JulieG Cherry On Top

So I have three boxes full of nail polish down by my desk, where I try to keep polishes that need to be reviewed.  Sometimes I'll also stick in polishes I've purchased but frankly - I don't buy a lot of nail polish anymore.  Today would have been an exception had I not had Cherry on Top by JulieG already in my possession.  I used a base coat of Poshe, ONE COAT of polish and a top of nubar Diamont.  This polish is a great opaque red that doesn't pool, doesn't run, and hello - in your face red.

Holla.  I'm very happy with this color.  It's not squishy like some reds, no blue tint, and can we say creamy creme?!

Check it out in the shade even - no bald spots, no streaking.  Love.

Finally indoors with the flash - look how creamy this is!  It's also such a lovely shade of red.  If you don't own this and are looking for the perfect red - get Cherry on Top.  :]

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.

Ciaté at Sephora

Okay, so I know there has been a lot of controversy regarding Ciaté lately (Fish Egg Friday) but I still love the cute bottles with the bows.  I'm also really happy to see Sephora branching out to include more brands, which means more ways for me to stay a VIB ;]  Please enjoy the following releases (all images courtesy of d2 publicity).

Created by entrepreneurial nail artist Charlotte Knight, Ciaté is built around understanding a woman’s love of affordable luxury and nails as the perfect canvas for self-expression and individuality.

Beautiful and intensely pigmented colors are designed to make nail painting an effortless and pleasurable
experience.

Select Ciaté colors will be launching on Sephora.com and Sephora stores across North America this April.

INDULGE YOUR NAILS: Introducing Ciaté’s Caviar Manicure

Developed by celebrity manicurist & Ciaté Creative Director, Charlotte Knight, the Caviar Manicure instantly gives nails a sophisticated feminine look.

Simply paint on two coats of the base shade and while nails are still wet, pour on the caviar pearls. Shake off the excess pearls onto a tray for later use. Voila!

Each set contains Ciaté base polish shade and Caviar Pearls. The polishes come in the signature Ciaté bottle, which has an ergonomically designed long handle and curved bottle shape that make them easy to use. Ciaté is 5 FREE, and does not contain Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin or Camphor.

Ciaté Caviar Manicure Set $25

Launches May 2012 at Sephora stores and on Sephora.com

China Glaze Midtown Magic

Where did May go?  I feel like I blinked and missed it.  Now it's getting into hot summer months here, and I still have fall collections on my desk.  (But you know how much I don't care for fall collections, so this is a moot point.)  Today I have Midtown Magic from the China Glaze Metro Collection in Fall 2011.. a dark purple with gold sparkles.  This really looks blackish/brown in the bottle but it's purple - I swear.  I used a base coat of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and a top of nubar Diamont.  The formula on the polish was pretty watery but I made it work.

Here it is in the sun - you can see how dark it is.  The shimmer is a bit faint but there.

See the dark purple in there?  (And the fact that I need cuticle oil?)

Indirect sun - you can see tons of shimmer in the bottle ... not so much on the nails - or can you?  I heard that a trick to colors like this is to store upside down, 30 minutes before you apply, and that way the shimmer will be near the top of the polish.  Haven't tried it myself but hey.

In the shade you can see a mix of the gold shimmer and a bit of the purple base in the bottle - the nails are mixed.

Finally indoors with the flash - you just see brownish red polish.  Sigh.  Not my favorite color at all.

Removal - dark purple!  I just don't care for this dark vampy look... not my style.

China Glaze [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] can be found online through several etailers, including my favorite Head2Toe Beauty, Sally's Beauty Supply as well as TransDesign.

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

Salon Perfect

Starting this week, I'm going to be showing you a line of polishes that you may not have seen but if you're near a Wal-Mart, be sure to check it out as they are only here for the rest of May.  I'm trying to get as many swatched as possible so you can make your choices but honestly, with a price tag of under $3, get them all!

 CORNUCOPIA OF COLOR

Salon Perfect Introduces Limited Edition Spring Polish Collection

Los Angeles, CA (April 2012) – Did the cold winter months keep your fingers and toes under wraps?  A fresh manicure with a bright, energetic polish is the perfect pick-me-up to bring your tips and toes out of hibernation.  Bursting with vibrant brights and sweet pastels, the all-new Salon Perfect® Blooming with Color nail polish collection is sure to put a spring in your step!

Your polish basket is sure to overflow with rich crème shades including:

• Perfectly Peach – Delicate peach
• Lemon Zing – Sunny yellow
• Kiwi Lime – Vibrant green
• Blue Mint – Cheerful mint
• Berry Blue – Classic periwinkle
• Purple Sorbet – Dark lilac
• Lavender Icing – Soft lilac
• Spicy Tomato – Juicy red
• Tangy Tangerine – Tart orange
• Sour Apples – True blue-green
• Blue Raspberry – Vivid azure
• Plum Sorbet – Magenta with purple shimmer
• Berry Pink – Bold flamingo pink
• Bubblegum – Honeysuckle pink

Celebrate spring with a bountiful array of Salon Perfect® Blooming with Color nail polishes!  The collection will be available in approximately 1,700 Walmart locations nationwide during the month of May for $2.98.

About Salon Perfect:

Salon Perfect is a collection of professional-quality lash, brow and nail products. Available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide, Salon Perfect offers premium faux lashes in an assortment of styles.

NCLA I'm With The Band

I have another fantastic NCLA polish today - this time from their new collection called "Summer of 69".  I'm With The Band is a hot coral creme polish that just rocks my summertime hands.  I used a base coat of Poshe, 2 coats of polish and a top of nubar Diamont.  The formula was pretty awesome - no issues.

Check it out in the sun!  I love how bright this is!

Here in the shade you can again see how well it pops against the skin.  I think this is pretty much an any-season polish, because I will definitely be wearing it in the fall as well.

My camera could barely contain itself here inside with the flash.  The colors are just intense!  Eventually it calmed down and I got this snap.  I'm really excited that NCLA is planning to attend Cosmoprof North America Las Vegas!  I only have 62 days left to prep and I'm starting off by going to the gym in the morning.


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.

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!

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