That being said, I haven't had any personal problems. My box changes have always gone through without any issue (you can change what kind of box you receive), I haven't had any charging issues (once had 2 pre-authorizations but only one charge), haven't had any shipping issues, and I'm really happy with the way that people who go into the salon, are treated (they have salons in Seattle).
Enough about that, let's get to the polish. Trina is a shimmery deep aubergine (eggplant) from the November "Polish Lover" box. I'm originally an "American Beauty" Maven boxer (heh), but I couldn't resist switching to the Polish Lover that month (3 polishes, no other beauty products). Please note in my bottle picture that the top of the polish does come off like Chanel, Illamasqua or Dr.'s REMEDY to reveal a smaller round handle, but it's not necessary for polishing.
I used the Julep Base Coat ($14), 1 coat of Trina and a top of CND Air Dry. I do have the Julep Fast Dry Topcoat but couldn't find it when polishing my nails. This polish was so super thick that I'm going to have to add some thinner. I had to wipe my brush several times.
Here in the sun you can see how deep of a color this is. I really like that while it's a dark plum, it doesn't have the red and blue sparkles that you typically see in colors like this (think China Glaze Let's Groove).
The shade just kinda is "ick"... the color is so dark that it doesn't translate well on camera. It's a great fall color and I always love darker color on shorter nails. I don't see me pulling this one out too many times this year though.
Finally indoors with the flash and you can see how pretty this purple truly is, but it is just a bit dark for me. Vampy purples aren't really my thing, but this is a pretty one! Just thick formula'ed.
You can purchase Trina on Julep's website for $14.
Julep is available on their website for $14 a bottle. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Many moons ago, Nailene sent me a great press kit that had lots of stickers and some glue, and lots of PERFECT tips - french polish guides. (Dearest Melissa, I'm sorry this got stuck on my shelf and never used!)
As much as I loved Fashion Friday by itself, I decided that I wanted to make it even more funky, so I put down some of the tip guides and added a coat of Jesse's Girl Girls Night Out (also from the JulieG collection). For my middle finger, I laid the guide sideways and made the dot freehand. Obviously I didn't let it dry long enough and that's why you see smearing. I topped the nails with CND Air Dry.
As you see, I'm not an expert at nail art, but these guides do help you make some crisp lines! I'm definitely happy with it. I need to really look at all these other items that were in the bag because there are some cute stickers - a quick way to add instant glam to any manicure.
Nailene has a "Where to Buy" located on their website. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
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.
I wanted a fun color to wear, so I decided to grab the Jesse's Girl Fashion Friday from the JulieG collection. This is a happy red purplish creme. I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry. Formula was smooth.
Hello sun! See what I mean about it being such a happy little creme! It's almost a throwback to an 80s fuchsia, or maybe I'm just making all that up. Works for me either way.
In the shade, this color reminds me a little of Color Club Mrs. Robinson except this is definitely not a matte finish and not as neon. Still, always good to look for twins/dupes!
Finally indoors with the flash and this is a hot color as far hitting the camera flash and just being super bright. I know I'll wear it in the future, but this is one of those where I have to be in the mood for something "loud".
The JulieG Collection is a limited edition collection available at Rite Aid stores starting Labor Day weekend and will be available online at Jesse's Girl Cosmetic's website. They retail for $3.99 each ($1 more than the original core line).
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.
I went to 2 different Sephoras to track down the Glitter and Sparkle collection but I found it! Be-Claus I Said So is a micro and larger hexagonal red glitter in a clear base. I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry. I originally tried wearing this color alone (pinkie and ring finger) but decided it needed a good base so I used Cult Nails Quench.
Here in the sun you can see that it definitely needs a good red base coat unless you still want to look like you have weird red bumps on your nail. The coverage is more opaque looking because of the microglitter but still not okay for me.
I love how the glitter really glows in a jelly like way over the index and middle fingers. Such a pretty color even if it takes a bit of prep work to get it all pretty.
Indoors with the flash really don't do justice for this pretty color. I almost made this my Christmas manicure but at the last minute, I couldn't find where I put this bottle (since I had moved everything around!). Go figure!
You can purchase Sephora by OPI in Sephora stores or online here for $9 a bottle.
I have been obsessed with deborah lippmann's Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? since it was first spotted in mid-February 2011 during Fashion Week. The working title was "jessica rabbit", but as you know, Deborah names her polishes after songs. This is a large hexagonal glitter in a clear base.
On my pinkie and ring fingers, I have a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and a top of CND Air Dry. On my middle and index fingers, I've added a base of Cult Nails Quench.
Now, Deborah had said during her group interview that I was in, that all her polishes are designed as 2 coaters, so that's why I used 2 coats. Granted, I love this SO MUCH MORE over an existing red creme, because on the bare nail, it reminds me too much of a really bad case of chicken pox (sorry!). Well, really, of shingles (which I had in my early 20s).
Forget anything else, go buy this polish because of how awesome it looks in the shade. Yes. Go. Post done.
Okay fine, here's indoors with the flash - not as gorgeous, but still, I'm in love with this polish. What a way to start 2012! This is a limited edition shade, but you may still be able to pick it up in stores.
deborah lippmann [official website] sells for $18 a bottle. You can also Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
