OPI Spider-Man

I've pretty much had it with Spiderman, but he's coming back in order to work with the Aventures, and OPI was able to work with Sony Pictures to bring you some new limited edition polishes.  They are available now, so get them while you can!  (All images courtesy of OPI)

In“Spider”ed Shades!

OPI Celebrates Sony Pictures’ “The Amazing Spider-Man” with Limited Edition Nail Lacquers

OPI announces the launch of six limited edition nail lacquers and a new Shatter, inspired by Sony Pictures’ The Amazing Spider-Man.  With an all-star cast including Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, this highly-anticipated series reboot opens in theaters nationwide in 3D on July 3, 2012.
“OPI is so excited to work with Sony Pictures in welcoming Spider-Man back on the big screen,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “This film explores a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy that’s going to be both dark and sexy. The colors created for this promotion capture the movie’s exciting atmosphere, with standout shades like the deep shimmering blue Into the Night and the metallic golden green Just Spotted the Lizard.”

The film villain’s reptilian look can be replicated with a high-fashion twist by using the new deep green shimmer Shatter coat.  Shatter the Scales is inspired by graffiti art and works when painted over any dry OPI hue. Adding top coat takes Shatter the Scales from matte to glossy in seconds.
The line features six nail lacquers in addition to Shatter the Scales, ranging from white, coral and pink to mood-setting hues of blue, nickel and yellow-green:

Your Web or Mine?

The perfect pink for sticky situations.


Into the Night
This perfect midnight blue was made for prowling.

Call Me Gwen-ever

Girlfriend, be sure to pick up when this urgent coral calls.

Just Spotted the Lizard
Be seen in this reptilian yellow-green.

My Boyfriend Scales Walls 
Climb new heights with this cityscape white.

Number One Nemesis
Show your metal in this sparkling nickel.

As with all OPI nail lacquers, these shades inspired by The Amazing Spider-Man contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.


This limited edition promotion will be available beginning May 2012 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for  $8.50 ($9.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer.
For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

JulieG Gelato in Venice

I told you about the JulieG Collection by Jesse's Girl Cosmetics last month, but now I can show you probably my favorite (unexpected!) color!  Today is Gelato in Venice, a mint green creme that wears so well with just about everyone.  


I used a base coat of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and since I couldn't find my top coats that day, this is topped with nubar Diamont.  Speaking of Diamont, I wore this manicure for a whole week without chips or dings.  Total win.  Formula for Gelato in Venice was super smooth and worked well.

Here in the sun, you can see how well this color wears.  This was before I broke my nails (boo) and I love how well it covers (opaque) without streaks.  I think this would be perfect for a gradient manicure base as well.

In the shade, you can see how it's just enough mint and just enough green - haha like that means something.  No really, it's a great pale green which I like because I'm still easing into greens.  Good to note that I didn't have any staining with this color.

Finally indoors with the flash and you can see how creamy this polish is - looks totally like gelato!  I went to Venice back in 2005, so it was a good memory to read the name of this polish.  (And yes, I actually ate gelato - they have stands all over the place!)


You can purchase JulieG in Rite Aid stores across the US or shop online at Jesse's Girl Cosmetics which ships worldwide!  JulieG sells for $3.99 for a 0.35 fl oz (10 mL) 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.

NYC Top Coats

I love how a top coat can change your manicure instantly.  Mattes turn glossy, glossies can turn matte, crackle, holographic, GLITTER.  The possibilities are endless.  Please enjoy the following from NYC - you can find these out now!  (All images courtesy of Tractenberg).

NYC New York Color Top Coats

Matte Me Crazy ($1.99): Move from shiny to matte in a New York Minute with this transformative new topcoat. Simply top your favorite NYC New York Color polish with a coat of Matte Me Crazy for an instant dose of muted modern style.

Big City Dazzle Sparkle Topcoat ($1.99): Take your nails from the office to after-hours with a quick-drying coat of sparkle from NYC New York Color. Apply to bare nails for sheer shine effect or layer it over your favorite nail color for a bold, eye-catching look.

NCLA Rush Hour

I have a stunner today.  NCLA has been one of my quiet favorites, ESPECIALLY all their amazing wraps which you can see on their Instagram profile (@shopncla).  But let me tell you, their polish really shines as well.  This is Rush Hour, a jelly red creme that is something to stop traffic.  Man.


I used a base coat of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.  I didn't have any issues with the formula and it went on smooth.  Like buttah.

Are you ready for this?  RED-Y?  Hah.  Anyway, in the sun, it's just bouncing off light like crazy, so I turned my back and...

Look how squishy it looks!  I'm in love.

This looks terrible but it's what this color did to me in the shade... I love the floating polish in the bottle as well.  I think I need to gradient with this soon!


Unfortunately, I couldn't get my camera to cooperate for a picture indoors with the flash but it carried the same squishy goodness.  The best part is that it's completely opaque in just 2 coats while giving that squishy look.

NCLA [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Tumblr] is available on the website for $16.00 a bottle and in a variety of stores.

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

Sally Hansen and Spring!

Raise your hand if it's still spring for you!  Okay, well yes, it's getting super close to summer, and I'm sure you've seen these in your local store - now read more about them! I have yet to try any of these below mentioned - my polish budget took a huge dive when I switched jobs. Regardless, please read and enjoy!  (All images courtesy of Tractenberg)

Smooth and Perfect Color + Care ($5.49)

THINK: Let your nails breathe

WHAT IT IS: Creamy color and porcelain-smooth perfection in one beautiful polish. The latest trend to hit your fingertips. Nearly naked, barely-there color with plenty of shine. The ultimate in understated elegance, sheer shades and healthy even shine work for every occasion. That’s why Sally Hansen created a chic collection of nude nail polishes that marries the two, Smooth and Perfect Color + Care, the ultimate fusion of perfecting polish and beautifying care.

Designed to hide ridges and imperfections, the uniquely breathable formula promotes stronger, healthier looking nails with a patented technology that allows for up to 20% more oxygen to reach the nail. The result? Ridges and imperfections are virtually erased and nails are left looking smooth, shiny and porcelain perfect. 

THE SHADES: Fog, Linen, Dune, Satin, Whisper, Air, Sea, Sorbet

Gem Crush™ Nail Color: ($6.95)

THINK: High impact bling.

WHAT IT IS: Vibrant, full-color glitter polish. Always at the forefront of nail innovation, Sally Hansen presents the latest in statement-making manicures—the new Gem Crush™ Nail Color. Unlike other sparkle formulas, Gem Crush™ Nail Color delivers full-coverage, high-intensity glitter for a brilliant, multi-dimensional manicure that simply glimmers.

AVAILABLE IN EIGHT DARING SHADES: Lady Luck, Be-Jeweled, Glitz Gal, Cha-Ching!, Big Money, Razzle Dazzler, Bling-Tastic, and Showgirl Chic

Diamond Strength No-Chip Nail Color & Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat ($6.99)

THINK: Stop nails from breaking

WHAT THEY ARE: The next generation of Diamond Strength Nails. Who says you can’t buy yourself diamonds? Sally Hansen is putting luxury at your fingertips with the latest in glamorous nails—Diamond Strength No-Chip Nail Color and Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat. Infused with real Micro-Diamonds, Platinum and Aluminum, these pampering new formulas deliver brilliant strengthening color, 10-day protection from breaking and rock-hard, long-lasting shine.

The Diamond Collection includes:

Diamond Strength No-Chip Nail Color: Featuring 32 ultra-luxe shades, the range includes regal jewel tones, confectionary color, bold brights and ethereal sheers. Housed in a faceted glass bottle reminiscent of a real diamond, each formula carries the mark of brilliant strength.

Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat: Get stronger nails and dazzling shine in just 60 seconds with this luminous, quick-drying top coat. Packed with real micro-diamonds, platinum and aluminum, the breakthrough top coat leaves nails virtually impervious to chipping and breakage.

THE SHADES: Flawless, Diamonds, Platinum, Aisle be There, Glass Slipper, Something Blue, Bride to Be, Together Forever, Brilliant Blush, Champagne Toast, Sweetie Pie, It’s Chiff-On!, Pink Promise, Pulled Sugar, Lavendar Marquis, Love Bug, Princess Cut, Must-Have Iris, Fuchsia Bling Bling, Something New, Heart to Heart, Diamonds and Rubies, Red Velvet, Honeymoon Red, 3K or More!, Nude Shimmer, Antique Bronze, Royal Romance, Wedding Crasher, Save the Date, Black Tie, Black Diamond

Gradient Manicure

Where on earth did April go? I feel like I've been pretty out of the loop lately, but one thing that I've loved seeing is the Gradient Manicure, popular on Pinterest and among bloggers. I have yet to see this hit mainstream America (magazines etc), and a friend even said that she asked a nail tech if she could get this look, and was told "No, I don't know what that is or how it's done." To quote Scrangie:

You know what I'm not disappointed in?  The Nailasaurus.  Not only has she had amazing nail art since, oh forever, but she did this gradient nail tutorial (with tons of pictures) that had even me saying "I can do this."

Then I was reading Twitter when I came across this from The PolishAholic:

I knew that I had to try this NOW.

I decided to use Zoya Zuza and Carly from the Summer 2012 "Surf" Collection.  I didn't have any makeup sponges but I had eyeshadow brushes which are the perfect width of my nail.  I had a plastic paper sheet protector (like the one from the Nailasaurus tutorial).

I learned some quick lessons.

1:  Don't skip steps.  I tried to just sponge on Carly and I ended up with this weird LINE of polish.  Then I put the colors side by side and swirled with a toothpick and all was right in the world.

2:  When in doubt, add Spectraflair.  More on this later, but let's just say it took my manicure from awesome to AWESOME.

3:  Get photographs next time.  (oops)

Here are some iPhone snaps that I did get of my experience!

Now with Spectraflair!

And in horrible light!

I ended up wearing this manicure for 4 days before it started to show tip wear on my right hand so I removed it.  I used Poshe base coat, 2 coats of Zuza, sponged Carly, and 2 coats of SpectraFlair mixed with Seche Vite.  I did have a little bit of blue staining from Zuza, but a quick scrub under soapy water and a nail brush fixed me up.  I can't wait to try this again!

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

May Day Competition Winner!

Thank you to all who signed up, followed, liked, tweeted and more for the May Day Competition!  We really appreciate your love and support.  The winner, Susan from the UK has already claimed her prize - enjoy it!  Stay tuned for more from the Beauty Blog Coalition!


Thanks again to the lovely sponsors of this competition!

PolishGalore	Beauty Swatches
Moxie Reviews	Glitter Gloss Garbage
Polarbelle	Prime Beauty
Phyrra	Midnight Manicures
Naturally, Nancy	Blushing Noir
Perilously Pale	Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom
My Highest Self	Pretty In Dayton
Beauty Info Zone	Retrodivas's Beauty
The Plastic Diaries	Emily Hudspeth
Beauty And Fashion Tech	FutureDerm

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OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse

While I await my second request to join the OPI Blogger Network, I was at least, allowed back on the media press release list, so please enjoy the following press release about a collection that will be available in salons come June.  I hope to take my 5 year old to Disney World in the next 2 years... I went to Disneyland at 7 and was pretty much smitten with Disney for a long time after that.  All images courtesy of OPI.

OPI’s All Ears!

OPI Announces New Limited Edition Minnie Mouse-Inspired, Nail Lacquers

  

            OPI launches Vintage Minnie Mouse, including four limited edition nail lacquers, for summer. Created in honor of Disney’s beloved character, the colors encapsulate Minnie Mouse’s irresistible charm in playful, pretty shades of pink and red. 

 “OPI is so excited to collaborate with Disney and draw inspiration from one of the world’s most popular characters,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “This collection brings together the expertise of OPI and the iconic style of Minnie Mouse to inspire the distinct palette of vibrant, feminine shades for summer Nails will pop against summer skin in these classic, saturated hues – holding their own alongside the bold prints of the season.”

The line features a pink crème lacquer, one frosted red shade, a shimmery fuchsia, and a heart glitter confetti:

Nothin’ Mousie ‘bout It
Don’t squeak it – SHOUT IT! This confetti light pink is tops!


I’m All Ears
Tell me how much you love this magenta shimmer.

If You Moust You Moust
You gotta pink what you gotta pink.

The Color of Minnie

You had this little mouse at “red.”

As with all OPI nail lacquers, Vintage Minnie Mouse by OPI contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This limited edition promotion will be available beginning June 2012 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for  $8.50 ($9.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan! 

ABOUT OPI

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.

Illamasqua Kink

I haven't worn a green in awhile, so today's post is from Illamasqua's Theatre of the Nameless collection - Kink.  I had previously reviewed Vice in January (whoa was it really that long ago?) and loved the rubber/plastic finish.  I used a base coat of Poshe and 2 coats of polish.  I did not use a top coat to keep the rubber/plastic look to my nails.

This is a great forest green that did not stain my nails.  I love how the rubber/plastic finish makes it look so complete.

Please excuse my camera reflection in my nails.  Despite not having a top coat, this polish has a lot of sheen and shine to it, even in the shade.

And finally indoors with the flash - this almost has a murky blue/green tone to it, but it's just the bad lighting, nothing more.  Perfectly pigmented and very smooth formula.

For those in the States, you can purchase Illamasqua from Sephora [official website] for $14 a 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.

NCLA Santa Monica Shore Thing

I feel like a robin egg/Tiffany blue today!  Thankfully, NCLA has my back with Santa Monica Shore Thing, a lovely Tiffany blue creme.  Formula on this polish was fantastic - I used a base of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry.

YAY SUN!  Look how lovely this color is!!!  Great opacity, great coverage, fabulous color.  (Yes, I know I didn't paint my thumb nail >_< I rarely do when swatching polishes.)

Here in the shade, you can see that this perfectly pigmented polish still shines even when there isn't any sun around (oh yeah, I just wrote that).  My hands got a bit red looking under the shade - not sure what's up with that one.

Finally indoors with the flash - still awesome.  AWESOME I TELL YOU.  I'm quite happy with this color, if you haven't noticed - great for a wedding even!


Bonus picture, I was looking at another location for my bottle shots - thoughts?

Also, NCLA has now added Pinterest and Instagram (name: shopncla) to their social media... They just had a mini giveaway/contest on Instagram 2 days ago where 5 winners won their favorite product, so make sure you're following all their social media!

NCLA [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Tumblr] is available on the website for $16.00 a bottle and in a variety of stores.

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