Color Secrets Chettah Girl...

In addition to the two lacquers which I showed you yesterday, I received a package of Color Secrets nail appliques for review. Unlike other nail wraps that I have tried, these are clear allowing you to create whatever background you wish underneath. I chose to go with an orange to purple gradient from the two Color Secrets shades...

Color Secrets My Fair Lady with The King and I

I had the pleasure of trying Color Secrets lacquers, a new to me brand. These polishes are vegan, cruelty free and Big 3 Free (don't contain DBP, toluene or formaldehyde) which is great! I received two lacquers and a set on nail appliques for review. I will start out by showing you the two lacquers today, My Fair Lady and The King and I...

My Fair Lady
A deep metallic purple with a subtle scattered blue and pink shimmer. It has a very nice two coat formula that is easy to apply. It is a bit sheer along the tips, so if you like your tips wrapped as I do, make sure to wrap with each coat for best results. Swatches are with no top coat...

Born Pretty Store Miki Nails Water Transfer Decals Review...

I have been on a roll trying out different types of nail wraps these past few weeks and today I have another set to show you. These are Miki Nails from the Born Pretty Store. I was a bit scared to try these decals at first and kept procrastinating reviewing them. I think it was partly because I don't use water decals often enough to feel comfortable, so I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time in case I messed up. And let's just pretend it had nothing to do with the fact that I didn't choose this pattern and I wasn't too fond of it when I first saw it. Seeing it on my nails certainly changed my mind and I'm really excited to show these to you today...

Bird Tattoos by Fake Tattoos...

I was recently given the opportunity to try out some temporary nail tattoos by Fake Tattoos. These Fake Tattoos are very easy to apply and come in a variety of fun designs. Today's manicure features two little tattoo birdies...

Color Club Evolution and Pearl-spective...

Hi everyone! Today I would like to show you swatches of two pretty shades from the Color Club Kaleidoscope collection for this summer...

NCLA Jazzi Nail Wraps...

Yesterday I showed you the NCLA Stephanie's Galaxy nail wraps and today I would like to show you one more set of NCLA nail wraps. This is the fun Jazzi set which reminds me of a gorgeous sunset. In fact looking at them now, I kind of wish I had stamped a palm tree to go along with the sunset...

NCLA Stephanie's Galaxy Nail Wraps...

I'm back! OK, so I wasn't really gone very long, but it felt like a lifetime. My computer was brought down by a teeny tiny microSD card which turns out was for some reason incompatible with it. The computer required a full system re-install so I was without all my files or programs for a while. Reminded me of an elephant being brought down by a mouse. Anyhow, now I have lots catching up to do and I'd like to start by showing you these fun NCLA Stephanie's Galaxy Nail Wraps...

Zoya Irresistible Collection For Summer 2013

I showed you the Zoya Stunning half of the summer collection a few days ago. Today I would like to show you the second have of the collection, the Zoya Irresistible metallic shades. While I love the bright, summery cream shades from the first half, I'm absolutely smitten with these foil metallic ones. They are packed with tiny flecks which somehow magically fuse together to form gorgeous, flawless, irresistible foil metallics. Before I get too carried away gushing, take a look at the swatches...

Shimmer Mary Watermelon...

Every time I sit down to swatch a Shimmer polish, I end up with nail art instead of just swatches and this was no exception. The black hex glitter in this beautiful glitter bomb reminded me of watermelon seeds so I just went with that thought...

Zoya Stunning Collection For Summer 2013

Today I have swatches of the new Zoya Stunning collection to show you. This is the first half of the Summer 2013 collection and consists of six bright, bold creme shades. The second half, Irresistible collection, I will show you another day. The bright shades of this collection are just perfect for the sunny days ahead..

Holo-gator Alligator...

Whatever you do, just don't ask me what that dorky title means. I'm sleep deprived and it rhymes and seems amusing as I write this. I'm sure I'll regret it in when I read it later, but oh well. You didn't really expect any different from someone who rhymed their blog name, did you? Anyway, this is another manicure from the "find time to post" folder. I'm sneaking this one in before it sits in that folder too much longer...

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there!!!

I would love to say that I have prepared a special manicure for the occasion, but I simply ran out of time. Rather than spend this morning trying to create a manicure for myself, I am heading over to visit my wonderful mom and give her a much deserved manicure! To compensate for my lack preparedness, I would like to show you a manicure I wore a little bit ago....

Final Franken Gone Wrong Update...

I attempted to make a gold leaf franken about two months ago, which didn't quite turn out as planned. Some of you have asked for an update on the franken and I appreciate your curiosity as I share it as well. In case there are others who are silently curious, I figured I'd do a final update. So what does this photo of a paperweight have to do with the franken? Take a good look at it and then keep reading. Tell me if you spot any similarities...

Shimmer Maria Scalloped...

I've had a wonderful two days off work enjoying the sunshine and catching up on swatching. I'll even deny that at some point on Tuesday I was so frustrated with my cameras (yes, multiple cameras) that I was ready to toss them out the window. Luckily, we worked out our disagreement on Wednesday and I was able to get more swatching done. In the process of all that swatching, I got to play with the lovely Shimmer Maria and I couldn't help the urge to dress her up a bit with stamping...

Polish Days: The Number 5

The theme for this month's Polish Days is the number 5. I'll admit it didn't immediately bring to mind anything interesting for me. I was actually set on skipping this challenge until two days ago when images of Cinco de Mayo celebrations started popping up. I was mesmerized by the gorgeous, colorful dresses. It took me back to my childhood dream of having a gypsy skirt that I could twirl around in. Let's face it, I would still love to have a skirt like that to twirl around...

Press Release: Couture de Minnie by OPI

High Fashion Minnie! 

OPI Walks the Runway with New Couture de Minnie Nail Lacquers, Inspired by Minnie Mouse

OPI announces the launch of its Couture de Minnie collection, including four limited edition nail lacquers and one new Liquid Sand™ shade. Created in honor of Disney’s beloved character, the Couture de Minnie line explores the fashion-forward side of Minnie Mouse, mixing pink, fuschia and red shades with textural elements. In addition to three crème lacquers, the Couture de Minnie line features a red and white polka dot glitter shade and the strawberry-hued Liquid Sand nail lacquer in Magazine Cover Mouse to give nails a sparkly, matte finish.

“Last summer, OPI created a ‘Vintage Minnie Mouse’ line. Women around the world fell in love with the fun and playful shades evocative of Minnie’s traditional look,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “This year, OPI is exploring a different side of Minnie Mouse. The Couture de Minnie collection draws inspiration from Minnie’s iconic style and incorporates trends most recently seen on the runways, from standout shades to fun textural elements.”

The Couture de Minnie collection includes:

Chic from Ears to Tail 

This pop of bubblegum pink is totally fabulous!

A Definite Moust-Have

 This fantastic fuchsia is at the top of my shopping list.

Minnie Style 

This white and red glitter is the height of fashion.

Innie Minnie Mightie Bow 

Catch this crimson by the toe!

Magazine Cover Mouse 

The headline-making strawberry has sparkling texture.

Couture de Minnie nail lacquers each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Liquid Sand lacquers should always be worn without top coat. This limited edition promotion will be available beginning June 2013 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

ABOUT OPI 
As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.


Thanks for looking!
Anutka :)

** Disclaimer: All information and images in this post provided by the manufacturer or their PR **

Press Release: Neon Mini Kits

Notoriously Neon! 

Nicole by OPI Announces Two New Limited Edition Neon Mini Kits, the Brand’s First Neon Lacquer

Nicole by OPI launches its first neon nail lacquer with two limited edition mini kits. Scandalous! Neons includes vivid shades of blue, purple and pink while the Notorious! Neons includes vibrant shades of green, fuchsia and orange.

 Each Neons kit includes a special white base coat, to be applied before adding color, allowing true neon pigments to pop. “These kits offer the hottest hues in a mini size to complement summer styles,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Think of your nails as a blank canvas. With these color combinations, there are endless options for creating works of art.”

In addition to the white base, Scandalous! Neons includes: Blue Neon (this blatant blue is deliberately belligerent), Purple Neon (this attention-seeking purple is a real publicity hound), and Pink Neon (this pink's purpose is to provoke your senses).

Along with white base, Notorious! Neons includes: Green Neon (this gossip-stirring green is the talk of the town), Fuchsia Neon (this fuchsia is famous for being unabashedly bold), and Orange Neon (this outrageous orange doesn't know the meaning of meek).

“The shades included in both sets are perfect for accessorizing fingers and toes with bright pops of color,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “The first step is to apply the white base coat followed by the desired neon shade; finish with one coat of Nicole by OPI Top Coat Plus to achieve intense neon color with a glossy finish.”

Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. Scandalous! Neons and Notorious! Neons mini packs will be available in stores beginning May 2013 for $10 each at retailers including Meijer, CVS, Duane Reade, H-E-B, Kroger, and ShopKo. Top Coat Plus will be sold alongside the kits for $7.99. In Canada, the kits will be available for $12.50 each and Top Coat Plus for $10.99 at Loblaw, Jean Coutu, Rexall, London Drugs, and Shoppers Drug Mart. For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

About Nicole by OPI: 
Nicole by OPI offers a salon-quality range of bold, fashion-forward nail lacquers. The brand’s heritage is based in OPI’s well-established foundation of excellence in both color and technology, providing premium products to a broad range of consumers looking for trendsetting nail lacquers.


Thanks for looking!
Anutka :)

** Disclaimer: All information and images in this post provided by the manufacturer or their PR **

Zoya PixieDust Summer Collection

I'm excited to share with you today my swatches of the Zoya PixieDust Summer collection. This collection contains six bright, vibrant texture shades. As with the previous PixieDust collection, these are loaded with glitter and sparkle that is so hard to capture in photos, but is stunning in real life....

Barielle Tips to Toes Sweepstakes!

Barielle is hosting a Sweepstakes starting Monday May 5th thru Monday May 27th.

There will be 10 winners and one Grand Prize Winner.

The prizes are Mani-Pedi Spa kits and the Grand Prize includes one Michael Kors Wallet in addition to the Spa Kits.

The lucky winners will get:

• One 5 Pack Nail Color Set – Retail $25
• One Nail Rebuilding Protein – Retail $17.50
• One Nail Strengthener Cream – Retail $17
• One No Chip Speed Dry Topcoat – Retail $12.50
• One Total Foot Care Cream 2.5oz – Retail $12.00
• One Professional Protective Hand Cream 2.5oz – Retail $8.00

Total Value of $92.00!!!

The Grand Prize includes the Spa Kit plus a Michael Kors wallet (value over $100.00)

Visit the Barielle Facebook page for full details

Thanks for looking!
Anutka :)

** Disclaimer: All information and images in this post provided by the manufacturer or their PR **

Sunday Stamping: Over a Lilac Base

Happy Cinco de Mayo to those who celebrate it!

This week the Sunday Stamping challenge for Adventures in Stamping is to create a manicure with a lilac colored base. I'm a little late in posting this today, but at least I still got it done on Sunday so I can't complain. I chose a ruffly pattern for stamping as it reminded me of the beautiful dresses worn during the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Only thing missing are the bright colors of those dresses. This is my first attempt at stamping over a textured polish and it worked very well. Now I'm curious to see if it lasts through the rest of the day...

JENsations Custom Blended Nail Polish...

Today I would like to show you three fun and unique glitter blends from Jen of JENsations. These glitter mixes come packaged in equally unique and absolutely adorable star shaped bottles. The bottles are flat so they are super easy and compact for storage, but I'm sure you don't care to hear me ramble about bottles so let's get onto the swatches...

Barielle Summer Brights Collection Swatches & Review...

Today I have the fun Barielle Summer Brights collection to show you. Living in Seattle, it is sometimes hard to believe that Spring or much less Summer will ever come, but a colorful collection such as this makes me forget all of that. The Summer Brights collection contains five bright creams perfect for the warm days to come...