Lynnderella Mickey Says Boo and a Black Kitty!

 *Sally Hansen Pumpkin Queen sent for review, everything else purchased by me*

I'm dropping in late today with a quick post. I REALLY wanted to show you my Halloween treat I bought for myself, Lynnderella Mickey Says Boo, but I have strep throat and generally feel like death, so I'll be brief. This is Mickey Says Boo over an unnamed Color Club mini black creme. The accent nail is Sally Hansen Pumpkin Queen with a little black cat face. I drew the cat face with a black sharpie and dotted on the eyes using AEngland Princess Sabra/Tristam's Eyes (it seemed appropriate!).

I LOVE Mickey Says Boo!! I wanted it so badly last year, but it was too expensive. I'm glad the price was reasonable this year. The sharpie kitty looked better in person, by the way. Here it looks kinda streaky, but it didn't in person (to my fever ridden brain anyway).

I have one more Halloween thing to show you tomorrow, and I can't decide if Mickey Says Boo will be my Halloween mani, or the thing I'm showing you tomorrow... Not that I'm going anywhere on Halloween with strep throat! Lynnderella Mickey Says Boo is not currently available, but I believe it will be around again on lynnderella.com and the Lynnderella StorEnvy.

Also, don't forget my Halloween giveaway ends tonight!!!

My Top 10 Mainstream Brand Polishes of 2013!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a great time ringing in 2014 last night. I know my Top 10 is a day late, but I just decided to do this yesterday. I normally don't do these Top whatever lists because I have a really hard time choosing my favorites. However, when I looked back through my posts this year, I did find some real stand outs. These are 10 polishes that I wore over and over again this year. Although there were many others that I fell in love with in 2013, these 10 are the ones that I actually wore more than once and will wear many more times in the future (and in one case, I even bought a back-up bottle!). These are my own personal favorites (no need to agree with me!) and I do realize that more than half of this list are texture polishes. I wore textures probably 60% of the time this year, so that is why there are so many textures on this list!

Zoya Carter was the first polish that popped into my head when I sat down to make this list. It still makes me drool looking at that picture! 

Immediately after I thought of Carter, Zoya Liberty popped into my mind! Still a STUNNING polish, with or without topcoat.

I'd be remiss if I didn't include OPI Alactraz Rocks! This was a go to for me, but also really popular even with texture haters!

I went through a phase this summer when OPI Can't Find My Czechbook was constantly either on my toes or my nails in some form. It is the epitome of cheery spring/summer blue.

OPI Jinx (shown here with top coat) was another favorite. I love being able to slap this on with no base or top coat and have a gorgeous mani in minutes. Lazy girl win!

Zoya Giovanna is my favorite green of the year. It's the most perfect emerald shimmer I've ever seen! It is definitely a stainer, so double/triple up on base coat, but man it is worth it!

 This is kind of unexpected, but OPI Honey Ryder was my most worn polish of 2013. Every single time I had someplace to go with almost no time to get ready, I slapped one coat of Honey Ryder on, sometimes even in the car (with someone else driving, of course)! I used this so often, I actually bought a back up bottle! I am a huge fan of gold, and this really is a great fast-drying gold.

Color Club Cosmic Fate might be my second most worn polish of 2013. Cosmic Fate is an incredible blush nude holo. It reminds me, I want to order a couple more Color Club holos! I don't know if this technically came out in 2013 or late 2012, but I wore the crap out of it in 2013.

Ahhhh, the lovely SinfulColors Leather Loose, matte chocolate brown goodness with golden flecks. I hunted for this polish in I believe 6 drugstores and it was so worth all the effort! I am really glad mattes are coming back, I have always loved them.

And finally, Nicole by OPI Cinna-man of My Dreams. I think this polish really convinced me that textures were awesome. It has so much dimension, and so many different colors within it. I could stare at it for hours!

I can't wait to see what 2014 brings. I hope it's an amazing nail polish year!

Happy Halloween!!

 *some products sent for review, please see end of post*

Happy Halloween!!! Halloween is my favorite holiday, I absolutely love everything about it. I usually wear Halloween manis for the entire month of October, but with my dad being in the hospital I got so off track this year. I'll be wearing Halloween polish well into November, haha. But I have a few recent Halloween manis for you, starting with Lumina Lacquer Peculiar Pumpkin Posse. This is an all holo glitter topper of holo orange and black hexes, black holo dots, holo black diamonds, and orange and black holo pumpkins. Everything in this polish is holo!! It also comes with an extra bag of the orange and black pumpkins.

Like all Lumina Lacquers, Peculiar Pumpkin Posse is best applied by dabbing. This is one dabbed coat with a few places filled in a second time, over OPI A Roll in the Hague. I took the two pumpkins from the extra bag of pumpkins, rather than fishing them out of the polish itself. There are plenty of them in the extra bag, so I figured it was easier and faster. I love the way the orange pumpkin is glowing in the picture below.

Next up we have Lynnderella Bed of Nails. This is a unique mix of white glitter in various shapes and sizes (including skulls!), purple, green, black, pink, and orange glitters in a clear base. Orange, purple, green and black really scream Halloween for me, so this is perfect. And I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw skull glitter in a core Lynnderella polish, I had a huge freak out moment!

This is two dabbed coats of Bed of Nails over OPI Did It On 'Em and China Glaze Grape Pop. I had a little bit of trouble getting the glitter out at first, which is really unusual for a Lynn polish. I turned the bottle upside down for a few minutes and that definitely helped a lot.

Finally we have Lynnderella Devil in a Black Tie over a random black Color Club mini and Zoya Livingston. Devil in a Black Tie has black and red glitters in a crazy holo sparkled base. I couldn't capture the holo sparkle, but it was similar to the fine holo glitter in Lynnderella VamPink!. I guess I just didn't have the right light today.

This is one coat of Devil in a Black Tie. It was easy to apply, no fishing involved.

 *some products sent for review, please see end of post*

What are your plans for tonight? I will be dressing up, probably as a witch or something, and handing out candy while watching Hocus Pocus with Binx. I mean, it is Halloween, I have to hang out with my black cat!

Lynnderella polishes are available on Lynnderella.com. Lumina Lacquer Peculiar Pumpkin Posse is Limited Edition, but you might still be able to grab a bottle at the Lumina Lacquer Big Cartel store.

*OPI and Zoya polishes in this post were sent for review. All others were purchased by me*

Color Club Kismet

Base: none

Color: three coats Color Club Kismet

Top: none

Application: good (out of poor, average, good, excellent)

I purchased Color Club Kismet myself. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.

This week, Connecticut FINALLY saw a bit of that big bright orb in the sky, I believe it's called "the sun". In celebration of the return of this "sun" thing, I decided to swatch Color Club Kismet, one of the spring 2013 Color Club holos. Kismet is a gorgeous pale celery green holo with a hint of pale gold, and like the other Color Club holos recently released, it is blindingly holographic and produces rainbows all over your nails. Every time I wear one of the newer Color Club holos, I start thinking that I really need the rest of them. They are SO rainbow-y, especially in direct sun. 

I apologize for the blurry macro shot, I think it was just too much rainbow for my camera to deal with! Below, you can see what Kismet looks like indoors in very low light. There's still a respectable glimpse of rainbow goodness.

 Another thing I love about the fall 2012 and spring 2013 Color Club holo polishes is that they apply much better than many other holo polishes. I didn't use any base or top coat for these swatches. This is three coats of Kismet and there are no patchy spots. Kismet was maybe a little less pigmented than the last Color Club holo I tried, Cosmic Fate, but it was still opaque in three coats. The only possible downside to these lovely polishes is that they do seem to chip a bit quickly. I change my polish so frequently that this doesn't bother me, but it's something to think about for those of you looking for long wearing lacquer.

The spring 2013 Color Club holos are available now at all the usual etailers. Kismet seems to be in stock most places, although the next one I need to get (Beyond) seems to be sold out on a few sites. I actually ordered mine on Amazon.com because I had a gift card, but I think they're more expensive there.

Also, I'm sorry that it's been a little slow around here. The 2013 Irish Dancing World Championships took place last week and the preparation for the event was really exhausting. I came home with two medals (one in solo dancing and one in team dancing), so I am pleased, but so tired!! Things will pick up soon! I have a review of the OPI Bond Girls collection coming up and not one, but two giveaways, so hang in there!

New Spring Color Club Halo Hues Cosmic Fate!!

Base: none
Color: three coats Color Club Cosmic Fate
Top: none
Application: excellent (out of poor, average, good, excellent)

You might not know that Color Club is releasing MOAR HOLOS for the spring!!! Yes, more!!! I have no official information about these, they haven't been officially released yet. But they are available on eBay and Amazon and you can see nail wheel swatches of all them there. I ordered two of them to start (haha, probably getting more), and today I have Color Club Cosmic Fate for your viewing pleasure.

Cosmic Fate is a light peachy holo. What a holo it is too! It was freezing when I took these, but the sun was out in full force, so I had to take one for the team and stand out in the cold taking pictures! I only got Angel Kiss from the fall Halo Hues, but I feel like Cosmic Fate is even more holo, and Angel Kiss was really holo.

This applied fantastically. No bare patches or difficulties of any sort. I do not use base coat with holos, but I've heard the Halo Hues play well with some base coats. I didn't use top coat this time either, but I wore Angel Kiss with NYC Grand Central Station and it didn't dull the holo. I don't get the world's greatest wear time with these, but that applies to most holos and me. I haven't tested Cosmic Fate for wear yet, but I wore Angel Kiss for two days with only one tiny chip. I do not know how this compares to Cherubic (I meant to pick it up and never did) from the 2012 Halo Hues, but it's probably more peach-toned.

Now, I also took a picture inside, near a window (not directly next to the window though). Cosmic Fate is still holo!

The next picture is indoors in pretty low light. Not so holo, but that is typical in low light. Still pretty!

The new Color Club holos are available on eBay now and I'm sure they will hit stores soon. I ordered Kismet too and will swatch it soon!

Color Club Angel Kiss OMG SO HOLO!!!

Base: none

Color: three coats Color Club Angel Kiss

Top: none

Application: good (out of poor, average, good, excellent)

I don't know about you, but my polish loving brain kind of explodes when I look at these pictures. Color Club Angel Kiss, from the Halo Hues collection, IS SO DANG HOLO!!!!! I only bought one polish from Halo Hues because I wasn't sure how holographic they would really be, but I definitely need to go back for more! Angel Kiss is a silvery seafoam green holo that sometimes leans a little baby blue, depending on the light.

 I did not use a base coat with Angel Kiss because I find that base coats actually make holo polishes apply kind of patchy and uneven. Angel Kiss applied really nicely with no base coat. There was no patchiness, it went on smoothly and evenly. I did three coats, but it was opaque in two. I did the third because I wasn't sure how my camera would see the two coats. The holo-ness of this polish is just incredible!! I would say it's even a bit MORE holo than my pictures show!

The Color Club Halo Hues collection is available now, although certain polishes do seem to be selling out at some stores, so grab them quickly. Color Club's website has a store locator if you don't know where to buy them!

New Color Club Fractured Shades!

Color Club has four new shades of their Fractured polish. They look pretty and different than other crackle polishes we've seen!! Check them out! I think Explosion is my favorite, awesome shade of orange!

The Great Divide

Do You Want a Piece?

Burgundy Burst

Explosion

Color Club Backstage Pass Preview

COLOR CLUB BACKSTAGE PASS COLLECTION

Get Your Rock Glam On this October with a new Rockin’ Glitter Collection from Color Club

September 2011 - New York, New York - Color Club, the veteran nail polish brand, announced today the debut of Backstage Pass, a new rockin’ glitter nail polish collection. The aptly named collection features six nail polishes -- from Wish Upon a Rock-star to Platinum Record -- that are sure to “rock your world.” Whether you’re a rocker – or just aspire to look like one – this new vegan, Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and paraben-free collection from Color Club is your ultimate backstage pass and sure to be a hit!

The Backstage Pass Collection includes:

Take the Stage: Gold Glitter with Silver Flakes

Wish Upon a Rock-Star: Multi-colored Glitter with Purple

Backstage Pass: Silver & Purple Hex Glitter

Platinum Record: Silver Glitter

It's a Hit!: Purple Big Glitter

Fame & Fortune: Red Base with Silver Flakes

All Color Club products are made in the USA and are not tested on animals. Products are available at shopcolorclub.com.

About Color Club

A favorite of celebrity manicurists and nail color fans worldwide, Color Club is renowned for its high performance rich shades and exceptionally safe products. From the brightest neons, to glitter and French, all nail colors are vegan, Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and paraben-free - and made in New York, NY with the best raw materials. 

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM, I'm going to need all of these STAT.

Color Club Beyond the Mistletoe Preview!

 This Color Club collection for Holiday 2011 has me SUPER excited!!! Check it out:

"COLOR CLUB LAUNCHES BEYOND THE MISTLETOE HOLIDAY COLLECTION

You Better Watch Out, Here Comes the Most Festive Manicure in Town

New York, NY – August 2011 - What makes us happy: mistletoe, Santa Claus, candy canes, sparkle, having the best manicure at the company Holiday party. From New York-based Color Club, the new Beyond the Mistletoe holiday collection—bright sparkly fine glitter nail polishes that are sure to dazzle everyone on your holiday list - naughty or nice - and even those who are not. From glittery turquoise to pink and gold—each color perfectly captures the holiday spirit. Seven formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and paraben-free shades celebrate the holiday season with names including: Sugarplum Fairy, Beyond the Mistletoe, Holiday Splendor, Jingle Jangle, Candy Cane, and Gingerbread (as shown below left to right).

Ready for the most festive manicure in town? Beyond the Mistletoe, coming this Holiday, on Shopcolorclub.com"

ahfreihrojskgg!! GLITTER! MUST HAVE ALL OF THESE.

COLOR CLUB PRIDE COLLECTION PREVIEW!!!

From left to right: P is for Pride, Polish For All, Dress For The Parade, Not Just For Kelly, Green, Boys Wear Blue, Express Yourself, 0-60 Speedy Topcoat

This is so AMAZING! I had to post immediately. I lovelovelove that Color Club is doing this collection. Love the rainbow theme and the rainbow tops on the bottles! Read more:


"New York, NY – July 2011 - What makes us proud: Being bold. Making a statement. Living life to the fullest. Equality for all. From New York-based Color Club, the new PRIDE Collection—vibrant polishes in every color of the rainbow, from red to violet—captures what it means to live your life in color and express your true self (or just your mood du jour). Seven formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and paraben-free shades celebrate equality with cheeky names like “Not Just for Kelly, Green” and “Boys Wear Blue,” while a portion of proceeds from the sale of the collection benefit New York-based AIDS-related charities. Life comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and preferences. At the very least, shouldn’t your nail polish?

Ready for the most spirited manicure in town? The PRIDE Collection is available at shopcolorclub.com."

AWESOMENESS. That is all.

Color Club Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Polish Preview

Super Saturday Teal (right)
OCRF Teal (left)

*COLOR CLUB DEBUTS LIMITED EDITION NAIL POLISH COLLECTION FOR OCRF*

OCRF and Super Saturday Teal to Benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

New York, NY – July 2011 Color Club, a New York based cosmetic brand specializing in nail and lip products announced today a limited edition nail polish collection developed exclusively for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). The new shades – OCRF and Super Saturday Teal – are sophisticated yet playful teal blue shades created exclusively for OCRF and Super Saturday 14. The polishes will be available beginning in July 2011 as part of the OCRF Super Saturday 14 event and sold though September 2011, which is Ovarian Cancer Research month. The polishes are available on www.shopcolorclub.com and 10% of all proceeds will benefit OCRF. Color Club is also the official nail sponsor of Super Saturday 14 and will be offering manicures and nail art at the event on July 30, 2011 in the Hamptons.

Color Club is renowned for its high performance rich shades and exceptionally safe products. All nail colors are vegan, Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and paraben-free - and made in New York, NY with the best raw materials. Color Club products are made in the USA and are not tested on animals. Products are available at shopcolorclub.com.


Purchase Super Saturday Colors here to benefit OCRF.
For additional information on OCRF please visit OCRF.org
Like us on Facebook * Follow us on Twitter

What do you think? Great cause and pretty colors! I think this sounds lovely!

Color Club Makes Me (Tangerine) Scream!!

Today's post contains the bright and shimmery Color Club Tangerine Scream that I mentioned when I posted Color Club Volt of Light last week. Tangerine Scream is also from the Electro Candy collection. It's a bright neon orange with blue/green shimmer. I think the blue/green tint of the shimmer is a bit more obvious in the bottle, but you can see it at certain angles on the nail. It adds a cool look to the polish, almost duochrome-y, but not quite.



I really love this polish! I love neon orange for summer and the shimmer in this one makes it apply nicely and dry streak-free. It appears in some of these photos that I got some bubbles in one nail, but I was sitting directly under a fan (it's hot out!). Definitely not the fault of this lovely polish! By the way, I couldn't see those bubbles in real life, damn macro setting!



As this is a neon polish, it dries a bit matte, but that is easily fixed with a top coat. It also has a bit of VNL (this is three coats), but I do find that to be pretty common with neons. It is quite a bit more opaque than Volt of Light. The shimmer in Tangerine Scream also makes it a more flattering color than a stark neon orange creme, in my opinion.



The Electro Candy collection is still readily available online (at Victoria's Nail Supply), so if you missed it when it came out, definitely check it out now! Tangerine Scream is a super bright polish that is perfect for fingers and toes in the summer!



By the way, I see that my poll about creating a new make-up blog/posting here is actually very close now. I still haven't completely decided what to do, but I do appreciate your feedback. For those of you who voted, would you tell me in the comments why you voted the way you did? Thank you!