Stash Swatch Initiative: Lacquer Lust A Toast to the Good Life

Hello!

Lacquer Lust A Toast to the Good Life. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I could not wait to wear the polishes I received at Christmas, so here's the first one I tried. This is Lacquer Lust A Toast to the Good Life.

Lacquer Lust A Toast to the Good Life. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

A Toast to the Good Life is a gorgeous mix of fine holographic gold glitter and small iridescent black hexes in a grey-tinted base. Pictures hardly do this one justice as it sparkles and flares rainbows like a diamond-encrusted ring. My camera just can't translate the beauty into digital form. The best I could do was some intentionally blurry captures.

Lacquer Lust A Toast to the Good Life. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Duri Rejuvacote, one coat of Sinful Colors Nail Hardener, two coats of Zoya Normani, one coat of A Toast to the Good Life, and one coat of Seche Vite. I chose to layer this, but I'm not sure I needed to. I think two coats on it's own would have been sufficient now that I've used it. This polish applies wonderfully. It dries surprisingly smooth, and I only needed a normal topcoat to finish it off.

Lacquer Lust A Toast to the Good Life. Indoors, filtered sun light, no flash.

This polish was part of a limited-edition holiday collaboration set between Polished by KPT, Lacquer Lust, and Serum No. 5 for the 2014 holiday season and was given to me by my awesome parents. This is not available any longer, which is a shame. I'm sorry to be a tease! But take a look at some of their other offerings - my goodness some of those look incredible!

A Toast to the Good Life is my first Lacquer Lust polish, and I'm quite pleased with it. The logo is adorable too!

Lacquer Lust A Toast to the Good Life. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

NOTW: Luminous!

Hello!

This week's nails are a simple combination of OPI Don't Touch My Tutu and AEngland She Walks In Beauty. These were beyond gorgeous and full of light. I adored this look, and I definitely stared admiringly at my own hands quite often this week.

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I feel like pictures don't do this justice - it looks very luminous and ethereal in person. I need to do swatches this weekend, but I don't want to take this polish off!

Indoors, artificial light, with flash.

I started with one coat each of Duri Rejuvacote and Sinful Colors Nail Hardener. Then, I used three coats of OPI Don't Touch My Tutu. My middle finger, ring finger, and thumb each got one coat of AEngland She Walks In Beauty. I finished this off with one coat of Seche Vite.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: OPI Love.Angel.Music.Baby

Hello!

I have OPI Love.Angel.Music.Baby swatched for today!

OPI Love.Angel.Music.Baby. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Love.Angel.Music.Baby is This Gown Needs a Crown's golden sister. It's a pretty satin-finish gold.

OPI Love.Angel.Music.Baby. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are a coat of Sinful Colors Base Coat and two coats of Love.Angel.Music.Baby. This polish applies perfectly and didn't have any issues. For normal every day wear, I think you could get away with one coat - it's that opaque.

OPI Love.Angel.Music.Baby. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased this bottle at Sally Beauty, I believe. This was part of the Gwen Stefani Collection from a few months ago, so it probably isn't easy to find now. I did see some in the clearance bin at Sally's about a month ago, so good luck!

OPI Love.Angel.Music.Baby. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: China Glaze Bat My Eyes

Hello!

This is China Glaze Bat My Eyes from 2013's Halloween Collection, Monster's Ball.

China Glaze Bat My Eyes. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Bat My Eyes is a fun mix of burnished gold glitters in a black jelly base. There are tiny, extra small, and small hex glitters, plus a sparse sprinkling of iridescent bar glitter. It makes for a dark and intriguing polish.

China Glaze Bat My Eyes. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Sinful Colors Base Coat, two coats of Mat My Eyes, one coat of Gelous, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. The formula here is a little thick, so thicker coats are necessary. I dabbed on my first coat and found that if it wasn't dry, the second coat caused some balding. But, I only needed two coats total for this look today.

China Glaze Bat My Eyes. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I'm loving the complexity and tone of Bat My Eyes. I do think I might like it layered even better, but either way it's unique and marvelous!

I purchased my bottle directly from Sally's when this collection was new, however, Head2Toe Beauty still has it available.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Orly Luxe

Hello!

This is Orly Luxe.

Orly Luxe. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Luxe is a smooth, gold foil. Cool toned and beautiful.

Orly Luxe. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are a base coat of Seche Clear, two coats of Luxe, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. This polish is fantastic. It glides on effortlessly, and dries quickly. It's good for stamping and nail art. It's a great workhorse polish to have.

Orly Luxe. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I think I bought my bottle from CVS, however, my go-to online retailer for older polishes, Head2Toe Beauty, still has this in stock, along with the others in the Foil FX Collection (I totally recommend Rage, too!).

Orly Luxe. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

NOTW: Snowflakes!

Hello!

Well, that last mani was the one and only Christmas mani I made time for this year. Good thing it wore like iron -- I had it on for twelve days! And it looked great until that last day - I only had minor tipwear. I have some other ideas for Christmas manis, but since the season has passed, they'll have to wait until next year.

Snowflakes! Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Today's nails were inspired by this mani from The Nail Network. I started with my usual base combination of Duri Rejuvacote and Sinful Colors Nail Hardener. Then, I layered up three coats of Revlon Spooky Skull, which has sadly discolored to a warm, yellow-toned white over the year since I last used it. Super bummed about it... but I embraced the yellowed look and used one coat of Essie As Gold As it Gets over top, followed by Seche Vite. Once dry, I stamped the snowflakes from BM-323 with Konad Special Polish in White. A quick coat of NYC In A New York Minute sealed and glossed everything over.

I then tried stamping single snowflakes in gold like the inspiration mani, but they didn't show up at all. So I left it at this. I thought the yellowed base color would work out due to the warm tone of the look. It almost does, but in person, it comes off more like discolored nails. Is there any save for a yellowed and discolored bottle of polish? Help!

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Butter London West End Wonderland

Hello!

My last polish from Butter London is swatched for you today. This is West End Wonderland!

Butter London West End Wonderland. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

West End Wonderland is a full.-coverage microglitter mix composed primarily of gold glitter with a bit of copper and silver. Very sparkly!

Butter London West End Wonderland. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are a base coat of Seche Clear, three coats of West End Wonderland, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. This polish has a nice formula. It glides on smoothly and builds to complete opacity in three coats.

Butter London West End Wonderland. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle during Coterie's incredible introductory sale (basically four Butter London polishes for like twelve dollars, or something equally as crazy), but they sort of fell into obscurity after that. You can check out Butter London at places like Ulta.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Milani Jewel FX Gold

Hello!

A polish I've had unswatched since the beginning! This is Milani Jewel FX in Gold.

Milani Jewel FX Gold. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Jewel FX Gold is a simple glitter topper in clear base. It is loaded up with super shiny, gold hex glitters.

Milani Jewel FX Gold over Zoya Savita. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one dabbed coat of Jewel FX Gold and one coat of Gelous plus NYC In a New York Minute over yesterday's Zoya Savita swatch. My bottle has gotten a bit thick and sticky with age, so I had some issues with the glitter wanting to clump up. Even so, I think this glitter might be a bit challenging to apply from a fresh bottle because there is so much of it packed in there!

Milani Jewel FX Gold over Zoya Savita. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I've found that this is a great staple or basic polish to have and have reached for it often to use for nail art. I found this bottle at CVS, where I think it was still in stock last time I noticed. The Jewel FX collection has several colors to choose from as well, so happy shopping!

Milani Jewel FX Gold over Zoya Savita. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Rainbow Honey Star Stuff

Hello!

Here is another Rainbow Honey limited edition polish! Star Stuff!

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

Star Stuff is a simple but gorgeous glitter topper consisting of gold and silver holographic glitters. There are small and medium squares, stars, and micro glitter. It is incredibly shiny and a bit magical.

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

Swatches today are one coat of Star Stuff over yesterday's Zoya Louise swatch, plus the usual, Gelous plus NYC In a New York Minute. I swiped this on, taking care to place the stars strategically. No problems with this polish, the stars came out readily, and one coat is the perfect amount of glitter for me! Love this one!

Rainbow Honey Star Stuff. Indoors, filtered sunlight (window), no flash.

I purchased this bottle directly from Rainbow Honey. Sadly, this is listed as sold out at time of writing the post. It hasn't been removed from the site yet, so there's a small chance it could return. I get my restock and new polish information from announcements on Rainbow Honey's Facebook page -- check them out! This is one of my favorite polish makers!

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

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Jade Mystic Gold

Hello!

Jade Mystic Gold. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Continuing with holographic polishes this week, we have Jade Mystic Gold! Mystic Gold is a sunny, yellow-gold with linear holographic effect.

Jade Mystic Gold. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

As with yesterday's Hypnose, formula is easy to work with and I have no complaints. Swatches today are a base coat of Seche Clear, two of Mystic Gold, and one of NYC in a New York Minute.

Jade Mystic Gold. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

I didn't see as much holographic bend to the light indoors as I did with Hypnose, but it is a unique and lovely polish. Outdoors in the sun, it really shines! Great for summer. I think it will go well with a nice tan.

Jade Mystic Gold. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon!! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: AEngland She Walks In Beauty

Hello!

AEngland She Walks In Beauty. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Today I have AEngland She Walks In Beauty to show you.

AEngland She Walks In Beauty. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

For swatches today, I've layered one coat of She Walks In Beauty plus one coat of NYC In a New York Minute over Monday's swatch of OPI Don't Touch My Tutu! This turned out incredible! She Walks In Beauty is packed with gold shimmer, small gold hexes, and bigger pink hexes. It's really unique, and I love it over Don't Touch My Tutu!!! This applied easily.

AEngland She Walks In Beauty. Outdoors, shade, no flash.

I think the She Walks In Beauty could reach opacity easily on it's own, but I think this combination is fabulous! It was hard to photograph; I feel like most of the shots didn't capture the glowy, gorgeousness I saw in person. This one in the shade is the best, most true to life. I want to go put it back on right now! Love!

AEngland She Walks In Beauty. Indoors, artificial  light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Rainbow Honey Dearly Beloved

Hello, hello!

I am so excited about this polish! I could not stop thinking about it after I saw it--had to have it! Sadly, this was a limited edition polish from Rainbow Honey for Valentine's Day. It is named Dearly Beloved.

Rainbow Honey Dearly Beloved. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Dearly Beloved is a clear-based glitter topper. It is loaded with shimmer and fine gold flakes, but there are some deep red square glitters and deep red hearts in there, too. What I love about this polish is that the tone of the glitters seems different than most. The gold has a burnished, antiqued look to it and the deep red hearts are matte, I think. It's a unique combination.

Rainbow Honey Dearly Beloved. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

I decided to show this a number of ways. First, I layered one coat of Dearly Beloved over (from index to pinkie:) Milani White on the Spot, Zoya Robyn, Sally Hansen Black Out, and Zoya Sooki. All swatches today have a base coat of Seche Clear and were finished with one coat each of Gelous and NYC In a New York Minute. I had zero issues with the formula.

Rainbow Honey Dearly Beloved. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I thought this looked great over Zoya Robyn, so I showed it that way in a full swatch, too. I can't wait to try this over a deep blue next!

Rainbow Honey Dearly Beloved. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I bought this bottle from Rainbow Honey's website. I don't know if this one will ever be offered again, but from their Facebook page, I see that they are doing a limited edition polish each month. Check it out!

Rainbow Honey Dearly Beloved. Indoors, artificial light, with flash.

More soon! ^_^

Crumpet's Laid-Back 31DC: Gold

Hello!

Squeaking in under the wire on this one tonight! But here is the next prompt from the Laid-Back 31DC, Gold Nails!

Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

I had so many gold polishes that I couldn't decide on which to use, so I went for skittles and used a bunch! I started with a base of Sally Hansen Black Out on all but my middle and ring fingers, which got Orly Luxe. Once that was dry, I layered Zoya Gilty over the black on my pinkie finger. My ring finger got a layer of topcoat, then I smashed some gold micro beads into the topcoat for a fish egg/caviar accent nail. My middle and pointer fingers got the square design from Bundle Monster plate BM-203 stamped in the opposing color. Finally, I used Milani Jewel FX in Gold to create a gradient with glitter on my thumb.

Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

Stamping this time was a little frustrating. Both polishes I used to stamp with smeared a little bit, which I'm going to contribute to the stamping plate being cut deeply (or maybe my curvy nails?). It's minor so I consider this a near success this time, however, I managed to smudge the tip of each design very slightly. Sometimes, I just can't win. In the end, I really loved how this turned out.

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Check out the other participants' gold manis below! More soon!! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Zoya Gilty

Hello again!

Zoya Gilty. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I snagged Zoya Gilty during one of Zoya's promotional sales. This is a limited edition gold flake topcoat.

I used one coat of Zoya Gilty over a base of China Glaze For Audrey (sick of seeing that one yet? I can't seem to wear it enough lately.), plus a coat of Seche Vite. No issues with application, and I was pleased with the coverage for one coat. Not too busy, but not too sparse either.

Zoya Gilty. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Gilty is still available, if you're interested. Check it out, here!

Zoya Gilty. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^