St. Patrick's Day Manicure

I don't have a drop of Irish blood in me. My entire family is of Italian heritage, on all sides of my family. The dearest, on the other hand, is half Irish (and half Scottish, which makes the spitfire and spitfire 2.0 quite the mutt). So, being absolutely not Irish doesn't mean I can't wear my green! So, to be absolutely sure I won't forget tomorrow morning, I decided to give myself a St. Patrick's Day manicure.

I picked the color the way I pick nearly all my polish colors - I pulled out every green or greenish polish I had and let the spitfire pick. I gotta tell you, the boy has good taste! He was immediately drawn to China Glaze L8R G8R from the OMG collection. That's my boy!

Oh, boy, how I love this color. I love how the light dances off the very fine holographic glitter making the rainbow lines move all around. I tried to capture the different angles:

Click to enlarge

The formula itself isn't the best. It's very thin and dries *very* quickly. The first coat looks awful. It works best if you get a good amount on the brush and make as few strokes as possible, no more than 4, maybe 5 on the thumb. And do it fast. I used Orly Ridge Filler as a base and Seche Vite as a topcoat.

 

These holos are mesmerizing. I have to make it a point not to stare at my nails in direct sunlight as I'm driving!

Happy St. Patrick's Day - to the Irish and non-Irish alike!

China Glaze Tronica

On my way to go pick up dinner tonight, I stopped into Sally's (which is conveniently on the way!) and finally, I saw the Tronica display. They did have all the colors there, but I settled on three. Here, I have two of them and their counterparts from the OMG collection to show the differences.

The colors in the Tronica collection, so far, exactly match the ones in the OMG collection. The only difference is the way the holographic glitter reflects. Tronica's holographic glitter is more of a very fine scattered holo while the holographic glitter in the OMG collection is a very fine linear holographic effect. While I don't own any of the Kaleidoscope collection from China Glaze, from what I have seen online it also seems more of a linear holographic effect, but the glitter pieces are more chunky than OMG.

So... on to the comparison shots!

First up is Virtual Violet. This one is a dark purple. I do have a weakness for this color. I love purple nail polishes. If you enlarge the picture, you can see that the holographic glitter doesn't make that delineated line that the OMGs make. It's scattered. I do like the effect, although I do like the linear holos a wee bit better. Here's the comparison shot with it's OMG counterpart - LOL:

I have the middle and pinky finger in LOL and the pointer and ring in VV. They are the same color, just how the glitter reflects is different. Here's a closeup:

The next color I tried is Hyper Haute.

It's a magenta polish, and again, you can see the scattered holographic glitter in this one. Here's how it compared to its OMG counterpart - QT:

Honestly, QT is one of the least linear of the OMG collection (GR8, the gold one, being the least),  but you can still see the difference. Here's a closeup:

In reference to the formula, it's typical China Glaze. It's thin, but not watery and goes on nice and opaque. All of the pictures you see here, Tronica and OMG, are all two coats with no base or top coat. I do love China Glaze's formula. It's easy to apply, not gloppy at all.

My suggestion - obviously if you're a collector, you're going to grab these. If you have all or most of the OMG collection, you can easily pass on this one. If you missed out on the OMG collection and don't feel like paying eBay prices, I say go for this collection. It is very nice, but you will not get that linear holographic effect. I bought these two because I wanted a comparison, and these were my favorite colors of the collection. I also bought the silver one because I don't have the OMG counterpart.

So, will you be indulging?

Illamasqua Alarm

Normally, I don't worry about nail colors and my job. My co-workers are used to blue, green and purple glittery nails on me. I work in an office and most of my meetings are by teleconference, so I don't venture too far away from my office. However, we had a meeting where outside clients were coming in, so I had to save the holos and duochromes for another time. After shuffling through my stash, I realized that I don't have many non-sparkly cremes. Then I came across my unswatched Illamasqua Alarm.

I have to be honest, not many of the Illamasqua colors that are on display at Sephora appealed to me. Alarm was nice, and Jo'mina and Muse also made its way into my basket, because, well - and the blog states - I'm addicted. For this manicure, I reached for the Illamasqua Alarm.

Alarm is described as a bright orangey red. I love these types of red, less blue and more orange I feel they look better with my skin tone. This had one of the best formulas around. It was a touch thick, but completely opaque in 1 coat. I actually looked at my nails and realized I could stop there and put a top coat on, it was that nice. I still put on a second and topped it off with some Seche Vite.

This was simply a lovely color. Once my big meeting was done, the mani still looked good, no chips or markings, so I decided to add to it a bit. I grabbed my China Glaze Fairy Dust, which is holographic (surprise, surprise) glitter suspended into a clear polish, and added a coat. I topped it off with a layer of Out the Door Northern Lights (holographic glittered fast dry topcoat).

There we go. Just a little blinged up. This manicure lasted for about 4 days, which is usually longer than my attention span lasts for manicures. I got the first chip at the end of day 3, so it lasted really well. I'm going to keep my eye out for new Illamasqua colors, because I really liked the formula.

Holo Comparisons!

During my trip to the dollar store recently, I picked up some Sally Hansen Prisms at a great discount. When I brought them home I pulled out all the holographic polishes I have and decided to do a little comparison between the different brands. It's no secret that I absolutely love holos, and this is timely with the soon-to-be-released Tronica collection from China Glaze. This is by no means a completely comprehensive list of all holos, just the ones I have. I have separated the polishes into color groups, Silver, Purple, Pink, Peach, Blue and Green. I didn't do gold, because, frankly, I only have 1 and gold does not look good on my skin tone - so I tend not to buy them. The brands included here are Nfu-Oh, OPI Designer Series collection, China Glaze OMG collection, Milani 3D Holographic collection and Sally Hansen Prisms collection.

First up - the silver group.

L-R: Nfu-Oh 61, OPI Designer Series Coronation, Sally Hansen Diamond and Milani HD

Pointer - Nfu-Oh 61, Middle - OPI, Ring - Milani, Pinky - Sally Hansen

L-R: Sally Hansen Diamond, Milani HD, OPI DS Coronation, Nfu-Oh 61

Nfu-Oh 61 makes the most concentrated and linear holographic effect. It looks blue in the nail only photo, but that is only because I needed the flash to show the holo effect. The other two shots are without flash. OPI Designer Series Coronation and Milani HD both have a chunky, scattered holo effect. Sally Hansen Diamond also has a scattered holo effect, but the holographic bits are smaller than OPI and Milani. My favorite of this bunch is the Nfu-Oh 61.

Purples

L-R: Nfu-Oh 64, China Glaze IDK, Milani Hi-Res, Sally Hansen Purple Diamond

Pointer - Nfu-Oh, Middle - China Glaze, Ring - Milani, Pinky - Sally Hansen

L-R: Sally Hansen Purple Diamond, Milani Hi-Res, China Glaze IDK, Nfu-Oh 64

Nfu-Oh 64 and China Glaze IDK both have a great linear holographic effect. The Nfu-Oh's particles seems a bit larger, but both are very eye-catching. The Nfu-Oh is a more pinky-purple while China Glaze is more of a blue purple. The Sally Hansen Purple Diamond has a very subtle linear effect, which only shows in the right light. The Milani Hi-Res is a definite scatter effect. My favorite of this bunch is the China Glaze IDK.

Pinks

L-R: Nfu-Oh 63, China Glaze QT, Milani Digital, Sally Hansen Pink Rose Diamond

Pointer - Nfu-Oh, Middle - China Glaze, Ring - Milani, Pinky - Sally Hansen

L-R: Sally Hansen Pink Rose Diamond, Milani Digital, China Glaze QT, Nfu-Oh 63

For the pinks, the Nfu-Oh 63 and China Glaze QT both have pronounced linear effects, like the purples. The effect of the China Glaze with the deeper color is really nice. It looks subtle until you really look at it, and then the effect is quite pronounced. Sally Hansen Pink Rose Diamond has a subtle linear effect and Milani Digital is scattered. My favorite of this bunch is, again, the China Glaze.

Peaches

L-R: OPI DS Reserve, China Glaze TMI, China Glaze TTYL, Sally Hansen Mandarin Garnet

Pointer - OPI, Middle - CG TMI, Ring - CG TTYL, Pinky - Sally Hansen

L-R: Sally Hansen Mandarin Garnet, China Glaze TTYL, China Glaze TMI, OPI DS Reserve

OPI DS Reserve is very scattered, there isn't any linear effect at all. Both China Glaze colors have the linear effect while the Sally Hansen Mandarin Garnet is very subtle, more so than the silver and pink color. In this bunch, my favorite is the China Glaze TMI.

Blues

R-L: Nfu-Oh 65, OPI DS Sapphire, Milani Cyberspace

Pointer - Nfu-Oh, Middle - OPI, Ring - Milani

L-R: Milani Cyberspace, OPI DS Sapphire, Nfu-Oh 65

Both the Nfu-Oh 65 and OPI Sapphire are linear, with the Nfu-Oh being more so. The Milani Cyberspace is scattered, but with this color, it really works well. My favorite of this much is the Nfu-Oh.

Green

L-R: China Glaze L8R G8R, Milani Hi-Tech

Pointer - China Glaze, Middle - Milani

L-R: Milani Hi-Tech, China Glaze L8R G8R

I only have two green holos, but they are both great. China Glaze L8R G8R has a pronounced linear effect while Milani Hi-Tech has a subtle linear effect. All of the other Milanis have a scattered holographic effect while this one actually shows a subtle linear holo. Of the Milanis, the green is my favorite. I don't think I can pick a favorite of these two, they're both great.

All of the swatches here were done with three coats and no base or top coat. The Nfu-Ohs can really benefit from using the Nfu-Oh Aqua Base, as the formula is quite thick and tends to form bald spots when any other base (or no base) is used. It's a difficult polish to work with, but very rewarding. The Milanis, Sally Hansens and OPIs are all on the thinner side, and really do benefit from 3 coats. The China Glazes are great formulas, great in 2 coats, but I still used three. Of the collections, the China Glaze OMGs are my favorite as a group. Unfortunately, these are getting harder to find (and therefore much more $$$$) on eBay. However, Tronica will be coming out in a month and from the swatches I've seen online - it seems to be a more scattered holo rather than linear and in the same shades. I'll have to wait and go see for myself.

Happy holos, everyone!

My favorite things for 2010

Ahhh, 2010. This year has had its ups and downs. In respect to this blog, this was the year I rediscovered makeup. I had worn make up here and there since I was a young teenager. As a young adult, I wore mainly Clinique cosmetics. When I got pregnant at 29, my face could no longer handle Clinique. I broke out like a 13 year old. I switched to Bare Escentuals and that worked for awhile, but then my skin just looked too oily. I never used moisturizer, never cared about wrinkles and basically wore some mattefying powder and maybe blush. I never wore eyeshadow as it would crease within an hour. Then, late last year I read about Urban Decay Primer Potion and everything changed. Many months later I did a search for mascara reviews and stumbled across Temptalia and Musings of a Muse and I was hooked for good. I now have tons of beauty blogs on my reader and finally took the plunge last month into blogging for myself.

So, my half a dozen readers, I bring you my favorite purchases of 2010. (beware, image heavy post following!)

I'll being with my biggest obsession - nail polishes. These are my favorites this year:

Chanel Paradoxal

Ahh, Chanel. Paradoxal was my first step into the world of luxury polish. I went to no less then 4 different stores to find it. I finally grabbed the last one at Neiman Marcus. (This was before they released more). It was love at first sight.

Deborah Lippmann Bad Romance (left) and Waking Up in Vegas (right)

Deborah Lippmann. These were my first two purchases. They went on so well and were such great colors, that I went on to buy all of the women in my family a different color for Christmas. I love how all the shades are inspired by song titles.

Dior Timeless Gold

Dior Timeless Gold and Czarina Gold. The brush, the formula, the colors, I loved everything about these polishes. The spring 2011 colors didn't strike my fancy, but I'll be keeping my eye out for the newest colors.

Orly Cosmic FX collection

The Orly Cosmic FX collection. The coolest, lovliest duochrome effect was just mesmerizing from the first time I saw them. I bought each color available at Ulta right then and there. I love these.

Butter London All Hail McQueen

Butter London. I scooped up 5 of these when I saw them at one of the Ultas I go to. I was surprised to see them stateside. Of the 5 that I bought, this was my favorite color.

Nfu-Oh holographic polishes and flakie polishes

Nfu-Oh holographics and flakies. I love the holos. Love, love, love them. Buying these was the first time I have bought nail polish online sight unseen - just from reading beauty blogs. I don't regret it.

China Glaze OMG collection

China Glaze OMG collection. Yes, I know these didn't come out this year, but after being exposed to holographic polishes, I had to have them. I found this group reasonably priced on eBay (I didn't love them enough to pay outlandish prices) and grabbed them. I am a sucker for holos.

Now we move into the cosmetics.

MAC Venomous Villians, L-R - Resort Life lipgelee, Bad Fairy nail lacquer, Darkly My Dear Blush, Wicked Ways lipglass

Venomous Villains collection from MAC. After frequenting the MAC store for a few weeks, my favorite sales associate (I think she's the manager) handed me an invite to the Venomous Villains launch and wouldn't take no for an answer. I went to the jam-packed store and hovered over the displays. I toyed with the idea of putting on the Evil Queen's cape and taking a picture, but just settled for buying some pieces instead. I still love this collection.

Boots Shine Control Lotion

I never moisturized my face. I always thought it was already oily, I didn't need to add any more. It took me nearly 35 years to discover that if I moisturize, my face won't produce as much oil. Hot diggety. Wandering through Target one day, I bought this Boots moisturizing lotion on a whim. I got lucky. I love it. It's light, non-greasy and actually works really well.

MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

I always used pressed powder on my face, but it always looked so cakey. The SA at the MAC store recommended the translucent Prep + Prime powder, and I've been hooked. 

Maybelline The Falsies Volum'Express mascara in Very Black

After using DiorShow for a few months and having it streak down my face. I tried Maybelline's The Falsies Volum'Express, and now I will never pay more than $10 for mascara again. It works. Well.

Chanel Mat Lumiere foundation in Ivory

Oh, Chanel. The love affair is torrid. I love you, my skin loves you, my wallet hates you. The wallet loses.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

The most sought after palette this year. A few months back, my mom got pink eye. She was most distraught about throwing out all of her eye makeup. However, after a costly trip to Sephora, she showed me this palette. I knew I had to have it, but by that time, it was already sold out and being sold for big bucks on eBay. At the time my shadow collection was already pretty large, so I didn't sweat it much. Then one day in November, I walked into the Ulta that is right across the street from my office (dangerous, indeed) and lo and behold - there was one Naked Palette right there on the shelf. I grabbed it. Then a woman came up to me with a sad face asking me where I got it because she's been searching for months for it. Thinking I didn't NEED it, I gave it to her. She thanked me profusely. The next week I walked into the same Ulta and there was ANOTHER one on the shelf! I grabbed it, put it into my shopping bag and knew it had to be fate. It was mine. And you know what? This is the best palette. There isn't a dud color in the bunch. I've only had it a month and it is well used.

Smashbox O-Gloss Gold

I admit it, I got sucked into the whole "color change to your perfect peach shade!!" hype. It actually works, and it is a flattering gloss! I would buy it again!

MAC Viva Glam V

Very universally flattering lipcolor. And, as a bonus, all $14.50 of the purchase price goes towards charities dealing with HIV/AIDS. Looking good and helping out a good cause, could you ask for anything more?

Clarisonic Cleansing System

Ok, I didn't actually purchase this. It was a gift from my mom. It is great. It cleans my skin like no other. Very happy with this.

If you're still with me, wow, you have some patience! Thank you for reading and I hope 2011 treats all of you very, very well.

Tronica - new holos from China Glaze!

My holo love runs deep. When I see a holographic polish, I must buy it. I'm wearing one right now (for a later post). I normally don't care if I own a similar color, I will still buy it.

Some of the better holos on the market are OMG and Kaleidoscope from China Glaze. The holographic glitter is so fine and creates a great multi-colored shimmer. I can't keep my eyes off my nails when I wear them. Love love love.

Come early next year, China Glaze is releasing a new, limited edition collection of holographic polishes called Tronica.

Holos!

From the China Glaze site, there will be 12 new holographic colors:

• Techno Teal – Turquoise Holographic
• Virtual Violet – Violet Holographic
• Electra Magnenta – Magenta Holographic
• Gamer Glam – Purple Holographic
• High Def -  Blue Holographic
• Hologram -  Silver Holographic
• Hyper Haute – Rasberry Holographic
• 3D Fantasy – Peachy Pink Holographic
• Digital Dawn – Dusty Rose Holographic
• Cyberspace – Taupe Holographic
• Mega Bite – Gold Holographic
• Laser Lime – Lime Green Holographic

These will be available at BSG in January/February 2011 and March/April at Sally's Beauty Supply. I for one will be stalking Sally's waiting for this collection. And I will be buying up every single color. 

Image and info source