You warned me!

Remember how I was raving on Twitter and Instagram about how amazing these new Maybelline Color Show Brocades polishes are? And how you all warned me that they were going to chip pretty much immediately?

I was wearing Gilded Rose (which I honestly still adore, it's too gorgeous not to love), and I was just about to photograph it for a post, when I noticed...

Maybelline Color Show Brocades in Gilded Rose

Well, damn.  That's unfortunate.  And what a weird place for it to chip, too.  In my defense, I wasn't wearing basecoat, so there's still hope.  Right?

I guess that means I get to switch colors now.  Always a silver lining.  Hah!  Okay, but seriously, these are absurdly pretty.  Prettiest (mainstream) polishes I've seen in months.  They remind me of the China Glaze Prismatic collection glitters, but with more variety.

Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in Autumn Spice

Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in Autumn Spice

I've had my eye on this color ever since I first saw the Parfumerie collection on Nouveau Cheap.  This particular shade combines several of my favorite things: multichrome/color shifting glass fleck shimmer, dark, vampy color, the words autumn and spice in the name, very attractive packaging, and a gimmick (it's scented!) to make it completely irresistible to me.

Finally found it just last weekend and it's even better than I anticipated.  Color? Gorgeous.  Formula? Excellent.  Scent?  Surprisingly un-artificial and not excessively strong.  Perfect fall polish.  I love it.

I like scented polishes, but sometimes they can be overpowering and headache-inducing.  This one strikes a good balance between being noticeably scented, but not so noticeably scented that it turns your stomach because it's all I can smell.  It has a spicy (duh), rich cinnamon scent.  Very pleasant.

I also grabbed Italian Leather and Sunlit Grass because they were buy two, get one free at Meijer.  Have you tried any of these?  Which other scents are good?  I was thinking about getting the Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream dupe but the mint scent didn't sound too appealing to me.  Should I go back for it?

Enchanted Polish Seven Nation Army

Here's a cool one from indie brand Enchanted Polish.  It's a polish made up of multiple sizes of matte black and white glitter, with some holographic microshimmer in between to fill in the gaps.  You can wear it alone as a topcoat:

Enchanted Polish Seven Nation Army, one coat

...but it looks even more amazing worn solo (three coats):

Enchanted Polish Seven Nation Army

(Looks like granite, right?  I think so at least.  I think it's awesome. And bonus points cause Jack White. Mmm hmm.)

The formula on it is good.  I didn't have any noticeable texture or application issues.  One thing to be aware of is that it is a sparse glitter polish, likely intended to be worn as a topcoat.  The coverage isn't so heavy that the base polish won't show through.  That's a good thing.  However, if you want to wear it by itself (and you will, cause look at that!), it's a three coat minimum (I'm wearing three coats here).  It's not particularly rough or gritty when it dries, but you'll still want to use topcoat for shine.

This has been sold out for ages, but I'm hoping it'll be back in stock at some point.  You can see it here on Enchanted Polish's website: Seven Nation Army.

(sample provided for review.)

Nicole by OPI Gumdrops Textured Polish Collection Swatches and Review

Flashback to earlier this year: Textured polishes.  Textured polishes EVERYWHERE.  So many textured polishes.  Not many of them catching my interest.  Okay, lumpy nail polish, it's different, kinda cool, not really my favorite, it'll pass soon.  But textured glitters?  Ones that look like sparkling, sugar-coated little gumdrops on your nails?  Oh yeah.  Now I'm paying attention.

 Nicole by OPI A-Nise Treat

 Nicole by OPI Blue-Berry Sweet On You

 Nicole by OPI Candy is Dandy

 

 Nicole by OPI Cinna-man of my Dreams 

 Nicole by OPI Lilac Gumdrops

 Nicole by OPI My Cherry Amour

These can be worn with topcoat, but it negates the gumdrop-textured finish:

A-Nise Treat with topcoat

Cinna-Man of my Dreams with topcoat

The formula on these is perfect.  Good texture, great coverage, very easy application, no running or clumping.  Very fast dry time as well.  This is three coats of each, but most of the colors looked exactly the same at two coats.  Blue-Berry Sweet On You was the only one that I felt needed the third coat.  Since these are glitters and have added grit, they need, at the very least, three coats of topcoat if you want to cancel out the textured finish and wear them like a regular glitter polish.

My favorite from this collection was Candy is Dandy.  The candy pink shade paired with the sugary-looking glitter (accented with a little bit of hologram glitter!) really drives home that sugary gumdrop theme.  Cinna-man of my Dreams was nice because of the multi-color glitter, but it didn't immediately make me think of gumdrops. 


(samples provided for review)

Dior Dioriffic Vernis in Diva (Grand Bal Collection Holiday 2012)

Dior Dioriffic Vernis in #901 Diva

Whoa, flashback!   I was just thinking about all the polish collections that came out for last year's holiday season and remembered that this is what I was wearing last year around this time.  I remembered being pretty smitten with this color when it came out, but I only ended up wearing it twice.  It's a black creme base with tiny gold flake shimmer accented by a little bit of (mostly red and purple) multicolor microshimmer.  The shimmer isn't immediately obvious, but it reveals itself every now and then when the light hits it just right.

The Fan Collection 2.0 by Rescue Beauty Lounge Swatches and Review

Introducing The Fan Collection 2.0

(press samples)

 

As I lined up the six square bottles of ReBeL dream colors, I screamed out loud, “Doctor! Doctor!” I clenched my heart with the palm of my right hand. Thank goodness I was alone at the studio, otherwise 911 would have been dialed. What collection can get my heart rate to ramp up to dangerous levels? The Fan Collection 2.0, of course. For me, making people’s dream colors feels like Christmas morning.      

Forget about the countless and exciting submissions or the nail-biting voting process (which was a rivetingly palpitating event in and of itself). This was all about the tender loving thoughts that went into those stunning inspirational boards. They transformed me into a wild-color- mixing-witchcrafting state that lead me into the gates of color heaven.      

We have connected flawlessly through the language of colors and may I just say—our ReBeLs know what they want and need—period. The birthing process, which transformed their dream colors into the realm of reality, was beyond all of our expectations. It’s truly my privilege to introduce The Fan Collection 2.0! And I thank all of the ReBeL winners for your time, participation, and passion. Cheers to our color-hood! (Please don’t drink it!)

Rescue Beauty Lounge Coquette

“Duality. Dichotomy. The essence of the feminine contradiction—Who’s that girl? The surface belies the woman within. The intensity and intellect of Marilyn was masked by the shell of a vixen. The demure facade of Jackie concealed the passionate seductress within. Stereotypes defied. The Girl next door and the Goddess. Whimsy, charm, flirtation, seduction and rapture.” This is what Sarah wanted.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Fire Queen

“My color inspiration comes from Depression Era glass from the 1930s and 1940s—specifically, the pale jade color of the Fire-King line made by the Anchor Hocking   Glass Company commonly referred to as “jadeite.” In a sea of imposters, no one has been able to capture the magic of the genuine Fire-King and thus it has become highly coveted since the 1960′s: a small decadence of lean times turned luxury. When you hold a piece of Fire-King up to the light it glows with history. This hue has a build-able jade jelly and the end result looks like milk glass veneers on your fingertips. Both edgy and full of vintage charm, this polish is the perfect fit for any 'Fire-Queen.’” Jaime’s desire.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Lotus Elise

“My dream RBL would be something that I have wanted to see Ji do for a while—the inspiration came from a unique and rare gemstone found mostly in Sri Lanka: the padparadscha sapphire. While most sapphires are blue, this one stands out amongst the rest as it varies in color from pink to orange, spanning all the range in between. RBL has some very lovely pale and girly pinks, but this pink would be different. I envision the gold shimmer to run as a thread throughout (like the flash of orange running through Piu Mosso), while the orange microglitter would be more visible.  Because these three colors (pink, orange and gold) are analogous on the color wheel (next to each other), the result will be a seamless blend of shades that would work well with each other, allowing this polish to be worn by those who are daring, as well as those a little more reserved.” Candice’s dream.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Lucciole

“Or fireflies in Italian, remind me of the most magical time in my childhood when I was still innocent and the world was a safe and magical place. This color is reminiscent of the color of a deepening summer night sky after sundown, between dusk and midnight. In my mind’s eye, I see interspersed throughout this glorious base, random flecks of blue and/or green iridescent luminescent flecks (like the ones that are visible in Cuprum) that randomly sparkle when the light hits it, reminiscent of the fireflies’ sparks of light.” By Mindy.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Naked Without Polish

“It would be a pure carnation pink base. Very basic and very creamy, no jellies (as much as I love them). I want a polish that is opaque in 2 coats. I want the pink base to be filled with a gold shimmer, for the sun to catch the gold and just make it shine! I want my polish to be soft and girlie, but still make an impact and stand out. I want it to be a color people can wear year-round, a color that cheers you up on a bad day. I’ve been   dreaming of this polish ever since I can remember. I’ve been a polish lover since I was 13 and I can’t find anything that comes close to being my absolute dream polish, even though I do have several on my favorites list. This ONE polish is always in the back of my mind. Just the thought of it takes my breath away and makes me smile.” On Becky’s wish list.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Réveillon

“My vision for Réveillon is based on the cold winter afternoons growing up on the Quebec/NYS border. This is the borderland where we speak both French and English; for many on the American side, it’s the furthest south our families migrated. Réveillon is a holiday dinner held for Christmas and/or New Year’s Eve. It is an event of tradition and family, marking the transition from night to day as the dinner/party lasts well past midnight. Réveillon is celebrated with luxurious feasting in the company of family and friends. Given that it takes place after the winter solstice, the holiday suggests the coming of spring, albeit many months from that day. The color in my mind is a cool, silver-toned blue (more silver than blue) inspired by the icy landscape of late December. There is an internal flash of gold/white shimmer, perhaps violet, representing the light as reflected off ice, as well as the fireworks often used to light the night sky on Réveillon. Réveillon is mysterious with a complex depth and internal shimmer/light.” Cara’s longing.

The formula on these was thick but easy to control.  The thickness can cause the polish to pool at the edges of the nails, but a couple extra swipes of the brush takes care of the excess polish.  I used three coats of each polish and I think they look best at three coats.  Dry time is on the long side.

My thoughts?  WOW.  Good job, guys!  This collection is full of visible duochrome shimmer (not hidden shimmer!), interesting textures of shimmer and glitter, and really interesting colors.  The soft, translucent, milky jade glow of Fire Queen?  I don't have another polish like it. 

The 48 hour pre-order for these starts at 12pm EST on October 17th on rescuebeauty.com!

(samples provided for review)

Gwen Stefani by OPI Press Release!

OPI Partners with Music and Fashion Icon Gwen Stefani to Launch Limited Edition Nail Lacquers, Featuring Breakthrough Finishes 

OPI joins celebrity partner Gwen Stefani in announcing seven new limited edition nail lacquers for 2014, featuring standout color in breakthrough finishes. Highlights from the collection include a bold red lacquer that pays homage to Gwen’s signature lipstick, a new semi-matte satin finish in shades of gold and black, and a mirrored chrome paired with a special base coat. 

Inspired by the 2013 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala that featured the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” OPI Executive VP and Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann decided to create a collection of lacquer celebrating the role of music as a major influence in fashion.

“With her expertise as a singer, songwriter and designer, who better to collaborate with than Gwen Stefani?” asks Weiss-Fischmann. “Known for her trademark red lips, bold eye makeup and nail art, Gwen uses beauty to accessorize her style.” 

Gwen’s signature red OPI hue – Over & Over A-Gwen – is available in a boxed set, which includes Swarovski black crystals and silver, gold and pewter studs in bar, square, diamond and circle shapes for creating unique nail designs, as well as nail glue for easy application.

Love.Angel.Music.Baby. and 4 in the Morning feature a new, semi-matte satin finish designed to be worn without top coat.

Push and Shove, a bold chrome hue, is also worn without top coat but requires a special complimentary base coat – Lay Down that Base. One thin coat of Lay Down that Base topped with two thin coats of Push and Shove yields an intense, mirrored finish.

The collection is rounded out with two glossy crème lacquers and one sparkly glitter shade: Hey Baby, I Sing in Color, and In True Stefani Fashion. 

“OPI wanted to create a collection as dramatic, diverse and glamorous as its namesake,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “With crème and glitter hues, new satin matte texture, a mirrored chrome and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Gwen Stefani by OPI presents the latest in pigments and finishes, while combining elements of haute couture and street fashion.”

    Gwen Stefani by OPI includes the following seven limited edition nail lacquers: Hey Baby, I Sing in Color, Love.Angel.Music.Baby., 4 in the Morning, In True Stefani Fashion, Push and Shove* and Over & Over A-Gwen**. 

Gwen Stefani by OPI nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This promotion will be available beginning January 2014 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for  $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.

The boxed set including Over & Over A-Gwen and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS will retail for $14.95 ($18.95 CAN). 

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

*Must be worn with Lay Down that Base, which is complimentary when purchasing Push and Shove  **Sold only in a boxed set including SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS  

Cirque Colors Lonesome George Swatches and Review

Cirque Colors Lonesome George

Objet d'Art Collection

(press sample)

 Lonesome George is a beautiful green with subtle scattered holographic effect.  I love green holos (or any holo, really), but what I really love about this polish is the name.  Lonesome George was a Pinta Island tortoise, the last of his kind (a Galapagos tortoise sub-species).  He lived to be over one hundred years old.  I honestly get a little teary-eyed thinking about him, poor old guy.  

Cirque Colors Lonesome George is available here. 

(sent for review)

Milani Limited Edition Jewel FX Glitter Topcoat in Carnival Swatch and Review

This is a trend that I'm happy to see has caught on with drugstore brands- black and white glitter topcoats.  Not sparkly glitter, but matte, solid color glitter.  They're really cool and there's quite a few of them out right now, but here's one I picked up recently:

Milani Jewel FX Topcoat in Carnival

(one coat over hot pink creme)

Black bar glitter, medium black hex glitter and extra large pearl white hex glitter in a clear base.

It is one of those pain-in-the-butt-to-apply giant glitters, but it's not too bad because the clear base isn't gooey and it self-levels somewhat.  To apply this, I dipped my brush until I had a good amount of glitter, and then patted it on my nail until I liked how the glitter was distributed.  It dried quickly on its own and all the glitter seems to sit nice and flat (no taco glitter).  I used a coat of Seche Vite to eliminate any leftover texture.  Would make a good jelly sandwich polish.

This one is part of the Fantastical Plumage collection, but Milani also released a sister collection called Retro Glam with its own black and white spotted glitter topcoat.  Both collections are limited edition but still available online at milanicosmetics.com.  I got mine at Meijer and the displays are still hanging around, so it shouldn't be too hard to find yet.

 

Celebrity Wig Master Terrence Davidson Releases Fall Hair Campaign Featuring Transgender Models

Saw this press release come across my inbox; Terrence Davidson has transgender models in his fall campaign!  I dunno so much about the tagline (of course the model looks real, she's a real human, not a mannequin...??), but I'm certainly stoked to see these ladies in a major brand's ad campaign.

                                                                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

                                                                                                            September 17, 2013

Celebrity Wig Master Terrence Davidson Releases Fall Hair Campaign Featuring Transgender Models

Sparks fly with the fall campaign for the all-new ‘Just My Color’ extension line  ‘Realness: Hair that looks as real as the model!’

LOS ANGELES – Television style expert and celebrity hairstylist Terrence Davidson releases the fall campaign ad for the Just My Color hair extension line featuring transgender models celebrating the unique diversity of the hair collection.  The Just My Color hair collection website launch is set for September 17.

“Just My Color is a unique hair line that offers a complete transformation for all women.” Notes Founder Terrence Davidson.  “Whether you want to wear it long, shoulder length and or a crop cut, Just My Color offers the texture and real human-hair quality that all women will embrace.”

The new hairline exclusively features virgin Indian Remy hair with a Eurasian blend, a blend of European and Asian hair that fits all ethnicities and hair textures.  With proper maintenance, the 100 percent human-hair last up to 2-3 years compared to other competitive brands with a 2-3 month life cycle.  As a virgin hair product, this means the hair has never been dyed, permed and or treated with any chemicals, offering a unique ability to blend into natural hair after a salon quality hair dye treatment.

Terrence Davidson is most known as the former wig creator and chief hairstylist for popstar Nicki Minaj.  Throughout his long hair career, Davidson has styled for stars like Jennifer Hudson, Patti Labelle, Tyra Banks and Mary J. Blige. Terrence Davidson has appeared on numerous style segments and talk-shows like E! News, the Ricki Lake Show and Access Hollywood.

For more information on Terrence Davidson, log onto www.Terrenceldavidson.com  and for more information on Just My Color, log into www.justmycolor.com

OPI Mariah Carey Holiday Winter/Holiday 2013 Collection Preview

OPI Joins Mariah Carey to Launch 18 New Limited Edition Holiday Nail Lacquers

OPI announces the launch of 18 new limited edition holiday nail lacquers inspired by recording artist and international superstar Mariah Carey. This seasonal promotion includes an assortment of red, burgundy, maroon and chocolate brown hues, along with glitter-packed gold, bronze and pearl shades. 

Mariah Carey Holiday also features six new Liquid Sand™ lacquers, ranging from icy blue to frosted pink to sparkling graphite. Each of the Liquid Sand shades showcases OPI’s groundbreaking technology for a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.    

“Mariah Carey is truly synonomous with the holiday season,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “People around the world listen to her festive, iconic songs – ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ is a personal favorite – and these 18 lacquers evoke the warmth, beauty, energy and positive spirit that’s present in Mariah’s music.  

“This holiday season is all about red, glitter and texture for nails,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “With 18 shades, there’s a perfect hue for every occasion. The 12 crème and glitter lacquers include classic reds, champagne gold, and warm burgundies, while the six Liquid Sand shades should be worn without top coat for a matte finish in icy, frosted colors.”  

Mariah Carey Holiday includes the following (*Liquid Sand shade):

My Favorite Ornament  

Make this champagne glitter your new personal favorite.     

All I Want for Christmas (is OPI)  

This marvelous maroon is present-ly my top choice.

Cute Little Vixen  

This deep red violet has foxy written all over it. 

  

 

Underneath the Mistletoe  

Is my kiss as spicy-sweet as this candy-apple red?

In My Santa Suit  

This generously pigmented red is worth staying on the “nice” list.  

   

Visions of Love  

I see this rich burgundy in my immediate future.  

  

Warm Me Up  

This spiced coffee hits all the cold spots.    

Wonderous Star  

This gold-flecked shimmer has heavenly shine. 

   

All Sparkly and Gold  

What more can we say...the name says it all.  

  

Sleigh Ride for Two  

There’s only room left for this dark hot chocolate. 

  

 

Ski Slope Sweetie  

This golden pearl is everybunny’s favorite.

    

I Snow You Love Me  

Just like I snow you love this disco light confetti. 

Silent Stars Go By*  

This blush of textured pink has parades of sparkle. 

   

Baby Please Come Home*  

Can’t wait to see you...in this textured and sparkling lilac.

    

Make Him Mine*  

But make this textured glistening rose mine first!

   

It’s Frosty Outside*  

This frosted silver is so icy it’s hot.

   

 

Emotions*  

This dramatic sparkling coal has got me feeling fine.

    

Kiss Me at Midnight*  

It’s time to fall in love with this frosted ice blue.     

Mariah Carey Holiday nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Liquid Sand nail lacquers should always be worn without top coat.

Mariah Carey Holiday will be available October 2013, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.              

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