Katy Perry for OPI Shatter Polish (Julie)

Took a drive today to Ulta to check out the new Katy Perry line. There wasn't much left - and the shatters were all gone, which is what I was really after. Had a nice employee check in the back, but there were none in stock. So I shopped around for a while, and low and behold, I find a bottle of Shatter hidden amongst the sale boxes that somebody must have tucked away to come back to. Lucky me!

I applied it over Revved Up Red by Ulta Professional Nail Lacquer line - it's a really bright red and I thought it'd really glow through the black.

I am not sure how I feel about this. It did apply evenly and shattered immediately, and dried fast. However, it dried matte which I hate - so I applied 2 coats of Prolana Quick & Slick, and it was an improvement. I think it's neat I am just not sure it's my style per-se. I think I prefer the shimmery stuff. But maybe it'll grow on me.

How to grow your nails naturally - Key ingredient Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Julie)

Today I was looking online for a site that could provide me with some homemade natural remedies for weak nails, and I came across one in particular that looked really good...not to mention yummy. I truly felt like Winnie the Pooh with his honey obsession. The two key ingredients are Extra virgin coconut oil (i luckily had in the cabinet!) and honey. The entire site and more interesting recipes for home nail care remedies can be found here: http://naturalnailcarerecipes.homestead.com/nailsoaks.html

It's a really simple recipe, and this is supposed to help your nails grow strong. I took equal parts Langnese creamed honey and Nutiva extra virgin coconut oil that I had in my cabinet already. (you can use regular honey)

I put them in a microwavable safe (duh) bowl together. (as I said before, you might want to first melt the coconut oil for 15 secs then add honey, and microwave another 10-15 secs)

 

First attempt was 15 seconds. The honey melted nicely, the coconut oil did not. It kinda looked like glaciers in a sea of pee. I have a way with words, don't I?

Not quite ready yet. Shoved it back in the microwave for another 15 seconds and it was much better.

Dunked my hands in for about 7 mins (it calls for 10 minutes but I got bored fast, and it was starting to dry and get sticky as it cooled)

For the last few minutes, I applied it to both hands entirely, and massaged it in. Rinsed it off and my hands felt soft, and smelled great. I felt pampered! I enjoyed it and will try and do this often.

Repeat this twice a week for stronger nails. Good luck!

Chanel Paradoxal PERFECT Dupe (Julie)

I know Erika had mentioned a dupe before, the one made by Revlon - and she said the only problem was bubbling. I found a dupe that is amazing! It's absolutely perfect, i see no differences whatsoever. It applies beautifully in one swipe, and bolder in 2. It doesn't bubble, and it is perfect with a seche vite top coat. It's by Barry M and is called Dusky Mauve. They are in the UK, so if you are outside the UK (yes, they do int'l shipping) I would suggest making a slightly larger order to make it worthwhile.

My Zoya 3 Freebies are here today! And a Chi swatch

These are amazing!!! All three are so completely gorgeous - especially Edyta. I will swatch these either later on this evening, or tomorrow.

And take a look at my first and only Chi polish (more to come!) called Midnight Rendezvous. It's such an electric blue, I doubt photos will do it much justice. It applied perfectly, no streaks, no bubbles, great formula and application.

Erika calls blues like this "avatar blues" ...I completely agree!

My New Vegan Nail Polish Brand Discovery: Goldie

I was rummaging through TJ Maxx today and came across a set of 8 gorgeous nail polishes for just $7. They are called Goldie, and apparently Bath & Bodyworks distributes them. They are presented in a really cute pink white & black damask box, and the bottles have molded flowers on the cap. I have never really seen a set of polishes where i want to try them all. There's usually a stinker or two in the box. But I was impressed with each color!

I have only swatched one so far, it doesn't have a name that I can see, but it's a deep aqua sparkly swatch and it is really nice. The application was very pretty, no streaks, looks even more vibrant with a layer of seche vite on it which is weird. The seche almost changed the color entirely, but I like it! I think the polish may have been intended to be matte. I don't know much about matte polishes though so that's just a guess.

two left fingers are without Seche, two right are with Seche

I thought i'd photograph it with the contrast of a gold NP bottle...

then I got an idea....

to bling up my ring finger

and I like it!!

:)

Color Club Covered In Diamonds Vs. Nubar G188 2010

I was super excited to get Color Club's Covered in Diamonds today. I was really itching to swatch it with a mint green cream. I thought they'd go together really well.

I used a mint green by China Glaze- 2 coats, and I think perhaps because I didn't let it fully dry before applying the Color Club, it just sunk into the polish and ended up looking so gross! Reminded me of ambrosia. Not a pretty sight. And it's such an awful gritty texture. Very unappealing. I'm so disappointed!

Well since I had wasted 1 hand, I decided to take out my Nubar #G188 and use that on the other hand. Oh what a difference! I didn't have to wait for the China Glaze to dry either. It's just incredible, what a huge difference there is between the two. Would I recommend the Color Club swatch? Sure, if you have time to wait for your base color to dry first...and only use 1 coat! That's all you need!

Here are some comparison photos.

This is Color Club's Ambrosia --- I mean Covered in Diamonds ;)

Nubar G188-

Color Club - Covered in Diamonds

Color Club

Nubar

Nubar

Color Club

Trying something..(erika)

I did this purple gradient the other day(yes I did walk my ass to CVS to buy more np remover) and Im sorta kinda liking it. I wish I did a neater job though. I guess we all have our sloppy moments;) Please refrain from looking at my ragged as hell cuticles. I know they are not for anyones viewing pleasure,lol.

 

You know what's weird, in the fall when of course the style is to rock beautiful rich red and deep chocolate colors, all I want to wear is bright and flashy colors! But now that its winter, and i have so many beautiful wintery inspired shades.. all I want it to do deep reds and browns. I know, you are all saying (wherever and whoever you are) fuck it! Where what you want! Maybe this calls for Blair by Zoya! Does not get anymore gorgeous of a red then this! Its a almost cooler version of Colbie from Zoya. (which I seriously still have no idea why I do not own it!)