Dare to Wear Honeybuns

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Time for some mannequin hands with today's polish. This is Dare to Wear Honeybuns, a beige creme nude from the Fall 2017 Exposed collection.

LVX Buff

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Today I'm showing you the newest polish from LVX from their Naked Neutrals 2019 collection. This is Buff, a sheer buttery beige. It's more beige than Vanille from the Fall Winter 2016 collection but in the same family.

Starrily Light Up The Night

Nothing To Disclose
If you've been following my Instagram, you've noticed that my nails are ridiculously long right now. Like, longer than I've had in years. My favorite manicurist left her salon and I haven't been to her new place (not sure I will) so I just let them grow. Then on Friday, I broke one on my Cindy hand (the hand that does all the work), so I decided before I went for a big chop, I was going to try out all my thermals I've had on my desk. Today is Starrily Light Up The Night, a deep teal blue to nude/shimmer polish.

Morgan Taylor She's a Natural

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I know that over the past few years, nude polishes have been all the rage. Today's post is for Morgan Taylor She's a Natural, a nude creme from the Forever Fabulous collection.

Morgan Taylor Hollywood's Sweetheart

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This summer while I was at Cosmoprof North America, Morgan and Taylor showed me this newest collaboration, one that they are super stoked about. The winter collection this year is called Forever Fabulous and it is all in honor of Marilyn Monroe. Morgan Taylor actually licensed this collection with the Monroe estate and I think they've done well by her. First up today is Hollywood's Sweetheart, a pinkish nude creme.

Sally Hansen Salon Chrome Rose Gold

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Sally Hansen has been stepping up their nail art game so I was excited when they came out with Chrome Powders for consumer use. I've also been on a huge rose gold kick for the past several months so I was all over this kit.

Morgan Taylor Mauve Your Feet

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Every once in awhile, I like to grab a neutral polish to try and "cleanse" the palette. Considering how many glitters, holos and shimmers I own, it's nice to have a simple creme.

Dare to Wear Innocence

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This past summer when I headed to Cosmoprof, I got a chance to meet with the team from Dare to Wear. Their huge news was that they were just relaunching their website to support e-commerce for both professionals and consumers which is awesome news in this day and age. I purchase most things online and rarely go into stores anymore especially for beauty items.

Nine Zero S'more Holo

Nothing To Disclose
Have you heard of Nine Zero lacquer by JessFace90 on YouTube? This is a 5-free, hand mixed line that is made out of Michigan. I met Jess at PolishCon NYC and I was immediately drawn to her polishes that she was selling. I absolutely loved the above taupe/nude/purple holographic called S'more Holo. This is from the Harvest Festival collection and I've actually worn it twice which is a stand out for me.

Milani Lady-Like Sheer

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Need a palette cleanser polish? You know, that barely there, no fuss polish? Well Milani Lady-Like Sheer is just that. Despite me giving it a side eye on the name, I was actually not too mad at this polish.

I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. The formula was really nice and may have even been totally opaque with another coat but I figured this was supposed to be a lighter take on color.

Okay, so you can definitely see my natural nail without question but again, this doesn't appear to be a full creme polish - hello, read the name again. So what is this polish good for? Office appropriate, an undie color for glitters or when you don't want to just be using naked nails for a polish... Good stuff for those who need it and especially at just $4 a bottle.

You can visit Milani on their website and purchase directly or buy it in stores like CVS/pharmacy or Walgreens for around $3.99.  You can Like them on Facebook, follow their Twitter, follow on Instagram and subscribe to their YouTube Channel.

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 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. 

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. 

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. 

Barielle Cream 'N Sugar

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If you work in an office setting, you may be quite limited on your polish choices. Thankfully, my boss allows me to wear any polish I'd prefer but if I ever got stuck in a stuffy place, Barielle Cream 'N Sugar is a perfect pink nude for the occasion. This is from Barielle's "Velvets" Collection.

I used a base of Cult Nails Get It On, 3 coats of polish and finished it with Digital Nails Ain't Nobody Got Time For That. I had hoped this was a creme like the name implies, but instead, I'm just calling this "holy sheer". Barielle calls it a "sheer soft beige" but either I don't know what beige is, or they don't.

I was pretty determined to make this opaque in three coats so this is a bit of a thick coated three but it still dried well with my top coat, so I'm calling it a win. You can see that it's almost a good mannequin hands polish for me.

In the shade, you can really see how sheer it is. I have VNL (visible nail line) on all nails. I don't know how this would fair for someone with stained nails, so if you're stained you may want to proceed with caution.

Indoors with some indirect sunlight. You have no idea how happy I am to have my new door and screen storm door so I can bring you photos like these. It's a little scary posting my hands all close up but I do my best to make them pretty. I don't Photoshop out my cuticles or any cuts, although I know that's a popular thing to do. Nothing against those bloggers, I just don't have time for that. Dat.

Overall this is a pretty office nude but too sheer for me to want to grab regularly. I would like to try it in a jelly sandwich (layering a glitter between sheer layers of polish) but that will have to wait for another day.

Barielle retails for $8/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.

Morgan Taylor Polished Up

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One day I decided to just start pulling random polishes out of my stash to wear. I had no rhyme or reason to it - just wanted to get a mish mash of items. One of those was Morgan Taylor Polished Up - a nude creme with a pink undertone. I used a base coat of Cult Nails Get It On, 2 coats of polish and a top coat of Digital Nails Ain't Nobody Got Time For That.

So good news is that this is super opaque, no streaks and it's pretty too look at. Bad news is that this polish totally flooded into my cuticles - not like the formula was bad, just runny.

Morgan Taylor [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube] is available at CosmoProf for $8.50 a bottle. Online, non-professionals can purchase Morgan Taylor at Ulta Beauty. 

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

LVX d'Orsay

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Today I have LVX d'Orsay, a pinkish nude creme. I used a base coat of Cult Nails Get It On, 3 coats of polish and a top coat of Digital Nails Ain't Nobody Got Time For That.

Point blank, sad panda, this polish was a pain in my neck. My first coat was so extremely streaky that I actually took it off, and reapplied my entire manicure. I thought maybe I had oils on my nails or something but nope, same result. The second coat started to even out the streaky but not entirely. Above is three thin coats of polish - the streaks are gone but I'm not 100% thrilled with the application and the appearance on my ring finger. I feel like I need a ridge filler on that nail. I used to buff my nails once a month but I haven't done it in at least 6 months at this point.

Okay so up side - pretty creme, nice nude, definitely office appropriate. Negatives - streaky application and needed 3 coats instead of 2.

LVX [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram] is available on their website. It is 10-free to include Toluene and Camphor, vegan and cruelty free. Use promo code POLISHGALORE for 20% off your purchase!

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

LVX Cliquot

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The Winter/Resort 2014 LVX collection arrived the other day, so I'm trying to power through the Fall 2013 collection for you. Especially if you want to grab some after the holidays when you probably have a gift card or two to use. This is Cliquot, a pretty pink creme that is a pretty flattering nude with the right skin tone. I used a base of Cult Nails Get It On, two coats of polish and a top of Cult Nails Wicked Fast. No problems here with formula, pigmentation or pooling - yay!

I'm actually a big fan of this color. It's a great office nude, perfect for a glitter undie and I really think it would sparkle at a Christmas party with the right rainbow reflective small glitter. I've been thinking about my Christmas nails a lot since I have my work party on Wednesday but with my birthday on Thursday, I just don't know if I want to redo my nails for each day or what. I'll figure it out.

Back to the polish - great color staple to have. I'd buy it again without question.

LVX [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram] is available on their website. It is 10-free to include Toluene and Camphor, vegan and cruelty free. Use promo code POLISHGALORE for 20% off your purchase!

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

LVX Rive

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So I almost forgot about LVX Rive, the soft nude tan from the Summer 2013 collection. This is a great staple nude for my collection, although it definitely won't work on every skin type. I used a base coat of Cult Nails Get It On, 2 coats of Rive and a top of Cult Nails Wicked Fast.  The polish was opaque and highly pigmented as always.

Here in the shade, you can see how it works well with my skin tone - great for office appropriate manicures or as a base for a sleek black French manicure. I've been dabbling more into nail art so this is a great add to my collection for "undies."

Indoors with diffused sun light you can see how well pigmented and opaque this is for just 2 coats. I really get cranky when polishes are watery or take clumpy but this is just right. LVX has consistently done well with their formula which is why I'll buy them at $16 a bottle, even though my budget has been tightened lately.

LVX [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram] is available on their website. It is 10-free to include Toluene and Camphor, vegan and cruelty free. Use promo code POLISHGALORE for 20% off your purchase!

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

LVX Ecru

I first introduced you to LVX during Cosmoprof, and now they have launched their summer collection for sale on their website.  Today I was in need of a good "palette cleanser" so I chose Ecru, an opaque pink nude creme - super popular during the spring/summer season this year.  As you can see on the product page for Ecru, LVX was very inspired by the all nude looks that were on the runway.  I used a base of Poshe base coat, 2 coats of polish and a top of Cult Nails Wicked Fast.  Unfortunately, I felt like this specific polish was a bit chalky but it did even out after the second coat.

As you can see in the sun, it's a good color for mannequin hands, a trend I saw a lot last year on blogs.  I did really like how opaque this was in just 2 coats.

In the shade, you can see that it leans more pink than yellow for a nude (it looks more peach in the sun picture) but still is a great color.

This is probably my favorite picture of this polish - it's taken in some indirect light and just looks really smooth and pretty.

LVX [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram] is available on their website. It is 10-free to include Toluene and Camphor, vegan and cruelty free. Use promo code POLISHGALORE for 20% off your purchase!

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 Crimson Sparkle

I absolutely love the CND effects line, which I know I've said several times.  Now you may notice, that my bottle is stained red at the bottom and the label is all over the place - it was stained totally red but I tweaked it so you can at least read it.  Crimson Sparkle is a red shimmer inside of a clear base.  I used my existing Desert Suede manicure for this effect, except for my index finger, which I put a coat of black on.  This is just 1 coat of Crimson Sparkle with a top coat of CND Air Dry.

Boo cloudy weather.  What I love about Crimson Sparkle is that it's subtle and jam packed at the same time.  Obviously, over a nude, it's not going to give much punch.  You can see it, which is great for some office action but look at it over black!  I love that it almost takes on a duochrome with gold at the edges and crimson red at the tips.  Lovely.

Kind of the same story in the shade.  I really should have just picked a different base color but at the same time, I love how you can have an office appropriate nude and play it up with some sparkle.  :]

Finally here's this crazy flash shot... the camera didn't want to focus on anything.  So do you need this color?  Yes.  But then again, I'll say that about every single CND effects I have.  :]  Oh yes.


CND is available for $9 per colour, and $11 per effect and you can find locations to buy here.

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