MAC Mean and Green

Oh MAC Mean & Green, what an enigma you are!  Are you purple? Are you green?  Are you golden yellow?!


I used a base of Seche Natural, 3 coats of Mean & Green, and a top of Seche Vite.  Application was okay but the polish felt too sheer for me, especially for the price.


Here's some sun overload.

Here are two pictures in the shade

See what I mean?!  It's all over the map!  I didn't keep this color on too long... the green is such a weird murky color for me.  I felt like it was a little like China Glaze Zombie Zest or even Ick-A-Body with the green base, but the purple was at least a nice pop.  I am a sucker for a purple.  :)

MAC retails for $13 a bottle and can be purchased at MAC stores, counters or online.  Currently online, Mean & Green is sold out and there isn't any word if there will be restocking.  Check your local MAC counter/store!

OPI Black Shatter

Alright people, I'm going to be honest.  When I first heard about this "shatter/crackle" trend, I was miffed.  I feel like "shattered" nail polish resembles chipped nail polish which is such a no-no for me.  Now granted, I said I didn't like matte nail polish originally because it looked too much like a chalkboard, and now I'm in love with matte.  Would I feel the same about shatter/crackle nail polish?


THE ANSWER IS DUH!  YES!  THIS STUFF IS AWESOME!

I took my existing manicure of Simply Smash-ing! and just painted one thin layer of Black Shatter over it.  In about 20 seconds, the polish completely separates, leaving you with a cracked effect.  I even took a video for you!

Here are some finished pictures in the sun and in the shade.

I did not use a top coat afterwards, but I recommend it if you like smooth nails (and I do).

OPI is available at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and Ulta, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer. Please visit their website for details [official website].  

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 Simply Smash-ing!

Remember this post?  Now it's time to check it out!

Serena Williams is one of the only tennis players I can name, but not only is she an amazing player, she always has had some amazing nails!  I thought it was pretty neat that OPI paired with her for the Gram Slam collection which was this - Simply Smash-ing! and a Black Shatter (ooh, coming soon!).  It is a glitter without the grit, yellow-green leaning towards gold.  I'm tempted to call it glass fleck because it wore just like Zoya Sparkle's collection or the China Glaze Summer Days.  Removal was similar as well, leaving behind microglitter on my hands.


I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 coats of Simply Smash-ing! and a top of OPI Top Coat.

In the sun, you can see a few bald spots on my nails where the color didn't stick as well.  However, you can also see a bit of green in the polish.  I'm happy to say my nails did NOT stain after application - always a fear of mine.

Indirect sun picture - again you can see the smooth application with glitter but no grit of glitter.  I do love the OPI Pro-Wide brush - it helps get the polish in one stroke instead of 4 or 5 mini strokes.

Finally - shade.  You can really see the olive greenish coming out now.  I don't think this color flatters me that well, but when you add the Black Shatter... well let's just say it spices things up!


OPI is available at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and Ulta, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer. Please visit their website for details [official website].  

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 Nicole ♥ Walmart

Please enjoy the following press release from Nicole by OPI!

Love, Nicole by OPI

Nicole by OPI Launches New Walmart-Exclusives

This January, Nicole by OPI turns up the heat with four fashion-forward additions to the Nicole ♥ Walmart collection, available exclusively at Walmart. From reds in hues of burgundy and mauve to purples in shades of plum and iridescent lilac, these four new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers provide a modern take on classic favorites.

 “We are thrilled to offer these four new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers exclusively to Walmart customers,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “These variations of red and purple offer a burst of color for a look that’s both timeless and sophisticated.”

The new Nicole ♥ Walmart Nail Lacquers include:

Count On Me

This glimmering lavender will never let you down.

Got Style?

Mauve has never looked this chic!

He’s A Keeper

This classic red is one of the good guys.

Never Give Up

Hold onto gorgeous color with this persistent plum.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. These new Nicole ♥ Walmart Nail Lacquers will be available January 2011 at select Walmart stores nationwide.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

Awesome news Friends, I got this collection yesterday and will be swatching now!

China Glaze Jingle Bells

One of the last from China Glaze's 'Tis The Season is Jingle Bells, a champagne shimmer.  Let's be frank, I'm not a fan of gold items - from jewelry to nail polish, but I'm always willing to try!


I used a base of Seche Natural, one coat of Jingle Bells, and a top of Seche Vite.  I love the one coat application, regardless of the color!  :)

In the sun, this is just a nice shimmer gold.  it does seem a bit neutral against my skin tone.  You can tell that the application was absolutely perfect.

In the shade the color sticks out a little more but again it's a very neutral shade for me.  Nice for a day at the office or possibly a business meeting but it doesn't scream me by any means.

China Glaze [official website] can be found online through several etailers, including my favorite Head2Toe Beauty [official website], Sally's Beauty Supply [official website] as well asTransDesign [official website].

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