Blogs of Note

So after realizing that a lot of my blogging buddies had abandoned their blogs for one reason or another, I decided to go through and ax them from my Google Reader.  I feel bad, but at the same time, when someone hasn't updated since August 2009, they just aren't relevant anymore...  They may have good archived posts but as for new collections, colors, finishes - they are way in the back field for me.


That being said, here are 3 more today.


Manicure Mommas has short nails but a lot of good postings.  She also has a spreadsheet where she's listed all her polishes and the posts to each one which I find to be incredibly helpful.  I don't know if she got the idea from me or if we're both geniuses (totally possible) but either way, it makes for some great nail research!


Milan and Vanaily are sisters blogging under one roof ( I think?).  They have some very nice long nails and are pretty awesome, if you ask me.  I love reading their blog for the both the pictures and the commentary.


Last today is My little world of polish by Lily Nail.  She has short nails but does post a good selection.  I do wish her pictures were a little more macro instead of at arm's length but at least you can see the polish clearly.

.rawr.

I have super long nails (for me) right now.  I've broken 3 nails on my non-swatching hand, but have kept the long left hand so I can show you all the pretties in my box.  I've been out all week long and finally yesterday I had a day off AND sun, but I decided I just had to clean my house (it's quite big and all tile floors that need to be vacuumed and mopped sorely).  This morning I woke up to a clean house AND RAIN.


Seriously?!


Tomorrow I'm supposed to have SOME sun, and even better - lots of sun on Tuesday so hopefully I'll get to pump out some more posts soon.  Sorry friends!

Nicole by OPI Count On Me

Moving on to the Nicole ♥ Walmart collection, Count on Me is a glimmering lavender with tons of blue and purple microglitter in a milky purple base.  Seriously, go buy this.  Now.  I mean it.


At first, I tried to use this as a color on its own.  I used a base of OPI Natural Nail, and tried 2 coats of Count on Me, but it just really wasn't taking, so I pulled out my CND Blackjack for 1 coat, and then put 2 coats of Count on Me, topping with OPI Top Coat.  Best decision ever.

Now in the direct sun, you can see on my bare nail, that this is mostly an electric blue/light purple microglitter/shimmer on the nail, but over black it just looks blue.  In the light...

Can you see that purple on the edges?  All pictures are clickable to see larger... here's a couple more.

!!!


For fun, I took a couple of pictures indoors too (I use 6500K "natural" lights).

Seriously, I'm in love.  I ended up using Count on Me over CND Blackjack for a NOTD (to be posted), and did this manicure on two of my friends' nails (Crystal & Brittany - hey!).  Love love LOVE it.  All the purple and blues jumping out.  It's amazing.


For fun, I also tried it over OMB...  sun:

And shade:

The shimmer isn't nearly as pretty over this red...  I also tried it over The One That Got Away.


So seriously, go find this, ask your friends, just FIND THIS COLOR.  You won't regret it.


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.

Nicole by OPI It Starts With Me

Finishing off the Liquid Metals collection was It Starts With Me which was listed as a metallic champagne that channels your inner shine.  I thought this was more of a rose gold originally, so I was super excited but it's more of a bronze color to my eyes.


I used a base of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 coats of It Starts With Me and a top of OPI Top Coat.  The formula, as with the other metallics in this collection was good, with a bit of balding.

Seriously, this doesn't look good in the sun, but I think it's mostly my skin tone.

It looks much better in the shade, but it's still just not the best color for me.  Not my total cup of tea here.


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.

Nicole by OPI Rich In Spirit

Here's a new spin on the metallics - a metallic blue.  Not that this is a new concept but at least it is something different!  Rich in Spirit is apart of the Liquid Metals collection.


I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 coats of Rich in Spirit and a top of OPI Top Coat.

This reflects a lot of silver, giving it an icy look which is pretty awesome.  I think it would a great base for a winter manicure with some snowflake nail art.

As with metallics, it looks so much better in the shade.  It almost looks duochrome like with the silver being reflected near the cuticles and the blue really showing to the tips.


I do really like this color and I'm calling it the winner of this collection.  There is one more color left which you'll see either later today or probably tomorrow.  :)

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.

Jesse's Girl Center Stage

Sad panda, I'm at the very last of the High Intensity line from Jesse's Girl, and it's been a fun ride!  Once again, I should have called this a "jelly", not a creme, as apparent by the pictures you'll see soon.  Speaking of pictures, check out the hole in my concrete in that bottle picture.  Heh.


Side note, I absolutely love the movie Center Stage.


For this Center Stage, I used a base coat of Seche Natural, 2 coats of Center Stage and a top of Seche Vite.

See why I call this a jelly?  You can see that vampy red going on and a bit of bare spots through each nail.  I'm not sure what would be better - another coat or a nude base coat.  Hmm, note to self: Make a post on nude base coats.

The color looks a bit better in the shade as far as the consistency, but again, it's still a bit bald in spots.  Might be great to use as a base coat for Konad/nail art.


Overall, I'm not sure I would purchase this color again but at only $2.99 a bottle, maybe I would.  ^_^

Jesse's Girl sells for $2.99 a bottle online or at Rite Aid stores. You can visit Jesse's Girl on their website, Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter.

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

Hauls and upcoming posts!

So I spent some "me" time in San Antonio last week and went NUTS at Sephora...  Let's just say I spent more on Urban Decay in 30 minutes than my water and electric bill combined.  Oops.  I'll be posting reviews of those later.


I also came home to some nail mail!  I have the China Glaze Anchors Away and Crackle collections, the additional Justin Bieber Nicole by OPI polishes, OPI Texas collection, and I also got the Glee collection from Sephora by OPI while I was at Sephora.  So as I get myself back to the grind, expect lots of awesome postings to come out!


I also will have a rather random posting about a music artist I've been enjoying for the past year (who technically has her own tea and soap named for her!) soon.  ^_^


To all those who won something from a giveaway, it will be going out this week and I will email you when it's sent.


And to top that all off, I'm going to be having another giveaway soon from my (postponed) Blogversary & hitting not only 600 but 700 (and maybe hopefully 800!) followers!

Nicole by OPI The Next CEO

Continuing with the Nicole by OPI Liquid Metals collection today is The Next CEO, a "highly motivated metallic gold".  I'm starting to think I should lump "metallic/frost/foil" into one label...


I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail, 3 coats of The Next CEO and a top of OPI Top Coat.  Formula was good - as good as a metallic covers - but do remember to wait until your polish is dry to put on your top coat or the polish will drag.

I'm still not in love with golds with my skin tone - but as you can see in the sun, this is a nice gold metallic.

It looks super nice in the shade, as most metallics do.  You can also see a bit of a bald spot on my index finger which is also common with metallics.  Overall, a nice color but nothing special


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 2.17.11 Decadent Digits at Isaac Mizrahi & Spectator Nails at Joanna Mastroianni

Please enjoy the following press release from CND

The CND Daily Nail 2.17.11  

Decadent Digits at Isaac Mizrahi &
Spectator Nails at Joanna Mastroianni

February 17, 2011 - The last day of Fashion Week, 22 shows later, CND's Fall 2011 journey ends with two memorable retro-infused collections (with nails to match): 

At Isaac Mizrahi, confectionery-colored clothing was accented by rainbow bright poodles and fabric-patterned cakes on the runway. Outfits were accessorized with decadent, chocolate caramel nails custom blended by Wanda Ruiz using Chocolate Milk mixed with 5 drops of Asphalt to match lips and eyes. This zero-calorie manicure was easy on the eyes...and the waistlines!   

 

 

For Joanna Mastroianni, Angi Wingle created a Spectator Manicure using Blackjack as a base, and Brilliant White moons bordered with Silver Chrome. Nails completed the 60's influenced beauty look of sky-high French twists and fiery orange lips in a runway tribute to photographer Lillian Bassman.

 

 

Stay tuned for "The Final Nail" and CND's Fall 2011 seasonal trend forecast!

OPI Fashion Week

Please enjoy the following release from OPI.

OPI “Dresses” Fingertips at

New York Fashion Week / Fall 2011

OPI Struts Runway with Top Designers, Including BCBGMAXAZRIA, MAX AZRIA, Hérve Léger, Rebecca Taylor, and Charlotte Ronson*

            OPI hit the runway for New York Fashion Week/Fall 2011, kicking off with BCBGMAXAZRIA on Thursday, February 11. Models were manicured with OPI Nail Lacquer in Samoan Sand, a warm beige with pink undertones.

OPI appeared twice more for BCBG Max Azria Group, Inc., for MAX AZRIA on Saturday, February 13, and Hérve Léger on Tuesday, February 15. MAX AZRIA models wore Samoan Sand as well, while Hérve Léger featured the clay-hued San Tan-tonio.  Additionally, OPI was part of the BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Survival Kits, given to models during casting and to enthusiastic fans at BCBG stores in Manhattan and online.

For the second year in a row, OPI walked the Fall runway with Rebecca Taylor on Friday, February 11. With models wearing two shades from the just-launched Texas Collection by OPI, Suzi Loves Cowboys provided a rich chocolate hue for fingertips, while San Tan-tonio gave a light honey color to toes.

Charlotte Ronson also selected OPI to complement her edgy clothing, with models wearing Samoan Sand during the show on Saturday, February 12. Front-row admirers included Olivia Munn, Sophia Bush, Mena Suvari, and Kim Kardashian.

“OPI was thrilled to walk the runway with so many fabulous designers for New York Fashion Week/Fall 2011,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “As seen by the color selection and overwhelming preference for a neutral palette, nude nails will remain a huge trend throughout the rest of the year. Beige, tan, honey, chocolate, and even grey give fingertips a chic, minimalist look – matching fashions of the same hues or providing a base for brighter, patterned clothing.”

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

Blogs of Note

Happy Sunday!


Lacquer Laine has some of the best blogging pictures and nails around.  She has long nails and features quite a bit of nail art.


Lacquerized also has one of the best blogs out there.  She's very up to date on collections but has been on a bit of a personal break.  She has some great tutorials in her archives, so please do check her out.


Lets Go Sparkling is another blogger who kind of fell off the face of the planet (so sad to see that) but has some good archived posts.  She has long nails, loves glitter and features some frankens too!

CND Daily Nail 2.16.11 East Meets The Blonds & 3.1 Phillip Lim's Inky Arc Splendor

Please enjoy the following release from CND.

The CND Daily Nail 2.16.11  

East Meets The Blonds &  

3.1 Phillip Lim's Inky Arc Splendor 

February 16, 2011 - Where were you at 7pm this evening? If your answer is not, "At The Blonds show," you're about to wish it was...  

Tonight at The Blonds, CND's Kristina Estabrooks introduced 22 handmade, theatrical manicures inspired by Eastern culture meets ultra glam - in the form of fortune cookies ("You don't have to be blonde to be a Blond"), red sparkly Chinese characters (translated to "Blonds Love Diamonds"), "HIYA" and googly-eyed nails, and absolutely fabulous "Tranny-cures" comprised of Swarovski crystals and crushed glass with ombre undertones to color coordinate with outfits on the runway. Thai nails shaped with blinged-out hair clips, and dragons curled from thumb to pinkie were just some of the surprises to be seen. Matched with technicolor eyes and glittery hair pieces in afro and cleopatra bob shapes, this collection put the Delightful in DRAMA.

At 3.1 Phillip Lim, Angi Wingle created half-circle inky manicures deemed "Yazuka's flesh and ink" by the designer, using warm opaque Desert Suede and arcs in Midnight Sapphire (out in September 2011). Pedis were coated in two coats of Midnight Sapphire, nicknamed "Shogun's metal" by Lim. Half-pulled back, crimped hair and aquamarine shimmery eye shadow completed the beauty look inspired by sporty, on-the-go women.      

Nicole by OPI Miss Independent

Today I'm starting my review of the Nicole by OPI Liquid Metals collection which came out last month.  This is a selection of all metallics which also come off as foils/frosts to some people - depending on the light.  Normally, I'm obsessed with purples like Miss Independent but this one didn't grab me nearly as much.


I used a base of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 coats of Miss Independent and a top of OPI Top Coat.  The formula was nice and covered well.

Metallics are ridiculously hard to photograph, let me tell you.

And here's a shade picture.  Honestly, not much to write home about for me - it's pretty but just not for me.


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.

Nicole by OPI Giveaway

Please enjoy the following release from Nicole by OPI - you can click on the picture to make it larger.

The Facebook page for Nicole by OPI is located here <- this is the page to "Like"

*If you want a chance to win this content and are under the age of 18, get others involved. Have a parent submit a video for you or make sure to have someone at least 18 years of age submitting the video.

Nicole by OPI OMB!

Okay, point blank, I don't know what "OMB" means in the context of this polish.  At first, I thought it was a nod to Usher's song "OMG" because I kept thinking this polish was CALLED "OMG", not "OMB."  A small Google search came back with "OMG" = "Oh My Bieber".  (Seriously?!)  I guess you know you're seriously popular when you have your own acronym that shows up as a nail polish name.


Regardless, I LOVEloveLOVE this polish.  I wasn't happy when I saw the original press release image, but once again - the color in the PR was not the color that showed up.

Yeah, this polish is not nearly as dark, nor does it have that purple plum shimmer in it.  Instead, it's a cranberry red with TONS of red microglitter - it's listed as a metallic and it does have a bit of metallic properties.


I used a base of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 coats of OMB! and a top of OPI Top Coat.  I loved it so much I wore it as my manicure for a few days.  Love it.

Love this!

It almost looks like a glitter in the sun, but it's not.

In the shade, this color is just HOT.  I absolutely love it.  If you don't pick up any other color from this collection, GET THIS ONE.  I can't even think of a proper dupe I have for this, but I'll keep looking.


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.

Nicole by OPI Me + Blue vs Claire's Bright Skies

One thing about the Nicole by OPI's bottle shape - they don't photograph well for me, haha.  When I saw my bottle of Me + Blue, I thought "I own this!" and pulled out the Claire's Bright Skies that I purchased in mid-2010 but have never worn.


For Me + Blue, I had a base of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 3 coats of Me + Blue and a top of OPI Top Coat.  For Bright Skies, I had a base of Seche Natural, 3 coats of Bright Skies and a top of Seche Vite.

BOO - Blue Skies is quite sheer.  I don't like sheer colors - they just look like you have zombie hands to me. While it has more of the rainbow glitter, it seriously lacks in the opacity of the base color.

Same in the shade - you get the glitter but none of the opacity.  I did layer one coat of Blue Skies over Me + Blue which looked neat because you got the pretty glitter but it didn't want to photograph at all.


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