Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Prized Possession Purple

I've never been the kind of person to follow that trend where you change your polishes due to the season. Why? Because I feel that it's not necessary. I wear what I want to wear, and wear it whenever I want to. This is a plus because so many of my "fall appropriate" polishes get much more lovin'.

I purchased this polish in a duo set a while ago for a really good deal, but I can't remember where from. I was actually hesitant to purchase it but the price wouldn't allow me to give it up. Now, I am really glad that I did.




 Hopefully you can see the shimmers in the blurr, because it's gorgeous!
(Indoor with flash)


The 2 bottom photos are color accurate but because this is a blurple type of color, you can't quite see it in the above pictures. The formula was perfect! Due to my poor application and impatience, you can see the pulling. Despite that, I really love this polish. I am so glad that I haven't ran into any polishes that I don't really like. There has a few but I love this one. PPP is actually my 2nd polish that I have purchased from the Nicole by OPI line. I dislike the shape of the bottles. That's what always stopped me from purchasing. But after this one, I am more than willing to branch out and try more polishes from NOPI. I only hope that the other polishes are just as amazing!

Do you have any NOPI faves?
Anna

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Twinsie Tuesday: Holo (Pic Heavy)

I forgot that Tuesday was just around the corner. Where has this weekend gone? Wherever it is, I hope that you all had a great memorial weekend! Anywho, this weeks Twinsie Tuesday challenge is: holo!


I own absolutely not a single holo polish and I was totally freaking out because I had no idea what I was going to do for this. Luckily I ran across Spectraflair on a blog sale and purchased it just in time for this. While I love how holo polishes look, I'm not entirely in love with the trend and can't justify spending $10-$15 on a single polish. I have been looking around and there are some that I really like and might even purchase in the near future, but for now my Spectraflair will do it for me!

Now onto the loveliness:




 (Indoor with flash)



Sorry for so many pictures but I really wanted you to see the holo in this bad boy. I used 2 coats of OPI Road House Blues and 1 coat of the Spectraflair top coat to achieve this. Both polishes were buttery smooth to apply. I sort of wish the holo was more pronounced but I love how subtle it was since I'm not all that into holo polishes. Sometimes when I look it too much, I feel like vomiting. Gross and weird but I wasn't like this until when I was pregnant. Some glitters make me feel this way too. Sorry for the TMI but you gotta love pregnancy! Anywho, I can' wait to try out the Spectraflair topcoat on some other polishes! But in the mean time, I really hope you enjoyed this!

What do you think of holos?
Anna

Also, I want to apologize since I haven't been posting as much I used to and as much as I would like, but I can assure you once summer classes are over, I will be posting much more often.


Don't forget to check out the Twinsies' holo polish posts! I bet your wishlist will be longer after... 
Amanda at Amandalandish
Ashley at Art Evolve
Brandi at The Collegiate Nail
Chelsea at Nailed Blog
ChiChi at I''m just me...ChiChi
Cordia at Srsly Swatched
Katherine at Haul of Fame
Marisa at Polish Obsession
Meredith at Polish and Charms
Rachel at Top Coat It

Friday, May 25, 2012

Mint Mojto Green

Wow. Have I got a beautiful green for you today!




This is Jessica Mint Mojito Green in 2 lovely and buttery coats. This is a vivid medium creme green. I am in love with this color! It just really screams SPRING to me. Prior to purchasing this polish, I was going to purchase Revlon Posh. But while polish shopping for some birthday swaps, this lovely green caught my eye. This is my first bottle of Jessica polishes along with Smoky Feather (which happens to be Number One Nemesis dupe) and I'm glad I invested in these polishes. Fortunately for me, this is actually my first "true" green polish and I'm in love! I am looking to purchase more Jessica polishes in the future. Do you own and Jessica's? What do you think of them?

Do you have any greens in your stash that you really love?
Anna 

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Emerald Fitzgerald

I work tomorrow morning at 5 am. I hate and love it. It's too early, but it gets my work hours out of the way. Well, I hope that all of you are having a great week so far. School has been tough, but we only have 4 weeks left of Summer semester, so it's finally almost over! I have been swamped though lately, so I apologize for a delay in my posts.

But, this is what I have for you today!



This is 2 coats of China Glaze Emerald Fitzgerald. This is a deep dark green'ish blue with what almost looks like super fine glitter particles. In some angles, it also looks foily but for the part, you can't even tell. I have used this polish once before a long time ago, the formula was perfectly fine, and when I used it again thsi time, formula was a bit thick and seemed to pull at the edges of my nails. I am assuming, the consistency changed over time. I think this is a very pretty color but I am not in love with it, although I have been complimented while wearing it. What do you think of it?

Has the ChG polishes consistency changed over time for you?
Anna

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Twinsie Tuesday: Ombre

This weeks Twinsie Tuesday challenge is: ombre.


All three fingers except the index look like they're the same red. I know. I failed. Oh well, better luck next time.


I can't remember what reds I used. My son rampaged through them before I could get to them. So sorry. It honestly looks like it's all the same reds. I am way disappointed in myself. Ombres are seriously not my thing.

Any tips for a better ombre next time?
Anna

I bet the other Twinsie Tuesday ladies' manis turned out better than mine did!
Amanda at Amandalandish
Ashley at Art Evolve
Brandi at The Collegiate Nail
Chelsea at Nailed Blog
ChiChi at I''m just me...ChiChi
Cordia at Srsly Swatched
Katherine at Haul of Fame
Marisa at Polish Obsession
Meredith at Polish and Charms
Rachel at Top Coat It

Monday, May 21, 2012

Number One Nemesis Dupe

I know I recently just posted a comparison a few days ago but I could not wait to share this with you all! As you recently know OPI Number One Nemesis was released with The Spiderman collection, which is the most recent collection released. I received this polish a while ago when I was one of the few thousands who were lucky enough to get the Bloom.com certificate for $20 a while back during Mother's day. While skimming through my collection, I noticed that the recent Jessica polish I purchased looked a lot like Number One Nemesis.


 Index and ring: OPI Number One Nemesis
Middle and pinky: Jessica Smoky Feather


Left: OPI Number One Nemesis
Right: Jessica Smoky Feather

Both polishes are a deep greenish-charcoal grey micro-shimmer almost glitter looking. There's charcoal, gold, green, a silvery color, and an ever slight hint of blue.

So, I present to you Jessica Smoky Feather. I'm not sure where you can purchase these polishes but I buy mine from a local nail supply. But you can purchase Jessica polishes here. Both polishes were 2 coats although Smoky Feather is a lot more opaque than Number One Nemesis. Both polishes applied like butter, very smooth. The only difference that I see, is that Number One Nemesis has a slightly darker base but from a far, you could hardly tell. Smoky Feather is also glossier with no topcoat applied. Other than that, you can be the judge. As for me, I would say that Smoky Feather is close enough to be a dupe.

What you would say? Nay or yay?
Anna

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Royal Navy

First off, I wanna say congrats to my brother! He made 4th place in regionals and will be going to sectionals! If he is awesome-sauce enough at sectionals, he will be going to state! Sorry, if you're wondering he is in varsity track and does the hurdling. Funny story: while at the track meet, my dad kept asking why is it called turtle? We explained it was hurdle, hopefully he got the difference. And I didn't get to take family pictures because my sister forgot. However, the weather was just super weird. It was sunny and warm but super windy, and to top it off, it was warm wind. Yuck. And lastly, I bought a new laptop! Yay! Since we didn't take family pictures, here's one at the track.

The sun was really bright for his eyes.

Now, off to the polish! Today, I have Orly Royal Navy for you. And I have to say, that this has been added to my "favorite list". It's so awesome.


Oh. Why hello there! 


I am so very glad I found this at my Sally's. It was sort of hidden. I thought it was just another royal navy looking blue. I'm glad I picked it up and looked at it, because it is so beautiful! Because just look at all that goodness. Royal Navy is an awesome blue-cobalt-jelly-juicy-squishy looking kind of polish with turquiose almost kind of green micro-glitter. Really, there's not much to say about it. It's breathtaking. I'll admit, I think I'm obsessed.

What's your favorite Orly?
Anna

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

China Glaze For Audrey Comparison/Dupe

Hola! It's Wednesday and I am super excited for this weekend. Tomorrow is my little family photo shoot, YAY! I can't wait! I have got to find something for my little guy to wear. And this Saturday, I'll be attending a wedding and have nothing to wear, so that'll be an adventure. I definitely need to find a day specifically only for homework. Maybe tomorrow morning/evening or Friday. Only 4 weeks of summer semester! Yay! I might be swamped with essays since I have 3 5 page essays plus a midterm and final all in 1 month. YAY (sarcasm) don't you just love school?

Oh, sorry for the last Twinsie post. As I reread it, I realized that it didn't make any kind of sense. I was sort of in a rush. Uberly sorry!

But today, I have this awesome ChG For Audrey comparison for you!

Left to right:
Barry M Blue Moon, China Glaze For Audrey, WnW I Need A Re-fresh Mint, Ulta Mint Condition



Ok, yeah. I know Barry M Blue Moon is way out of the picture. In my head, I was like "YEAH! Totally it could definitely go with For Audrey!" After I compared it, well... You can evidently see above the result.

So let's get on with it now since we've got that settled with. If you don't know, China Glaze For Audrey was created in tribute to Audrey Hepburn and Tiffany & Co. For Audrey was inspired and famous for that beautiful Tiffany Blue. I can't compare the 2 actual blues but from other photos that I have seen, they look pretty close. Although close, the famous Tiffany Blue has a color trademark so I'm sure it won't be dead on accurate.

I would say that Wet n Wild I Need A Refresh-mint is closest to China Glaze For Audrey. I Need A Refresh-mint is a tiny bit darker, but from a far, you could not be able to tell the difference. Mint Condition is slightly cooler and darker but pretty comparable still. However, the final verdict is WnW I Need A Refresh-mint. With that said, Walgreens is currently having a sale on $1.99 products for $.99! So I picked up this WnW baby for only $.99!

What do you think? Do you own any of these?
Anna

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Twinsie Tuesday: Favorite Polish

I woke up this morning and didn't even know it was Tuesday. Yikes.  Sorry.

So today's challenge Twinsie challenge is: favorite polish.


I knew exactly what I wanted to do for this post.


This is WnW Candy-licious, 2 coats. I purchased this in my most recent haul and swatched it on a nail wheel and truly fell in love. I don't know what it is what this but I absolutely really love this one. It's probably now my go-to polish. Well, it was either this one or OPI Japanese Rose Garden. It's like a modern, flirty and vibrant kind of pink, hence the reason why I love it. While I really love the color, I had a hard time with application due to the brush. For most of the part, I really like wide brushes, but one was like "WHAM", just way too big (or maybe my nails are small?). Thankfully, I am willing to work with it.

So what do you think of WnW polishes?
Anna

I am excited to see what the Twinsie Ladies favorite polishes are!
Amanda at Amandalandish
Ashley at Art Evolve
Brandi at The Collegiate Nail
Chelsea at Nailed Blog
ChiChi at I''m just me...ChiChi

Cordia at Srsly Swatched
Katherine at Haul of Fame
Marisa at Polish Obsession
Meredith at Polish and Charms
Rachel at Top Coat It

Monday, May 14, 2012

100 Followers Giveaway Winners

Thank you all so much for entering my 100 followers giveaway. I am sorry if you entered and didn't win but please stay tuned because another giveaway will be coming up soon!

*Drum Roooooll

The first winner is:

Ricky 

And the second winner is

Sarah from Bower of Blisse



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Congratulations to Ricky and Sarah! Both winners have been contacted and will be receiving their prizes soon.

Stay tuned for future giveaways!
Anna 

Funky French Tip

Back to reality Monday. I think I'm coming down with something. My son had a very high fever last night and now, I think I caught it. Better me sick than my son - gladly, he's back to normal. All the glory to Abba.


Something weird and something different. I didn't really like it and took it off right away. But this is 2 coats of  China Glaze Shower Together. This was a bad boy. It was super duper runny. It flooded my cuticles all over. The brush applicator was super nasty - sorry I didn't but should've pictured it. However, I think it's a really pretty color. For the black tip I used Sally Hansen Black Out.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Monday!

What do you think of the tips?
Anna

11 Q Tag

Thanks to Sarah from Bower of Blisse for this fun and awesome tag. I am so thankful and grateful. So thanks Sarah! And if you haven't already, check out her blog! It's pretty amazing!

Rules
1. Answer all the questions that the person who tagged you created
2. Create your own 11 questions and tag 11 other people

Sarah from Bower of Blisse's questions
1. Where is the place you would most like to travel to? What would be on your itinerary?
     This one is hard. There are so many places that I would love to go. Boo! But one place for sure, heaven.
2. If money were no object, what would your chosen career be?
     A pediatrician or doing something with scraobooking. Or having my own company doing something I
     really enjoy.
3. What are your top 3 favorite books? (I can't make anyone pick just one, it would be cruel!)
     Can I just say, I hate reading? Not as much as writing though. I can't think of any, but I do read the bible.
4. Did you have a pet growing up? If not, did you want one?
     Growing up, no. Not a single pet, my parents aren't animal lovers unforunately. But if I had to pick, I'd
     pitbull back, or some kind of cute dog and my lost betta.
5. Where was the last place you traveled to?
     I think, Chicago for concert. Can't go much places with my little guy.
6. How long have you been friends with your oldest friend?
     This one is hard. I have a good friend but I don't really talk to her much now. We're the kind of people
     where we can pick up where we left off (even if it's been years) and be as cool as ever. So, I would say
     2 years now.
7. What has been the biggest benefit of blogging?
     Meeting the awesome people here, being able to interact with them and see their creativity.
8. When did you move into your current home? Do you think you'll stay put for long? If not, where do you see yourself ending up?
     I have been living in my apartment for 1 year now with my little guy and hubby. We are looking to buy a
     house next year though. Which I'm sort of scared about, but I think it'll be good.
9. What have you accomplished in the last 5 years?
     Not much. School feels like it's taking forever. Especially the fact that I just switched my major.
10. What do you hope to have accomplished in 5 years?
     Buying a house. Having a baby girl. Finish my darn BS degree! Be financial stable. NOT be materialistic.
     Just some of the many.
11. What are you the most grateful for?
     My family. I have been so very blessed to have my family. But most of all, my son and my hubby. I cannot
     even begin to express how blessed I am to have been entrusted with these two.
Here's an updated picture where grandpa was holding him on mother's day.

Disclaimer: He does not wear glasses. My dad was being silly and put it
on my son and he smiled and I caught it just in time. And he just got a hair cut!

My 11 Questions
1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
2. What do you love most about being able to blog?
3. What's one polish you are really lemming for but don't have access to?
4. How long have you been blogging?
5. Where's your favorite place to shop?
6. What got you into nail polish?
7. What's one of the best gifts you have ever received?
8. Who's your favorite YouTuber?
9. What month of the year do you enjoy most?
10. What is one of your pet peeves?
11. Something in highschool or middle school or back in the day, that you thought was the shizz and looking back, you're like "what was I thinking?"

I'm gonna bend the rules a bit and tag all the lovely ladies from Twinsie Tuesday:
Amanda at Amandalandish
Ashley at Art Evolve
Brandi at The Collegiate Nail
Chelsea at Nailed Blog
ChiChi at I''m just me...ChiChi
Cordia at Srsly Swatched
Katherine at Haul of Fame
Marisa at Polish Obsession
Meredith at Polish and Charms
Rachel at Top Coat It
Thanks again Sarah. I had so much fun with this!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

May Gossip Girl Birchbox

I finally received my first Birchbox. I was super excited when I was on the waiting list. And now here it is!

For those of you who don't know what a Birchbox is, it is monthly beauty box subscription for $10 a month and "every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products that fit into both your day-to-day routine, and into those days when you want to turn up the drama a notch."

Now, what I received in my box:





 Dr. Jart + Waterfuse BB Cream
This is a 4-in-1 moisturizer, serum, sunscreen and skin-perfecting tint.

Stila Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Curacao
Pearly shimmer almost glitter like liquid eyeliner in a pen-like wand package.

 Color Club in Disco Nap
This a a gold metallic finish
Keratase Cristalliste
A sample serum that claims to smooth out dry stands and add gorgeous shine.
It also came with a sample perfume which I forgot to picture.

Overall, I'm not too impressed considering that the May Birchbox was Gossip Girl inspired. I think some of the products are nice but definitely not for me. I don't really like to use liquid eyeliner, not to mention glitter with it! Also, it's really hard for me to use perfume because I'm really sensitive to scents. The Color Club mini was cute, although I wish I had gotten a more unique color. Other than that, the packaging was cute and functional.

Have you ordered your first Birchbox? What do you think of them?
Anna

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Beetle

Today is hump day. I always have and still do think thats such an odd name for Wednesday. Why not just say Wednesday?

Today, I have Hard Candy Beetle for you! I think there was a lot of hype around this polish. After I purchased it, I don't really know why. I think it's really pretty polish. But not one that I'm crazy about.




Sorry for the blurriness in the first photo and I forgot to take a bottle shot. But the douchrome in this is very strong. On the nails it flashes from a brown, purple, green, olive to even red. This was 3 coats. The formula was really thin, thankfully no streaky. It could have been definitely worse. So I guess, at the least I'm thankful for that. I also picked up another bottle of this, maybe for a giveaway or something. Is Hard Candy sold outside of the US? I wonder.

While Beetle is a very pretty duo/multi chrome, I'm really not too impressed or in love with it. Why? I'm not sure. I just don't love it that much.

What did you think of Beetle? If you don't it, do you have access to HC?
Anna

Tony Moly Swap?

Do I have any readers with access to Tony Moly polishes? If so, would you be interested in a swap? Please email me if you're interested!

If any of you other readers have any Tony Moly polishes, where do you purchase yours? I really want to try some out. If you would be kind enough to leave some links, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks much,
Anna

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Twinsie Tuesday: Funky French

 It's Tuesday! Time for Twinsie Tuesday! This weeks challenge was: funky freak, wait funky french.


Ok, I dont know what happened here. In my mind it looked much better, then when I did it on my nails, I was like "what in the world is it?" It just looks confused, like it doesn't know what it's suppose to be.


I know I wanted to do something different, well, different it is! I sort of like it and don't at the same time. And when you feel that way, you know that the mani has gone all wrong. I think if I didn't add the extra lighter pink, it would've looked much more eye appealing. Oh well. Anways, hopefully, next week's challenge would look much better!

PS - Have you ever hit the "save" button instead of the "publish" button and wondered why you had no comments?

What do you think it looks like?
Anna

Check out the Twinsies funky french if you haven't already!
Amanda at Amandalandish
Ashley at Art Evolve
Brandi at The Collegiate Nail
Chelsea at Nailed Blog
ChiChi at I''m just me...ChiChi

Cordia at Srsly Swatched
Katherine at Haul of Fame
Marisa at Polish Obsession
Meredith at Polish and Charms
Rachel at Top Coat It

Polish Haul

This was purchased over the course of the week, not all in a day!

Enjoy!

Wet n Wild
Candy-licious, On A Trip, I Need A Refresh-mint, Through The Grapevine

Ulta Salon Formula
OH!, Grin & Berry It

Nail Life Nail Revitalizer
OPI Pirouette My Whistle

Hard Candy
Beetle

Orly
La Vida Loca, Buried Alive, Mysterious Curse, Royal Navy, Plum Noir

China Glaze
Jamaican Out, White Cap

I'm suppose to be on a "no-buy" but seriously, how do you say no to good deals? I need more self-control! If you have any "no-buy" tips. Please feel free to share!

Have you hauled any new polishes lately?
Anna