Stash Swatch Initiative: Zoya Chantal

Hello!

Today I have Zoya Chantal swatched up for you. This is the last of my picks from the Naturel Collection.

Zoya Chantal. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Chantal is a neutral creme polish, which might be a little boring, but it's the perfect base for nail art.

Zoya Chantal. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, one coat of Sinful Colors Nail Hardener, two coats of Chantal, and one coat of Qtica topcoat. This polish has a slightly more finicky formula than the others from this collection that I've had on the blog. It requires patience because it will drag and bald, so wait between coats!

I purchased my bottle directly from Zoya.

Zoya Chantal. Indoors, artificial light, no flash./mo

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Orly Naked Canvas

Hello!

Today I have Orly Naked Canvas swatched up!

Orly Naked Canvas. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Naked Canvas and is an off-white cream with fine purple shimmer. That shimmer is a little shy, so it'll take some nice, direct light to get it to shine. Once it does, it is beautiful!

Orly Naked Canvas. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Duri Rejuvacote, one coat of Sinful Colors Nail Hardener, two surprisingly opaque coats of Naked Canvas, and one coat of Seche Vite. The formula on this is nice -- much nicer than I expected. Whites and pastels can be streaky and hard to apply, but this was smooth and self-leveling. No streaking and easy going!

Orly Naked Canvas. Indoors, artificial light, with flash.

I purchased my bottle from Sally Beauty.

Orly Naked Canvas. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: OPI Don't Bossa Nova Me Around

Hello!

Another OPI polish is up on the blog today. This is Don't Bossa Nova Me Around from the Brazil Collection!

OPI Don't Bossa Nova Me Around. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Don't Bossa Nova Me Around is neutral creme polish. This one looks like a grayed-out pink to me. It was one of those polishes that I just had to have after I saw swatches of it. I love it!

OPI Don't Bossa Nova Me Around. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Duri Rejuvacote, one coat of Sinful Colors Nail Hardener, two coats of Don't Bossa Nova Me Around, and one coat of Seche Vite. I didn't have any issues with application.

OPI Don't Bossa Nova Me Around. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

For such a simple polish, the color is unique and lovely! I bought this bottle from Sally Beauty, where it is still for sale!

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Zoya Normani

Hello!

Today I have another of my picks from Zoya's Naturel Collection. This one is Normani, a dusty purpley-taupe creme.

Zoya Normani. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Sinful Colors Base Coat, two coats of Normani, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. Like her sisters, Normani has a good formula that applies without problems.

Zoya Normani. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

This is probably my least favorite of the five colors I picked up from the Naturel Collection. It falls a bit flat on me, but from other swatches, I notice that it looks nicer on different skin tones.

Zoya Normani. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle directly from Zoya during a promotional sale. Stay tuned to their Facebook page to catch one of their frequent sales or promo codes!

Zoya Normani. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

NOTW: Copycat Mani Stained Glass

Hello!

Finally! Back to some nail art!

I was inspired by this mani that Cris from Let Them Have Polish did a week or so ago. When it was time for a new mani this week, I just couldn't get the color combination she used out of my head.

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

After my usual Duri Rejuvacote and Sinful Colors Nail Hardener base, I used Zoya Rose for the base color of my gradient, which took 3 coats to build up to where I was happy with it -- this should've been a sign for me to reconsider my polish choices, but I carried on, adding one coat of Seche Vite to speed up dry time.

Next, I applied Zoya Paloma to the tips. I used a make-up sponge to blend them together rather unsuccessfully. These polishes are both too sheer to make a smooth gradient easily. I ended up with a blocky, not very nice gradient. So, although all I wanted was the gradient with some holo sparkle, I ended up hiding the disjointed gradient under this beautiful stamp from the FUN Plate #3. I stamped it with Konad Special Polish in black. I used a coat of NYC In a New York Minute to protect the stamped image before applying one coat of INM Northern Lights.

The end result is, fortunately, quite nice. My coworkers ooh-ed and ahh-ed over this one, and we decided that the design looks a bit like stained glass.

Next time I attempt this color combo in a gradient, I'm definitely going with Zoya Flynn and Zoya Reagan instead!!

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Zoya Flynn

Hello!

This is Zoya Flynn.

Zoya Flynn. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Flynn is a simple, warm tan creme. Perfect as a base for all those fall-inspired mani's!

Zoya Flynn. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are base coat of Seche Clear, two coats of Flynn, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. No problems with the formula -- it's amazing for a creme. It flows smoothly onto the nail, stands up to manipulation without balding, and is nearly opaque in one coat. Zoya perfection.

Zoya Flynn. Indoors, filtered sunlight (window), no flash.

Flynn is a part of the recent Cashmeres & Satins collection from Zoya. I got this bottle freely included in my order as part of a promotion where I got four (!) of the cremes from the fall collection free with a qualifying purchase. Zoya often runs amazing promos -- and I always hear about them from their Facebook page.

Zoya Flynn. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

NOTW: Gold and Pink and Striped

Hello! Happy Friday!

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

For this look, I was inspired by the Nailasaurus' Valentine's Day mani from way back in February! I started with a base of Duri Rejuvacote, two coats of Essie Sand Tropez on all but my ring finger, which got one coat of Orly Luxe, and one coat of Seche Vite.

Once that was dry, I used some striping tape I picked up at Wal-mart to make the pattern on my middle and ring fingers. I used China Glaze Snap My Dragon over the tape on my middle finger, while OPI Party in My Cabana went over the tape on my ring finger. I removed the tape right away, and once all was dry, I layered on another coat of Seche Vite.

I used one coat of Rainbow Honey A Little Kindness on my pointer finger. And sponged on a gradient with Essie Sand Tropez and China Glaze Snap My Dragon on my pinkie and thumb. All that was topped with a coat of Seche Vite as well.

Have a fabulous weekend! More Monday! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: NerdLacquer Entirely Unlike Tea

Hello!

I am so excited about this NerdLacquer polish today!!! This is Entirely Unlike Tea!

Nerdlacquer Entirely Unlike Tea. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Entirely Unlike Tea is a neutral-based polish that looks quite like tea with milk. It becomes entirely unlike tea once you notice the awesome purple shimmer! This polish also has two sizes of silver hex glitters AND iridescent hexes hiding inside. The iridescent bits are nearly invisible unless you view them from exactly the right angle. I love it!

Nerdlacquer Entirely Unlike Tea. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are base of Duri Rejuvacote and a layer of Elmer's glue. Once that was dry, I only needed two coats of Entirely Unlike Tea, and I finished this with one coat of Gelous plus one coat of Seche Vite. Formula on this polish is superb. I had zero issues with application, and, although this is a glitter polish, I only needed to swipe on the two coats. No dabbing necessary!

Nerdlacquer Entirely Unlike Tea. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

I have been a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fan for a long time. I even have a gilt-edged, hardcover edition of the entire collection. This polish is perfectly representative of it's name! Genius!

Nerdlacquer Entirely Unlike Tea. Indoors, artificial and natural light (near a window!), no flash.

I was lucky to buy this bottle during NerdLacquer's last restock. She is on Google+, which I admittedly do not use, but thanks to the supremely awesome Accio Lacquer, who announced the restock via her Facebook page, I was clued in to the when and where! Hoping the next restock is soon! I've got three more on my wishlist!

Nerdlacquer Entirely Unlike Tea. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: China Glaze Fast Track

Hello!

China Glaze Fast Track. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

This is China Glaze Fast Track from last year's Colors from the Capitol collection.

China Glaze Fast Track. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Fast Track is one of my favorite neutrals. The base color works with my skin tone, but it's the shimmer that I love the most. Oh the shimmer! This polish is packed with golden shimmer, and it is gorgeous!

China Glaze Fast Track. Outdoors, natural light (shade), no flash.

Swatches today area base coat of Seche Clear, three coats of Fast Track, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. The formula here is easy to work with, but a tad sheer, causing me to need three coats instead of my usual two.

China Glaze Fast Track. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

This lovely polish can still be found at places like Head2Toe Beauty, which is probably where I bought my bottle. It's waited patiently for it's turn in the spotlight for a long time, so I can't be sure where I purchased it!

China Glaze Fast Track. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Essence Peach & Cream

Hello!

Essence Peach & Cream. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Today, I've got a quick post on Essence Peach & Cream.

Essence Peach & Cream. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Peach & Cream is a lovely peach with subtle shimmer. You can barely see the shimmer even in the sunlight, but I promise, it is there! This polish is pale and pretty, and I kind of totally love it.

Essence Peach & Cream. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash. Hidden shimmer!

Swatches today are a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, three coats of Peach & Cream, and one coat of Seche Vite. The formula on this polish is so-so. It went on rather streaky, so it took all of those three coats to get an even finish.

Essence Peach & Cream. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

I found this one in the always picked over display at my nearest Ulta. I had been on the hunt for the perfect peachy polish, and I think I found it!

Essence Peach & Cream. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: AEngland Princess Sabra

Hello!

AEngland Princess Sabra/Tristam Eyes is up for swatching today!

AEngland Princess Sabra. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

This is a yellow-toned neutral, holographic polish.

AEngland Princess Sabra. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I started with a base of Seche Clear, two coats of Princess Sabra, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. This has a decent formula. I had some issues with balding on the first coat, so it isn't very forgiving. I had to make sure I waited long enough for the first coat to dry so the second would cover completely. Small issues, though, no worries -- it wasn't too difficult to apply.

AEngland Princess Sabra. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

The holographic effect is on the subtler side, but it does add a touch of glitz when out in the sun. Lovely!

AEngland Princess Sabra. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I bought my bottle from llarowe! Happy shopping! More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Cult Nails Cruisin' Nude

Hello!

Cult Nails Cruisin' Nude. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

As part of my epic Cult Nails Haul, I picked up Cruisin' Nude.

Cult Nails Cruisin' Nude. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

Cruisin' Nude is a warm neutral with pink shimmer. I was so excited for this one, I thought the delicate pink shimmer made this so gorgeous! I think the base color is a little too yellow for me, so it doesn't look as awesome on me as I had hoped. Maybe this summer after a tan? Oh wait... I don't tan....

Cult Nails Cruisin' Nude. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Anyway, I've used a base coat of Seche Clear, two coats of Cruisin' Nude, and one coat of Seche Vite. As I've come to expect from Cult Nails, the formula on this is superb. Zero issues, self-levels, couldn't be better. You can find it here!

Cult Nails Cruisin' Nude. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Essie Sand Tropez

Hello again!!

Essie Sand Tropez. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I have another Essie today. I have to be honest here, I don't have much love for Essie. The first three I ever tried had bad formulas and did not match bottle color to what they actually looked like on at all. After reading about other blogger's love for this brand, I was less than impressed and a bit disappointed, to say the least. So, I pretty much wrote them off my wishlist. Recently, I've been getting a lot of those CVS Reward coupons. I swear I don't intend to go in there and purchase the required items, but a few happy coincidences left me with $30 worth of going-to-expire coupons. So, I used them to get a few Essie polishes for 'free' technically and give them a second shot.

Essie Sand Tropez. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

This one is Sand Tropez. It is a neutral creme polish--almost what I expected China Glaze Sunset Sail to look like, actually.

Essie Sand Tropez. Outdoors, sunlight, no flash.

So, how did this one do? Well, formula is not great. It's a little streaky and took three coats over a base of Sinful Colors Nail Hardener to level out. Even with the one coat of Seche Vite I topped this off with, the dry time was long. I'm still sort of 'meh' about the brand. As Gold As It Gets, from last week, was another coupon purchase and that one, I have to say, is probably worth the price tag. This one... again, meh. It's a creme, so the streakiness is to be expected. It's a nice neutral, if a bit boring.

Essie Sand Tropez. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

"This is Halloween" Nail Art Challenge: Bats

Hello and happy Friday!!!!

Today's "This is Halloween" Nail Art Challenge prompt is bats. I was going for a very wearable Halloween nail this time. I chose to recreate my black lace french tips from a few months ago with bat stamps added. The black lace looked eerie enough--like the intricate railings on an old haunted house, so I thought that would be a good start for this mani.

Bat Nail Art. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

As before, I used two coats of Zoya Rose, one coat of INM Northern Lights, a lot of dry time, then stamped the french tip design from BM-18 and the bats from BM-13 with Konad Special polish in black. I finished this off with a coat of NYC's In a New York Minute Fastdry Topcoat.

This ended up being a very subtle Halloween look, which was my intent. Here's a shot with flash. I think the green shimmer in Zoya Rose lends itself nicely to this look.

Bat Nail Art. Indoors, artificial light, with flash.

Check out the rest of the participants' bat nails!






More soon!! ^_^