Stash Swatch Initiative: Rainbow Honey 488nm

Hello!

Rainbow Honey 488nm. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Today's polish is from one of Rainbow Honey's Mystery Bags, so I do not believe this is available at the moment. This is 488nm - a bright, aqua-blue creme.

Rainbow Honey 488nm. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Sinful Colors Base Coat, two coats of 488nm, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. This applies beautifully. It flows nicely onto the nail and stands up to quite a bit of manipulation. I had no problems with it whatsoever.

Rainbow Honey 488nm. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

As I mentioned above, this polish is not available at the moment. It was part of Rainbow Honey's Mystery bag that I purchased in August and may or may not be released at a future date. Zoya Robyn looks to be a very close match to it, however.

Rainbow Honey 488nm. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Elevation Polish Stay Behind, Catch a Wave

Hello!!

Today's polish is a glitter topper from Elevation Polish. This is Stay Behind, Catch a Wave!

Elevation Polish Stay Behind, Catch a Wave. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Stay Behind, Catch a Wave has super shiny blue circles in two sizes, smaller satin blue circles, and iridescent flecks and shimmer. The metallic glitters are incredibly shiny, so shiny, in fact, that three people commented on that when I wore this out and about in one day. It's certainly eye-catching!

Elevation Polish Stay Behind, Catch a Wave. Indoors, artificial light, no flash. Those glitters are so shiny, they're reflecting my camer'a red exterior.

Swatches today are just one swiped on coat of Stay Behind, Catch a Wave over yesterday's OPI Toucan Do It If You Try swatch. I used two coats of topcoat for a smooth finish. I had no problems with this polish. I think one swiped coat provides a good amount of glitter, and it was easy to apply.

Elevation Polish Stay Behind, Catch a Wave. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Unfortunately, this lovely polish has been discontinued. I purchased my bottle over a year ago from Elevation Polish.

Elevation Polish Stay Behind, Catch a Wave. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Copycat NOTW: Turquoise Stone Nails

Hello!

This week, I was smacked in the face by this awesomeness from the Nailasaurus, and I absolutely had to try it out!

I started withbase coat - Duri Rejuvacote plus Sinful Colors Nail Hardener. Then, two coats of China Glaze For Audrey, one coat of Zoya Gilty, and one coat of Seche Vite. Once dry, I used this tutorial's method for the black marbling.

I had some trouble with this method. Frustratingly, when I tested this over a bare nail, it worked perfectly the first time. By the time I had the rest of the mani done and dry, something must've changed, and the rest of this did not go as smoothly. I couldn't get the polish to spread out in the water, and once I did (by switching to a cheaper, thinner black), then it wouldn't do anything when spritzed. I ended up settling on Sally Hansen Black Out for my polish and a sample perfume for my spritzer. My little nail polish corner got mighty smelly, and I'm not sure I ever want to smell that perfume again!

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Dear Rus New Matte #15 (I think...)

Hello!

Today's polish is from Dear Rus. When this came to me, it had a sticker down the entire length of the bottle that was sort of like a seal, so I removed it when I opened the bottle. Unfortunately, that was the only place which had the designation of this polish on it. So, I think this is New Matte #15, but it could also be #18.

Dear Rus New Matte #15. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

This one is a pale, periwinkle creme. I do like the color, but the formula was weird...

Swatches today are one coat of Sinful Colors Base Coat, three coats of polish, and one coat of NYC in a New York Minute topcoat. As I mentioned, the formula on this polish is strange. It's sheer, yet slightly textured, almost like the individual pigment particles are visible. It did not self-level well, so I needed three coats for opacity. Even then, the finished looked oddly uneven, which topcoat helped correct. This has a satiny-matte natural finish, but it went on so poorly that I don't think I could wear it without topcoat.

Dear Rus New Matte #15. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased this polish on clearance from Llarowe, where I don't see it for sale any longer.

Dear Rus New Matte #15. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Rainbow Honey Viridis

Hello!

Today's polish is Rainbow Honey Viridis!

Rainbow Honey Viridis. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Viridis is an awesome glitter topper. The base is packed with iridescent shimmer, aqua circles, lilac circles, neon stars, and a few iridescent hex glitters. It created a neat, cartoon-like galaxy look over my dark base polish.

Rainbow Honey Viridis. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one swiped on coat, plus some dabbing, over yesterday's China Glaze History of the World swatch. I used two coats of topcoat to seal in the glitter. I didn't have any problems with application, but I did take care to place the stars where I wanted them.

Rainbow Honey Viridis. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Viridis came in July's Mystery Bag, so I'm not sure if or when it will be available again. Keep an eye out for Rainbow Honey's future offerings as it just might make the cut into a future collection! I purchased my mystery bag from Rainbow Honey, and they offer a monthly subscription service. I think it's really fun to get a little surprise package every month, so I am really glad Rainbow Honey offered it this way.

Rainbow Honey Viridis. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: China Glaze History of the World

Hello!

Today, I have another polish from The Giver collection to show you. This one is History of the World.

China Glaze History of the World. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

History of the World is gorgeous, dusty blue-purple creme. I think this is my favorite from the entire collection! It is just lovely, and I think it will my go to fall mani color.

China Glaze History of the World. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today started with one coat of Duri Rejuvacote plus one coat of Sinful Colors Nail Hardener. After that, I only needed two effortless coats of History of the World to reach a nice finish. I topped this with one coat of Seche Vite. This polish has a great formula, which applied without issue.

China Glaze History of the World. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle recently from Sally Beauty. Pick these, and any others you like, up from the collection when you see it because even the caps say "Limited Edition". They won't be around long!

China Glaze History of the World. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

NOTW: Aqua Skittles

Hello!

I have another old mani to show you today. This one is from the beginning of May, and I still absolutely love it!

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I started out with my usual base coat combination of Duri Rejuvacote and Sinful Colors Nail Hardener. Then I put on two easy coats of China Glaze For Audrey. To my middle finger, I added one coat of Color Club Galactic Garden, from the Luminous Lacquer Collection. My ring finger got one coat of Emily de Molly Majestic Flight. Everything was then topped with Seche Vite. Perfection!

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Pure Ice Sparks Fly

Hello!

Pure Ice Sparks Fly. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Today's polish is Sparks Fly from Pure Ice!

Pure Ice Sparks Fly. Indoors, sunlight, no flash.

Sparks Fly is a sparse glitter topper made up of blue microglitter, small copper hexes, and the occasional silver holographic star.

Pure Ice Sparks Fly. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are two coats of Sparks Fly over yesterday's OPI Love.Angel.Music.Baby swatch plus topcoat. Application was smooth, and I did not need to dab this on. I did, however, strategically place the stars when I managed to get one, but otherwise this is swiped on like normal polish.

Pure Ice Sparks Fly (matte). Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle recently from Wal-mart.

Pure Ice Sparks Fly. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Rainbow Honey Sea Star

Hello!

Today I have a fantastic polish to show you! This is Rainbow Honey Sea Star - June's Limited Edition!

Rainbow Honey Sea Star. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Sea Star is a phenomenal glitter topper in a clear base packed with iridescent shimmer. The glitter mix in this is perfectly aquatic: Aqua and mint hexes, circles, and squares. A few small, yellow hexes are in there as well, and the finishing touch, coral stars. Sea Star brings to mind images of a tropical lagoon and sandy beaches. It's perfect for a cute beachy mani!

Rainbow Honey Sea Star. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one and a half coats of Sea Star over Zoya Chantal plus two coats of topcoat. I applied this by swiping one coat of polish on then going back to dab on and place the stars and larger glitter where I wanted it. The formula is good, and I had no problems with application.

Rainbow Honey Sea Star. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle from Rainbow Honey, where it is still available.

Rainbow Honey Sea Star. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: NYX Aqua Glitter

Hello!

Following up from yesterday's post, I have Nyx Algae's perfect pairing -- This is Nyx Aqua Glitter!

Nyx Aqua Glitter. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Aqua Glitter is a perfect glitter topper of iridescent and shiny aqua microglitter in a weakly-tinted aqua-colored base. As simple as it sounds, it is really gorgeous.

Nyx Aqua Glitter. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

For these swatches, I simply layered one coat of Aqua Glitter over yesterday's swatch and added another coat of Seche Vite. Like Algae, Aqua Glitter applied nicely, and it provided a nice glitter density in one easy coat.

Nyx Aqua Glitter. Indoors, natural light, no flash.

I love the sparkle this adds to Algae! I bought this at the same store as yesterday's polish, so I'm not sure where to find another bottle.

Nyx Aqua Glitter. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: NYX Algae

Hello!

Today's polish is one I've had for ages. Take a look at Nyx Algae!

Nyx Algae. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Algae is an aptly-named dusty, teal creme polish.

Nyx Algae. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today started with my usual base coat combination of Duri Rejuvacote and Sinful Colors Nail Hardener followed by two easy coats of Algae and topped with one coat of Seche Vite. This polish applies smoothly without issues.

I purchased my bottle back in Maryland from a rather dumpy independent beauty supply store in a strip mall that wasn't in the greatest neighborhood. Let's just say that I only ever ventured in there this one time.... lol I'm not entirely sure where else to find Nyx nail polish. I've started seeing Nyx cosmetics at Walgreens, so maybe I just need to look harder!

Nyx Algae. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Nerdlacquer Cyance Friction

Hello!

Today I have my other Nerdlacquer swatched up for you! This is Cyance Friction!

Nerdlacquer Cyance Friction. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Cyance Friction is a gorgeous turquoise polish loaded with purple shimmer and copper and teal glitters.

Nerdlacquer Cyance Friction. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Duri Rejuvacote, one coat of Sinful Colors Nail Hardener, two coats of Cyance Friction, and one coat of Seche Vite. Formula was good, and application went smoothly.

Nerdlacquer Cyance Friction. Indoors, direct sunlight light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle almost a year ago now from Nerdlacquer's website. Keep an eye on her Google+ page for restocks and updates!

Nerdlacquer Cyance Friction. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: OPI Get Your Number

Hello!

We started the week with texture, and we're going to end it with texture! This is OPI's Get Your Number.

OPI Get Your Number. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Get Your Number is a bright blue texture polish with a smattering of holographic hex glitters. It's a squishy blue, the jelly equivalent for texture polish. It's hard to describe, but it's not the deep, saturated blue like Zoya Sunshine from Monday. This is more sheer, but far brighter.

OPI Get Your Number. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Sinful Colors Base Coat and two coats of Get Your Number. This applied easily without any complications.

I picked up this polish a long time ago from my local JCPenney Salon, I think... Yes, February 2013! My now-husband bought me this one for Valentine's day!

OPI Get Your Number. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Orly Angel Eyes

Hello!

Today's polish is Orly Angel Eyes!

Orly Angel Eyes. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Angel Eyes was a surprise for me! I was under the impression that this was a chunky, full coverage glitter with holographic hexes, but that's not it at all! Once I put it on, I realized it's a lot of bright blue microglitter with small iridescent hex glitters in a clear base.

Orly Angel Eyes. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are a base coat of Sinful Colors Base Coat, two coats of Zoya Ibiza, one coat of Angel Eyes, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. Formula here is just dandy! It applies very easily, and one coat is the perfect coverage.

Orly Angel Eyes. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I'm so glad I picked this up - I think I purchased this one on clearance from either Ulta or Sally Beauty some time ago. Have I had this for over a year? I think this might have been from the winter or holiday 2012 collection... Indeed I have! Google confirms, this was one polish from 2012's Naughty or Nice collection. I let this one sit neglected for far too long!

Orly Angel Eyes. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I'm not sure on the availability of this one. My normal go to for older polishes, Head2Toe Beauty, does not have this collection listed for sale. Happy hunting!

Orly Angel Eyes. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Zoya Sunshine

Hello!

Quick post for today's polish, Zoya Sunshine!

Zoya Sunshine. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Sunshine is a rich, deep blue texture polish with silver sparkle.

Zoya Sunshine. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are simply one coat of Seche Clear and one coat of Sunshine. That's it! It's super pigmented and easy to apply!

I purchased this polish directly from Zoya's website.

Zoya Sunshine. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^