M Polish: A Five Free Indie Stamping Polish!

Image provided by M Polish

Press Sample 
This spring, M Polish unveils one of the first independently created, hand mixed, cruelty free and Big-5 free stamping polishes to the nail art world. “I am a stamping addict” says M Polish founder Megan Patituce.  I have a ton of stamping plates but I wanted the ability to make whatever color I wanted and have those colors be 5-free, because I know a lot of people are becoming increasingly concerned about what is in their polish.”

Spring 2015 Collection: On February 17, 2015, M Polish launched their maiden Spring 2015 collection. This 6 piece collection consists of Apple Blossom (light pink), Apricot Delight (light orange), Bells of Ireland (mint green), Snowberry (pearly white), Starflower (cornflower blue), and Sweetclover (duochrome yellow-green). Polishes will be available in individual 11 mL (full size) bottles for $6.50 and 5 mL (mini) bottles for $3.25. Full collections will also be sold at $36.00 for full size and $18.00 for mini bottles.

How to Use: Stamping polish is used in coordination with stamping plates and stampers available from a variety of companies. Paint the stamping plate with the M Polish of your choice, lightly scrape the excess polish off with your stamping scraper, and roll your stamper onto the design. To transfer to the nail, roll the stamper across your nail for a crisp image. M Polishes are designed to work best over dark polish bases.

I was excited to try a few looks but I was super nervous because as you may remember, I'm not very good at nail art. But I was really determined to try!

M Polish Snowberry is a white stamping polish without any shimmer. I was super happy that it was opaque right away. I used a base polish of China Glaze Pop The Trunk from the Spring 2015 Road Trip Collection and used my Konad Plate m64.

CHECK THAT OUT! This was my first attempt at stamping in like... 3 years. Crisp. I was super impressed with how well the polishes picked up on the plate and laid down on the nail.

M Polish Apple Blossom is a light pink stamping polish without shimmer. I used a base polish of China Glaze Boho Blues from the Spring 2015 Road Trip Collection and stamped with my Konad plate m63.

I was really happy with this delicate design. I probably should have used a darker base color to really make it pop but it was still lovely.

M Polish Starflower is a light blue stamping polish with a slight inner glow but no shimmer. I used a base color of JulieG Sour Grape from the 2015 Jelly Beans collection and stamped with my Konad plate m51.

Look how this blue pops! 

M Polish has also launched a special, limited edition Mother's Day Duo called Mama Loves Polish Duo, available now until Mother's Day. The best part is that 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Avon 39 "The Walk to End Breast Cancer" for Rebekah so you're supporting a great cause. The duo is available $13.50.

M Polish Annette is a coral pink. I used a base color of Love, Angeline Did You Say Peppercorn?! from the Chateau Macaron collection and stamped with my Konad plate m25.

I love how soft and delicate this looks while being able to pick up the entire image.

M Polish Sliver of Hope is a silver metallic stamping polish. I used a base color of LVX Turkoise from the Spring 2015 collection and stamped with my Konad plate s6. 

Look how opaque those squares are! Aces, M Polish, aces.

Notice that my water mark is a little different? That's because I was given the privilege to feature M Polish on Nail It online! Check out the article here.

M Polish already has a summer 2015 collection coming soon which I got to preview and let me tell you - it's going to knock your socks off. If you're looking for a great new indie company to support that specifically makes stamping polishes and is 5 free, here's your girl!

M Polish can be purchased at http://www.mpolishes.com with shipping to the USA and Canada.  Join the conversation! Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MPolishes & Instagram http://www.instagram.com/MPolishes

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

KBShimmer In and Sprouts

Press Sample 
Why hello! I am here, counting down the days until I officially become a mom of 2 boys (36 days left!) and I decided that some blog posts were in order. I'm attempting to get back to a regular schedule, because man, I have some really awesome polishes here to show you. To see the latest, make sure you are following my Instagram, because I update that quite a bit. Today I'm bringing you KBShimmer In And Sprouts from the spring 2015 collection. You can't tell it from the photo above (thanks light box) but this is a light green holo polish.

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with KBShimmer Clearly on Top. Top coat did not dull the holo at all. The polish applied very nicely and the holo is quite insane (unlike Blush Money).

Cue sound effects. Check it out in the sun! Lots of holo under this light green - it would be super fantastic with some black polish stamping I feel. Or just wear it alone!

As with most holos, go in some indirect light, and the holo does fade away. It's still a very pretty light green and I didn't have any issues with staining.

Finally in the shade and yeah, bye bye holo but you can really see the green color. It almost reminds me of a limeade. Do you enjoy Sonic because it's one of my favorite places to get drinks. That, and I'm obsessed with their ice.

KBShimmer [website] can be purchased through their website for those in the United States and through Harlow and Co for international sales. Prices range from $5.50 to $8.75. Connect with KBShimmer through their social media networks: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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

KBShimmer Blush Money

Press Sample 
Also from the Spring 2015 KBShimmer launch was Blush Money, a pink holographic polish. I don't think I have anything quite like this in my collection, so I was happy to see it.

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 3 coats of polish and finished with KBShimmer Clearly On Top. I found the formula to be pretty but a bit on the sheer side.

This photo was taken in my light box. You can see a faint holographic shimmer in the bottom but on the nail, it's not nearly as pronounced.

Meanwhile in the sun, you are still struggling a bit to see the holo. I was a little let down by this but I figure that if I really wanted more holo, I can add a holographic top coat.

As expected, indirect light completely ruins any holo but I do like the soft pink shade that is left.

In order to finally see some holo, I took one photo with my flash. I'm not sure how often I'll pull this color out but it is a pretty color overall.

KBShimmer [website] can be purchased through their website for those in the United States and through Harlow and Co for international sales. Prices range from $5.50 to $8.75. Connect with KBShimmer through their social media networks: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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

KBShimmer Eyes White Open

 Press Sample 
Ever since Cult Nails announced they were closing, I have been hoping to find another "holy grail" white - you know, that perfect 1-2 coater that is NOT streaky or messy. Thankfully, the KBShimmer Spring 2015 collection included this beautiful white creme called Eyes White Open. Will it hold up to my beloved Tempest?

For this manicure, I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with KBShimmer Clearly On Top. The formula was a little messy for me but with careful cleanup, I was able to see the results below.

This photo was taken in my light box. LOOK HOW PRETTY IT IS. If you're in the East Coast USA, you may recognize this as the tons of snow you're getting. I'm really happy that it's looking pretty fantastic though - no streaks, super opaque.

This photos was taken in the shade but you'd barely know it! It looks so pretty and clean. It's definitely going to be repurchased when I run out of it and Cult Nails Tempest.

This was taken in indirect light under my porch. You can tell just how smoothly it applied and even though I had to get into my cuticles, you can't really tell.

This is also in indirect light but indoors. What else can you say? I'm happy with it and I do know this will be repurchased. I plan to use it a lot this summer with neons.

KBShimmer [website] can be purchased through their website for those in the United States and through Harlow and Co for international sales. Prices range from $5.50 to $8.75. Connect with KBShimmer through their social media networks: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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

Zoya Sage

Nothing To Disclose
Ready for the grand finale of the Zoya Naturel Satins collection? This is Zoya Sage - a mossy sage green. I really thought this would be my favorite as I have been pulling for more greens lately but Tove stole my heart.

I used a base of Zoya Anchor, 2 coats of polish and no top coat. The coverage on this was pretty awesome too - basically a one coater.

Well again I didn't have any sunlight so here is my light box. This is actually a really nice color! I'm not sure how often I'd wear it and it would definitely be a nubbin color for me but it's a very pretty sage green.

Here in the shade, the colors do play nicely with my skin. I'm a happy camper! I'm surprised that these last two have been my favorite but here they are. Sage and Tove. Krystal loves.

Finally here in indirect light (which almost looks like sunlight but trust me, it's cloudy out there), I'm able to just enjoy this polish. It's such a pretty little sage number. If you can only buy two polishes get this and Tove.

Zoya [Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube] can be purchased on their website for $9/bottle. 

FingerPaints 2015

FingerPaints is launching 10 new glitters next month!

Zoya Tove

Nothing To Disclose
Heading into the finale of the Zoya Naturel Satins collection and today I have Tove - a misty slate grey which leans more blue to me. I sometimes have to seriously question where they get these names. As you may recall, Zoya names all their polishes after women. The only Tove I've ever heard of is a singer which a very interesting song called Habits (Stay High). I know she has other songs and she's currently touring but yeah, I just know her for this one crazy little song.

I used a base coat of Zoya Anchor, 2 coats of polish and no top coat. The formula was pretty much a one coater here too but two thin coats is always best for me. I was very happy with the coverage.

The sun has decided to go away so this photo is from my light box. I'm absolutely in love with this color. It's not my perfect grey but the hint of blue is just SO perfect for me. I'm seriously considering wearing this for my upcoming baby shower. LOVE.

Here in the shade, it's definitely a dusty little number. Still love it.

LOOK AT THIS. This is what really made me fall in love with this polish. Seriously, I'd paint a room this color if I could because I do love it. I seriously see myself reaching for this polish over and over this year. Hands down my favorite of the collection.

Zoya [Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube] can be purchased on their website for $9/bottle. 

Zoya Delight

Ready for spring yet? I am for sure. Check out what Zoya has coming out on February 2nd!

Zoya Rowan

 Nothing To Disclose
Let's get to the back half of the Zoya Naturel Satins collection, shall we? These last 3 are definitely more earthy in color and I wasn't sure how much I'd love them since I gravitate to more of the pretty pinks and purples. Today I have Zoya Rowan - a "creamy suede taupe" - reminded me of putty.

I used a base coat of Zoya Anchor, 2 coats of polish and no top coat. The formula on this polish was super opaque and I really only needed one coat but I used a second thin coat just to make sure I had even coverage. I was pretty impressed by it!

Check it out! So it's not totally my cup of tea but it's a neat looking color overall.

This is in indirect light - it's a little dark for me but I think I could jazz it up. 

Here in the light box, you can see it's just more of the same putty look. This was definitely my least favorite color although it was my favorite formula.

Zoya [Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube] can be purchased on their website for $9/bottle. 

Gelish Mini The Big Chill

How cold is it where you are? We are bouncing between the 30s and 70s here in South Texas but I can still pull out some Gelish MINI winter gels to feel in season!

Zoya Leah

Nothing To Disclose
Getting to the mid way point in the Naturel Satin collection with Leah, a "lavender tinged taupe". I was originally most excited about this because I do love all things purple/lavender.

I used a base coat of Zoya Anchor, 2 coats of polish and no top coat. The formula on this polish was much better than Ana and Brittany. Dry time was fast even without a top coat.

Okay, now I know what you're thinking. What IS this. This doesn't look lavender at all in the sun. If anything it looks blueish silver. I don't know why - I seriously had to check my photos again to make sure I used the right ones in editing but I did!

Even in the shade, I'm scratching my head. This isn't what I expected but I do like the dusty look that it has.

Finally in the indirect light I got some purple coming through and I was pleased. This really is up my alley for colors.

This photo was in my light box. Purple? Check. Happy Satin finish? Check. Happy Krystal? Partially checked. I'm definitely having a love/hate feeling with this collection. It's unique, the formulas are pretty decent but me and nudes - just not loving it totally!

Zoya [Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube] can be purchased on their website for $9/bottle. 

FingerPaints Bright Lights Big City

FingerPaints Bright Lights Big City is a LIMITED EDITION collection of creamy, superfine micro-glitters with an iridescent twist and radiant chunky glitters.

Zoya Brittany

 Nothing To Disclose
Next in the Zoya Naturel Satins collection is Brittany - a rose mauve cream polish. I actually really like this type of color so I was excited to try it on. 

I used a base coat of Zoya Anchor, 2 coats of polish and no top coat. All the Satins are listed as not intended to be worn with top coat, so that's how I'm wearing them. I do wonder on the wear time with no top coat as that's not my normal routine. This polish was also a little thick but less thick than Ana and definitely not unmanageable. Just make sure you go slow and steady and use thin coats.

Well, this color did not flatter my skin as much as I hoped. The color itself is pretty but I just wasn't a huge fan of it on my hands.

Even in the shade, this polish just kind of fades into my skin for me. Great office neutral though.

Now when I get in some indirect light, the rose starts to show a bit better and I fall a little in love but unless I just constantly stand under porches, this polish is going to sit on the shelf for a bit.

Same here next to my front door - pretty color but I do have an issue on my ring finger where you can see my ridges quite clearly.

Here in my light box is the prettiest picture but I'm still just not sold on the color overall on me. I think this needs some sparkle to make it pop - maybe China Glaze Fairy Dust or even a holo top coat.

Zoya [Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube] can be purchased on their website for $9/bottle. 

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

Sally Hansen also jumped into the gel game last year with their revolutionary new gel manicure system without the light! I never did try their gel manicure that came with a tiny little finger light but I heard from other bloggers that for the price point, they liked it.

Zoya Ana

 Nothing To Disclose
If you've been a long time reader, you know that I'm a bit sick of nude polish. That being said, when I heard about the Zoya Naturel Satin collection, I bought it as soon as it was available. The latest twist in the nude game is this chalk like finish from Zoya - not quite matte but more of a powder finish. First up I have Zoya Ana - a light toasted almond color.

I used a base coat of Zoya Armor, 2 coats of polish and no top coat. This formula was a little thick to work with but not unmanageable. Dry time was actually really nice even without a top coat.

This is a perfect office neutral for those who aren't able to go wild with polish - it's not quite what I would think almond is but it's also not really pink or brown. I'm kind of at a loss on how to describe the color.

In the shade you can also see that the Satin bottles are all frosted - it's to help distinguish the finish on this polish - while it is opaque, it's a bit hard to tell the true color in the bottle.

In the indirect light of my living room, you can see more of a pink tone coming through, I do think this is very complimentary to my skin tone and I could see myself wearing it more with short nails during long winter months. I do prefer brighter shades but this has its place.

This final photo is from my light box. You can almost see a sheen from the light which gives to look of a glossy polish but as you can see above, it's not glossy at all. It's definitely unique and I do like the look.

Zoya [Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube] can be purchased on their website for $9/bottle.