Swatch: Zoya's Avery

From the Feel Collection (Winter 2011):

Clouds?

Using Zoya's Avery and Kristen I've done a pseudo-cloud design:

Black Outlines

Do you remember how in elementary school teachers would say to outline what you were drawing in black crayon? I hated that! But I love it on my hands:

Essie's Luxeffects in A Cut Above

2 coats of A Cut Above over bare nail:

This is a slightly unusual shade of pink--it's girly, but not Barbie or Miami pink. It's almost a cameo pink, but with a caffeine shot. There are different sizes of glitter so you get better coverage and more bang for your buck when it comes to the sparkle factor.

Essie's Luxeffects in As Gold As It Gets

3 coats of As Gold as It Gets over bare nail:

Finally! Something different from a world of frosty shimmers and plain glitters! This is glittery, but it's more like gold leaf flakes instead of craft glitter, which I'm very thankful for. It looks nice over color also--more pics to come later!

Essie's Luxeffects in Shine of the Times

1 coat over an OPI black (can't remember which, but it's a creme and basically just a plain black):

This. is. so. cool. It turns any color into what seems like an entirely new polish look. I see a lot of nail art possibilities with this polish. When I saw swatches online and people raving about it, I didn't really see the appeal. I bought it anyway to try it myself, and now I get "it". It's gorgeous, glittery, and dare I say... the next evolution of glitter?

butter London's Spring/Summer 2012 Preview

Did you get this in your email this morning?

Knackered, Bossy Boots, and Slapper look like must-buys! Head over to their Facebook to see swatches.

Review: LUSH's Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb

Description from the LUSH website: As you bathe in the whirlpool of vibrant, fiery colour and inhale the refreshing sherbet scent of lemon and bergamot, you'll feel like you're up and away on the back of your own dragon. Citrus oils are known for their invigorating effect on the mind, and Dragon's Egg is no exception! Drop one of these baby dragons in the bath for a serious wake-up call on groggy mornings or before evenings out.


This is my first bomb (cracked to show layers) and a great introduction into LUSH products. The Dragon's Egg looks a bit plain on the outside, but once it hits water it reveals its orange and gold core that truly looks magical.

There are two types of glitter in this bomb, one's a medium/small cosmetic glitter (like in eyeshadow glitter) and the other is a shimmer (like if you put shimmery eyeshadow in water). I didn't find either to be a major problem... it washes away from the tub after a rinse but there was a small bit left on the skin. There were some jelly-ish bits that look like jellyfish floating around in the water but they didn't bother me. They were fun to break up with my fingers as I sat in the tub.

Did I mention that my skin and bathroom smell great? I wish I could get this as a perfume!

Swatch: Zoya's Sooki

Made for this year's summer collection, Sooki is bright and cheery. However, this is one of those colors that I feel isn't locked into a season. It's classic, romantic, vintage, and punk rock. It's a chameleon that transcends seasonal "rules".

I love it! And have you noticed how shiny it dries (yes, without a topcoat)?

Ever Wanted To Try Zoya?

If you've ever wanted to try out Zoya, now's the time to pull the trigger! From Zoya's blog:

In 2012 we want everyone to try Zoya and add some new color to their world.

So from now through 1/9/2012 11:59 PM ET we are going to let you try any* 2 bottles of Zoya Nail Polish for FREE on ZOYA.COM. All you pay is the standard shipping charges. As a bonus, you can purchase an additional $25 or more of Zoya or Qtica products and get FREE Shipping Too!..Bonus!

Use Code:  ZOYA2012

*Promotion Excludes True & Fleck Effect Collection Colors

Instructions

1. Add the 2 Zoya Nail Polishes that you want to try to your cart (as well as any additional merchandise that you would like)

2.  Enter the code into the the coupon/promo field in the shopping cart and press the "Apply Code" button.

3. Complete Check-Out Process & Submit Order

Visit Zoya's Blog for more info as well as Terms & Conditions.

Still need convincing? Zoya is Formaldehyde, Toluene, Camphor and Dibutyl Phthalate free AND animal cruelty free!

Swatch: Zoya's Dove

From Zoya's Intimate Collection (Spring 2011):

Zoya's Sunshine & Summertime 2011