Showing posts with label A Box Indied. Show all posts

PolishGalore: Nails In Real Life

Press Sample 

 2015 has been really crazy, really scary, and really awesome all at the same time. I had a baby, I quit a really good job but for an even BETTER job, and I've been really busy on the home front. I'm still attempting to balance home, work, and fun but while I'm figuring that one out, I wanted to show you a few "nails in real life" - polishes that I didn't review for the blog but I actually wore. Some were press samples (which is why I've labeled this post as such) but some I bought myself. I tend to post more to Instagram when it's quick snapshots like this but now I hear that even Instagram is limiting what people see (thanks Facebook for buying Instagram and applying the same 'pay for play' business model).

 In July, I went to Cosmoprof North America for less than 24 hours. Not sure that I will ever put my body through that again, but it was still fun. I really wanted something flashy so I knew I was going to wear ILNP "Mega (X)" from the Summer 2015 collection but I wanted some base creme to layer it over, so I went with Love, Angeline "Did You Say Peppercorn?!" which is a matte grey creme.  Add 2 coats of "Mega (X)" and we were in business.

After Cosmoprof I needed something nice but neutral for my job interview so I went with ILNP "Long Walks" from the Summer 2015 collection. It's a dusty purple/taupe with a little bit of bronze shimmer - nothing too flashy but still had something to keep me interested.
A photo posted by PolishGalore (@polishgalore) on

After my neutral color, I wanted something flashy, so I grabbed F.U.N. "Goodness Of The Dawn" from the Summer 2015 collection. Only 2 coats and removal wasn't too terrible despite the glitter overload.
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So I didn't get to see any of my Cosmoprof beauties for a few days because I had to have them shipped to me (THANK YOU SO MUCH THE DAILY NAIL!) but one that wowed me was Fair Maiden Polish - "Just a Mirage". I already love all things purple and holo but this was a nice plum with red base and only 2 coats.

After getting my new job, I knew I wanted to start off with some color. I blindly picked China Glaze "I Brake For Colour" from the Spring 2015 Road Trip collection. I felt like I wimped out a bit by not going crazy neon holo nuts but I didn't want anyone to think I was too crazy (yet).

My second week of work seemed to be a bit more demanding on my hands, so I opted for Gelish MINI "From Rodeo to Rodeo Drive" from the Fall 2015 Urban Cowgirl collection. It reminded me a little of ILNP "Long Walks" minus the bronze shimmer. This was only 2 coats but I should have used 3.

Then I snapped a few nails so I decided to cut them down to super nubbins - absolutely no free edge. I forgot how liberating they can be, especially when typing! To show off, I used ILNP "Missed Calls" which is a fantastic charcoal black holo that I am obsessed with.

Next I decided to go with Colors by Llarowe "As Rome Burned" from the August 2015 A Box, Indied collection. I seriously want to wear this all the time. NO staining either which is something I was really worried about. Only 2 coats but it did dry matte so I needed a good top coat to bring out the shine.

I decided to go for another Gelish MINI after that - this is "Brights Have More Fun". I was nervous about trying a neon without a white base coat, but you can see it did pretty well on its own.
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Two weeks later and my nubs got out of control as well as my cuticles. I also tend to get hangnails on my index and middle fingers and I really try to leave them alone. But to feel pretty, I put on Glam Polish "Bohemian Rhapsody".

But then I decided to go dark blue to match my outfit when we were headed to a wedding. This is ILNP "After Midnight" from the Fall 2015 Collection.

Just one day later, I was moving to ILNP "Money Bin" to coordinate with the La Palmera #ReadySetGold Fashion Show that I attended.

 Just a short time later, I was heading to Florida for training at my new job. I was super excited to go on a trip so I decided to bring a little ILNP with me. This is "Walking Home" and the purple holo is SO in your face. I was obsessed.
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Despite owning tons of ILNP, I hadn't worn any of the multichrome crazy polishes yet so I decided I was going to wear ILNP "Cameo". I ended up going almost a whole week in this polish and couldn't stop playing with the color shift from purple to green to gold. Loved it!

Last week, a friend was eloping, so a bunch of us did manis to surprise her. I wanted something red and holo-y so I used both Morgan Taylor "Ruby Two-Shoes" with Starrily "Poisoned Apple" for this beautiful combination.

And now on my hands I have Polished by KPT "No Makeup Needed" which is a nude holo. After all the red and purple I had been wearing, I felt like wearing something a little neutral. I'm on Day 5 of this mani and while I need to remove it before Saturday (family photos!), it's held up very well.
A photo posted by PolishGalore (@polishgalore) on

And there you have it! That's been my "Nails In Real Life" and while I wished I had properly photographed and written a review for the blog, I'm glad that I at least documented them on Instagram. Do you have any favorites from what I wore?

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

Nothing To Disclose

 Back in March, I FINALLY got my hands on A Box, Indied by llarowe. Some months go like HOTCAKES and others have a few extras to sell. I don't recall what happened back in March but I was glad to get my hands on it.

 Inside my box included a bottle of CrowsToes Bad Catholic. I have a few bottles of CrowsToes that I've purchased over the years but haven't reviewed them on PolishGalore before. No real reason - just haven't gotten around to "that" section of my polish. ("That" being indies - I've been VERY picky on the indies I buy, and then very careful of those indies - not wanting to let anyone borrow them or basically, see them.)

 Back to the polish. This was a part of the Mardi Gras theme - hence the name. I am Catholic, and have been a bad one from time to time (hah) but I'm actually in good standing with the Church now (Mr PG had to go through an annulment before we could get married in the Church this past May). ANYWAY - polish!

 I started with a base coat of Nail Pattern Boldness Glitter A-Peel before deciding that I didn't want to wear this polish bare. I left my pinkie clear so I could see how well the polish applied but on the rest of my nails, I used one thin coat of Cult Nails Tempest.

 I ended up only having to use ONE coat of Bad Catholic to achieve the photos you see below. I was quite pleased. To smooth the top and add shine, I used Digital Nails Ain't Nobody Got Time For That.
The madness! Check out all this glitter goodness with ONE coat. I didn't have to go fishing for glitter either. Now I did use the dab method where you dab the polish on to the nail first, then use one swipe to smooth it out. There is a variety of small round, medium round, and larger hexagonal glitter in purple, green and gold in a clear base. Absolutely perfect for Fat Tuesday.
I was super surprised in the shade - you can see that polish holds up well with some reflective properties without being mirror like or taco curling.
Finally in some indirect light (and in need of some cuticle oil!) - I was actually really happy with this polish. Now I'm not sure how much I'd wear it OTHER than Fat Tuesday just because it does remind me of Mardi Gras, but it's enough to make me want to keep the polish in my stash.

 CrowsToes can be purchased in the USA through Llarowe or Overall Beauty for $13 and a few other places overseas. Join them on Facebook and follow on Instagram.
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Nail Polish Monthly Subscriptions

When I was a little girl, I used to really want to be included in a "x of the Month" club where I'd get samples of the product each month mostly because I loved getting mail ^_^.  I never knew it would turn into such a booming business!

 With the popularity of monthly subscription beauty services like Birchbox and Glossybox, nail polish lovers were feeling the cold shoulder.  I was talking to a dear friend this summer about how I'd love to launch a nail polish only monthly subscription service and how it would be a great way for people to try new brands without traveling to different stores or shopping blindly online.

 Fast forward a few months and I've now heard of three such companies launching this year!

Photo Courtesy of Lacquerous's Facebook Page

 Lacquerous will be launching soon and is centered around "Luxury Lacquer ".  Right now, it's under an invite only and I have a referral link here.  They haven't fully explained what the referral links are for, so if you prefer the main sign up website, it's located here.  Judging from Lacquerous's Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Tumblr accounts, brands featured should be on par with butter LONDON, Tom Ford, Chanel, OPI, MAC, Dior, NARS and Dolce & Gabbana.  Price has not been announced nor has international capability.  This company is based out of New York, USA.

Update 11/13/12!
The "How it Works" has been posted. Think "Netflix for Nails".  For $18 a month, you receive 3 new or slightly used nail polishes from your queue that you are allowed to use 3 times/3 manicures.  Then, within 30 days, you mail the polishes back to Lacquerous in a pre-paid package.  They will measure how many polish has been used to keep track.  Some polishes may be purchased by emailing their customer service (but not limited edition).  You only get one package per 30 days, even if you return your package before the 30 days are up.  Only available for 18+, living in the USA.  Please be sure to read the full Terms of Service - a credit check may be obtained in order to subscribe to their service.
Photo Courtesy of Club Nail Polish's Facebook Page
Club Nail Polish is launching in 33 days and is more like a "x of the Month" club.  The image above shows bottle shapes that resemble butter LONDON, deborah lippmann (or is that the new NYX Professional bottles?), LVX/NARS, Ciate, OPI and Pixi, & their Facebook includes pictures of Sephora by OPI, Nicole by OPI, Essie and NYX (drugstore bottles).  Their website is still in the pre-launch stage where you can only sign up for their newsletter with your email address.  They are offering giveaways with your sign up although further details are not available.  Their Facebook also says that you will receive "a surprise color of nail color monthly" and that it is "not costly" to join.  Price has not been announced but their Twitter does say it will be available for USA and Canada residents.  This company is based out of Washington, USA.

 Update 01/26/2014
This brand never seemed to have launched. Sorry folks :[




While not quite a nail polish only subscription, Nail Art Society is working on its launch as well.  They have a website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.  They are offering nail art tools, accessories and polishes for $9.95 a month.  This is available in the USA only.  This company is based out of California, USA.

Update!
The sign up page is located here and there are 3 payment plans - monthly ($9.95/mo), quarterly ($29.85/quarter) and yearly ($99.40/year).  Brands included on their website are China Glaze, LVX, Zoya, butter LONDON, OPI, essie and The Creme Shop.  They are in talks to make this service available to Canada and Europe for the near future.

Update 12/7/12! 
Nail Art Society has doubled their current prices. If you're a member who signed up during the $9.95 plan, they kept you at that but going forward the prices are $19.95 monthly, $59.85 quarterly and $219.40 yearly. According to their new description of the service, all Nail Art Society Members have exclusive access to Q&A’s, video tutorials, trend reports, and tips from Celebrity Nail Artists, Bloggers and Beauty Insiders.

 Update 9/9/13!
Nail Art Society shut down for the summer of 2013 and completely reformatted their back end, including adding new Gurus like yours truly! Price is back to $9.95 with an additional $4.95 in shipping.

 Update 10/17/13!
Gurus have been remaned to "Renowned Artists". The price has increased to $11.95 with an additional S&H charge. My referral link is located here.

 Update 08/28/14!
Nail Art Society has shut down & removed its social media.

For those interested in the Julep Maven, I did want to include them.  They first launched in August 2011 as a Julep brand only subscription box.  You take a "Style Quiz" to match you up with one of 4 programs but they also offer special boxes from time to time.  You may also change your style at any time.  They had multiple issues with their referral program which has been revamped twice now, subscribers getting the wrong box or being charged twice, and issues with canceling the program (which can ONLY be done over their phone number 877.651.3292, citing security reasons).  Thankfully, I haven't had issues of being charged twice or receiving the wrong box, but I did have issues with the original referral program where I didn't receive all my credits.  With the new referral system, you receive points or Jules for different transactions: "1,000 Jules for referring a friend to Julep Maven, 300 Jules for each full priced Maven box you are billed for, 200 Jules on your Birthday, 500 Jules on your Maven anniversary, 750 Jules when you pay for the monthly upgrade box. You even get 100 points just for becoming a Maven!" [Julep's website].  My referral link is located here.  As for the customer service, I haven't had issues but you can find both positive and negative comments by searching Google.  Price is $19.99 + tax and is available for USA and Canada residents.  Julep's social pages are as follows: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and YouTube.  This company is based out of Washington, USA.

 Update 1/26/14
It has come to my attention that new members (as on 12/18/13) are only allowed to "skip" a box every 6 months. Previously, you could skip a box whenever you felt like it, either because you didn't have the money that month or didn't like the choices offered.
Photo Courtesy of Square Hue Facebook Page

Square Hue is another monthly nail polish service featuring colors they have created themselves (much like Julep).  Each month, they send out three pre-selected colors that they feel are in season.  The polishes are 0.5 fl oz (same size as China Glaze or OPI), and are big 4 free (to include Camphor).  They do not say they are vegan, but they do not test on animals and their polish is made in the USA.

Price is $14.99 + $5 for shipping/handling. If you live in Florida, you will also have to pay sales tax. You may suspend or cancel your subscription at any time.  Additionally, a portion of their proceeds goes to charity - the current focus is on human trafficking.

Square Hue has a Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for you to interact with.  They are located in Miami, Florida.  They ship to both the USA & Canada.


Launching in 2013, the Nail Collection is a monthly subscription where you receive 4 luxurious polishes for $30 a month. Brands include a mix of Essie, OPI, China Glaze and ORLY and they plan to add more brands. International shipping is available. Additionally, you will be able to buy individual colors with most orders shipping free.  This service is based out of New York, USA.

The Nail Collection currently has a Facebook and a Twitter.

Update 9/9/2013: The Nail Collection send out an email today stating they are going out of business & all orders placed that have not been shipped will be fully refunded within the next 48 hours.
Announced on 8/31/2013, nail e-tailer Llarowe will be curating a subscription called "A Box, Indied." This is a month to month subscription that can be opted out each month. Left over stock boxes will also be available for purchase for those who aren't subscribed on a first come first serve basis.

 Each box will contain 5 full sized polishes the above indie polish lines that have not been produced before and are exclusive to the A Box, Indied box. 

 Price per box will be $50 and free shipping in the USA. In the next 6 months, Llarowe hopes to have free shipping available in other countries. Currently, to qualify for free shipping from Llarowe for Canadian orders, you must purchase $100 in product, for international orders, you much purchase $200 in product.

 The 10 indie brands are (Facebook pages have been linked): Liquid Sky Lacquer, Black Cat Lacquer, Different Dimension, Ethereal Lacquer, Jindie Nails, Freak Show Polish, Dollish Polish, Laqerlicious, Wicked Polish and PolishMeToGo.
Nailette launched in October 2013 and creator Lynn was looking for a way to provide customers with something that all the above subscription boxes lacked - mini bottles. Nailette sends customers 2 or 3 mini-sized bottles of nail polish in colors based on their skin tone, style and current trends. At launch, they carried Essie, OPI and Orly. Boxes are $7.99 for 2 minis and $10.99 for three minis + $2.50 for shipping. You are on a monthly schedule and will be billed on the 20th of each month.  You can also select a gift option of 3 months at a time ($29.97 for 2 minis, $40.47 for 3 minis). The only ship within the continental USA at this time.

 Nailette social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest.
POLISHBOX is the only nail polish subscription service that will bring you the complete nail care experience. Unfortunately, that's all the information I have.

 Their website www.mypolishbox.com redirects to a sign up page where you can get more information when they launch. They are also on Twitter and Instagram.

 The Lacquer Cabinet by Nailtini debuts its first collection in February 2014 at rates of $25 per month, $23/month for a 6-month subscription, or $20/month for a 12-month subscription. A true happy hour for hands, each collection offers an over- $44 retail value plus free shipping, and members enjoy up to 15% off all ‘Tini Beauty products at www.tinibeauty.com for the life of their subscriptions. USA only.

The Monthly Nail subscription box is the first of it’s kind to offer an in-house indie nail polish brand, Eugene Malibu, as well as the salon brands O.P.I. and Essie. They take it a HUGE step further by allowing subscribers to completely customize your Eugene Malibu nail polish to your exact specifications as well as choosing which color of the salon brand you would like to include. By filling out the form on the website, you can choose the base color and finish, the color and shapes of glitters to include or not include, and you can even decide on the name of your nail polish creation! 

 With basic subscriptions starting at $15.99 for two custom lacquers up to $23.99 for four custom and salon brand nail polishes, there is a price to accommodate every budget. Prices include first-class USPS shipping with tracking for domestic members or a low flat rate shipping fee for international subscribers. Plans to expand and offer more options are in the near future.

 International and domestic subscriptions can be purchased now at http://www.themonthlynail.com

PISTOL is a subscription-based nail polish brand where you receive 2 full sized polishes each month based on the company's color trend studies. PISTOL polish is made in the USA, cruelty free, FDA approved and Big-4 free. You can choose either a monthly subscription for $17.99 (shipping included) or $199.99 for a one year subscription. No information is available on how to cancel or if you can purchase polishes ala carte afterwards. 

PISTOL social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Nailbox launched their own subscription box in 2014 called "TrendBox" which is curated by well known nail bloggers like All Lacquered Up and Chalkboard Nails. The box contains a mix of brand polishes on their website as well as premium brands (like JINSoon). There are 2 subscription plans - $35 for quarterly (excluding $6 for shipping) or $140 for an annual subscription (shipping included).  Subscribers can preview the upcoming box for 2 weeks before it ships and skip a box if they'd like.

 Nailbox social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

And there you have it!  As I find out more information about each company, I'll update this posting.  Happy polishing!
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