China Glaze - Winter Wonders

*PRESS SAMPLES*

Hello, lovelies!  I have lots of China Glaze goodies to share with you today.  Some I LOVED, some, not so much. Anywho, let's get right to the swatches, shall we?

China Glaze Define Good..., December to Remember, No Peeking!, I'd Melt For You (two coats each)

China Glaze De-Light, Pine-ing for Glitter, Feeling Twinkly, Meet Me Under the Stars (two coats each)

China Glaze Tip Your Hat, Out Like a Light, Dancing & Prancing, Chillin' With My Snow-mies (two coats each)

First up, my faves!  I absolutely LOVE December to Remember (a gorgeous sky blue with shimmer) and No Peeking! (a stunning almost smoky plum).  They are, by far, my faves of the twelve shades. I am also quite fond of Tip Your Hat (not all that unique but a great classic red cream.  I used two coats in the pic but totally could have gotten away with one) and Out Like a Light (a gorgeous deep greenish-greyish beauty).  As for the remaining eight shades, I was less impressed.  

To be honest from the start, chunky glitters do nothing for me.  I find them, in general, quite challenging to apply and get any sort of balanced dispersement of glitter.  Not to mention that they are usually a real pain to remove. However, I don't mind "regular" (for lack of a better word) small glitter, though it's not my favorite.  Therefore, the glitters I like the most are the ones in the second pic and Dancing & Prancing in the third pic, which is festive and kinda fun.  My least favorite, as you can probably guess, is Chillin' With My Snow-mies (though I ADORE the name). Even after two coats, I could not get much payoff from the hexagonal glitters.  As for the remaining polishes, Define Good...and I'd Melt For You, in the first pic, they are okay but in my eyes, nothing special.

To sum up, I highly recommend December to Remember and No Peeking!  Also, kudos to Tip Your Hat and Out Light a Light.  If you're a glitter fan, you might want to check out De-Light, Pine-ing for Glitter, Feeling Twinkly, Meet Me Under the Stars and Dancing & Prancing.  Unless you're a chunky glitter fan, I'd probably pass on Chillin' With My Snow-mies.  

Thanks for reading and I'd love to hear your thoughts!  

The polishes used in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration.

NYC In a New York Color Minute

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Today I have some NYC In a New York Color Minute swatches for you.  I'll be showing you four colors today. Take a peek!

Two coats each of Royal Chic, Queen of the City, Rule the City and Blue Majesty

As you can hopefully see, the first three polishes in the pic were nice and opaque in two coats. Blue Majesty, kind of a blue glitter/jelly, was still pretty sheer. Of these four, the most unique, in my opinion, is Rule the City. It is also my favorite. I also appreciated the rich deep beauty of Queen of the City.  To be honest, the other two?  Not a huge deal.  

I highly recommend that you get your hands on Rule the City if at all possible. It's really pretty special.  

These polishes retail for just $1.99 each. If you try them, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

*The polishes used in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration.*

Zoya Wishes 2014 Collection

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Hello, lovelies!  Today, I'd like to share Zoya's Wishes collection.  It is comprised of three traditional formulas and three Magical PixieDust shades.  Let's take a peek!

Two coats each of Prim, Haven, Willa, Prim

Two coats each of Thea, Nori, Imogen, Thea

I really loved the ease of application and color payoff from Prim, Haven and Willa.  Prim showed the tiniest hint of brush strokes but I still adore it (hello, BLUE).  I was so pleased with all three of these polishes.

As for the Magical PixieDusts, let's just say "like" but not "love".  I'm not a fan of chunky glitters in general.  However, the great jelly appearance of these three polishes made them pretty special and more pleasing than the average bear.  (If you don't get that reference, watch thee some Yogi Bear cartoons, post-hastily!)  Of the three, not-surprisingly, the beautiful Nori is my fave.

Overall, quite a nice collection.  The standouts for me are each of the "regular finish" polishes and Nori.  

You can purchase these beauties at zoya.com.

The products used in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration.

Fun from FingerPaints for Holiday 2014

*PRESS SAMPLES*

I have an assortment of polishes from FingerPaints to share with you today.  They come from several different collections.  Some are from Winter Wishes, some from Patent Leather and one from Holiday Glitz.  (I will indicate which collection by noting WW, PL or HG by the name.) Here are some pics!

Two coats each of Sugar & Spice (WW), Ho Ho Happy Holidays (WW), Wrapped in Ribbon (WW) and Silver Bells (WW)

One coat each of Patent Red (PL), Patent Black (PL), Glisten Here (WW) and Tangled in Tinsel (HG)

Okay, I'll start with the glitters.  These were designed (I presume) to be used primarily as top coats but I chose to try them out on their own to see what sort of results I would get. I think the ones I had the most success with were Ho Ho Happy Holidays and Glisten Here.  The least successful was Tangled in Tinsel.  I just have a really hard time, in general, with chunky glitters and this was no exception.  It was challenging to get the glitter to disperse even close to evenly and as you can see, I didn't do all that well, even after two coats.  So, if I had to choose, my favorites and least favorite are mentioned above.  

On to the creams.  Can I just say ONE COATERS?  YES!!!  I absolutely LOVED both of these polishes.  They applied like a dream, perfect opacity in ONE simple coat.  I didn't even top coat them as they had pretty terrific shine on their own. They are, by far, the winners of these eight for me.

You can find FingerPaints polishes at Sally Beauty Supply. If you pick them up, do let me know your thoughts.

The polishes used in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration.

Holiday Selections from SinfulColors

*PRESS SAMPLES*

I have some holiday pretties from SinfulColors to share with you today!  To the best of my knowledge, none of these four are new releases but they are all currently available at Walgreens for Holiday 2014.  Here's a peek:

From left to right, two coats each: Cinderella, Ice Blue, Gold Medal, Let's Talk

As I said, I used two coats of each color.  My favorite of the four is Cinderella, a beautiful sky blue with pinkish shimmer.  I also liked Let's Talk, a pretty deep blue-leaning purple.  Gold Medal was nice enough but left visible brush strokes (bummer).  Sadly, the color I was most excited about, Ice Blue, was the biggest disappointment.  It's beautiful but soooo sheer.  Two coats, clearly, was not nearly enough for opacity.  This might work better as a layering polish, maybe over black?  I think that's how I'll try it next.

These polishes retail for $1.99 each and are available at Walgreens.

You can also visit SinfulColors on social media.
Twitter: @SinfulColorsNP
Facebook: Sinfulcolors Professional

The polishes used in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration.

Press Release - Holi-Dazzle from SinfulColors

Get Ready to be Holi-dazzled SinfulColors Holiday 2014

We're not just dreaming of a snow white Christmas - it includes a dash of silver, purple, green, a mélange of gorgeous blues, hints of gold and stunning glitter. These must-have holiday hues from SinfulColors are perfect stocking stuffers and are a sure-fire way to up your mistletoe appeal.  Dreamy shades and illuminating textures mean there's something for everyone on the list this season.  Hot metallics, flakes of dazzling glitter, sea shades swashed with silver, gushes of gold, opalescent twists in red and green and the most coveted shades of blue-from cerulean to indigo to cobalt.  Add to the list a powerful purple, the snowiest white and the perfect reds which all create a collection designed to boost your holiday spirit. Make your holiday wishes come true with these 22 radiant shades from SinfulColors for Holiday 2014: HOLIDAY FAVES Gilded: A transparent shimmer with gold & red          Ice Dream: Cerulean glitter with a translucent silver base Let's Talk: Royal purple                                              Out of this World: Perfect silver with swirls of glimmer Pine Away: Metallic glittering tree green                     Red Eye: Metallic holiday red Snow Me White: The snowiest white                          Sugar Sugar: A candy cane, red-hot red                      BLUES & HINTS OF GOLD All About You: A sheer shade glimmering with gold               Cinderella: An illuminating pastel blue Endless Blue: A deep wave of cobalt                                      Gold Medal: The perfect metallic gold Hottie: Clear azure blue twinkling with silver                           Ice Blue: Soft indigo exploding with silver sparkle              Midnight Blue: The deepest blue indulgence           DECKED WITH GLITTER FLAKES Decadent: Dazzling red metallic flakes                                          Galax-Sea: Magical green flakes                   Holiday Rebel: Green & red flakes laced with black                      Twilight Twinkles: Brilliant flakes of gold Unwrap Me: Decorative black & red flakes            OPALESCENT TOPPERS Bring It Sheer: Sheer icy green shimmer                                     Outta Space: Sheer red shimmer     PRICE/AVAILABILITY: $1.99 each exclusively at Walgreens for Holiday 2014

Zoya MatteVelvet Collection

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Today I'd like to share the limited edition re-release of Zoya's MatteVelvet collection. It is comprised of six shades just perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Here's a peek!

Two coats each of Dovima (on all but ring finger) and Loredana (on ring finger)

Two coats each of Harlow (all but ring finger) and Savita (on ring finger)

Two coats each of Veruschka (index finger), Harlow (middle), Dovima (ring) and Posh (pinky)

These matte polishes (designed to be worn without base or top coat) applied like a dream, opaque and lovely in two easy coats. They also dried quite quickly, also a plus. Loredana is a bit unique in that it has a bit of shimmer to its finish but all six of these shades are winners to me. Matte polishes are notorious for chipping quickly so I was happily surprised to go about three days before I had serious chipping.  

You may find these polishes on the Zoya website HERE. They sell for $9.00 each.

The polishes used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration.

Barielle Me Couture Collection

*PRESS RELEASE*

Hi, lovelies!  Today I'd like to share Barielle's new Me Couture collection.  Feast your eyes!

Two coats each of Berry Posh, Boho Chic, Moda Bleu, Soho at Night and Taupe Notch

Two coats each of Berry Posh, Boho Chic, Moda Bleu, Soho at Night and Vintage Gown

I was pleased as punch that Berry Posh was practically a one-coater.  That was a nice surprise.  Boho Chic was nicely opaque in two coats.  However, I found Moda Bleu, Soho at Night, Taupe Notch and Vintage Gown all to be a little patchy even after two coats.  That was kind of a bummer. They are beautiful colors, rich creams, but I hate the thought of needing a third coat to achieve opacity. 

Overall, due to the opacity, the standouts of this collection, for me, are Berry Posh and Boho Chic.

The polishes used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration.

FingerPaints Glitz & Glam and Sparkle With Me

*PRESS SAMPLES*

Today I'd like to share two of the latest releases from FingerPaints, namely, Glitz & Glam and Sparkle With Me.  I'll get right to a pic:

This is two coats of Glitz & Glam on each finger topped with a coat of Sparkle With Me over my ring finger.

I'm a big fan of metallics and I had high hopes for Glitz & Glam.  The formula was easy to work with, no application problems whatsoever.  However, sadly, it chipped REALLY quickly (as in within 24 hours of application).  Serious bummer.  I had slightly better staying power on my ring finger where I topped with Sparkle With Me but not much.  Overall, both colors are really pretty but not my favorites from FingerPaints.

The polishes used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration.

Press Release - Zoya Wishes, Winter/Holiday 2014

Wishes really do come true with this magical new nail polish collection for Winter/Holiday 2014! Zoya Wishes** is a densely pigmented assortment featuring both traditional and Magical PixieDust formulas in coordinating color combinations that can be worn alone or combined into stunning combinations, no matter how you wear them, this collection delivers a fanciful way to celebrate the season!

·          ZP766 - NORI: Sapphire blue Magical PixieDust* with holographic hex glitter, perfect for any holiday festivity.

·      ZP767 - THEA: Deep amethyst Magical PixieDust* with an orchid flash, packed full of party-ready holographic hex glitter.

·      ZP768 - IMOGEN: Black crystal Magical PixieDust* with holographic hex glitter, just add an LBD and you’re off!

·          ZP769 - PRIM: Velvet blue metallic, with a full coverage, high-density pigment and buttery smooth application.

·          ZP770 - HAVEN: True holiday plum liquid metal with a thin vein of orchid for added brilliance.

·          ZP771 - WILLA: Full-coverage, onyx black cream.

* Zoya Magical PixieDust is textured, matte and sparkling. No base coat and top coat required.

PRE-ORDER STARTS 10/20/14!
SHIPPING DATE 11/01/14.

ZOYA IS THE HEALTHY COLOR OF FASHION!

$9 (US) Standard Colors
$10 (US)  - PixieDust Colors

Available in top salons, spas and on zoya.com

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel: Hydro Electric and Greyfitti

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Today I'd like to introduce you to a cool new line from Sally Hansen called Miracle Gel.  The following is directly from the Sally Hansen website:

The ONLY TRUE 2-STEP GEL MANICURE with no light needed. Over 45 shades that wow! And it's only from Sally Hansen. Leading the revolution in gel technology.

Step 1: Apply 2 coats of Miracle Gel™ Color

Step 2: Apply 1 coat of Miracle Gel™ Top Coat

OMGel! Let natural light do the rest!

Three coats of Hydro Electric on ring finger and three coats of Greyfitti on all other fingers, plus top coat on all.

I have never personally had a gel mani but my mom gets them frequently and they typically last almost two weeks without chipping.  I have had this mani for one week and I now have quite a bit of chipping BUT I believe I made it five days with NO chips whatsoever.  Clearly, not the same result as a true gel mani (at least for me) but considering that I usually have chips within two or three days, not a bad result. I did need three coats of Greyfitti (not two) to achieve full opacity.  With Hydro Electric, two coats was sufficient but I added a third to keep them uniform.  

Overall, I'm pretty darn happy with these polishes.  Until I personally get a traditional gel mani, I can't definitively say that they provide similar results.  But the fact that my mani lasted five days chip free is terrific.  

If you try these polishes, I'd love to hear your results.

The polishes used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration.

UPDATE: A fan on the Butterfly's Landing facebook page asked an excellent question.  

"Do these gels come off easily with regular polish remover?"

The answer is a resounding YES!  In fact, I only needed one cotton ball of acetone polish remover for each hand.  AND the blue DIDN'T stain!  Yahoo!!

FingerPaints Masquerade Affair Collection

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Today I'd like to share the Masquerade Affair collection, new for fall 2014, from FingerPaints. Here's a peek:

From thumb to pinky: two coats each of Masked Beauty, Ball Gown Glamour, Queen for a Night, Dance Til Dawn, Masked Beauty

These fun metallics are certainly vibrant for the fall season. I found two coats to be perfect for nice even opacity.  Not surprisingly, I am partial to the dark blue Queen for a Night (though it did stain a bit).  Masked Beauty was my least favorite (I'm not a huge fan of gold and it was the least opaque of the four).  

You can find FingerPaints polishes at Sally Beauty Supply or on the Sally website HERE.  If you try these, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time...

Polishes used in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration. 

Zoya Fall 2014 Ultra PixieDust Collection

*PRESS RELEASE*

Today I'd like to share Zoya's Ultra PixieDust collection for fall 2014.  It features three sparkly shades.  Here's a peek:

From thumb to pinky, two coats each of Zoya Oswin, Arianna, Noir, Oswin, Arianna

As you can see in the above pic, Oswin and Arianna are quite similar.  Arianna is maybe a touch darker.  Noir is the most unique shade, almost a deep plum.  Noir also happens to be my favorite of the three.  Overall, I'm not overjoyed with these.  I prefer the original style PixieDust polishes because they don't have chunky glitter pieces.

The polishes used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration.

Zoya Fall 2014 Entice Collection

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Hi, friends!  Today, I'd like to share Zoya's Fall 2014 Entice collection.  It is comprised of six cream shades.  Here's a peek:

From thumb to pinky, two coats each of Veronica, Ryan, Margo, Geneviev and Claire.

From thumb to pinky, two coats each of Veronica, Ryan, Margo, Geneviev and Nyssa.

These polishes were opaque in two coats and applied like a dream, wonderful formulas.  My favorites of this collection are Ryan and Geneviev but honestly, these are all great fall shades and would be lovely layered with some fun topcoats.  

You can purchase these polishes at Zoya's website HERE.  They retail for $9.00 each.  

The polishes used in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration.  

OPI Who Are You Calling Bossy?!?

Good morning, lovelies!  Today, I'd like to share a polish that I was generously gifted by a dear friend (who not only understands my obsession with black creme polishes but is also incredibly kind).  It is the brand spanking new OPI Who Are You Calling Bossy?!? from their Halloween Peanuts collection.  Feast your eyes!

Above is two coats, no top coat.

I think this is a fabulous black creme, almost jelly-like in finish.  It's super-shiny and applied like a dream, easily opaque in two coats.  I am SO thrilled to have it in my collection, especially because it will always remind me of the dear friend who gave it to me.  I won't name her because she is not the kind to want public kudos.  She prefers to work her magic quietly in the background, spreading her beauty on the down low.  ;)  Suffice it to say, she's amazing and so is this polish!

Until next time, friends.  

Press Release - Zoya Ultra PixieDust

Meet the next generation of our best-selling textured, matte and sparkling Zoya PixieDust formula ­ Zoya Ultra PixieDust! Three shades featuring both fine micro glitter and mega hex particles for tone on tone 3D effects. This easy glam nail is available in 3 shades in a gradient of red, wine and plum hues. No base or top coat required.

NEW for FALL 2014:  ZOYA ULTRA PIXIEDUST!

ZP765 ­ NOIR: Deep vampy plum, textured PixieDust with red Mega Hex Particles.

ZP764 ­ ARIANNA: Blue-toned red wine, textured PixieDust with Mega Hex Particles

ZP729 ­ OSWIN: True red, textured PixieDust with Mega Hex Particles

Zoya PixieDust Application:
For BEST RESULTS apply 2-3 thin coats of polish for full coverage to clean (oil free) nail surface. Allow product to dry completely for full effect. Do not use a base coat or top coat. Top coat can be applied for additional glossy effects.

See the ³Zoya How to apply Zoya PixieDustTM Video² for more great beauty tips and tricks to use when applying Zoya PixieDustTM.

COLLECTION PRE-ORDER STARTS September 9^th, SHIPPING BEGINS September 15^th or Sooner

ZOYA IS THE HEALTHY COLOR OF FASHION!
$10 (US) Available on Zoya.com and at finer salons and spas. 

Zoya Ignite Collection for Fall 2014

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Hello, lovelies!  Today I would like to share Zoya's beautiful new Ignite collection.  It is comprised of six stunning sparkly metallic shades.  First up, the pics:

Zoya India 

From thumb to pinky: Zoya Teigen, Autumn, Yuna, Remy and Sansa

I...love...this...collection!  Honestly, not a weak link in the bunch.  These colors are vibrant, glittery and perfectly opaque in two coats.  If I was FORCED to choose a favorite, I'd have to go with Remy simply because I am obsessed with the color blue.  But truthfully, I love every last one of these shades.  

These polishes are available HERE from Zoya for $9.00 each. Definitely a wonderful collection that I will wear often.

The products used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration. 

Zoya Naturel Deux (2) Collection

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Hello, friends!  Today I'd like to share the remaining five polishes in Zoya's Naturel Deux (2) collection.  Let's get right to the pics!

Zoya Emilia (thumb, middle and pinky) and Zoya Chanelle (index and pinky), two coats each.

Zoya Marney (thumb and ring finger), Zoya Aubrey (index and pinky) and Zoya Madeline (middle), two coats each.

This collection is comprised of three shades in the brown family and three shades in the plum family.  Each is a creme and was opaque in two coats.  As is typical with Zoya cremes, the formula was great, though a few were thicker than others, and they shine like crazy (no top coat was used in the above pics).  These would be great choices if you like your colors on the tame side and would probably be appropriate for most work environments.

Please click HERE for my review of the sixth polish in this collection, Zoya Spencer.

The polishes used in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration.

Zoya Fun Today...Take a Peek!

You and your stylish friends are invited to talk all things Fall with ZOYA!

Join us on Twitter Wednesday, August 27th from 8-9pm EST (5-6pm PST). We'll cover the hottest nail colors for Fall, trends from the NYFW (New York Fashion Week) runways and much more (ahem, giveaways)!

In addition, there will be a special Q&A session with the woman behind our 300+ color assortment - ZOYA's Creative Director, Rebecca Isa. So get your questions ready!

How it Works:

·         Follow @ZoyaNailPolish on Twitter.

·         Zoya will release a series of questions marked Q1, Q2, Q3, etc.

·         Reply to these questions with the corresponding A1, A2, A3, etc.

·         Use the hashtag #FALLingForZoya so Zoya (and everyone else) can find your tweets easily!

Did someone say PRIZES?! Join in on the fun and you could WIN*! Followers that participate and answer questions throughout the Twitter Party will automatically be entered to win special prizes from the Naturel 2 and Entice & Ignite Collection at random.

PLUS - Enter to win a full Fall Zoya Nail Polish Wardrobe! All you have to do is upload a picture of your ZOYA manicure at any time during the Twitter Chat (8-9pm EST) and tell us which shade(s) you're wearing to the party. Don't forget to include #FALLingForZoya. The grand prize winner will be announced at the end of the event following the Q&A session.

*Terms & Conditions: No purchase necessary to participate or win. Promotion begins Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 8pm EST. Entry via Twitter ONLY - Twitter account must be on public setting and must follow @ZoyaNailPolish to be eligible to win. Giveaway winners will be DM'd codes - codes are not valid in conjunction with other coupons, codes or promotions. Continental US only. Art of Beauty is not responsible for incorrect addresses, credit card entry errors, web related issues or any errors associated with declined credit cards. Returns or exchanges of promotional items not permitted. This Twitter party is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Twitter, Inc.

Zoya Nail Polish and Treatments | zoya.com

Zoya Spencer

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Today, I'd like to share one of the colors from Zoya's Naturel Deux (2) collection.  It is called Spencer which touches my heart on a very personal level.  First up, a pic.

Two coats of Zoya Spencer, shot outdoors.

Typically, I'm not a huge fan of taupe-y colors like this and to be honest, based on the bottle alone, I didn't expect to love it.  The formula was dreamy, two smooth and easy coats, and despite my expectations, I was actually quite pleased once it was applied.  I'm kind of digging it.

What touches my heart about this polish is that it shares a name with my beloved kitty, Spencer, who we sadly had to put down on September 12, 2012.  He was truly my best friend and my heart aches for him still, every day.  

This is one of my favorite pics of my bff (bestest furry friend).  He will always have my heart.

This polish retails for $9.00 and may be purchased HERE.

The polish used in this post was provided for my honest review and consideration.

Press Release: China Glaze - The Giver, Limited Edition Collection

It’s time to “Colour Your Destiny” with the bright colors and rich textures of China Glaze’s exclusive The Giver nail polish collection. Inspired by the most anticipated movie release of the summer, the collection combines bold and neutral crèmes, and a gorgeous glitter to create 12 limited edition shades.

Influenced by the powerful themes and message of the story, The Giver collection by China Glaze brings key moments and characters to colour, particularly the main character Jonas (portrayed by Brendon Thwaites) and his friend Fiona (portrayed by Odeya Rush) as he struggles to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his seemingly ideal community. The film will open in theatres Friday, August 15, 2014.

China Glaze® The Giver limited edition nail polish collection is available now at beauty supply stores nationwide including Sally Beauty and Ulta stores. Individual shades retail for $7.50 MSRP.

China Glaze Stoked to Be Soaked and If In Doubt, Surf It Out

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Today I'd like to share some super-fun orange-y shades from China Glaze.  Feast your eyes on Stoked to Be Soaked and If In Doubt, Surf It Out.

Stoked to Be Soaked (all but ring finger) and If In Doubt, Surf It Out (ring finger), two coats of each

As you probably know if you've been here a while, I am a sucker for ALL things blue.  I always have been. My orange love is a newer thing.  But, regardless of its newness, I do love me some orange.  These two colors make me SO happy! The China Glaze formula was on point with these two and they were both nicely opaque in two coats. I know that these babies will gets lots of wear, particularly throughout the summer and into the fall season.  

Click HERE to visit the China Glaze website.

The polishes used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration.  

Barielle Sweepstakes Info

It looks like the kind folks at Barielle are offering another great sweepstakes.  Here's the info:

Barielle Sweepstakes

1 Grand Prize: Michael Kors Wallet plus $75 worth of Barielle products.

10 Winners: $50 worth of Barielle products.

Sign up for our mailing list and automatically be entered for a chance to win the Michael Kors wallet featured in our campaign plus a $75 coupon to Barielle.com. 10 Runners up will receive a $50 coupon code to Barielle.com.


Link to enter: http://blog.barielle.com/enter-barielles-sweepstakes-chance-win

Good luck to all of my readers and please let me know if you are one of the lucky winners!

Love,
K

NYC New York Color Lip Goodies Galore!

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Today I'm really excited to share some new NYC New York Color lip goodies with you!  I have three Liquid Lipshine colors and two City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Colors.  First up, some pics!

Liquid Lipshine in Papaia, Passion Fruit and Guava

City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color in Nolita Neutral and Parsons Pink

 Papaia, Passion Fruit, Guava

Nolita Neutral, Parsons Pink

I'm not going to lie, I am pretty particular about liquid glosses.  I can't stand when they leave me with that sticky feeling on my lips.  Happily, the Liquid Lipshine colors do NOT suffer from that awful side effect!  The colors are moist and vibrant and these glosses smell DELISH (always a bonus).  

I was equally pleased with the City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color.  These are more like crayons and these colors are great neutrals.  If you're a frequent reader of this blog, you'll know I'm not particularly a fan of nudes or neutrals in nail color but they are a MUST for any lippie collection (in my humble opinion). These also had a moist but not sticky application.

All five of these items will be in heavy rotation in my lip collection!  Definitely worth a try and so affordable, too!

Click HERE to check out NYC New York Color's website for these and more awesome items!

The products used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration.

FingerPaints Enchanted Mermaid Collection

*PRESS SAMPLE*

Hello, butterflies! Today, I'd like to share FingerPaints' Enchanted Mermaid collection. Their press release states the following:

"FingerPaints Enchanted Mermaid Collection is a LIMITED EDITION underworld inspired textured nail collection with 4 sailor-seducing shades. You will fall victim to the temptress effect of this innovative nail collection! The alluring fish scale texture is available in multi-tone shades that shimmer and shift like the friendly underwater creatures. After 2-3 coats you will see the full effect morph! This collection is so unique and eye-catching you are sure to be enchanted!"

However, I did not actually see this press release until after I received the four bottles for review.  When I initially saw bottle pics online, I was SUPER-EXCITED to try these polishes.  The colors themselves are GORGEOUS.  Here's a peek:

Stunning, right?  They are, from left to right, Sailor's Lure, Tails of Love, Underwater Enchantress and Sea Temptress

However, when I applied them, again, not having seen the press release beforehand, I was shocked by the texture, which appears as below:

From thumb to pinky: Sailor's Lure, Tails of Love, Underwater Enchantress, Sea Temptress, Sailor's Lure, two coats of each.

Rut roh!  I was sorely disappointed with the chunky, textured finish on these.  I've had them on for almost 24 hours now and I just can't get into the texture at all.  It's rough and just not my taste.  Such a bummer.  I would LOVE to see FingerPaints release these four colors in a traditional finish because they got the colors exactly right, just stunning.  But, unfortunately, I don't see myself wearing these often.  

The polishes used in this post were provided to me for my honest review and consideration.