Manicure Mommas

NOTD: Essie Bikini So Teeny

2012-05-24T09:36:00.002-05:00

Essie Bikini So Teeny

(three coats)

I was really really hoping the slight shimmer that is visible in the bottle would translate onto the nail... but no, it did not. Just looks like a pretty periwinkle cream on the nails.

I did three coats because there was some sheer-ish spots after just 2.

NOTD: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Grandma

2012-05-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Grandma

Last month at IMATS, one of the booths I was dying to visit was Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I had never tried their products, but was oh-so-obsessed with picking up a Lip Tar. And while I was there, like any good nail blogger, I purchased a few nail polish shades too.

The name of this shade makes me laugh- it is totally NOT a Grandma color! It's actually quite on-trend and gorgeous!

The above swatch is three coats, topped with my newest favorite topcoat, NYC Grand Central Station.

Swatches: Sephora Tangerine Tango set

2012-05-18T09:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day so I took the opportunity to do some swatches of Sephora's Color of the Year Nail Enamel Set ($24). These Tangerine Tango shades are gorgeous, and I especially think they suit warm skin tones like mine.

Left to right: Glitter, Creme, Matte, Shimmer (all three coats)

I think the Glitter shade might work well as a topper too, so I think I may try one coat over the Cream shade to see how that looks next. Hope you are having a great day and nice weather where you are!

NOTD: Essie She's Picture Perfect topped with L'oreal Silver Sparkle

2012-05-16T09:50:00.003-05:00

Last week I showed you a swatch of L'oreal Silver Sparkle, all on it's own. I wasn't wowed, but I liked it OK.

But you know what? I LOVE it as a topper! I added it to my Essie She's Picture Perfect mani and it finally wowed. me.

Essie She's Picture Perfect topped with L'oreal Silver Sparkle
(so hard to get a good pic of this! Trust me- it's gorgeous!)

Here's a macro bottle shot- there are so many pretty glitters in there!

Unfortunately, it's a bit hard to get a good shot of this glitter, but here's an angle shot that shows a bit more of the multi-colored glitter.

NOTD: Essie She's Picture Perfect

2012-05-15T07:55:00.000-05:00

Essie She's Picture Perfect

I picked this one up from the 2012 Resort Collection because I thought that hidden shimmer was so pretty.

The above swatch is three coats, topped with a new (to me) top coat that might just be in the running for Best Value Ever- NYC Grand Central Station.

I think it was either $2 or $3 and I'm pretty darn impressed. It seemed to dry the polish as well as my beloved Seche Vite.

Have you tried it? What do you think?

NOTD: Revlon Whimsical over Sally Hansen Air

2012-05-10T17:45:00.000-05:00

Revlon Whimsical over Sally Hansen Air

Ok, so I really had no idea how sheer this one was. I knew it was a take-off on Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air, but Whimsical is actually much more sheer than Temptalia's swatch of GitA. In fact, this was pretty much the sheerest sheer ever, with some glitter thrown in.

So after I had applied one coat of Whimsical, I went back and did a coat of Sally Hansen Air, then topped that with two more coats of Whimsical.

Phew.

I really haven't gotten into the whole indie glitter-topcoat thing, and I'm not sure that this is going to start me down that path. I do think this is pretty, but all those coats were work! :-)

But I do like the end result. So maybe, just maybe, I'll get on board.

NOTD: OPI DS Original

2012-05-07T07:45:00.002-05:00

OPI DS Original

It's basically already summer here in the Southwest, and I am absolutely consumed with thoughts of gorgeous holos in the sun. I have many many untried in my collection right now, but I just couldn't resist wearing this beauty again- it is just gorgeous!

What's your favorite holo?

NOTD: L'Oreal Silver Sparkle

2012-05-04T07:38:00.000-05:00

L'Oreal Silver Sparkle (3 coats- sun)

L'Oreal Silver Sparkle (3 coats- shade)

I picked this up last week at CVS because it was $5.99 and there were $2 coupons on the display, and I'm a sucker for a $4 polish.

Be sure and click on the pics to enlarge them so you could see the multi-colored glitters. There are so many shades, and they are almost color-shifting. I see mint green, light blue, pink, copper, and gold.

I thought it was really pretty by itself, but I'll be trying over a vampy shade soon to see how it works as a topper.

NOTD: Bling Cosmetics MpressMe

2012-05-03T07:53:00.000-05:00

Bling Cosmetics MpressMe

April and May are my busiest months at work, but I have been trying to get everything done so I can blog about IMATS! My husband surprised me with a trip to NYC and a ticket to IMATS, just because he knows how much I love makeup and nail polish. Isn't that sweet?

I was on the lookout for new products that were eye-catching, and oh boy did I ever find it!

Check out this bling! Bling Cosmetics (aptly named!) grabbed my attention. This line is just gorgeous and I have never seen anything like it. Look closely at the bottom of the stock pic from their website and you'll see a really neat feature- the top of the bottle has a light that is aimed towards your nail! So unique.

The mission of The Bling Collection from The House of Simone is to establish the first full-line of cosmetics that marries the unique concept of jewelry with make-up. The line represents top quality products in lighted and “blinged” casings for makeup and accessories. Each item is encrusted with the Patented “Wall of Bling” design.

I met super-sweet Malaika at IMATS and she spent some time telling me about their line and even provided me with the shade I swatched above to try. The above swatch is two coats, and this shade applied like a dream. Topped with Seche Vite, it was much smoother than I thought it would be given the amount of glitter in the polish.

The retail price of their polish is $25. But girls, this is truly a luxury line, perfect for gift giving for the makeup and nail polish lover who has everything. I may have over 400 bottles of nail polish, but I have none as stunning as my bottle from Bling Cosmetics. Looking for a Mother's Day gift for a nail polish lover? I think Bling Cosmetics would be a perfect fit.

Where to find Bling Cosmetics:
Online: BlingCollectionOnline.com
Facebook: facebook.com/BlingCollectionOnline
Twitter: twitter.com/BlingOnline

Disclosure: The shade swatched above was provided to me for PR purposes.

China Glaze Summer Neons Preview

2012-05-02T23:50:00.000-05:00

Heat Up Your Summer with China Glaze® Summer Collection

Los Angeles, CA – (March 2012): The sun has nothing on you this summer! Rival its brightness and heat with China Glaze® Summer 2012 collection, Summer Neons. Featuring 12 new sizzling shades perfect for surf, sand and nightlife, the all new hot hues in China Glaze® Summer Neonsinclude:

· Pink Plumeria: Light pink with gold shimmer

· Under the Boardwalk: Fluorescent raspberry

· Splish Splash: Bright sky blue shimmer

· Love’s A Beach: Sizzling hot pink

· Hang-Ten Toes: Bubblegum neon with iridescent purple shimmer

· Beach Cruise-r: Glimmering fuchsia grape

· Orange You Hot?: Bright orange with attention-grabbing gold glimmer

· Surfin’ For Boys: Glistening bright coral

· Flirty Tankini: Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink

· Ride the Waves: Dark ocean blue

· I’m With the Lifeguard: Glimmering lime green

· Sun-Kissed: Hot highlighter yellow

Also available 8-piece box collection featuring Under The Boardwalk, Ride The Waves, I’m With The Lifeguard, Sun-Kissed, Orange You Hot?, Surfin’ For Boys, Flirty Tankini and Pink Plumeria.

China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available as open stock colors and 12-piece counter display. Individual polishes retail for $7 MSRP and the 8-piece box set retails for $56. China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in June 2012.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com.

Like CG on Facebook: www.facebook.com/chinaglazeofficial

Follow CG on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

Follow CG on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ChinaGlaze

Follow CG on Instagram: ChinaGlazeOfficial

NOTD Sally Hansen Smooth & Perfect Color + Care in Air

2012-04-30T07:22:00.000-05:00

Sally Hansen Smooth & Perfect Color + Care in Air

I was recently sent some shades from the Smooth & Perfect Color + Care line to try, and after Sorbet I chose Air to try next. I think Air is gorgeous I really like the way it looks with my skintone. Two people actually stopped me yesterday and asked what color nail polish I was wearing.

For this mani, I did a base of CND Stickey, 3 coats of color and topped it with Seche Vite. I am on day 3 and it still looked fabulous.

The shades in this line retail for about $5.50.

THINK: Let your nails breathe

WHAT IT IS: Creamy color and porcelain-smooth perfection in one beautiful polish. The latest trend to hit your fingertips. Nearly naked, barely-there color with plenty of shine. The ultimate in understated elegance, sheer shades and healthy even shine work for every occasion. That’s why Sally Hansen created a chic collection of nude nail polishes that marries the two, Smooth and Perfect Color + Care, the ultimate fusion of perfecting polish and beautifying care.

Designed to hide ridges and imperfections, the uniquely breathable formula promotes stronger, healthier looking nails with a patented technology that allows for up to 20% more oxygen to reach the nail. The result? Ridges and imperfections are virtually erased and nails are left looking smooth, shiny and porcelain perfect.

Disclosure: This polish was provided to me for review purposes.

NOTD: Diamond Cosmetics Amethyst & Diamonds

2012-04-24T16:20:00.003-05:00

Diamond Cosmetics Amethyst & Diamonds

How pretty is this? It's a beautiful sunny day and I couldn't resist putting on a shade with multi-colored shimmers that I knew would come alive in the sun.

I've had this one for a few years, but it looks like it's still available for $2.75 on the Diamond Cosmetics website.

The above swatch is two coats and is perfectly smooth with one coat of Seche Vite.

Zoya Polish Exchange 2012

2012-04-20T15:34:00.002-05:00

Zoya is doing their polish exchange again this year. For this weekend only, send in a bottle of polish, pay $4 shipping per bottle and get a Zoya polish in return.

You can get all the details here.

Not a bad deal if you ask me. :)

Fur-Ocious Vocals

2012-04-20T03:29:00.000-05:00

Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips ... $8.99

In ♥ with this fun print!!
Super easy to apply, these nail polish stickers went on smoothly and quickly. Total manicure time took about 20 minutes, although I am a newbie at this. I was never interested in purchasing these strips because a) the price is a little steep in my opinion, and b) I never found a print that I adored enough, or couldn't re-create with polishes I already own.

I was at Walgreens last night and the box was whispering at me from a distance. Flashes of my current fave color and current animal print of choice sealed the deal on the purchase. This style is called Fur-ocious Vocals and is supposed to last up to 10 days. I applied a top coat to add a little extra protection, as I have had friends say this little trick helps the wearability last longer.

The kit comes with everything you need to accomplish your designer manicure, including easy-to-follow instructions. Coupons circulate every now and then and are definitely recommended to help with the $8 to $9 price tag.
Have you tried Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Polish Strips?

NOTD: Sephora + Pantone Universe Tangerine Tango Creme

2012-04-18T07:52:00.000-05:00

Sephora + Pantone Universe Tangerine Tango Creme

two coats

Today I am wearing the creme shade from Sephora's Color of the Year Nail Enamel Set ($24).

And I think it's gorgeous! I have always loved colors like this on us warm-skinned gals and was excited to see this shade named as Color of the Year. There is a bit of visible nail line, but I wasn't bothered by it enough to do a third coat (check in: Lazy Party of One!).

Hopefully the sun will stick around this week and I can get swatches of the other shades.

Swatches: OPI NYC Ballet Soft Shades Collection

2012-04-16T16:22:00.000-05:00

After I saw several bloggers post PR swatches of the OPI Ballet Collection last month, I was obsessed with getting it for myself. They were so light and pretty, and jellies! I was especially excited about the grey.

But after trying them for myself, I wonder, were the PR samples thicker than the bottles sent to the general market? I did three coats of all, leaning towards medium to thick coats as I have read suggested, and still have some areas of uneven color and streakiness and definite visible nail line. Who has time and patience for 4 coats? For me, the more coats I apply, the more likely it is to peel.

As I said, all swatches below are three coats of color, and I topped alternating fingers with one coat of the glitter topcoat from the collection called Pirouette My Whistle.

And don't think I am not pleased with these- I still they think are quite pretty, and especially love the effect the top coats gives, and the grey is definitely my favorite. I just wasn't able to duplicate the opaqueness that bloggers with PR samples had in their three-coat swatches.

Barre My Soul

Care to Danse?

Don't Touch My Tutu!

My Pointe Exactly

You Callin' Me a Lyre?

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose, this collection was purchased by Sasha.

Sally Hansen Gem Crush Swatches

2012-04-11T10:20:00.000-05:00

We've been having lots of overcast days lately, which is not great for a nail blogger who likes to take swatch shots outside!

But yesterday the sun was out after I got home from work, so I got out some Gem Crush shades sent to me for review and got some quick swatches done.

Left to right, 2 coats each

Razzle Dazzler- light rose-toned pink with silver glitter

Be-Jeweled- light purple with pink glitter

Big Money- gold with light purple glitter

Showgirl Chic- silver with blue glitter

Although these are great on their own, I also think they are cool to use as a glitter coat on top of a coordinating shade.

Sally Hansen Gem Crush in Glitz Gal (2 coats)
over 1 coat of Orly Iron Butterfly

Sally Hansen Gem Crush in Cha-Ching! (2 coats)

over 1 coat of Sally Hansen Hard As Wraps in Heartbeat Cream

Sally Hansen Gem Crush in Lady Luck (2 coats)

over 2 coats Sephora by OPI It's My Pink

One thing to note is that these are very hungry glitters.... they eat topcoat, so I have found that adding a coat of Gelous before using Seche Vite really helps smooth them out.

Disclosure: These Gem Crush shades were sent to me for review purposes.

Illamasqua's Easter Egg Sale

2012-04-06T11:01:00.003-05:00

Illamasqua is having an Easter Egg promotion. Each day through Easter, they've planted hidden Easter egg discounts of 50% off in various locations. Yesterday was eye shadow, today is nail polish. I've already found the 5 polishes they're offering for 50% off (they start with G, M, J, S, and C as a hint). None of the colors flip my skirt, but they may entice you. Happy searching!

OPI Spiderman Collection Preview

2012-04-05T11:05:00.006-05:00

In“Spider”ed Shades!

OPI Celebrates Sony Pictures’ “The Amazing Spider-Man” with Limited Edition Nail Lacquers

OPI announces the launch of six limited edition nail lacquers and a new Shatter, inspired by Sony Pictures’ The Amazing Spider-Man. With an all-star cast including Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, this highly-anticipated series reboot opens in theaters nationwide in 3D on July 3, 2012.

“OPI is so excited to work with Sony Pictures in welcoming Spider-Man back on the big screen,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “This film explores a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy that’s going to be both dark and sexy. The colors created for this promotion capture the movie’s exciting atmosphere, with standout shades like the deep shimmering blue Into the Night and the metallic golden green Just Spotted the Lizard.”

The film villain’s reptilian look can be replicated with a high-fashion twist by using the new deep green shimmer Shatter coat. Shatter the Scales is inspired by graffiti art and works when painted over any dry OPI hue. Adding top coat takes Shatter the Scales from matte to glossy in seconds.

The line features six nail lacquers in addition to Shatter the Scales, ranging from white, coral and pink to mood-setting hues of blue, nickel and yellow-green:

Your Web or Mine?

The perfect pink for sticky situations.

Into the Night

This perfect midnight blue was made for prowling.

Call Me Gwen-ever

Girlfriend, be sure to pick up when this urgent coral calls.

Just Spotted the Lizard

Be seen in this reptilian yellow-green.

My Boyfriend Scales Walls

Climb new heights with this cityscape white.

Number One Nemesis

Show your metal in this sparkling nickel.

As with all OPI nail lacquers, these shades inspired by The Amazing Spider-Man contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This limited edition promotion will be available beginning May 2012 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($9.95 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 and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. 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.

OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection Preview

2012-04-05T10:49:00.010-05:00

OPI’s All Ears!

OPI Announces New Limited Edition Minnie Mouse-Inspired, Nail Lacquers

OPI launches Vintage Minnie Mouse, including four limited edition nail lacquers, for summer. Created in honor of Disney’s beloved character, the colors encapsulate Minnie Mouse’s irresistible charm in playful, pretty shades of pink and red.

“OPI is so excited to collaborate with Disney and draw inspiration from one of the world’s most popular characters,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “This collection brings together the expertise of OPI and the iconic style of Minnie Mouse to inspire the distinct palette of vibrant, feminine shades for summer Nails will pop against summer skin in these classic, saturated hues – holding their own alongside the bold prints of the season.”

The line features a pink crème lacquer, one frosted red shade, a shimmery fuchsia, and a heart glitter confetti:

Nothin’ Mousie ‘bout It

Don’t squeak it – SHOUT IT! This confetti light pink is tops!

I’m All Ears

Tell me how much you love this magenta shimmer.

If You Moust You Moust

You gotta pink what you gotta pink.

The Color of Minnie

You had this little mouse at “red.”

As with all OPI nail lacquers, Vintage Minnie Mouse by OPI contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This limited edition promotion will be available beginning June 2012 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($9.95 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

Comparison: Avon vs. Chanel vs. Revlon- I'm Perplexed!

2012-04-05T07:51:00.000-05:00

When I saw Avon's new Enchanted Spring collection, I ordered two shades, Illusion and Perplexed Purple. It didn't quite hit me that Perplexed Purple was a take on Chanel Paradoxal until I tried it.

Avon Perplexed Purple - Chanel Paradoxal - Revlon Perplex

It really depends on the light- I found that in some light they look more similar, although it's obvious that Avon's version has more purple. Definitely not a dupe, but pretty nonetheless.

Colors like this are hard to photograph- there are hidden shimmers and colors that only show up in certain angles and light.

Avon Perplexed Purple - Chanel Paradoxal - Revlon Perplex

Although they definitely aren't dupes, if you missed out on Paradoxal or Perplex, Perplexed Purple might just quench your thirst.

NOTD: Avon Perplexed Purple

2012-04-03T09:02:00.001-05:00

Avon Perplexed Purple

from the 2012 Enchanted Spring collection

We've got rain rain rain here this morning, so no outside pic. Although this is a flash pic inside, it's pretty color-accurate.

With "Perplexed" in the name, I wondered if it was a version of Chanel Paradoxal or Revlon Perplexed. Tonight I'll try to pull mine out and see. From first glance at pictures I've taken of both for the blog, I'd say Avon's version is more purple at first glance, and similar, but not a full-on dupe.

And Avon has a great deal right now- 3 polishes for just $7.99 and they are also offering free shipping on just $10 with the code FSAPRIL. Also, going through ebates will get you 3% back.

So even if Avon's version is not quite a dupe, I'd imagine it's similar enough at just $2.66 to satisfy a craving for Chanel's $23 Paradoxal.

Disclosure: This post contains an ebates referral link.

China Glaze Crackle Glitters Press Release

2012-04-02T23:11:00.004-05:00

Enjoy the following press release introducing the upcoming Crackle Glitter polishes...

SPARK YOUR SUMMER STYLE!

China Glaze® Introduces Four New Crackle Glitter Polishes for May 2012

Los Angeles, CA – (March 2012): Sparkle all summer long with China Glaze®’s new Crackle Glitters collection. Once again taking crackle technology to the next level, this third-generation polish pairs the edgy innovation of crackling nail lacquer with glamorous glitters. The China Glaze® Crackle Glitters features four shimmering shades including:

· Luminous Lavender: Luscious light purple

· Jade-d: Radiant bright green

· Glam-More: Bold fuchsia

· Gleam Me Up: Bright sky blue

Create glamorously different looks with just one sweep of China Glaze® Crackle Glitters. Layer over different base colors to create bold styles. Use a lighter coat to create a fine crackle, a thicker coat for a deep shatter effect. Brush sideways or on an angle to create different looks. As versatile and edgy as China Glaze®’s biggest celebrity fans (Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicole Ritchie and Kelly Osbourne, to name a few), China Glaze® Crackle Glitters add a spark(le) to one of the hottest nail art trends!

The China Glaze® Crackle Glitters collection will be available as open stock colors and four-piece counter display. Individual polishes retail for $9 MSRP and will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in May 2012.

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women. Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

NOTD: Avon Illusion

2012-04-02T08:07:00.000-05:00

Avon Illusion

from the 2012 Enchanted Spring collection

This one was a bit hard to photograph- there is a gorgeous purple shimmer that shows up in sunlight.... and I think I caught it a bit. But it's just gorgeous in person. The above swatch is three coats.

NOTD: Sally Hansen Gem Crush in Lady Luck

2012-03-30T08:32:00.000-05:00

Sally Hansen Gem Crush in Lady Luck (2 coats)

over 2 coats Sephora by OPI It's My Pink

After I had worn It's My Pink for two days, I wanted to spice it up a bit. I added 2 coats of Lady Luck and Ba-Bam! (anybody else watch Good Luck Charlie with their kids?)

Disclosure: The Gem Crush shade was provided to me for review purposes.