Borghese Gardens spring collection is now available at stores for a limited time only and retails for $7.99/ea.

Any takers?  Which ones are your favorites?

FEATURED - Wednesday, March 11th 2009

Limited Edition Nail Polish Sets from Icing

Happy Hump day!  Hope your having an excellent Wednesday morning.  Today I'm bringing you some fabulous limited edition sets from Icing by Claire's.

Last December during Christmas time, I discovered these nail polish sets at the mall. Unimpressed by the brush quality, I neglected to post my photo swatches.  Having brush imperfections can make your application a nightmare to deal with. 

When I saw the new spring colors at Icing, I just gasped and decided to give them another go around.  And, I'm happy to report - No brush difficulties. Yay!

Confession time.  So, the only reason I intitally picked up this set was due to the unqiueness of Ocean View and Retro Girl, but ended up loving them all!  Good thing, a? 

All five shades are loaded down with hot pink, gold, and purple micro shimmer.  Although, the only shimmer you'll see is hot pink.  Actually, I didn't even realize the various colors until I was swatching in the sun.  

Some of the formulas were a littlle more sheer than I preferred, but that's ok - I'll deal because their super pretty.  With any semi sheer nail polish, I pack the color on pretty thick - that way I won't be bothered with four coats.  The drying time may be a little longer than usual, but it beats four coats. 

 

Pure is a semi sheer white with hot pink shimmer that had better coverage than Icing's, Oceanview and China Glaze's, Kwik Silvr.

Ocean View, one of my favorites, a semi sheer seafoam green with pink shimmer.

 Ocean View and Pure.

 Tickled Pink is a light to medium pink with hot pink shimmer.

In Bloom is a lavendar purple with hot pink shimmer.

Retro Girl is beyond amazing and highly unique!  Described as a muddy olive green brown with purple, gold and pink shimmer that had good pigmentation all around. My pictures may look brown, but there's defintely olive green in there.  Take a peek at the product picture above.

Now, on to the bling bling. The glitters have an light tinted based and are filled with glitter and micro shimmer.  I debated on whether posting my swatches because it's next to impossible to capture the actual colors. 

 

Goldie Locks has a golden champagne base with gold, green and blue shimmer.

 

 Sparklin Girl has a silvery purple base with gold, purple and silver shimmer.

Starry Eyes has a light blue base with silver and blue shimmer.

 

Oscar has a light lime green base with gold and silver shimmer.

 

Passion has a light pink base with pink, gold and silver shimmer.

Here's some other colors from Icing.

Blackout is a greyish black base loaded with silver and holographic glitter.

 Luv U 2 Much is a clearish sandy base with silver and tan glitter.  Super blingy.

 Jem is a pink red loaded with silver shimmer.

Icing's Electrified reminds me of Misa's, Fatal Affair with a little bit more blue.  A blueish purple base with an overlay of blue shimmer.

Hellooo Foil goodness!  Oh my, I've never seen a foil polish this pigmented.  Wow, almost looks like Minx foils!

Maggie is described as a silver foil that's packed with pigmentation you'll only need one coat. 

 A Girl Like You, another foil goodness, is a pink and silver foil.  Excellent pigmentation, another one coater.

Here's a blurred pic just to show you how foily they just are!

Icing by Claire's nail polish is only available at Icing stores usually located in Malls.  Pricing as follows: miniature bottles $2.50, Large bottles $4.50, LE colored set $14.99 and Glitter set $10.99.  They always have buy one, get second half off specials.

So, I wanna hear - What's everyones favorites?  

FEATURED - Saturday, March 14th 2009

Color Club Catwalk Queen Spring Collection

Color Club's, Catwalk Queen is the second installment to the Spring 2009 collection.

Just like the Femme Fatale, in this release we see pearlized textures, gorgeous holographic and glitters.

Let the world be your runway this Spring as Club Color introduces six new runway approved shades.

The sheer iridescent textues look much better topped over a complimentary base color or just a simple black shade.  Check out some swatches Scrangie used with black.

Some of my favorites: Catwalk Queen, Fashion Addict and Vintage Couture.  The holo's from both spring collections are absolute must haves.

Check out all the swatches below.

Front Row Diva is a dove white gray pearl iridescent that needs a good three coats to even out the streaks. 

Runway Muse is a sheer teal based with pink, teal, silver shimmer.  All different kinds of colors in this one.  Although, you'll definitely want to start with a colored base coat because it's pretty sheer.

Ready to Wear is a sheer light pink base with pink shimmer.

Fashion Addict is another fantastic holo from Color Club, a light pink silver holo. 

 

 Vintage Couture is a milky pastel pink creme.

Catwalk Queen is a vampy plum purple with shimmer that's very pretty.

The Catwalk Queen is available at Head2Toe and retails for $2.50/ea.

FEATURED - Friday, March 20th 2009

MAC Sugarsweet: Review and Swatches

This spring, M·A·C is all temptation... frostings, finishes, fillings. Each of them whipped, creamy, deliciously stylish, as inspired by the world's most popular sugar-sweet desserts. Never has a season looked so eat-me-up gorgeous!

Overall, we see a whole bunch of repromotes to the Sugarsweet collection that your wallet will be thanking MAC for. It's a great time to stock up on colors such as Lollipop Loving lipstick (from fafi) and Aquavert eyeshadow (from lure, bait, hook) that some of us missed out on.

What I picked up: Sugarshot eyeshadow, Sweet Thing lipstick and Peppermint Patti nail polish. 

Most of these were repromotes from previous MAC collections that I already own.  The only shade I picked up was Sugarshot.  Much like Nylon or Phloof, Sugarshot is a great hightlighter that you can't go wrong with.

Mostly repromotes and permnament colors, Lollipop loving and Sweet Thing were my two faves. 

 

Tricolour Lipglass is a colourwave of three stacked shades with varying pearl combination in one lipstick vial.

The tricolour lipglass sure sits pretty in her little container with three blingtastaic colors sure to grab you attention.  But, as far as the color pay-off, notta. Tasty, the only one I picked up had the best color pay off out of the five.

Seasonal Peach (repromote from Cremesheen) and Peppermint Patti are MAC's two newest editions to the Sugarsweet Collection. When I was at the MAC store swatching, I noticed Seasonal Peach wasn't nearly as streaky as I remembered. Espically, with only two coats being used on the above swatch and one coat with Peppermint Patti.

Yes, Peppermint Patti is beyond gorgeous which doesn't suprise me because it's lighter shade of green (hello). You might tell yourself you don't need it, but you really DO!

I'll be posting the nail polish swatches in a seperate post later today. The Sugarsweet collection is now available MAC Cosmetics.  Seasonal Peach and Peppermint Patti sold out already on the MAC site, but you can still find them at Nordies, Macy's or your MAC counter.

FEATURED - Tuesday, March 24th 2009

OPI Spring Summer 09: South Beach Collection

 

This Spring and Summer, OPI dives into the South Beach with splashes of color.  Introducing 12 new shades this season ranging from your pinks, coral, and purples to bronze and nudes.

Today I'm beginning with my six favorite shades from the South Beach collection. Overall, OPI played this collection on the safe side.  We're seeing your typical pink and red corals that's pretty, but not entirely unique. Along with a few suprises such as a Done out in Deco and Bronzed to Perfection.

Most the colors applied smooth like butta with no visible problems. All my swtaches were done with mostly two or three coats - just to even out everything.   

Check out all the swatches.

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot is the shade you've probably seen in the promo images or in your magazines. Described as a bright hot pink with coralish undertones that's more brightened than pictured in my swatches above.

Note: Model in promo image above is wearing Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot.

Bronzed to Perfection is different and the most unique out of the bunch. Described as a bronzey orange with chunky gold and red shimmer.

It's really hard getting used to this color because I don't own anything like it. Perhaps, maybe in the summer this will look a little better.

Done out in Deco is just stunning and my favorite by far. Described as a pastel lilac purple that certainly compliments warmer skin tones.

Miami Beet is a deep berry purple creme that's much darker than pictured above.

OPI on Collins Avenue is just your standard reddish coral creme. Not so much unique, but looks very pretty on your nails or toes.

Overexposed in South Beach is a pretty purple with purple and pink shimmer.

The South Beach collection is now available at Salons or online at Transdesign.

What's your guys favorites? 

FEATURED - Saturday, March 28th 2009

MAC Cosmetics Grand Duos: Swatches, Review

M·A·C makes the next move with Grand Duos: Mineralize Blush with a marbleized mélange on one side, and a complementary mono-shade on the other. A sophisticated but simple new way to get your vital minerals!

Description: A Mineralize Blush featuring soft-shimmer super-shine pearl in pretty tricolour veining to enhance and glorify cheekbones, followed with the pop and dimension of solid colour shimmer without an overly frosted look.

Overall, if you fancy MAC's Mineralized Skin Finishes (MSF's), you'll love the Grand Duos blush collection. Each compact is super pigmented with two different sides. One being a marbelized vein texture and the other a solid.

This Spring is all about looking lumunious and that's exactly what these blushes do. Give a very shimmery and youthful glow to your skin. The only color I picked up from this collection was Light over Dark, my second favorite being Earth to Earth. 

Check out all the swatches below. 

The Grand Duo collection is only available for a limited time online or at counters and retails for $22.50/ea.

FEATURED - Wednesday, April 1st 2009

Spring Nail Colors from Nina Ultra Pro

Happy Hump Day Ya'll! Today I'm bringing you some flirty spring colors from Nina Ulta Pro ($3.99). You can find Nina Ultra Pro at Sally Beauty Supply stores or online. Most colors were opaque in only two coats with the exception of Mermaid.

Sweet Nothings (pictured above) - a blue based muted pink lavendar creme with no shimmer. Not your typical pink or purple. Very pretty.

In a Tiff - one of my favorites, is an opaque tiffany blue loaded down with white micro shimmer that's gorgeous. Love!

Tangerine Dream - an opaque tangerine coral orange creme with no shimmer.

I only wished Mermaid had the opaqeness that the others did. A sheer lime green loaded with bright minty green micro shimmer. 

You can find Nina Ultra Pro nail polish at Sally Beauty Supply stores that retail around $3.99/ea. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

FEATURED - Friday, April 10th 2009

MAC Colour Ready Collection: Swatches, Review

Get increased mileage from makeup! A start-to-finish collection that revs up Prep + Prime: three new products plus the essential colour palette. Everything you need to be picture perfect.

Introducing the Colour Ready collection from MAC. A fairly small release that our pocket books will be thanking us. I really love these small collections. If you want to splurge on the whole thing, it's not going to cost ya an arm and a leg.

Overall, a nice collection, but I see alot of us passing. With most products being permanent items, you don't have to stock up right away. One of the standout products, the lipsticks - smooth, creamy and packed with tons of color.

I didn't get to fully test Prep & Prime filler, but noticed a huge difference when testing a small area on my hand. My skin was extremely smooth & even with the filler.

Here's some swatches below.

Eyeshadows. Bitter, a yellow green and White Frost, a frosty white, both took several swipes to get good a color pay off.

Lipsticks. Show Orchid, vivid hot pink creme, and Impassioned a fuschia red that are very pretty and packed with tons of color.

MAC's Colour Ready collection is available online and at MAC stores. 

FEATURED - Monday, April 20th 2009

Summer Neons: Color Club Electro Candy

This Summer, Color Club introduces High definition electrifying neon colors sure to grab your attention.

Electro Candy is the newest collection of high-quality lacquers in heart-racing high-voltage shades with hints of shimmer.

Lately, Color Club has really been impressing me! First it was the fabulous holographic colors from Femme Fatale and Catwalk Queen spring collections.  Now, a spin on their neons with a hint shimmer that I'm totally digging.

Sure, neons aren't for everyone, but they sure are fun for summer and make excellent pedicure colors for those tootsies!

First, for the Disclaimer: Neons never photograph properly and are about five times brighter than my actual swatches. Most colors needed three coats and dried to a satin matte texture. I skipped Color Club's vivid topcoat because it wasn't a fast drying formula.

On to the swatches.

Volts of Light - neon yellow with bright green shimmer. 

What a Shock - neon green with bright blue shimmer. 

Electro Candy - neon pink with bright green shimmer. 

Tangerine Dream - neon orange with bright green shimmer. 

Ultra Violet - violet purple with bright green shimmer. 

Pure Energy - turquoise blue with bright blue shimmer.

The Electro Candy collection is now available at Head2Toe and Transdesign and retails for $2.99/ea.

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.  

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