Polished Pairings: Zoya Adina

Hello!!!

Today is the first day of a new challenge for a new group I've joined, Kimber's Amazing Challenge Ladies! We're doing a Mish Mash challenge with a bunch of themes put together to stretch our polish musckles. The first theme is a simple, one: Purple.

I have one of the coolest purple duochromes ever that I've had in my queue to show you for a while, and this gave me the perfect reason to bump it up: Zoya Adina, a purple-to-green duochrome wish a pretty glow. It has a great formula, applies like a dream; this is two coats:

It has such a soft, ethereal beauty to it, it's like being in a soft fairy science-fiction dream. I could stare into it all day. :)

I wanted to give it something extra, but not disturb the beauty, so I did a simple pairing on an accent nail with Different Dimension That's So Fetch, a glitter topper in a translucent purple base, with a blend of iridescent glitters that flash in mainly purple, but also blue, green, and pinkish:

This is the sort of mani I generally wear when I have certain types of work meetings I have to attend, where I can have a little flash, but don't want to be over the top. This is pretty and feminine, and special enough to keep me happy. :)

Thanks for looking, and please check out the other purple manicures linked below!

Hugs and loves,
M.

Swatches and review by The Lacquerologist for Cashmeres and Satins Collection

Cashmeres and Satins

The first swatches and review for Fall 2013 Cashmeres and Satins collection is here and The Lacquerologist dropped everything and got to swatching!

"It usually takes quite a lot to get me excited about fall and winter shades, but these are really great!  The perfect blend of dark shades that are traditionally autumn with a splash of brightness that keeps the collection colorful and fun!"

So drop everything and get The Cashmeres and Satins collection here. To read the review and see all of the GORGEOUS swatches visit The Lacquerologist.


ZOYA IS THE NEW COLOR OF FASHION! 
www.zoya.com

Orange is the New Black - Zoya Edition

 Orange fever!

From Left to Right - Zoya Nail Polish in Paz, Beatrix, and Arizona

If you are like many others who have recently found yourself completely addicted to Netflix's original series Orange is the New Black, you'll totally get why us Zoya fairies wanted to write a little post inspired by the show. While there could be a huge review of why this show is so great, we'll stick to polish so everyone can review the Netflix hit on their own! This is a compilation of some of our favorite Zoya Nail Polish orange shades along with a few designs, so that you can get your "Orange on". Then, go check out the show, because seriously - it's great.

This look was done using a base of Zoya Nail Polish in Arizona, and for the tip, Zoya Nail Polish in Dhara

 There are so many ways to do accent nails now a days, so this look uses two accents on the middle and ring finger with Zoya Nail Polish in Beatrix. Zoya Nail Polish in Amy is used on the other three fingers.

 Feeling a little spontaneous? Try using Zoya Nail Polish in Pia with a strip of Zoya Nail Polish in Trixie to give it a bit of an edge.

Finally, a more simple look using Zoya Nail Polish in Paz with  an accent nail in Zoya Nail Polish in Purity with a Zoya Nail Polish in Marie Luisa topper.

Image via manicurator.com

Image via Caravanstyliststudio.com

Here are a few Blogger looks. First, an argyle look using Zoya Nail Polish in Sienna, Dove, and Arizona by Manicurator.











Next, a gradient mani done by the lovely ladies of Caravan Stylist Studio. For this sunset look, Zoya Nail Polish in Sooki and Arizona were used. You can see the tutorial here.










ZOYA IS THE NEW COLOR OF FASHION!
www.zoya.com

Review: Me.Lissa Lacquer

(Some of the products in this post were provided for review.)

Hello!

What a day. Let me just say that. I'm glad it's over. Because now it's time to focus on pretty polishes!

Today I have three pretties for you from Me.Lissa Lacquer. The name of this brand caught my eye because I love the name Lyssa--I love it so much, that's what I named my darling puppy. But everyone always hears 'Alyssa' or 'Melissa', and because of that I've started telling people that her name is 'Lyssa, like Melissa without the Me.' So when I saw this name, I absolutely had to go check out the polish. A silly reason to check out a polish maybe, but it turns out when I did, I found quite a large number of polishes I really liked, and knew I wanted to review the line for you if I could. :)

Melissa sent me three glitter toppers to show you, including one that just happens to be my favorite polish on her entire site. ::evil grin::

First up is Internet Stardom, part of her Social Media collection (I love that idea for a collection, btw). The colors that form the backbone of this polish are teal and orange, while gold and white play a supporting role. The shapes and sizes vary, mostly hexes and squares, with just enough stars to make a statement:

Me.Lissa Internet Stardom over Zoya Keiko

This is one coat over Zoya Keiko; I chose a grape-purple creme to really celebrate the teal and orange and I really love the result. This is one coat with a bit of dabbing; to get the stars you'll have to fish a bit, but that's pretty standard for glitters of that sort, I think. They came out pretty easily regardless, so no problem there. The formula was good--I was able to get an even coverage without much work at all, and if I wanted more coverage, that would have been easy to build with a bit more dabbing or a second coat.

Next up is NY On Summer Afternoons, from her Gatsby collection. This has a variety of colors in it-- blue, yellow, gold, peachy-pink, soft green, black, white, in hexes and squares of various sizes:

Me.Lissa Lacquer NY On Summer Afternoons over Julep Cassie

Without the black, I think this would be reminiscent of a flower garden around someone's house; the black gives it edge that turns it into a more urban vibe, and a funky, cool feel. I chose to put it over Julep Cassie, a nude (on me) peach, so that each of the colors could shine through--there is a lot going on here, and I wanted the glitter to be the star. This is one coat, with just a titch of dabbing--it went on without any problem, and I just dabbed to make sure I got even coverage.


But oh...oh, this last one...oh, man, it's my favorite by far. I love me a black and white glitter, that's no secret, but these days there are a ton of them out there, and a black/white glitter has to have something that makes it special to get any notice. This one--called QR Code (how cool is that??!!)-- is made up of squares and rectangles! Rectangles! It also has bar glitter, but I'm counting those as very slender rectangles, lol (it's my blog and I can if I want to!!):

Me.Lissa Lacquer QR Code over Julep Alaina

That makes this my first official rectangle glitter polish, which makes it cool enough just for that reason alone, but I love that it does give a different feel from other black/white toppers. She named it perfectly, it does remind me of those square UPC things, but even more, it makes me think of some crazy distorted chess board, like out of some warped wizard chess tournament that was blown apart by some wizard that was ticked off when he lost! I layered it over Julep Alaina, a neutral light gray, to keep a gray-scale feel to the manicure. This would look striking over any bold color--red, teal, purple, yellow, green, orange, you name it. It applied wonderfully, not dabbing needed, great formula. I love it and I have a feeling I'll need a full size bottle of it to replace the mini I'm going to blow through in no time. :)

Me.Lissa Lacquers are three-free, and sell for $8.50 for full-sized bottles, and $4.50 for minis. You can find her Etsy store by clicking here; she does a variety of polish types (not just glitter toppers). When you're there, be sure to check out Abuzz, T'Pau, Like, and if you're looking for the perfect New Year's Eve polish, take a look at Ain't No Party Like A Gatsby Party. :)

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you're having a wonderful week. :)
M.

(The glitter toppers were sent for my honest review. The undies were all purchased by me. :) ) 

1 Year Blogiversary Prize 3

Tonight's post is going to be picture heavy, again, so I'm just going to get down to business.  All of the polishes in this post were either purchased by me or donated for the giveaway and not for review.  Tonight, I only have three polishes from the prize to show you.  As always, click on the photos to enlarge them.  To enter, go HERE.

Here's the second prize again:

Prize Three

Sponsored by Wishes of a Blue-Eyed Girl, Sharla Sells Avon, Enchanted Polish, Model City Polish, Elixir Polish, Polished 10, and Nail Bed Dreams.

 Avon Starlight, LA Girl 3D 3D Silver, Blue-Eyed Girl Lacquer Birthday Wishes, Enchanted Polish Dragon Spit, Model City Polish Blue Eyed Beauty, Elixir Polish 1 Year Blogiversary, OPI The Grape Lakes, Sinful Polish Mesmerize, and Bath and Body Works Cucumber Melon Shower Gel.

Obligatory bottle shots:

Elixir 1 Year Blogiversary

1 Year Blogiversary is a light purple shimmer with red holo hexes, lavender squares, rainbow iridescent micro glitters, and giant black dots.  I adore the iridescent flecks.  They are so unexpected and so pretty.

Application was a little difficult as it was a bit thick for my tastes.  However, I tend to like things on the thinner side, so the consistency of this polish may be perfect for you.  I will also say that I thought I had a polish I could use as undies, but I didn't have a single match!  This is three coats over itself, but I usually like to layer my glitters over undies.  

The glitter spread evenly with a little manipulation.  I can also say that this polish is so unique.  I don't think I've seen anything that comes close!

The dots were easy to dig out, but weren't initially forthcoming on the brush.  I had to actively dig them out, which was pretty simple.  You can purchase Elixir polishes at Nicole's store.  Follow her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates on releases.

Model City Polish Blue Eyed Beauty

Blue Eyed Beauty is a dark blue jelly with teal and blue holographic hexes and dots.

I'm not usually a fan of the giant dots, but holy lord, they are amazing in this polish.  Here, I have layered 2 coats of BEB over 1 coat of Cult Nails Time Traveler, a deep navy creme.  The depth and sparkle in this polish is astounding.

Application was super easy.  No pooling, bubbling, streaking, and the glitters came out of the bottle of their own volition fanning out evenly across the nail.  

You can purchase Model City Polishes at her Etsy store.  Follow Nina at her blog, Facebook, and Instagram for news and updates.

Enchanted Polish Dragon Spit

Dragon Spit is a rusty red-orange holographic polish that flashes orange-ish gold in certain lights.  Here it is in indoor lighting.

Dragon Spit has such complex coloring that I may not be describing it right!  I think my photos are pretty accurate, but I can 100% say it's even more gorgeous in person.  Here is Dragon Spit in direct sunlight at sunset.

Unlike a lot of holos, DS had great application, which seems to be the standard MO for Enchanted polishes.  There wasn't any balding, streaking, or dragging.  I didn't need to use my special Aqua Base, either!

Let's just gaze upon this beauty once more...

Ahhhh.  You can purchase Enchanteds at her store, Llarowe, Harlow & Co, and Mei Mei's Signatures.  Follow Chelsea on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news of new polishes and restocks.  Be aware, though, that shopping an Enchanted restock is like shopping the Filenes Running of the Brides.  You'll need to watch for elbows and stampedes.

(Source)

So, which of the polishes in this prize is your favorite?  I'm loving them all, so I won't choose favorites.  :)

Wellbis Magazine Tells The Zoya Nail Polish Story!

Have you ever wondered how Zoya Nail Polish was founded? Wellbis, a Croation Magazine, explains how the husband-wife team, Michael and Zoya Reyzis, built the brand up to what it is today. See the English Translation of this article below (via Google Translate). To read a little more about the background of Art of Beauty (Makers of Zoya & Qtica Products) click here. 
 

English Translation via Google Translate: 

"Art of Beauty was founded in 1986 by Michael Reyzis. Michael Reyzis had a vision that has evolved from a small nail salon to the spa, with a focus on natural nails, skin care and alternative Europeanherbal treatments. Today the company has grown andbecome, as they point out, the most innovative manufacturer of professional cosmetics. Zoya, a classical pianistin Russia, was awarded a license for cosmetology when she and her husband Michaelimmigrated to the United States.

While employment for a pianist waslimited, the world cosmetology offered a new profession and a way to build a new career. Zoya, through hard work and the demand for high-quality, healthy, natural ingredients for their customers had come to realize that there is a need for a perfect product.

In response to his wife, Michael, an advanced chemist, developed and patented unique products andanti-wrinkle treatments, shampoos and treatments to regenerate in salons and spas.

He also created the first fast-drying top coatand most durable nail polish; it has made a revolutionin paints. Today Zoya, Michael and everyonein AOB createdto focus on the highest quality products for professional salons and spas. Through brands like Zoya nail polishes, treatmentsand Qtica, QticaSmart Spa, AOBoffers salons and spas superior quality, satisfaction and exceptional value.  AOB was the first to remove toxic ingredientssuch as toluene, formaldehyde and DPB from theirformula.  Art of beauty focuses on the health, welfare salons, spas and all consumers."

ZOYA IS THE NEW COLOR OF FASHION!
www.zoya.com

Fall Trends Examiner.com

Fall's Hottest Trends

We aren't ready to give up our bright summer hues just yet but these colors for fall are just THAT good that we had to share this article.  Examiner.com talks fall's hottest trend and the ON GOING trend of nail art.

"Nail art and embellishments are NOT going away," says Elizabeth West, nail technician at the Spa at Corn Hill in Rochester.

Pictured: Zoya Nail Polish in Claudine, Pepper, Louise and
Zoya PixieDust in Dhara


Not a fan of nail art? No worries. Try using textured polish like Zoya PixieDust for something a little different without diving into the nail art world. However, if you are a fan of nail art take a look at our Pinterest page from some inspiring ideas to make your next mani stand out from all the rest.

Read the rest of the article and see what must-have colors you need to add to your fall nail polish collection.



ZOYA IS THE NEW COLOR OF FASHION!
www.zoya.com

Summer Color - Zoya Nail Polish in Darcy

Zoya Darcy featuring Blog by Marzena Kanclerska

Polish Blogger, Marzena Kanclerska posted some fabulous swatches of Zoya Nail Polish in Darcy. It's still Summer, so let's enjoy the bright colors as long as possible! By the way - how gorgeous is her jewelery paired up with this sunny color?
 
Love this photo? Check out the rest of the swatches here.

ZOYA IS THE NEW COLOR OF FASHION!
www.zoya.com

Camo Nails for Shayna

My good friend Shayna is visiting her sister this week as she finishes up Basic Training. 

To celebrate, I did some camouflage nails for her and a fake set for her sister. We chose a tan theme, instead of army green. 

I used 4 OPI colors for this. The base is Did You Ear About Van Gogh?  The brown spots are A-Taupe the Space Needle and they're outlined with Get in the Expresso Lane. The lightest spots are My Vampire is Buff. 

These were super fun to do and I love them!

1 Year Blogging - a day of Julies.

Well, it's been 1 year of blogging as of today. I can't believe how rewarding and fulfilling it has been to share my passion with you guys. I truly appreciate each and every interaction I have with you guys, so thank you so very much for joining me in this journey.

First, I wanted to remind you guys of all of the giveaway goings-ons around here! First, don't forget to enter the GIANT 1 Year Blogiversary Giveaway. The prizes are listed here and entry is via the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of the post. Second, don't forget about the IG portion of my 1 Year Blogiversary Giveaway. Check that out here. Remember, you must share the photo (easiest to take a screenshot and post it yourself) and use all of the tags or I won't see it. If you've entered and haven't received a response from me that looks says "#woabeggiveawayentry xx," then I haven't seen your post and you'll need to make sure all of the hashtags are present. Both of theses giveaways end at 11:59 pm est Monday, August 5, 2013. The third and final giveaway, for today at least, is the Reader of the Month giveaway. Today's challenge is a guessing game! Check out my post on Facebook here for information. It closes tomorrow, 7/30, at noon est.

Alrighty, let's get down to business! Tonight I want to share with you another one of my favorite manis to date. It oozes pastel femininity, which is a nice palate cleanser from the bold and vampy colors I've been sporting lately. Also a bonus, two of these polishes just happen to share my name! Let's take a look at Zoya Julie and Essie Mint Candy Apple topped with Shimmer Julie. The photos without the HK Girl bottle are matte and the photos with it plus the macro of Julie over, well, Julie are shiny.

*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample of Shimmer Julie for review purposes.  All other polishes in this review were purchased by me for my own use.  The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.  For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy in the tab above.*

Shimmer Julie

Color: Multi-color glitter bomb that favors gold, purple, and blue mini and small hexes with accents of green, red, silver, and caramel hexes.

Finish: Glitter Top Coat – glitter in a clear base to be worn as a top coat.

Bottle / Brush: Round bottle – the brush and wand are the standard width and length.  Easy to control and manipulate.

Opacity: Glitter topcoat – not designed for full opacity.

Glitter Application: Medium – requires the dab method, but spreads evenly.

Consistency: Medium – applies easily and doesn’t flood the cuticles.

Overall Ease of Application: Easy – applies well without pooling, dragging, streaking, or balding.  Spreads evenly and smoothly.

Stampability: Not designed for stamping.

Dry Time: Quick – dry to the touch without smudging in under 3 minutes.

Overall Thoughts: When I first received this polish for review, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find any undies that would do it justice. I didn't want to overwhelm the mani by having a bright and in your face undie when the topper already had a ton of vibrant colors. I think it worked really well over the pastel undies. Application was so easy. It's so densely packed that the glitters came out easily but required the dab method to spread across the nail evenly. I loved this mani so much that I wore it for several days. That's saying something since I usually change my mani every day! As you can see, I actually wore it matte the first day, which was absolutely gorgeous. I used NYC Matte Me Crazy, which is as good as Essie Matte About you but for 1/4 of the price. You can purchase Shimmer polishes for $12 from Cindy's Etsy store, or here are instructions for how to email her your order. Follow her on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates.

Zoya Julie

Color: Lilac with silver shimmer.

Finish: Shimmer – a polish that shimmers in the light.

Bottle / Brush: Tapered bottle and cap - bottle tapers from a fat top to a smaller bottom making it a little harder to hold if you hold your bottles while you paint.  The tapered cap actually makes for easier application as it's shorter than most caps, but provides enough length to help guide application without being too wide where you grip it.  The wand and brush are a little short, but they have average application.

Opacity: Medium – achieves opacity at three to four coats.

Glitter Application: N/A

Consistency: Thick – thick or it can be clumpy. The polish requires more than 2 coats, but it hits its max thickness at 2 coats. Meaning, it looks a little lumpy at more than 2 coats, but you have to use more than 2 coats to keep it from showing bald spots. Catch 22, much?

Overall Ease of Application: Difficult – pools at the cuticles.  Drags and clumps, streaks, or is bald in spots.  Does not spread well without massive manipulation.  It is quite thick after applying sufficient coats for full oppacity.

Stampability: Not tested for stamping.

Dry Time: Long – dry to the touch with minimal smudging in over 8 minutes due to the thickness required for opacity.

Overall Thoughts: It's such a pretty color, but I was so disappointed by the application. Of course I'm going to keep it because 1) it's my name, duh, and 2) I really want to try it again after some thinner. As I've mentioned above, the polish became super thick on the nail after applying enough layers to reach full opacity. Plus, it got thicker on the brush as I completed my mani. All in all, it's so pretty that I'm going to attempt to use it again before giving up. I purchased Julie during one of their online promotions here. However, you can purchase Zoya at Ulta, Salons, and other beauty supply stores where they are sold.

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Color: Mint green.

Finish: Crelly – looks squishy like a jelly but opaque like a crème.

Bottle / Brush: Essie square - bottle is square, which is easier for me to hold in my hand or between my legs as I polish.  The cap is shorter than most salon brands, other than Zoya, but it is easy enough to hold.  The wand and brush are average with the brush being more on the narrow side.  Application is a little more difficult than normal due to the slender brush.

Opacity: Medium – achieves opacity at three to four coats.

Glitter Application: N/A

Consistency: Medium – applies easily and doesn’t flood the cuticles.

Overall Ease of Application: Hard – applies with some streaking and balding.  Requires sufficient time between coats to ensure no balding. However, it requires quick work per nail to get a smooth result.

Stampability: Not tested for stamping.

Dry Time: Quick – dry to the touch without smudging in under 3 minutes.

Overall Thoughts: I really enjoyed working with this polish, which was a random act of kindness gift from my friend, Samantha. Application was a little difficult as you had to work fast to get enough polish on the nail before it dried and caused a dragging situation. Furthermore, it required three coats to avoid streakiness. Once it was all said and done, though, it dried quickly, which is a huge plus. This is also a perfect mint green for my skin tone - and for Shimmer Julie! You can purchase Essie's at most drug stores, Target, salons, and beauty supply stores.

So, there you have it! Thank you again for coming on this journey with me. I am truly thankful for each and every one of you!

*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample of Shimmer Julie for review purposes.  All other polishes in this review were purchased by me for my own use.  The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.  For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy in the tab above.*