Sasha Says Nails... I'm a Manicure Momma

NOTD: Avon Garden Green

2013-05-17T12:52:00.002-05:00

Avon Garden Green

2 coats

Garden Green is part of Avon's Spring 2013 collection, called Petal Impressions.

The shimmer in this is so pretty and application was great- it covered well and evenly in 2 coats. I bought a few more from this collection and am looking forward to trying them. We have had a patch of cloudy rainy weather, so I'm hoping for the sun to come out soon!

NOTD: Darling Diva Polish Channeling Coco

2013-05-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

Darling Diva Polish Channeling Coco

Darling Diva Polish is one of the few indie sellers I have purchased from, and I love all three that I bought. The above swatch is three coats of Channeling Coco by itself, and I LOVE it.

Channeling Coco is a sheer pink base with small black hex glitters and larger darker pink hex glitters. The sheerness of the base gives the finish a pretty "sandwich" look. With each coat I got a bit more glitter and I love layered look I got. I used NYC GCS as my topcoat and got an almost perfectly smooth surface.

I'm sad to say that it looks like their Etsy shop is closed right now. However, Channeling Coco is available at www.llarowe.com, although I have not purchased from there myself.

Nothing to disclose- I purchased Channeling Coco myself.

NOTD: Sally Hansen Coral Reef

2013-05-13T08:51:00.000-05:00

NOTD: Sally Hansen Coral Reef

Coral Reef is another color I have seen lots of Youtubers talking about. I purchased this one the same day that I purchased Pacific Blue.

I wanted to love this, but it was a bit chalky. At two coats there were some spots that still seemed to need more color. It did seem to dry better than Pacific Blue did when I used NYC Grand Central Station as a topcoat, but I just didn't love it like I wanted to. So I'm a bit disappointed.

NOTD: Dermelect Moxie

2013-05-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

Dermelect Moxie

2 coats

Finally there weather is cooperating and it's actually Spring-like here instead of 32 and I am loving this gorgeous pink. Just like Renegade, this applied so easily- I got perfect coverage in 2 coats and it behaved quite nicely with NYC Grand Central Station as a topcoat.

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals and Celebrity Nail Tech, Elle, extended a hand to guest collaborator Karie Frost, founder of top beauty blog FearNoBeauty.com, to create ME’s Summer 2013 Lacquer Collection. Aptly named Fearless Beauty, the eye-popping four color lacquer collection contains Dermelect’s signature anti-aging, peptide-infused formulation, designed for women who desire to grow out long, strong, natural nails without compromising fashionable fingertips.

"I see hundreds of new nail products cross my desk each year, and Dermelect really caught my eye," says Frost, who not only founded beauty blog FearNoBeauty.com, but has also worked for 12+ years on top nail industry magazine Nailpro and new consumer nail magazine Nail It!. "The science behind the nail treatments, and now the new ME lacquer colors, truly deliver stronger, longer nails—the perfect canvas for brilliant manicures. I wanted to bring brave new colors to the brand's ME lacquers—colors that will not only inspire women to take fun, fearless shade risks with their nails, but also feel confident while doing so."

Created for beauty junkies who love to push boundaries, the Fearless Beauty collection contains four creamy hues injected with high-voltage bright pigments, guaranteed to turn heads.

* RENEGADE-a rebellious jade crème
* BUZZ-WORTHY-an electric lemon crème
* FEARLESS-a bold cobalt blue crème
* MOXIE-a plucky pink crème

Dermelect’s ME Fearless Beauty collection, available summer 2013, retails for $14.00 and can be purchased online at www.dermelect.com and at high-end apothecaries, beauty boutiques, salons, spas, medi-spas and doctors offices.

Dermelect is also having an online contest in May:

Week two is underway for Dermelect Cosmeceuticals and FearNoBeauty.com’s online contest, Manicure Mondays! In celebration of the summer 2013 launch of the Dermelect Cosmeceuticals ME Fearless Beauty Collection, Dermelect and top beauty blogger Karie Frost (who created the Fearless Beauty Collection!) are now offering the chance to win even more products from the brand by showing off your nail art skills!

Go to FearNoBeauty.com for more contest info.

NOTD: Dermelect Renegade topped with Covergirl Disco Dazzle

2013-05-07T12:48:00.001-05:00

Dermelect Renegade (2 coats)

topped with Covergirl Disco Dazzle (2 coats)

This glitter topcoat is at least 5 years old, and you can probably see that I had a hard time getting the hex glitters out. They had all sunk to the bottom...... After I did this mani, I turned the bottle upside down and left it for a few days and now it's mixed together better. Still, I liked it and it gave my days-old mani a new look, which is fun and a great trick when you are short on time.

Disclosure: The Dermelect shade was provided for review purposes.

NOTD: Dermelect Renegade

2013-05-03T07:55:00.001-05:00

Dermelect Renegade

2 coats

Isn't this shade pretty? So springy! (Now if only the weather would cooperate! It was 32 here this morning!) This applied so easily- I got perfect coverage in 2 coats and it behaved quite nicely with NYC Grand Central Station as a topcoat.

Dermelect is also having an online contest in May:

Go to FearNoBeauty.com for more contest info.

Spring Fling Giveaway!

2013-05-02T09:42:00.002-05:00

Spring Fling Giveaway!!!

I am so excited to be part of an ENORMOUS giveaway from bloggers and indie makers alike.

This rafflecopter will run from today until Memorial Day, upon which time fourty-four winners will be chosen.

This is open to both US Residents and International, however not all prizes are available to international entries. Each prize is noted as such below.

Onto the Prizes!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from So You Think You Can Paint

Enchanted Polish Djinn in a Bottle and OPI Rainbow Connection

US only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Midnight Manicures

$30.00 Gift Card to Ninja Polish

International + US

Image Courtesy of ninjapolish.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Tipsy Turvy Nails

1 Full Sized Bottle of Nail Polish (Name TBD)

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Possibly Polished

2 Sally Hansen Complete Salon polishes in Barely Blue Bell and Purple Posy, 2 Sheets of Broadway Nail Art Stickers and a Chapstick

US + International

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Cameo Colours Lacquer

Two bottles of Cameo Colours Lacquers polish: Right Round and Ishtar

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Color Sutraa

Surprise Beauty Goodie Bag including some of my Spring Favorites!

US + International

Image Courtesy of www.entertainedorganizer.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Peer Pressure Polish

$15 Gift Card to Ninja Polish

US + International

Image Courtesy of ninjapolish.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Wishes of a Blue Eyed Girl

2 bottles of Blue-Eyed Girl Lacquers, It's Smaller on the Outside and Morning Light

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Linda's Polish Emporium

Orly Oh Cabana Boy, China Glaze Watermelon Rind, Julep Janel, Mash Smiley Palette

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom

Set of Color Club scented minis, toe separators, nail art stickers, tweezers

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Nail Addicted Sisters

Sally Hansen Dries Instantly Top Coat, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Golden Rule, Ulta Purple Haze

US + International

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from A Little Polish

3 Hard Candy Polishes

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Just One More Bottle

Zoya Liberty, Zoya Stevie, Zoya Top and Base coat

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Nailbed Dreams

$25 Sally Beauty Supply Gift Card

US Only

Image Courtesy of sallybeautysupply.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Liesl Loves Pretty Things

$10 Ulta OR $10 Sephora gift card

US + International

Images Courtesy of ulta.com and sephora.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from iHeartPrettyPolish

$15 Gift Card to Llarowe, Ninja Polish, Ulta, or Sephora

US + International

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from The Polish Bar

Two Bottles of the Polish Bar Polishes: In Full Bloom and Shiny Pebbles

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Chaos and Crocodiles

Fireside Nights, Harmonious (Clear Edition), and Bwahaha!

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Make Up Mom 123

2 Elevation Nail Polishes; One is a Custom by Lulu and the other is a Sample

US + International

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from All This Polish

4 colors from the Essie Neon Collection 2013

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Color Me So Crazy

The New Black- Runway Color Baromoter 8-Piece Set

US Only

Image Courtesy of sephora.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Rain Down On Me Beauty

20.00 gift card to Sephora

US Only

Image Courtesy of sephora.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Creative Nail Design by Sue

$25.00 gift card to Sephora

US + International

Image Courtesy of sephora.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Beauty Fiends

$20 Llarowe gift certificate

US + International

Image Courtesy of llarowe.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Franken-cense

Mystery Prize!

US Only

Image Courtesy of www.entertainedorganizer.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Lit From Within

Cult Nails Tied Up (Discontinued), Glitter Gal Copper 3D, Sinful Colors Green Ocean and Butter London Fairy Cake

US + International

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from The Life, Times and Lacquers of Lilmoon

Set of Julie G Gumdrops

US Only

Image Courtesy of groupon.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from A Fresh Coat of (Nail) Paint

Choice of China Glaze Sunsational Jellies or Creme Set

US Only

Image Courtesy of China Glaze

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Polished Cousins

2 Shimmer Polishes - Mary and Tammy (bottles are brand new)

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Sassy Shelly

$15 Ninja Polish Gift Certificate

US + International

Image Courtesy of ninjapolish.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry From Frugal Polish

2 Sinful Colors Nail Art polishes, toe separators and Color Club Hot Couture.

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Caitlin's Creative Corner

Max Factor Fantasy Fire, Finger Paints Asylum and Motley, Gosh Purple Heart, and StarGazer 133

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Polished 10

(1) HITS MTV set & (1) HITS Mari Moon MultiGirl Unique Set

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Beauty Gnome

$15 Llarowe Gift Certificate

US Only

Image Courtesy of llarowe.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from xoxo, Jen

xoxojen.com le collab from Urban Lacquer, a new full bottle of Vivid Lacquer's Lunar Eclipse, Two dongdong minis, Vivid Lacquer plate #006

US Only

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Southern Sparkle Nail Art

Rimmel London 60 Second Nail Lacquer in Mintilicious, I Lilac You, Pink-A-Boo, Sunny Days, and Hot Chilli Pepper

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Cuticle Pusher

OPI - Meet Me On The Star Ferry

US + International

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Accio Lacquer

Orly French manicure set, Full size bottle of Lucky 13 Lacquer A Leaf on the Wind, Full size bottle of Digital Nails Convergent, Full size bottle of Digital Nails Sorry I'm Not Made of Sugar, Full size bottle of Digital Nails Matte-matical, and a nail buffer

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Digital Nails

Your choice of any three Digital Nails polishes and a Custom Polish

US Only

Image Courtesy of Digital Nails

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Plump and Polished

$20 Etsy Gift Certificate

US + International

Image Courtesy of etsy.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Adventures in Polishland

Fabulous & Affordable Beauty Pack!

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Morning Nailspiration

2 Layla Magnetics- Turquoise Wave and Purple Galaxy

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Jindie Nails

Three Jindie Nails polishes of your choice!

US Only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Puzzled and Polished

A custom set of two polished pieces made just for you!

US + International

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry from Sasha Says Nails

$25.00 Gift Card to Sephora

US Only

Image Courtesy of sephora.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry Information

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTD: JENsations Holo At Your Girl

2013-05-02T08:13:00.001-05:00

JENsations Holo At Your Girl

1 coat over Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

Holo At Your Girl is a mix of multi-sized holographic glitters in various fun, unique shapes & sizes in every color under the rainbow in a clear base.

This was a fun glitter topper! Jen, who custom blends her polish and sells it on Etsy, contacted me about swatching a few of her shades and I was excited to give them a try. I thought that Pacific Blue would be a great base for Holo At Your Girl and it was.

Holo At Your Girl was super-easy to apply and I got great glitter coverage in just one coat. I topped it with a coat of Gelous before I added NYC Grand Central Station, and it smoothed it out nicely.

JENsations polish sells for $8 and is available on Etsy. Shipping starts at $3, and is $0.85 when purchased with another item.

NOTD: Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

2013-05-01T11:54:00.002-05:00

Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

I had heard quite a few people talk about this shade so I had to get it. I absolutely love it!

I did have some problems with sheet marks and it may be the base/top coat combo I used. I used Revlon ColorStay basecoat, 2 coats of color, and then topped it with NYC Grand Central Station. I painted aobut an hour before I fell asleep and for that hour I sat perfectly still on my bed watching TV.

Before I took this shot the next day I added a coat of NYC Grand Central Station to smooth out the sheet marks and it looked fine. After my bubbling problems with Fade Into Hue, I suspect the Revlon ColorStay basecoat may not be a good match for me.

What basecoat do you love?

NOTD: China Glaze Fade Into Hue

2013-04-30T10:47:00.003-05:00

China Glaze Fade Into Hue

from the Spring 2013 Avant Garden Collection

I had trouble with this one. I am not sure if it was the base coat I used (Revlon ColorStay basecoat) or the formula of the polish, but I got bubbles.

My first round of applying this polish, I used NYC Grand Central Station as my topcoat, and thought that might be the source of my bubbles.

So I removed the polish from my four swatching fingers and started over, leaving topcoat off for these pics. And I got bubbles again!

Anybody else have problems with this shade? It's quite pretty, and I got good coverage in just two coats, but the bubbles are bothersome.

NOTD: China Glaze Fancy Pants

2013-04-29T14:23:00.000-05:00

China Glaze Fancy Pants

from the Spring 2013 Avant Garden Collection

I don't know why I haven't heard more about this color.... the pink shimmer is gorgeous! This is two coats.

NOTD: China Glaze Snap My Dragon

2013-04-24T13:44:00.003-05:00

China Glaze Snap My Dragon

from the Spring 2013 Avant Garden Collection

I am in love with this color- and it was *almost* a one-coater. I added another for good measure, but I don't think it was needed.

Spirng was here for a few days and then we were back to 28 degrees and clouds! Luckily the sun is back today so I was able to get some good sun for a pic. Yay for Spring weather!

Collection Revisit: Sephora by OPI Safari Luxe

2013-04-23T07:27:00.000-05:00

In April of 2011, Sephora by OPI released a new collection called Safari Luxe. This is probably my favorite collection that they have done.

From the website:
Inspired by animal-print fabrics, snakeskin pumps, and stacks of gold bracelets, Sephora by OPI's new Safari Luxe collection takes after one of the hottest trends to hit the runways: safari chic. "We came up with a nail lacquer collection as stylish and fun as the trend itself," says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI VP and Artistic Director. "And just like a leopard-print scarf spices up an outfit, each summery shade adds instant edginess to your wardrobe."

Sephora by OPI Caught With My Khakis Down

Sephora by OPI Don't Feed the Hand Models

Sephora by OPI A Color That Can't Be Tamed

Sephora by OPI I Don't Bite

Sephora by OPI Wild About Shimmer over Caught With My Khakis Down

Sephora by OPI Once a Cheetah, Always a Cheetah

Paradoxal vs. Amethyst vs. Perplex vs. Perplexed Purple

2013-04-19T12:39:00.001-05:00

Monday was a gorgeous day and I was home with my daughter, who wasn't feeling well. During a third viewing (in as many days) of Beethoven's 5th, I decided I'd do some watching of four shades I had set aside to compare.

Left to right:

Chanel Paradoxal

Covergirl Outlast Amethyst

Revlon Perplex

Avon Perplexed Purple

Left to right: (2 coats of each)

Chanel Paradoxal

Covergirl Outlast Amethyst

Revlon Perplex

Avon Perplexed Purple

The first three are so very close! If you missed out on 2010's Chanel Paradoxal and 2011's Revlon Perplex, Covergirl Amethyst, currently in stores, is a must-get. Avon's Perplexed Purple is actually quite different, but still so pretty.

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Metro Chic

2013-04-17T12:01:00.002-05:00

Sephora by OPI Metro Chic

Working on swatching the Metro Too Chic mini set recently reminded me that I did not have an outdoor sun shot of Metro Chic- the horror! This is one of my faves, so I thought that situation needed to be remedied ASAP!

The above swatch is 2 coats. The first coat looks so runny and streaky and will leave you thinking that there is no way just two coats will do, but somehow, magically, the second coat makes it perfect.

Metro Chic is still available from Sephora for $9.50.

NOTD: Dermelect Stunner

2013-04-16T09:05:00.001-05:00

Dermelect Stunner

2 coats

I recently received two shades from Dermelect's ME line for review purposes. I was drawn to Stunner, which they describe as "metallic mocha blend" because it reminds me of an old favorite that is no longer usable, L'Oreal Sheer Heat. I have such a soft spot for brown nail polish- I wore OPI Los Angeles Latte for my wedding and have always thought shades like this suit my warm skintone.

Info from Dermelect:

HOW IT WORKS

The first coat instantly bonds to the nail, while the second fuses with the base coat to create a flexible web of color that resists chipping and improves brittleness. The ME colors combine fast drying, high shine and a healthy ‘green’ dose of vitamins, peptides and moisture, offering a colorful solution to the contemporary woman’s beauty concern—aging nails and hands.

KEY INGREDIENT

· ProSina Protein Peptide-Hydrolyzed Keratin extracted from New Zealand sheep’s wool that strengthens the nails and moisturizes the skin.

BENEFITS

· Strengthens weak, brittle nails

· Restores nail flexibility

· Helps nails resist chipping and splitting

· Provides long-lasting, high shine and bold color

· Water and detergent resistant

· Protects against UV rays

· Formaldehyde, DBP and Toluene FREE

· Cruelty FREE (no animal testing)

Dermelect’s ME Core lacquers, available April 2013, retail for $14.00 and can be purchased online at www.dermelect.com and at high-end apothecaries, beauty boutiques, salons, spas, medi-spas and doctors offices.

Disclosure: The polish featured in this post was provided for review purposes.

NOTD: Darling Diva Polish Honey Do

2013-04-15T08:59:00.001-05:00

Darling Diva Polish Honey Do

I haven't purchased from very many indie sellers yet, but when I saw a swatch of Honey Do, I knew I needed it! The above swatch is three coats on Honey Do by itself, and I LOVE it. Doesn't it just scream SPRING?

With each coat I got more glitter and I love the "sandwich" look I got. I used NYC GCS as my topcoat and got an almost perfectly smooth surface.

It looks like their Etsy shop is closed right now, but should be open at the beginning of May.

Nothing to disclose- I purchased Honey Do myself.

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic Mini Set- Wrap Up

2013-04-12T13:25:00.000-05:00

Hold on to your hats- I finished swatching the Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic mini set! I really like this set- I think Metro Too Chic and Arose Beyond Shimmer are stand-outs.

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:

Pale is the New Tan

Arose Beyond Shimmer

Metro Too Chic

Keys to My Hybrid

Nifty Shade of Grey

Tweet You Later!

Pale is the New Tan
3 coats

Arose Beyond Shimmer
2 coats

Metro Too Chic
3 coats

Keys to My Hybrid
2 coats

Nifty Shade of Grey
3 coats

Tweet You Later!
3 coats

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Nifty Shade of Grey

2013-04-11T13:41:00.001-05:00

Sephora by OPI Nifty Shade of Grey

from the Metro Too Chic set, which retails on Sephora's website for $24.50

Sephora describes this as "opaque purple grey duochrome" which is pretty darn accurate. I needed three coats to completely cover my nail line. I really like this one!

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:

Pale is the New Tan

Arose Beyond Shimmer

Metro Too Chic

Keys to My Hybrid

Nifty Shade of Grey

Tweet You Later!

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Keys to My Hybrid

2013-04-09T11:09:00.001-05:00

Sephora by OPI Keys to My Hybrid

from the Metro Too Chic set, which retails on Sephora's website for $24.50.

Keys to My Hybrid is a hot pink creme. Nothing spectacular or unique, but it behaved well and is nice and springy.

I am almost done with this set! I have Nifty Shade of Grey (har har) on today and am hoping for some sun so I can take a pic.

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:

Pale is the New Tan

Arose Beyond Shimmer

Metro Too Chic

Keys to My Hybrid

Nifty Shade of Grey

Tweet You Later!

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Arose Beyond Shimmer

2013-04-08T10:19:00.002-05:00

Arose Beyond Shimmer (2 coats)

from the Sephone by OPI Metro Too Chic mini set

Arose Beyond Shimmer

macro shot

Tweet You Later! (3 coats)

from the Sephone by OPI Metro Too Chic mini set

I have to tell you that I totally thought that Arose Beyond Shimmer was going to be a glitter topper..... but it's not! It's absolutely totally opaque, almost in one coat. I had Tweet You Later! on and thought this might look great over it, but it completely covered it. A nice surprise- and I think Arose Beyond Shimmer is just gorgeous.

Both are from the Metro Too Chic set, which retails on Sephora's website for $24.50.

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:

Pale is the New Tan

Arose Beyond Shimmer

Metro Too Chic

Keys to My Hybrid

Nifty Shade of Grey

Tweet You Later!

NOTD: Sephora by OPI Tweet You Later!

2013-04-05T11:36:00.001-05:00

Tweet You Later! (3 coats)

from the Sephone by OPI Metro Too Chic mini set

In January I spotted the Metro Too Chic set on Sephora's website for $24.50 and knew I needed to have it. Metro Too Chic was the first shade I swatched, and I thought I'd do Tweet You Later! next and then top it with Arose Beyond Shimmer the next day.

This is a nice cream, although not very unique. I did need three coats to get nice even coverage. I'm excited to see how the shimmer looks on top of it.

Sephora by OPI Metro Too Chic set

Left to right:

Pale is the New Tan

Arose Beyond Shimmer

Metro Too Chic

Keys to My Hybrid

Nifty Shade of Grey

Tweet You Later!

Lip of the Day Series

2013-04-04T14:26:00.003-05:00

I like limit content on my nail blog to, well, posts about nail polish! But I imagine quite a few of you are into makeup like I am.

I've been doing a series on my LOTD (Lip of the Day) on my personal blog, Sasha Says, and today I posted #17. Just wanted to invite you over if you are interested in following along.

NOTD: Hard Candy Gummy Green

2013-04-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

Last month I kept reading about Hard Candy's new line of polish showing up in Walmarts all around the US. I immediately started stalking mine, but continued to be greeted by this lonely empty display:

So disappointing!

But finally, one day I was on the other side of town and spotted a full display! I decided to buy all the Candy Sprinkles link since I own a few from the Nails Inc. Sprinkles line.

Not sure why, but I decided to go with Gummy Green to swatch first.

Hard Candy Gummy Green

I really like it! I used a coat of Gelous to help smooth it out before I added a coat of NYC GSC. I can't wait to try the other colors in the line- I just need the sun to come out!

Swatches: Sephora + Pantone Universe Mini Graphic Effect Lacquers- Emerald

2013-04-02T08:03:00.000-05:00

Sephora + Pantone Universe Mini Graphic Effect Lacquers- Emerald

Retail price $18 (currently out of stock)

The OCD collector in me ordered this year's Sephora + Pantone Universe set since I already had last year's Tangerine Tango set in my collection.

Last year's set was priced at $24 and included a matte shade. I think removing the matte and lowering the price was a good move- there are so many matte topcoats on the market these days.

Last year's set included Glitter, Creme, Matte and Shimmer.

This year's set includes Metallic, Shimmer and Glitter.

Emerald Metallic

2 coats

Interesting choice of name... this is *not* what I would call metallic. It includes small holo glitter, and is so pretty in the sun. In some lights, it looks like silver glitter, but when light hits it just right, it comes alive.

Emerald Metallic (macro bottle shot)

Emerald Shimmer

(2 coats)

This was the problem child of the set. Let me show you what I mean on the macro shot below.

Emerald Shimmed (macro shot)

See those black dots? That's unmixed pigment. All the shaking in the world did not mix this up. At times, the pigment would spread as you were apply the polish, and you could almost blend it in. But other times, like you can see with the big black dot above, it wouldn't mix at all and would just sit on top.

It's a shame because this could be a really pretty shade.

Emerald Glitter

3 coats

This is emerald glitter suspended in a clear base tinted with green. I got decent coverage with each coat, and needed 3 coats. The glitter was suspended well and was easy to apply- I did not need to turn the bottle upside down or do much shaking. However, clear base glitters tend to chip like crazy on me, so I imagine this might work better over a colored base for me than on it's own. I did not test wear time.

Emerald Glitter (macro shot)

Final thoughts: Although this is a nice set, the unmixed pigments in the Shimmer shade are a big disappointment. That shade is pretty much unwearable for me since I am a perfectionist when it comes to my nail color.

Anyone else had this problem?