Nicole by OPI Step 2 The Beat of My Heart

I couldn't wait and had to try out the Nicole by OPI Step 2 The Beat of My © which is a heart shaped purple and pink glitter in a slightly sparkly base.  Yeah, that.  Honestly, this stuff doesn't work well on it's own - check it out.

I ended up fishing out the hearts with an orange stick and placing them on my nails.

The purple really looks pink - the actual purple color isn't reflected too well.


So I ended up just laying it over my Prized Possession Purple from yesterday.

Again, I had to fish out the hearts and fix them to my nail.

And one in the shade to show the sparkle base.


Just like my last review of Nicole Heart Glitter - Love Your Life - it looks AWESOME but it does take some work.  Still a beautiful fun color to play with some nail art, but don't expect to wear this alone.


Nicole by OPI is available beginning at ULTA, Meijer, Harmon, HEB, Sears, Wal-Mart and more for around $8 a bottle.  For more information, visit their website, follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter or become a Facebook fan.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Blogs of Note

Happy Sunday!  My sweet child just turned 4 this week so it's been a lot of fun around here!  Here are more blogs of note!


Krex: Unfortunately, Krex hasn't posted in well over 4 months, but she has some great pictures to sort through - colors and brands.  She does have long nails.


Kris Primps!: Sadly, another blogger who stopped writing, however it was 6 months ago.  Like Krex, she has some great posts to go looking through, but she has short nails.


Lacquer Lady: She posts much more frequently (yay!) with loads of nail art.  She has short to medium nails. 

Nicole by OPI Prized Possession Purple

Almost a month later, and I'm finally going back to my Bieber collection "The One Less Lonely Girl" (Part 1).  

Now once again, when I saw the promo picture for Prized Possession Purple, I was thinking, whoa, that's vibrant.

However, again, the promo picture is just way too blue than real life colors.  Then again, purples tend to photograph more blue - it's only from trial, error, and a photography course that I learned how to make purples look purple on camera.  Oy.

I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail, 3 coats of PPP and a top of OPI Top Coat.  This "vibrant grape" was more like a "watery jelly" for me, since as you 'll be able to see, the color didn't hold too well.

Check out the bald spots on my middle finger!  I was a bit shocked to be honest - especially since this was after 3 coats.

In the shade, this color doesn't fair much better.  To be honest, I'd probably skip over this color if faced with it because it really needs a base coat of a nude under it to have good opacity for me.  This jelly look just didn't do it for me - which is going to be interesting since OPI's Texas collection has all the "sorbet" colors coming which look like jellies.

Nicole by OPI is available beginning at ULTA, Meijer, Harmon, HEB, Sears, Wal-Mart and more for around $8 a bottle.  For more information, visit their website, follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter or become a Facebook fan.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

CND Daily Nail 2.11.11 Tux Luxe at Ruffian and Gilded Burgundy at Jason Wu

Please enjoy the following release from CND:

The CND Daily Nail 2.11.11

Tux Luxe at Ruffian and Gilded Burgundy at Jason Wu

February 11, 2011 - CND's Co-Founder Jan Arnold and her team of talented Nail Professionals are collaborating with 21 designers for NY Fashion Week Fall 2011. Today's manicures were tuxedo formal, gilded burgundy, minty green, and brushed copper. Long, almond shaped nails at Ruffian and Jason Wu elongated fingers and made models look even slimmer than normal! From head to nail, runway looks were dressed up and extravagant:

At Ruffian, Kristina Estabrooks made luxurious tuxedo manicures fit for a black tie runway using Asphalt as a base, topped with Ice Blue Shimmer, Violet Shimmer, detailed with Blackjack, and finished with Super Shiney Top Coat for polished perfection. This masculine/feminine contrast accessorized a menswear-influenced collection.  

Jason Wu's majestic, baroque nails were out in full force - Roxanne Valinoti created gilded burgundy manicures using Dark Ruby layered with Bloodline, and gilded with Gold Chrome smile lines. These manicures matched slicked back ponytails with a flash of gold leaf. Even Versailles could not contain this beauty look!

 

At Costello Tagliapietra, Angi Wingle crafted muted mint green manicures with custom blended Brilliant White, Bicycle Yellow, Green Scene, and Silver Chrome completed with Super Matte Top Coat for a satin finish. Paired with retro blown back hair, fiery red lips and offbeat red, green and yellow outfits on the runway.

 

   

At NAHM, Angi Wingle created iron maiden manicures using Copper Chrome to accentuate a simplistic and sexy fabric palette in amber, bronze and black.

 

Dr.'s REMEDY Winter Wonder-Nails

Please enjoy the following press release from Dr.'s REMEDY.

Dr.'s REMEDY Winter Wonder-Nails

Sleigh bells are no longer ringing, snow is well-past glistening, and the mere thought of walking through a winter wonderland has you worrying – way too early – about next year’s Christmas plans. Enter some seasonal delight to make you sizzle (literally): Dr.’s REMEDY® introduces four fabulous shades of Enriched Nail Polish, perfect to ring in 2011 and wear throughout the rest of winter (wonderfully).


The Collection Includes:

Healing Heather Grey

a seductive pewter with deep blue undertones

Revive Ruby Red:

a shimmer-infused Wizard of Oz-inspired shade of crimson

Desire Dark Brown

a cocoa-meets-hot fudge handsome hue

Nurture Nude Pink

a delicate, damsel-in-distress barely-there beautiful

Dr.’s REMEDY® is a line of doctor-inspired cosmetics that is dedicated to using clean, hypo-allergenic ingredients. The birth-child of two New York-based podiatrists, Dr. Adam Cirlincione and Dr. William Spielfogel, Dr.’s REMEDY® proves quintessentially-perfect for any person looking to better the condition of her skin and nails; their Enriched Nail Polish is the first-ever nail polish on the market approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr.’s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish is available for $16 online at www.remedynails.com or by calling 1-877-323-NAIL.  You can "Like" them on Facebook.

CND Daily Nail 2.10.11: Grown-Up Grunge at Jenni Kayne

Please enjoy the following press release from CND: 

The CND Daily Nail 2.10.11: Grown-Up Grunge at Jenni Kayne

February 10, 2011 - Welcome the Daily Nail, where CND gives you the digit dish on the latest nail looks from straight off the catwalk! CND's Co-Founder Jan Arnold and Nail Professionals Angi Wingle, Wanda Ruiz, Kristina Estabrooks, and Roxanne Valinoti are celebrating 15 years of CND at Fashion Week by collaborating with 21 designers this season for runway manicure expertise. Today's looks were grown-up grunge, chocolate velvet, and textured tough:

  

For Jenni Kayne, Angi Wingle created a blushing taupe manicure using one coat of nude opaque Desert Suede, layered with Copper Shimmer, washed out with a coat of semi-sheer patina Rose Water and topped with Super Matte. This grown-up grunge nail accentuated poppy magenta lips and stick-straight locks.   

At Wayne, Wanda Ruiz created a velvety chocolate manicure (that was good enough to eat!) using Raisin in the Sun topped with Super Matte. Paired with a wine-stained purple lip and pale matte makeup, crimped hair and urban armored silhouettes for a modern day Victorian look. 

 

 

At Irina Shabayeva, Roxanne Valinoti created Sci-fi, Spanish influenced manicures with Fire & Ice contrast using texturized jet black and retro bright white shades.

 

Urban Decay Winners!

Thank you to all who entered in my Urban Decay Pigments giveaway!  There was a total of 231 valid entries and from that, I have randomly picked 3 winners using my AppBoxPro app's "Random" program.

The first winner is Jamie Marie/Public Service Beauty!

The second winner is Faith Dunning!

The third winner is malkatz!


Congrats to y'all and thank you to all who signed up!  I have emailed the winners and need to receive your mailing addresses by 18 February or I will choose a new winner.  Thanks again!

Zoya Dove

Zoya Dove from the Intimate Collection is listed as a delicate, pale grey cream, and it really is just that with a hint of blue in it.  You can't see it here, but wait until you check out this color in the shade.  I used a base of Zoya Anchor, 2 coats of Dove and a top of Zoya Armor.  The formula was very nice, and well - delicate.  ^_^

In the sun, you can see how this isn't as slate grey as others I've swatched, but more of a slushy wet concrete color.  It actually reminds me a bit of our minivan after a dust storm.

Then you stick this color in the shade and WHAT?!  Check out all that blue in there!  It's like a whole other color!  I was actually really happy because this is the grey I've been looking for.  Can I go dance in a circle now?  Love love love.  Very happy girl here - be sure to check out this collection, especially next time Zoya has a special.  You can also order just the spoon!


Zoya [official website] can be purchased on their website for $8/bottle.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Nicole by OPI One Less Lonely Girl Additions

Please enjoy the following press release from Nicole by OPI about the new 8 additions to the One Less Lonley Girl collection


NICOLE BY OPI ONE LESS LONELY GIRL
8 New Lacquer Additions


Nicole by OPI is unveiling eight more shades in the One Less Lonely Girl collection! With colors created by Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, these eight new Nail Lacquers are inspired by Justin Bieber’s songs and his devoted fans.


The One Less Lonely Girl Collection was conceived to raise awareness for Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds sustainable schools for underserved children in the developing world. In addition to educating consumers about this non-profit, Nicole by OPI has committed to building two such schools.


LACQUERS

My Lifesaver

Go overboard in color with this soft mint green!

“Baby” Blue

A sweet light blue that totally loves you.

One Time Lime

A vibrant lime that’s worth your time.

I’m A Belieber

This popular purple has quite the following.

Red-y to Runaway Love?

Run away with this riveting red.

Make U Smile

Mood-boosting bunches of silvery glitter!

I’ve Got Bieber Fever

This gorgeous dark plum is super contagious!

Not A Gold Bigger

A genuinely glamorous gold that you’ll never take for granted.

AVAILABILITY
January at Walmart and February at select Target, Sears, ULTA, and other retail locations, for $7.99 each.


ABOUT PENCILS OF PROMISE
Pencils of Promise, a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, builds sustainable schools, partnerships and solutions to enable basic education for underserved children in the developing world. More information about Pencils of Promise is available at pencilsofpromise.org.

Catrice Enter Wonderland

Please enjoy the following press release from Catrice (I'm pretty darn sure the names of the polishes are wrong, but I'm waiting for confirmation of the proper names)

Welcome to wonderland! Springtime exuberantly makes the winter come to an abrupt end. The new Limited Edition “Enter Wonderland” by CATRICE is here! From March until May 2011, intensive, bright colors and a glamorous platinum shimmer allow your imagination to run wild and inspire a passion for make-up, trends and surprises. Mysterious today, sophisticated tomorrow. And the day after tomorrow …? “Enter Wonderland” by CATRICE is unique, full of great effects and always enchanting!  

Enter Wonderland by CATRICE – Ultimate Nail Laquer

High color intensity, perfect shine and up to 7 days durability with just one stroke of the brush? Would you prefer a glossy finish or metallic effects? Anything is possible in wonderland with 

Forbidden Apple

Lavenderlicious

Wonderland Green Card

Miracle Heaven

Around 2.49 €*.

Enter Wonderland by CATRICE – Tip Painter

Glamorous platinum effects combined with imaginative colors – that’s the nail fashion trend for the 2011 spring season. The Wonderland Tip Painter has an extra-fine brush to create tips and ornaments in this exact ultra-fashionable platinum shade. Simply magical! Available 

Wizard's Gold

around 2.49 €*.