Nail Me

For many reasons, Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. One of the many things I love most about this time of year is the color palette for fashion and yes, nail polish! Here are some of the shades I'm enjoying the most right now!

Top Row:

Deborah Lippmann Laughin' To the Bank: This is a gorgeous, deep, emerald from DL's Jewel Heist Collection (fantastic!). Green is actually my choice color for the season. My top selection is a true kelly green in Revlon's Posh (not pictured) but all shades from hunter to olive to army to jade are beautiful. Greens look especially lovely against a black ensemble or accessories.

OPI Peace & Love & OPI: This was the only bottle I picked up from the recent San Francisco collection. Not only does it have an adorable name but it's a unique duochrome that shifts from gunmetal to teal to purple. 

Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat Tweedy: This is the polish that I'm actually wearing right now. Its name perfectly captures the look and feel of the texture. It's like wearing a fuzzy coat or sweater on your nails. I paired mine over a glossy black (Essie Licorice) but I'll pull this one out again over orange near Halloween and perhaps over a grey or nude to give another type of look. 

OPI Ski Teal We Drop: Here we have an oldie but a goody. This is one of my go-to polishes for Fall and Winter. I love the way the teal looks against my fair skin. It pairs well with a lot of the things I wear during this time of year. If you can't find this particular polish, I recommend Zoya Cynthia.

Deborah Lippmann Glitter and be Gay: I mentioned my excitement at acquiring this glitter polish on my last Nail Me post. It's another beauty from the Jewel Heist collection and I look forward to wearing it again soon.

Bottom Row:

Chanel Alchimie: I was really happy to get this from the new fall collection. The color is perfect for this time of year and complements my hair and eye color nicely. It's unique enough to justify the price (as is my rule when purchasing anything from my favorite luxury brand). I'm excited to wear this one soon!

Essie Power Clutch: I received this in one of my beauty boxes and I've been very happy with my score. It's a deep grey that works tremendously against the fall backdrop in Pittsburgh. 

Revlon Elusive: I stumbled upon this limited edition fall polish when I was at Target last month shopping for the Phillip Lim collection. I haven't had the chance to wear it yet but from what I've read, it definitely requires a good top coat. I thought it was a magical little beauty. 

Essie Luxedo: Any of the vampy, berry, wine colors are the quintessential fall polish. This particular shade from Essie adds something a bit extra to the standard oxblood/merlot look. I don't own this one but I'd certainly jump at the chance to add it to my collection. It reminds me a bit of OPI Lincoln Park After Dark.

China Glaze Bat My Eyes: This little gem is from the new Monster's Ball collection for Halloween.  I plan to pick this one up along with Bump In the Night. 

Other Seasonal Selections:

China Glaze Harvest Moon

OPI Zom-body to Love
OPI Warm & Fozzie
OPI My Private Jet
OPI What Wizardry Is This?
OPI Number One Nemesis
Sephora by OPI Come to Papa-Razzi!
Wet 'n Wild Fergie Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night
Chanel Peridot
L'oreal Gorgeous Gold
L'oreal The Muse's Inspiration
Barielle Elle's Spell
Hard Candy Sweet P











Now Playing: "Royals" by Lorde
*I just heard this song for the first time on Jimmy Fallon. This is what happens when you don't regularly listen to Top 40 radio. It's nice to hear a good song getting some buzz.

Nail Me

Even though Summer is winding down, I thought I'd share my Summer nail polish picks that I neglected to post earlier. As you can see from my collage, I've really been enjoying blues, teals and metal based polishes this season.

Top Row:

Essie Bikini So Teeny: This beautiful periwinkle shade with slight silver shimmer is a stunner. A must-have for any collection.

Chanel Bel Argus: A gorgeous metallic blue that could work year-round. I love this!

Pop Jade Metal: I'm actually wearing this one right now. I picked it up on HauteLook and I'm glad I did. It's a very unique mint green metal.

Essie Turquoise and Caicos: This is a classic that always provides many compliments. This is a favorite among many nail polish addicts and it's easy to see why. The jelly-like formula is also a dream. One of my best.

OPI My Vampire Is Buff: This is actually a repeat from my Spring picks. I didn't mean to choose the same color but this is just a generalization. I'm loving all whites and creams. They also play really well with glitters.

Bottom Row:

Orly Orange Punch: I don't actually own this shade but I picked it because it represents something every girl should have- a neon orange! I have quite a lot of oranges (Julep makes great ones, OPI A Roll in the Hague, Essie Capri, Color Club Lava Lamp to name just a few).

Chanel Azure: I was really excited to get this one. It's another gorgeous metallic. It's an original blue/green shade that reminds me of a tropical island. Love!

Urban Decay Addiction: This might be my favorite packaging/bottle out of all of my polishes. The chrome skull at the top is very Alexander McQueen. The color and even the name is right up my alley. This is a limited edition item so be sure to snag it while you can.

Orly Preamp: This is a happy polish for me. I just smile when I look at it. The pinkish lavender hue with gold shimmer is uncommon yet attractive. I don't think I own anything else that's similar in my collection.

OPI When Monkeys Fly: I've been loving gold glitters with holographic particles. Deborah Lippmann Glitter and Be Gay is one that I'm anxious to get this week. This goes nicely over whites and other golds. It will carry over beautifully into the fall and holiday season.

Now Playing: "The First Cut Is The Deepest" by P.P. Arnold
*The original!

Nail Me

Top Row:

Chanel Fracas: I got this bright pink shade for my birthday and have already worn it and receieved compliments. I used the Chanel top coat and it unfortunately peeled horribly after just one day (the worst peeling I've ever experienced from a high-end polish). I'll have to do some research and report back if it was the top coat, the polish itself or something I came in contact with. But if you're looking for a bright pink, this is great for a night out. When the skies are grey it's nice to see a pop of color on yourself.

Zoya Neely: This is a gorgeous shade from Zoya's new spring collection. I haven't seen it in person yet but from the swatches I've viewed online, it has my name on it. It's described as a soft, pale mint.

Essie Looking For Love: This one goes back to Spring '08 if I'm not mistaken. It's easily dupable. I'm just feeling the pastel lavenders and this is one of the few that Polyvore had available. I don't own this particular color but I do have a few similar ones. I'd go with OPI Rumple's Wiggin' (below), Essie Lilacism or American Apparel L'Esprit first.

Deborah Lippmann Sugar Daddy: I love anything with a metallic, chrome or iridescent spark for spring. This is a nice one. Again, this one isn't in my personal collection but it looks eye-catching.

Chanel Frenzy: I receieved this one as a birthday gift as well. It's a bit darker on than in the bottle which makes it less unique but it's still a very wearable color for transitioning from winter to spring.

Bottom Row:

Orly Peaceful Opposition: This is the polish I want to add to my collection the most! It's a very original shade with a milky white base and thick, silver glitter. I could create a similar effect with separates that I already own but Orly put this together flawlessly. I've been really impressed with Orly lately. The entire Spring 2013 Hope & Freedom collection is fantastic.

Julep Rebel: I receieved this in my monthly Julep Maven box. It was inspired by one of my favorite comedic actresses, Rebel Wilson. It's a gorgeous silver, holographic. I've been obsessed with this look for nail polishes and accessories. The entire Color Club 2013 Spring collection is also something to check out.

Butter London Trustafarian: This is one that I don't have in my collection but I do own something very similar in A England Princess Sabra. It's a very unique sage green holographic.

OPI My Vampire Is Buff: OPI has the best polish names in the business and who can resist this one? It's a lovely off-white creme and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Orly Coachella Dweller: If only this one were called Bonnaroo Dweller or even Lollapalooza Dweller. I'm an east coast girl and have yet to make it to Coachella. I hear it's a totally different vibe at that festival. Those things aside, this is a beautiful pastel green. It reminds me of a more colorful version of Butter London Bossy Boots which is on the light pistachio end of the spectrum but one of my favorites.

Now Playing: "Everything Is Embarrassing" by Sky Ferreira

Nail Polish of the Moment: OPI Step Right Up!

3 Coats of OPI Step Right Up! with Seche Vite Top Coat



This week, I was in the mood for a clean and natural look. In the past, I've had a somewhat difficult time finding this type of polish. Neutrals are always too sheer and/or streaky. It's impossible to find a creme finish that isn't too milky, peachy or pink. OPI Step Right Up! is what I've been looking for all these years. Against my ultra fair skin, it doesn't look like whiteout or make my hands look like a dead mannequin. It's subtle and gorgeous. I really love how it transformed my rather dull looking nails into something sophisticated and demure. I will definitely be purchasing backups because I have a feeling this will be a hard color to find in years to come as I believe it was a limited edition shade (of course it was).

One Coat = "Your Nails But Better"... Perfect for young girls or just to clean your nails up

Two Coats = A hint of color, polished

Three Coats = Perfect natural hue, would work nicely as a french manicure

I highly recommend this shade especially for fair skin gals who have trouble finding a flattering natural polish!











Now Playing: "Beast of Burden" by The Rolling Stones
*Definitely an all time fav!

Nail Polish of the Moment: Russian Navy by OPI

Russian Navy by OPI

 

 

 

 

I was really anxious to switch up my nail polish for the start of November. For the first time in about a decade, I didn't dress up for Halloween. Since I was away in a climate that isn't very fall like, it just didn't feel the same this year. On top of that, it snowed! I hate when it snows in October but fortunately, it melted quickly. I was in the mood for something different so I picked Russian Navy out of my collection. I've had it for about a year but haven't worn it yet. It looks more purple than navy to me, so I thought it would be nice for a post-Halloween/fall look. The application was seamless and I'm pretty happy with the results.










Now Playing: "Howl" by Florence + The Machine

Nail Polish of the Moment

 

It's been a few months since I purchased a new OPI nail polish. The new collection, Across America, had a few shades that caught my eye, but A-Taupe The Space Needle was the only one I had to have. In the bottle, it almost looks like a muddy hue. Upon applying the first coat, the color was a sandy brown (darker but reminiscent of San Tan-tonio from the Texas collection) but after a second and third coat, A-Taupe The Space Needle transforms into a camouflaged, khaki, taupe. Against my very fair, cool skin, it definitely has green undertones. It's the perfect shade for fall and goes very nicely with a lot of my earth tone based wardrobe. This is somewhat similar to OPI's Over The Taupe but again, it decidedly has a green aspect to it. I really like A-Taupe The Space Needle and highly recommend it! As always, I also love the name :)

Now Playing: "My Impure Hair" by Blonde Redhead

Nail Polish of the Moment

I was in the mood for something sparkly but still understated. I went with one of my favorite polishes, OPI's Ski Teal We Drop and chose a glittery top coat in LA Colors Color Craze in Aqua Crystals. From a distance, the look is somewhat reserved, but in the light, the flecks of glitter really pick up. This picture doesn't do the colors justice. I was really happy with the outcome and will probably wear it again in the winter!









Now Watching: Sunday Night Football - GO STEELERS!

Nail Polish of the Moment: Stranger Tides by OPI

Photo courtesy Google Images

OPI's Pirates of the Caribbean collection recently hit stores. There were a couple colors that I was interested in but one that I had to have. That polish was Stranger Tides- a beautiful, creme, sage green. The color of this polish instantly drew me in. I love sage green. I always want to call it mint green (maybe that's not totally off). I use this particular color to decorate with very often. To have it in a nail polish made me very excited. I have a couple colors that remind me of Stranger Tides but none that are exactly similar or even close. If you're looking for a light, pastel green hue for spring or summer, Stranger Tides is one to consider. I've wanted OPI to release this exact color for ages. I'm very happy with it and will definitely be repurchasing when I run out (hopefully it will make the permanent collection)! The application was pretty easy and only required 2 coats to achieve full opacity but I did 3 for safe measures. I highly recommend this one!


Color: 5/5
Packaging Quality: 5/5
Application: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5

Final Verdict: A+
(24.5/25 or 98%)


Now Playing: "What Is Love" by Haddaway

Nail Polish of the Moment: SAN TAN-TONIO by OPI

3 coats (OPI base coat and top coat also applied) of SAN TAN-TONIO. In true life, it's actually lighter.

I picked this up from OPI's Texas Collection. It's the perfect nude/tan shade to go with all of the spring 2011 trends. It can easily be taken into fall as well. I love that this polish makes my nails look polished but it still feels natural! I hope it becomes part of the permanent collection because I think it's one of my favorites. Despite nudes being popular, I don't think I've seen a quality dupe. OPI would be wise to keep this one.


Color: 5/5
Packaging Quality: 5/5
Application: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Value: 4/5

Final Verdict: A+
(24/25 or 96%)



Now Playing: "Tell Yer Mama" by Norah Jones

Nail Polish of the Moment: Guy Meets Gal-veston by OPI

Photo Courtesy Google Images

Happy Easter!

After sporting a grey/taupe polish for the past week, I was ready to switch things up and go with a bright shade for Spring. Ulta was having a buy 2 get 1 free sale on OPI polishes, plus I had a coupon. So, I picked up Guy Meets Gal-veston from the Texas collection. Unbeknownst to me at the time of purchase, Guy Meets Gal-veston is actually a "sorbet" or jelly-like formula. It's meant to be semi-sheer. I typically avoid sheer polishes but because this is such a bright, fun color, I think it works. The application was easy enough and the drying time was fine. I would describe the color as a pink-coral. It's somewhat like a "lightweight" polish- perfect for spring/summer!

Final Verdict: B+




Now Playing: "Forever" by Chris Brown

March Favorites!

Another month has passed and it's time again for favorites! I don't have a ton this month but here are some of the things I have been loving...


My first favorite is MAC's Power Point Eye Pencil in Buried Treasure. This is perfect for hazel or green eyes like mine. It would also complement brown eyes, making them appear more golden. Buried Treasure is a dark, olive green. It's a nice alternative to black as it is nearly the same shade but with a bit of gold sparkle. The slight pop of green provides the perfect amount of color. As with most MAC eye pencils, the formula is rich and very easy to work with. Love!

Next up, is the Coastal Scents 10 Blush Palette. For about $16, you get 10 blushes. I don't have a big blush collection, so this was nice to pick up. The colors are very versatile and I love the sleekness of the palette. It's definitely a steal.

Marc Jacobs' Daisy is a perfume that I love to have on my tray. Not only is it pretty to look at but it smells amazing. It's perfect for spring. It's one of the perfumes I get the most compliments on. It must work well with my natural pheromones., haha. Men and women alike say nothing but wonderful things when I have it on.

OPI's Rumple's Wiggin' was one of my favorite nail polishes this month. It is so beautiful- a creme, lavender. I usually get sick of a color after a few days but I don't want to take this one off! It is definitely one of my favorite OPI polishes out of the 30 or so that I have in my growing collection.

CND's Tutu was one of my other favorite nail polishes of the month. It is the perfect, cool, opaque pink- which I have been searching forever to find. I wore it when I was in my friend's wedding. It's perfect for daily wear or formal occasions. The price is a bit higher than I'd like and it's hard to come by (I ordered mine from Amazon.com) but I'm happy to have it in my collection.

Revlon's Superlustrous Lipglosses are some of my favorites. I have about 10 of them- most, I scored at Big Lots for a buck or two. They are better than my MAC and CHANEL glosses. Lilac Pastelle is a beautiful light purple/lilac. I have been really drawn to the lavender family this year. It works well on its own, paired with a neutral pink lipstick or with a purple lipstick like Revlon ColorBurst in Lilac 001. Gorgeous!

My favorite piece of jewelry this month were these Swarovski earrings that my friend Maggie gave to me as a thank you for being in her wedding. They are beautiful and can be worn dressed up or down!

I love Queen Helene's Cocoa Butter Creme. This is the perfect body moisturizer during the winter months- or any time for that matter. If you apply it after showering at night, by the morning, your skin will feel like a baby's. The best part is that it's very easy to find and extremely affordable. Every woman should have this in her medicine cabinet.

My favorite drink this month was an oldie but a goodie- Amaretto Sour. Sure, you need quite a few to feel anything but they are so delicious! I used to drink them all the time during my first couple years in college.

My fav. movie this month was The Fighter. I really loved Melissa Leo's performance in this film. The whole thing was very well acted. Afterall, you have to support anything with a ginger as one of the female leads! And who can resist Marky Mark and Christian Bale? Not this girl.

My favorite song this month was a late arrival in Katy Perry's "E.T.". No, this is not an April fool's joke. I hate to admit it because she drives me crazy. Her song Firework exemplifies everything that's wrong with the music industry today. But I do like her new video and this song. It's mostly because of the beat and the fact that she's singing about aliens- I have a soft spot for the ETs in our Universe. Krista phone home!