Tag Archives: indie polish

Nov24

Octopus Party Nail Lacquer: Winter Collection and Holiday Duo

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To all my U.S. friends, Happy Thanksgiving! The countdown to mashed potatoes has begun!  I’m not sure how much sense I’m going to make in this blog post because I literally have potato brain right now.  But let’s give it a go anyway.  I’ll try to keep it as short and sweet as possible, although have you read this blog before?    Short and sweet isn’t my strong point.  However, if you’re into utter nonsense, well then today is your day.

I received six lovely polishes from Octopus Party Nail Lacquer to share with you.  There is a 4-piece winter collection available exclusively at Ella Ann Cosmetics, as well as a gorgeous holiday duo.  Are you ready?  Well then, let us go.

We’ll start with the 4-piece Ella Ann exclusive since it releases first.  This collection is full of beautiful bling. There’s holo and glitter everywhere in here.  Sounds like a party you wanna go to, doesn’t it?  I mean, for you, yes.  I, however, like to lay on couches.  And not in a sexy way.

First up is Edge of Velveteen:

What a darling color!  I was unexpectedly surprised by this one.  Yes, I could see it was pretty in the bottle, but on the nail it’s just wowza.  Elegant with a twist.  I’m sure you know exactly what I mean by that.  Best polish describer EVER.

Not sure what color you’d call it, but it reminds me of marsala, last year’s Pantone Color of the Year. A deep pink with a touch of purple and red. A nice smattering of holographic sparkle. And two spectacular coats. This one gets a gold star.

Next up is this lovely little glitter topper called On the Frocks:

Well, I’m no expert on glitter toppers, so I just went for it.  I sponged the heck out of my two middle fingers just to see what kind of coverage I could get on top of naked nails.  And while you see quite a bit of peek-a-boo, it still looks pretty good and I actually prefer to wear it this way.  However,  I did a couple nails with the topper over white so you could see your choices. Don’t worry; I got you boo.  


Outdoor shot just for funsies:

I put pants on for that photo, since an outside/no pants scenario is illegal and whatnot.  Again, I got you.

Next up is Amulet:

Guuurrrrrrllllllll.  This one is ridiculous.  You think it’s just a simple gold holo, but then BAM, you’re a puddle of goo on the floor.  It’s ultra sparkly and just as perfect as can be.  I have proof.

My eyes, my eyes!  I even threw in that extra macro because it’s quite an impressive photo if you ask me. So much gold in one place.  If you have party plans this holiday season, you’re gonna have to get this one for sure.  I can’t think of anything more anti-pajamas than this one right here.  

Outdoor shot.  Again with the pants.  My love for you knows no limits.

Last polish in the 4-piece collection is this delicious little thing, Stag Party: 

Well, who needs a candy bar?  I do, I do!  I loooooove chocolate browns like this.  They’re just so rich and lovely.  This particular one was a one-coater, which I know means heaps to some of you.  I, however, prefer to polish my nails, coat after coat, for nigh on eternity, complete with glaze-y eyes and a touch of drool.

I’m quite aware that’s not normal.

Last outdoor shot for you cuz this pants thing is officially ridiculous:

I’ll have ordering info at the bottom of this post, so make sure you read to the very end.  Do not skip over this next part.  DON’T DO IT.  It took me 18 hours to write, and there’s a GREEN one, so … 

Here’s the Holiday Duo:

Aaaaaack!  So pretty.  You need and you need.

First one is called Ring My Belle:

This is straight up holographic madness.   Look at all the rainbows.  Heart eyes times a billion.

Another outside shot.  I thought we were done, but this holo was begging for it.  So enjoy guys.  Cuz after all this, future activities are INDOORS ONLY like the good Lord intended.

Dang.  I’ll admit that was worth it.  Looks good on it’s own, but I can see a ton of awesome holiday nail art manis just waiting to happen.

Now, for the grand finale, and my personal favorite, the Green Goddess herself, here is Fir Elise:


Soooo with the wait. That green shimmer’s got me. It’s got me good, guys. If I didn’t already own this polish, I’d be buying like 17 bottles of it. You know, a back-up to the back-up sort of thing, cuz IT CAN NEVER RUN OUT. I refuse. My life would be a facsimile of a sham without it. 

This outdoor shot – and the absolute last one, I swear – was taken as the sun was nearing its descent. Look how tan my fingers are! Then look back at the nail polish, cuz that is the point after all. 

I am done.  Dead.  Thank you, Dave, for bringing this beauty into the world.

The round up:

I don’t know why I do these “available now” collages, as they all aren’t technically available at all.  Please read this important release info:

The 4-piece winter collection is available exclusively at Ella Ann Cosmetics.  Pre-sale starts this evening, Thanksgiving night, November 24 (we’re all clear now?) at 10pm EST.  Price is discounted to $42 for all four polishes for the first hour only.  Then afterwards, regular price for the set is $52.  Basically what I’m saying is SET YOUR ALARMS.  You should all be over your turkey comas by then.

Pre-sale runs until Sunday, November 27 at 10pm EST.  This set is also available as singles if you choose to go that way.  Although, WHY? is the real question.

As for the Holiday Duo, this will be sold on the Octopus Party Nail Lacquer site.  Available for pre-sale (strictly as a duo) only on Cyber Monday, November 28, from 11am to 5pm EST.  Price for the duo is $20 for the first half hour only, so make sure you got your shopping face on.  Afterwards, price goes to $23.  In addition, you get 20% off everything in the store and no code is needed.  How easy is that?  (Very.) 

Okay, you are well-equipped with as much Black Friday knowledge as I could muster.  I’m setting you loose out into the world, my babies.  Do your mama proud.

Later, loves!

Nov22

Lucky 13 Lacquer: November Releases 

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I’ve stared at this empty blog for approximately 18 years cuz it is physically impossible to write stories with the TV on.  I don’t even care what show it is.  My husband could be watching a documentary about snakes who eat people – and as terrifying and nightmarish as that is, I will end up watching it.  With my eyes closed, but still.

Current status:  the Thanksgiving episode of Full House circa 1987 and Uncle Joey’s got his tongue stuck in a Coke bottle.  Well, what more excitement do you need on a Tuesday night?

Okay, nail polish.  The answer is always nail polish.

I have two new beauties from Lucky 13 Lacquer to share with you today.  Take a look:

Looooooooove.  Dark and mysterious on the left, and one of the most unique polishes ever made on the right.  You’re excited! (Oh, yes you are.)

Let’s start with the right.  Here’s Clockwork Heart:

This is one of those polishes that make me feel bad about my own lack of creativity.  Isn’t it one of the coolest things you’ve ever seen?  As soon as I unwrapped it, I immediately shoved it under my husband’s nose:

ME:  Look how gorgeous this is!  OMG, just LOOK.

HIM (while not looking at the polish AT ALL) :  Mmmm, hmmm.  Yep.  Nice.

He is zero fun.  At least when I’m forced to watch one of his football shows, I give him high fives when something good happens.  What I’m high-fiving for is lost on me, but that is beside the point.

Clockwork Heart is inspired by steampunk culture, which makes this polish even more cool.  It has a delicious shimmering cocoa brown base and loaded with gold and caramel hex glitters and (my most favorite part!) red hearts.  I won’t lie:  I could eat this.  I mean, I won’t, but don’t say the words cocoa and caramel and expect me not to think about for a couple seconds at least.

Macros to swoon over:


You’re getting this, by the way.  I’ve decided.

Next release is this one called Bulletproof:

Well, now who’s a bad ass?  (Rarely me, but let’s pretend.)

Inspired by Marvel Comics’ (and now Netflix show) Luke Cage, Bulletproof is a charcoal grey base with lots of sparkling golden shimmer.  I’m totally loving this!  I’ve always been a fan of dark polish, but adding in an unexpected, contrasting shimmer is definitely preferred.  I mean, why have a donut with no sprinkles?  Or a hand with no Starbucks?  There is no logical reason for any of it, so we put gold shimmer in grey polish because that’s the natural law of the universe.  And you just can’t argue with that.  Cuz, SCIENCE.

Macro time!

Annnnnnnnnd scene.

The round up:

Both polishes release on November 23 – which is probably today by the time you read this.  Not sure of the exact time, so keep checking the site.  Click here, my friends!

In addition, Lucky 13 Lacquer is having their annual 25% off Almost Everything sale.  Starting tomorrow (today) (November 23) (ugh, whatever) and running through Monday night (the 28th, so you can put your calendars away), plug in code: TOFURKEY at check out and save some money!  Works on everything except the new stuff.

Lastly, I don’t have pics of anything because it’s currently en route to me, but there is a collab box available tomorrow too.  It’s inspired by Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas and includes an exclusive Lucky 13 Lacquer polish, a bottle of their matte top coat, perfume from Hepatonics, two lip balms from Geek Fire Labs, and nail vinyls from Nail Jewelry Bling. Be sure to check it out.  I’ll have photos on my Instagram soon.

Okay, I’m trying to find a less awkward way to end this post, but Friends just came on and now I can’t concentrate.  Someone needs to come turn this TV off.  I’d do it myself, but that’s okay.  Pajamas.  You know.

Later, loves!

Nov21

Pretty & Polished: Black Friday Specials

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Who’s ready to go get punched in the face by an old lady trying to snag the last RCA television that’s on sale for a dollar?  Not me! Although I’m sure some of you are completely fine with that cuz Black Friday is your rite of passage and you have no problem crawling out of bed at 3am to go stand at the door to Toys R Us for nigh on eternity.

This is why online shopping was invented, people. Stay home and shop from the comfort of your pajamas. If you wanna get up at 3am, get up at 3am. But why get in your car and go stand amongst the crazies if you don’t have to?

Clearly, Black Friday gives me anxiety. Too many people, all up in my business. Trapped in a sea of a thousand shopping carts all trying to go down the same aisle. Arms everywhere. No thank you. Gimme an iPad, a credit card (preferably my husband’s) and a Starbucks, and I’m the happiest of all things happy.

Let’s prepare this thing properly, shall we?Pretty & Polished has an ENTIRE week full of shopping opportunities. Starts today, right now, so here’s what you need to know:

🍁Monday 11/21 (that’s now, to be clear) – Free domestic shipping with orders over $10 using code: FreeShip

🍁Tuesday 11/22 – 20% off plus free mani melt using code: Tuesday20

🍁Wednesday 11/23 – Beauty Boxes 15% off using code: Box15

🍁Thursday 11/24 (Thanksgiving) – Free polish with orders over $10; no code needed; swatches of the polish is below

🍁Friday 11/25 (Black Friday) – 35% off sitewide (doesn’t include Boxes) using code: BlackFriday2016

🍁In addition, if you’re international (where you shop like the civilized people God intended), your code is Int20 and you get 20% off Monday thru Thursday and 35% off Friday with code: BlackFriday2016

Basically, there is absolutely no reason why you’re not shopping every single day this week. Everything is practically free and you deserve it because I said so.

As for the free polish you get for shopping on Thanksgiving, she is called Exclusively Yours, and here’s 17 billion photos:

Give or take a few billion. But I wanted you to see all the loveliness in all the scenarios you could imagine.  Indoors, outdoors, and while walking around holding your LED lamp – as us nail ladies are prone to do.

Two coats of a beautiful raspberry pink, and chock full of a ridiculous amount of glitter and sparkle.  It’s super pretty!

And that’s it. Your guide to Black Friday begins and ends here. Now how easy (and elbow jab-free) was that?!  Ahhhh, pajamas never felt so good. 

To order, click here. 

Later, loves!

Nov19

Frenzy Polish: Fall 2016 Collection 

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What happened to the weather?  It was like 80-degrees yesterday, and then poof! just like that it’s freezing.  Couldn’t we have eased into it at least?  Like, maybe have a month or two more of nice, balmy days before gradually slipping into ONE solitary snow day, then we can bound back like lions into spring.  Who’s got the power to make that happen?  Let’s call him.

I might’ve mentioned it before, but I am not a fan of winter.  And fall isn’t much better due to it’s unfortunate proximity to winter.  I realize we’ve had an unusually warm fall this year, which has been great, but since I’ve had roughly 12 hours to get used to this 40-degree temperature difference, I’m feeling winter weather is rearing its ugly head and the end of the world has begun.  Am I being a skosh dramatic?  NO.  It will never be warm again, I just know it.

At least I have these six pretty polishes, though.  Won’t keep the snow away or bring back summer, which WHY NOT is the real question, but I still love them and will wear them and force them upon everyone I know.  Get ready:  here’s the fall collection from Frenzy Polish:

Is everyone okay?  Anyone need a chair, a cold rag?  Cuz these polishes are downright knee-buckling beautiful.  I swoon, I swoon!  The colors here are the only reason why fall is bearable.  This is not a typo:  the ONLY reason.  And since I don’t go and pumpkin everything like 97.8676% of the rest of the world, you know what I’m saying is true.

Speaking of, here is Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice:

Who wants a candy bar?  I do, I do!  What a lovely brown holo.  Makes me sigh out loud just looking at it.  But get her under the lamps, and she transforms into something so much more special:

See those deep orange undertones?  Squeeeee!  It’s a good thing I’m by myself right now, otherwise people would be very very concerned by how much my mouth is hanging open right now.

As always, a macro:

And then I did some nail art:

It’s pretty basic, but I think it’s cute.  I call it Leaf French Tips cuz somehow that makes it sound fancier and more complicated.  But I just stamped on a simple leaf image from the Lina Nail Art Supplies 4 Seasons-Autumn 01 plate.  And added some really terrible freehand leaf veins.  Cuz it wouldn’t be MY nail art if I didn’t muck it up in some way. 

Next is Sapphire Skies:

Don’t you just love blues like this?  What a rich, intense shade.  Looks exactly like a winter night sky or the deepest part of the ocean.  And those flakies!  Look:

Just floating in there right under the surface.  I die!  They practically glow and I can’t get enough of it.  I’m struggling here to express myself more eloquently, but this collection has got me stupid.  I’m like a little kid in a room full of office supplies, which is my DREAM SCENARIO cuz I’ve never been normal, not even back then.

Macro time:

And more nail art:

Decided to do a snowflake mani since I got this little charm from Cosette Nail Shop and kinda felt it went perfect.  Again, a pretty simple design.  Just some stamping using the Let it Snow plate from B. Loves Plates.  I managed to not go overboard and stamp all the things like usual.  Go me!  I deserve a gift card.

Now here is Shadow Dahlia:

The name of this polish alone makes me want it.  What is a shadow dahlia?  Dunno.  But it sounds mysterious and lovely.

(It’s a burgundy flower.  I googled it as you knew I would.  I am nothing if not thorough.)

Under the lamps: 

Oooooooh.  Even better!  This one has a beautiful burgundy base and loaded with red, pink and gold flecks and holo glitter.  It’s stunning.  If I didn’t already own this collection, I’d be all over it at this point.  Also, you’re buying this.  I’ve decided for you.  I don’t know if you were on the fence about it, but honestly, the fence is no place for a lady.

I love this macro:  

Goodness, that’s pretty.

Here’s some mediocre nail art:

I am quite aware I went too far.  I like the bronze strip, but after that, I should’ve just walked away.  Damn me and my experimental moods.  Not that I did anything too drastic.  Once, in 7th grade, I wore a record in my hair, so I’ve most definitely done weirder things.  I was a strange child.

Now for my favorite, Sage Advice:

Oh, green.  You never fail me.  My favorite color at all times, but fall green is my favorite.  Such a bold, deep, warm little soul-soother.  It’s all the happy words poured in a bottle.

Under the lights, it just gets more ridiculous:

Gah!  I’m done.  Dead.  A puddle of goo on the floor.  The blue iridescent flakies have ruined me.

But then I went and failed all over it.  Utterly and completely.  Just scroll right past this nail art, thanks.

Ugh, you stopped.  In my defense, I was doing nails at 2am, and although the eyes may be open, sometimes the brain has already gone to sleep.  Let’s unsee this, shall we?

These last two polishes are revamps from last year’s fall collection.  Rachel redid them, replacing the large glitters with flakies instead, making the formulas on these so much smoother and more delicious.  First, here is Falling Leaves II: 

I get it; white crellies can be scary.  A lot of times they are too milky, uneven, streaky and dumb.  However, give this one a try.  It is flawless.  Three thin coats here, and effortless.  And those autumn colored flakes and glitters:  divine.

Here’s two lovely macros so you’ll know I’m serious:


The other revamp, and the last polish in the collection is Fireside Therapy II:

Want.  NEED.  This is your mantra.

Those flakies look exactly like a crackling fire or crushed leaves.  This is the ultimate autumn polish.  I can’t think of anything more appropriate for this collection.  This and a pumpkin spice latte (well, and prolly some Uggs), and you win at fall.  Congratulations, you may get back in pajamas now.

A parting macro:

And some nail art I’m actually proud of:

I used both Fireside Therapy II and Falling Leaves II plus some stamping using the Uber Chic Beauty Lovely Leaves plate and B. Loves Plates Leaves of Happiness.  I went all out on this one, and luckily it didn’t turn into a scary hot mess.  Every once in a while, things work out.  The Fall Gods are watching.

The round up:

Here they are, guys!  Look how lovely they are all lined up like that.  How are you able to walk away?  (Spoiler Alert:  you can’t.)

Each polish retails for $9 or you can get the entire collection for $50.  If you’re any good at math, you know that’s a pretty good deal.  Every one of these was a two coat dreamboat except for the white crelly but that’s expected of a crelly – and the formula was fabulous anyway so we’re all good here.  The colors are so lovely and you need them in your life.  Go ahead and click here to order, and make yourself happy.  Then go buy me a Starbucks cuz we are best friends whether you like it or not.

Later, loves!

Nov13

Pretty & Polished: Winter Collection 2016

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I have two cats, and they are both a couple of ding dongs.

Don’t get me wrong; I love my fur babies.  One of them, Chloe, I’ve had for almost 17 years.  She’s an old lady, a bit crochety, and sleeps 25 hours a day, but she’s such a little sweetie.  And Oliver, my 6 year old, still has those cute little kitten qualities that made me scoop him up in the first place.

But don’t let ANY of that fool you.  You hear about other people’s cats, the ones that kill snakes out in the backyard or save a family of five from a burning house.  You know, hero cats.  Also known as, NOT MY CATS.  No, unfortunately I get one that likes to eat grass, then throw it up on my rug.  And Chloe, the old one, likes to bring me little turds and put them in my bed – while I am in it, sleeping.

THEN, to top it all off, neither one of them will let me pick them up and carry them around the house on my hip.    Seriously, who wouldn’t want this?  If anyone would like to volunteer to move me about from room to room, that’d be great, cuz THAT sounds like an amazing time.  The least amount of effort on my part is ideal.

Plus, would it kill them to play dress up with me, to at least one time put on a pair of pantyhose so I can post a pic on Instagram?  Forget about it.  And the only time I get a kiss is when I stick my hand in their face while they’re bathing and they lick me on accident.  

I’m traumatized by their lack of love.  I need nail polish.

Good thing I have the Pretty & Polished Winter 2016 Collection to make me happy: 

That’s a lot of polish!  Twelve of them to be exact.  There’s crellies and glitters, dusty cremes and multi-chromes.  And ALL, fabulous.  So go get yourself a little snack or have a Starbucks handy (minimum), and find a comfy place to sit – cuz this one’s gonna take a minute.  And who wants to go to work today anyway?

First up is Blue Balls:

The 12-year-old boy inside of me is just laughing, laughing, laughing.  And the 42-year-old in me is rolling my eyes at myself, and now I’m almost certain this is how crazy starts.  Let’s move on, shall we?

I stinkin’ love this!  The base is a really delicate light blue crelly, and it’s loaded with blue dot glitters of all sizes and shades.  It is so much prettier than I expected it would be.  I mean, it’s lovely in the bottle, but on the nail?  Heart eyes times a billion.  Definitely one of my faves in the collection.

I did three thin coats here, and the glitter payoff is crazy good.  No fishing (i.e., no effort) allowed.  My favorite!

Macro time:

Now you want this.  I’ve already decided.

Next is Spike My Cider:

Well, hello good lookin’!  Only two polishes in, and already I’m a big pile of goo.  This is the one that made me email Chelsea, the creator and mastermind behind Pretty & Polished, to ask her WHAT. IS. THIS. VOODOO?  My mouth hung open right out of the gate with this one.  Quite possibly drooled a bit (but in a ladylike way, to be clear).

At first glance, this polish appears to be gold, but while it does have some golden qualities, it’s actually a light brown holographic packed with holographic brown glitter.  Who knew how gorgeous brown could be?  Suck it, blondies.

This had excellent coverage as well.  I did one coat and could easily have been done.  But one coaters are no fun for me (cuz I am not a normal person), so photo shows two coats.  Dries dull, so add top coat.

Aaaack!  My eyes!  This collection is already ridiculous.

Now, Shameless Sugarplum:

I guarantee you have absolutely NOTHING in your stash that’s anywhere close to a dupe of this polish.  Go on, check.  (Told ya.)  That is what I love about Pretty & Polished – there is always something so incredibly unique and different available.  This right here is that.

Base is a light pink crelly with a soft gold and pink shimmer packed with blue, pink and purple glitters.  It’s one of those polishes that made it entirely too dangerous to be driving a car, what with all the not looking at the road and everything.  So, at minimum, you have an excuse to stay home from work today.  Pajamas for everyone!

Coverage here is two regular coats.  Glitter load is heavy but application is pretty smooth.  I think you’ll really like it.

You see that shimmer?  And that cat hair?  Macro = success!

Heres That’s Just Plum Dandy:

Where my purple lovers at?  This one is for you!  What a delicious deep plum, amirite?  Aside from the  polish smear I left on the tip of my pinky, this swatch is pretty much perfection.

Look at her under the lights, though: 

Glorious!  This is one of Pretty & Polished’s Dusty Cremes, a very unique creme formula you can only find at P&P.  If you’ve never used a Dusty Creme, you must fix that stat.  Ultra smooth and creamy, mostly two coats (but occasionally three), and self-leveling.  They are a dream to work with.  Again, an effortless polish for the lazy ones like me.

The only issue I had was trying to photograph the dusties.  I couldn’t capture them.  The polish is pretty dark, so there isn’t much contrast between the two.  And I take pics with my iPhone, which isn’t the most amazing set up ever made.  I mean, I bought a lightbox and two LED lamps – that’s about as far as my swatch budget will go.  However, anytime someone wants to buy me a Nikon, I will accept your gracious gift.  Just putting that out there in case y’all weren’t sure.

Next up is the gorgeous Sleighing It!:

Oooooooh!  What is this one?!  Chelsea made a multi-chrome and I’m just beside myself with giddiness.  I love polishes that shift in color between angles.  They’re just so fun to look at.  Very distracting, though.  Driving is difficult, working is difficult, picking things up with your hands is difficult.  Who else models holding a coffee cup with a spectacular mani?  Or does an obsessive amount of pointing at things?  Or just sticks your fingers in people’s faces in general?  Look at mah nails!

The weird ones, that’s who.  So sorry.

Okay, this one would make carrying around an LED lamp all day totally worth it.  Look how beautiful she is under the lights!  You get this stunning red to orange shift and a bit of holo, and OMG I can’t concentrate on anything else.  For real, I’m done.  Goodbye.

Okay, just seven more polishes THEN I’m done.

Here is Rocks in My Snowballs:

Doesn’t this one look exactly like dirty snow?  Chelsea nailed it!  It’s snow after 18,000 cars plow through it.  It’s nightmare snow.  Basically, anti-snow.

In case you didn’t catch that, I am not a fan of snow.  Back when I was a kid, snow meant happy things, like snowmen and no school.  But now as an adult, snow gets you NOTHING.  Work cancelled because of snow?  NOPE.  Chance of getting stuck in a hideous, hardened dirty snow rut?  A billion percent.

I’m getting hives.  Let’s move on.

This polish – despite its dirty snow connotations – is super fun.  It has a white crelly base loaded (and I mean, LOADED) with black, white and grey glitters.  Formula is a little thick, but I did two careful, thin coats and then dabbed on a coat in specific areas that needed a touch-up.  If you have trouble with the thickness, add about 10 drops of nail polish thinner (NOT acetone, you savages!) and shake it up to thin it out a bit.  Works brilliantly.

I added two layers of top coat to smooth it out as much as possible.  The longer I wore this one, the more I really enjoyed it.  I had it on all day at work, and I’ll admit to a couple times where I was typing like a supermodel.  What does that mean?  I dunno.  But you nail girls get it.

Next up is Throw Some Glitter on It!:

Bling bling!  This one is for festive party nails, for sure.  One of these days when I manage to get out of pajamas, I’ll put on this mani again and socialize cuz it’s the perfect polish for it.  It’s made for a Little Black Dress and a glass of champagne.

Under the lamps:

I can’t even begin to decipher what’s going on in there.  Full coverage glitter bomb, I know for sure.  There’s definitely pink and orange glitters.  And blue.  Purple.  Maybe a few flakies.  I did three thin coats here, but if you sponged on your second coat, that might be all you’d need.

Macro porn!

Fun, right?  (Very.)

Next we have the Obligatory Christmas Polish:

The last crelly in the lot.  It is straight up Christmas time.  Red and green glitter with gold holo sparkle in a white base.  I’ll definitely be doing some holiday nail art with this one.  And it may be “obligatory” but I think it’s pretty special, regardless.

The crelly formula on this one is absolutely amazing.  Usually white crellies can be difficult cuz they are too milky and require manipulation to cover uneven spots.   But this one is your new best friend.  Two coats and DONE.  It’s a real live Christmas miracle!

You want it, oh yes you do.

Another multi-chrome.  Here’s Brisky Business:

Excuse me, what now?  Did all my dreams just come true?  OMG, this.  Excuse me, I need a minute …

Okay, that picture didn’t help much either.  Are you dying, cuz I am.  What a stunner!  I literally have no words.  ZERO words.  Maybe I should just stop now before I turn into a bumbling idiot.  This polish makes my mouth hang open and odd throat noises come out.  Uhhhhhhnnnnnnnnn.  (See?!)

If you can’t tell, this one is my favorite.  A dark blue to purple dream boat.  Color shifting flakies.  Heaven in a bottle.  The end.

Two coats of ectasy.  How will you ever be the same again?

Focus now.  Next is I Need a Taupe-ical Vacation: 

I DO need a taupe-ical vacation!  Or a vacation period.  I know I just went on one, but that is beside the point.  Do you think it is easy to get up every day, go to work, then come home and put on pajamas and have your husband make you dinner while you polish your nails for four hours all while trying to cram in 16 episodes of The Walking Dead and then leave time to lay on the couch doing nothing for a while?

See.  Vacation = justified.

Another dusty creme, a lovely soft taupe.  You can definitely see those dusty specks in this one.  And to make it even better –  (Well, better for you.  I am the crazy one, remember?) – it was almost a one coater!  Excellent coverage and super smooth.  What else could you want or need (aside from the vacation, that is)?

Last multi-chrome of the collection and I’m so so sad.  This is Yule Thank Me Later:

Chelsea did such an amazing job with these.  If you’re into pretty polishes, this one has your name written alllll over it.  (For real, I checked.)  And anyone who likes mermaid nails, well, here ya go:  your perfect base.  If you’re not quite convinced, what is wrong with your eyes?!, but also here is a shot under the lights in case you just prefer to be thorough:

Okay, all good?  Good.  I see no logical reason you’re not buying this.  It’s got blue, it’s got green, with golden shimmer and a flakie explosion.  Case closed, people.  Put it in your basket.

If you’re taking notes, I did two coats plus one layer of top coat on this one.  Nice formula.  Happiness-inducing.

And now we’re at the end.  Here is the last polish in the collection, a fun glitter topper called I Busted My Glass:

I put this over black so you could see all the colors in this topper.  There’s bars and shards of different sizes, both metallic and holographic.  Little baby hexes too.  Now, I’m no expert on swatching toppers, but I think this turned out pretty good.  (Toot, toot!)  You could show this off on top of any color base and it would look amazing.  There are no rules.

Sparkly!  That’s what I love about it – the way the glitters reflect the light.  I don’t normally buy glitter toppers cuz they make me nervous (I know, what kind of problem is this?), but application here was easy. You get lots of glitter on the brush and they were very easy to spread around.  If toppers are your thing, this is one of the best.

The round up:

I was impressed by this entire colletion.  Definitely some winter pretties, but also lots of glitz and glam for holiday parties and get-togethers.  I can’t think of any better collection Chelsea could have done.  It’s perfection.  And you want it.  Just so you’re clear.

If you purchase the whole set, cost is $90 and you get free shipping.  If you’re only able to snag a few singles, the dusty cremes are $7.50, the multi-chromes are $9, and the rest are $8.50 each.  These will be available tomorrow, November 14 – so write yourself a little Post-It.  You do not want to miss out!

DON’T FORGET: Get 15% off your order using code dianna15

Click here to order.  Do it!  And thank you thank you thank you for reading this post all the way to the very bottom.  Internet high fives for you.  You may continue to read this blog.

Later, loves!

Nov10

 Glisten & Glow: Winter 2016 Collection

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I’ll be glad when this bowl of Halloween candy is off my coffee table.

I mean, it’s our fault, I guess.  We live in a neighborhood that no one purposely drives by unless you live here.  So it’s not actually a surprise that we get approximately two trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.  And that includes my two grandchildren.  But we bought 18 bags of candy just in case this year would be our year.

It wasn’t.  What the hell am I supposed to do with 76 pounds of Rice Krispy Treats?  If you guessed eating them, sadly, you are correct.  Ugh.  I’m fat.

So before I slip into a sugar coma, let me tell you about some nail polish.  I have the Glisten & Glow Winter Collection for you.  If you like rich, glossy cremes, you better have yourself a seat and your smelling salts handy:  it’s about to get serious.

Presenting:

I know!  Delicious!  Especially that one that looks like butterscotch pudding.  And the caramelly chocolate one, too.  OMG, I need a candy bar.

First up is this luscious deep forest green called Coats & Curling:

Welp, this is starting out well.  Cuz GREEN.  Isn’t it the most glorious color?  If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, y’all already know how much I love green.  And if you haven’t been reading this blog for a while, you’ve got over 200 posts to read, so GET ON IT.  Work and food are overrated anyway.

Just kidding.  Food (or just Starbucks) gets a pass.  And as soon as I can do my job wearing pajamas all day, we’ll readdress that situation then.  As of right now, though, the point is moot.

What am I talking about?  I dunno.  Where’s that dang candy bar, that’s what I really meant to say.

Doesn’t she look pretty all glossy like that?  This is two fabulously creamy coats. I love, I love!

Then I attempted some nail art:

It’s a pretty basic dotticure, but I used three other colors in this collection to make the dots.  And I tried to gradient them all nice-like, but you know I can’t handle making random patterns.  Last time I attempted something random, I spent like 2 hours and a lot of meticulous effort putting glitter in extremely specific places.  OCD really sucks sometimes.

In other words, you better love this.

Next up is Mittens & Mountaineering:

Well, who just wrapped me up in a warm blanket and handed me a bunch of kitties?  This color makes me feel so happy!  I don’t understand it when people don’t like brown.  Brown is comfy, cozy and relaxing.  UNLESS, you are brown grass under 2 feet of snow, well then I don’t like brown very much at all.  But I’ll take a brown campfire, a brown pile of crackling leaves, and lots and lots of brown food.  Like chocolate (we’ve discussed this already), lattes (duh), and gravy.  Gravy?  YES.  I would drink a mug of brown gravy if people weren’t so judgy with their eyes.

Yummy.

I probably shouldn’t blog when I’m hungry.  Although, at least there’s no risk of coming home from the grocery store with like 22 bags of Little Debbie cakes.  No, I’ll just sit on my couch, in pajamas, blogging, with Halloween candy in my mouth instead.  Success!

Did I mention these cremes stamp?  They do!  Here’s a little wheat stamp design using one of the other colors in the collection, and I think it turned out pretty good.  Showed up well over the dark base, which I find impressive as these polishes are not specificially stamping polishes.  I really love that about them.

Now we have Long Johns & Luge:

I told you it was butterscotch pudding!  Now you can’t unsee this.  I’ve put Snak-Paks on the grocery list for this weekend.  Glisten & Glow, what are you doing to me?  Why can’t I see salad in your polishes instead?  Whyyyyyeeeee?

Still two coats.  Every polish is consistently good so far.  Ultra rich, ultra smooth, ultra creamy.  Perfection in a bottle.

Sooooo, I’m pretty proud of this nail art:

I did a dry brush using three colors over the butterscotch base,  and it turned out super cool.  Added an awesome ikat chevron pattern on top, and it literally hurt my heart to remove this mani.  This is why I’m your favorite blogger.  The sacrifices, people.  THE SACRIFICES.

Next up is Flannels & Figure Skating:

What a beautiful cranberry rosy pinky red (i.e, best color description EVER).  This one looks so pretty and elegant on the nail.  Kinda girly but a bit sexy too.  It’s the opposite of a high five after cuddle time, let’s just say.

Wow wow wow.  I really love this color!  But then I did this:

And now I love it even more.  They watermarble!  Holy moly, guys.  These polishes spread in the water like a dang professional.  I’ve been on a streak of terrible watermarbles lately, and this collection has renewed my faith in myself.  They worked perfectly and effortlessly.  So very pleased.

Although don’t mind the pinky nail.  I don’t know what that is.  Looks like a nipple.  Okay, that you DEFINITELY can’t unsee.  Regardless, enjoy!

Here is the lovely Scarves & Snowboarding:

Let’s call this one a dusty, teal blue, not quite navy.  I know, that’s suuuuuper helpful.

But beautiful, so honestly, what else matters?

I can see so many winter landscape manis happening with this one, can’t you?  Looks like the perfect backdrop for a snowy night sky.

So naturally I did butterfly nail art!

Winter = blah.  In fact, my favorite thing about this winter so far is this collection of polishes.  That’s it.  Glisten & Glow, you’re the winner!

I do like this mani though.  I can’t get over the fact these stamp, and stamp well.  I get so excited when polishes do double duty.  It’s practically saving money, and therefore, you’re buying this entire collection.  I’ve decided for you, so you can get back in  pajamas now – your day is done.

Last polish is Hats & Hockey:

A deep dusty plummy purple, and all you purple lovers need to get on board.  It’s lovely!  But then I got her under the lamps and look:

Okay, gimme your smelling salts; imma need those.

Why is it I can take a picture of this mani, crop it, watermark it, post it on Instagram.  Then, and ONLY then, once I post it on my blog at the very last minute right before publishing, I notice I’ve got paint on the tip of my middle finger and now all I can see is that little smear and I just want to reach my hand into the screen with a brush and some acetone and get that shit OFF.  Oh the hives.  The hives, they are a creepin’.

Decided to use this polish strictly for stamping, which I’ve put on top of one of Glisten & Glow’s older shades, Peach Bellini (still available!).  Now, stamping over this base muted the purple color out more, but I still love what I made.  It’s so much better than the disaster I created right before this one.  The one you’ll never ever see because I have a reputation to uphold. (As a nail art genius, to be clear.)

The round up:

My, my, how pretty they all look.

So here’s the plan:

You’re gonna click here, first.  Buy all the polishes.  Toss in a couple of HK Girl top coats because I’ve used that in every single mani pic (except for the matte nail art ones, obvs), it is ridiculously glossy and all the cool kids are doing it.

Then you’re gonna go on my Instagram and click follow because we are best friends whether you like it or not.

Later, loves!

Nov6

Peachtree Polish: Sparkling Holiday Collection

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Hubby told me if the Cubs won the World Series, he was probably going to cry.  And so I looked forward to that little gem for an entire week.  I even reminded him a couple times, just in case he forgot the plan:  watch game, Cubs win, he cries.  But when the Cubs did win, and he did not cry, I felt as if I got cheated out of the only thing that mattered to me.  I mean, I watched that entire 3 hour game ON PURPOSE just waiting for my big moment.  I even jumped off the couch really fast to cheer for the team and peed my pants a little bit.  Certainly that gets me something?  Something, plus interest.  

Don’t worry; I’m making a list.  The trade-in allowance for a single tear is var var high.

I got new polishes, guys!  Bonny from Peachtree Polish sent me four new pretties to review for you.  This is their Sparkling Holiday collection:

So pretty!  We’ve got two shimmery polishes and two festive glitter toppers.  Putting them side by side like that, and I would like to just fast forward to December 25 right now please.  And then quickly skip to April 1 so we can go ahead and get Spring started.  We are barely out of the 80-degree weather here, but I already miss it so bad.  

First up is Southern Pine:

Now if you previously purchased the Peachtree Polish Fall Collection, you already have Southern Pine.  But it really is the perfect Christmas green, isn’t it?  So here we go.  We’re doing it again. Yay!

Look at her under the lights:

Good gracious, that shimmer.  That right there is why green is my favorite color.  I could wear this one everyday, but I have 800 polish children, so I can’t play favorites.  But this one knows.  She knows the depths of my love.

Macro time!

Yep, it’s official:  you’re buying this collection.

Next up is Poinsettia:

You know, I don’t wear (or own) a lot of red polishes, most likely because a red is a red is a red.  I know, I know, the girl who has at least 30 shades of purple polish just said that.  Assume I’ve been kidnapped and someone else is writing this blog, because somehow that makes more sense.

Anyway, this red is special.  It’s loaded with this glorious golden shimmer.  Take a look:

Did your mouth just fall open?  Maybe pass out a little bit?  Cuz mannnnn, this red got me.  It glows!  It’s truly such a lovely red.

You know what’s next:

Okay, now for the glitter toppers.  This first one is called Silver Bells/Gold Balls:

This one is a mix of silver and gold glitters in a clear base.  It was really hard to macro in the bottle because – while I’m no scientist (surprise!) – I assume clear bases don’t photograph all that well.  You know, cuz INVISIBLE.

Below shot shows three ways of wearing the topper:

Pinky nail has 2 coats over nothing; ring finger has about 3 coats sponged on for a “full coverage” effect.  And the other two nails have the topper over Southern Pine.  Which is your favorite way? 

Oh, and not to be outdone by myself, here’s another version:

This all took like 80 years to do.  Someone deserves a gift card.  (Me, to be clear.)

Here’s a weird macro of my ring finger:

And now, Garland:

This is a festive little mix of different sizes of red hexes, green bars and some holographic sparkle.  It’s the type of glitter you find in strange places days and days after messing with it.  So thank goodness this version is contained safe and sound in a clear base; otherwise, I’d no doubt be digging around in my underpants, picking them off my ladybits.   How’d that get in there?!  It’s one of life’s greatest mysteries.

Like the last glitter topper, I treated this one in the same way – 2 coats over nothing on the pinky, 3 sponged on coats on my ring finger, and 2 coats over Poinsettia on the other two fingers.

Then I did this one over white because I had another 80 years to spare:

If you assumed this mani gave me anxiety, you assumed correct.  When you have OCD, there is no such thing as random glitter placement.  Looking at my actual, true attempt at “random” gives me the hives.  I just wanna reach into the screen and move some of those glitters around.  Someone needs to invent that, please.

One more macro:

As a special treat, if you purchase the 4- or 3-piece set (with or without Southern Pine, depending on whether you purchased it previously in the Fall Collection), you get a cute Christmas tree charm from Charmed & Dangerous.  I love free stuff!

I added the charm to Southern Pine and Poinsettia both because I am nothing if not thorough:

Well, you get the point.

The round up:


The Sparkling Holiday collection released yesterday, so you’re all good to go!  Click here to purchase.  Set is $28 (or $21 for the 3-piece), or $8 for a single polish.  Also available in minis.  Remember though, no charm unless you buy a set. Sooooo, inother words:  YOU’RE BUYING A SET.

Later, loves!

Nov4

Night Owl Lacquer: Fall Collection 2016

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Things I Learned While on Vacation #163:

It takes at least 33 seconds of flying in an open-air biplane before your hair gets whipped into a frenzied mess.  And another .25 seconds after that to have a full blown panic attack.

It’s my husband’s fault.  He wanted to take a tour of the city of Louisville by riding one of those historic biplanes – you know, the kind with wings on both top and bottom and no roof or beverage service.  I did have my hair in a ponytail, but not because I had any foresight of what was to come, but more because it had been 3 days since I’d washed it.

Whaaaat?  No one could tell.  Pretty sure, anyway.

Anyway, as soon as our plane lifted off the runway, the 80 mph winds got me big time.  I didn’t think about it at first, but as soon as we leveled out and I settled in for a relaxing flight, I reached up to play with my ponytail.  Or the big ball of rat’s nest that used to be my ponytail.

I couldn’t focus.  I could no longer see the sights I was meant to see.  It was really hot in the cockpit despite the fact if I moved my head one inch to the left, I’d have one of those skydiving faces where the mouth blows open and the cheeks ripple violently in the wind.  All I could do was spend the next half hour trying to simultaneously untangle my hair and hold on to the ponytail in fear of further damage.  How beautiful does Louisville look at 8000 feet?  I have no freaking idea.  But I got a $275 receipt anyway.

But let’s talk about polish because that at least doesn’t give me the hives.  I received a gorgeous set of fall polishes from Night Owl Lacquer to show you.  Look:

Well, those colors look amazing together.  If anyone crochets, I’ll take a blanket that looks just like this.  I’d do it myself, but I don’t need another pot holder.

I really need a longer attention span.

Here’s Autumn Winds:

Oooooh, dreamy!  This looks just like a campfire, if you ask me.  A smokey grey loaded with tons of copper shimmer.  The contrast is stunning.  One of the only reasons to love fall – colors like this.

Not that I don’t like fall.  But only early fall.  Once it hits 60-degrees, I’m done.  However, this polish helps.

Two pretty macros:

Well, I’m not sure we can top this one.  It’s basically the prettiest color that ever lived.

But then along comes Be Thankful:

Alright, I seriously can’t take this.  I looooooove oranges like this.  Warm and fiery, like sparkling leaves.  I know, I know.  Summer just can’t quite do this.  Summer does neon.  I don’t want to wrap myself up in a neon blanket.

Fiiiiiine.  Points for fall.

The base here is a reddish copper with copper flecks.  So I guess not technically an orange.  Either way, it’s absolutely stunning and one of the best reasons why you’re buying this collection.

Macro porn!

I’m getting woozy.  This polish has got me loopy.  I’m drinking a rum and Coke, but I’ve been sipping from the same glass for like three hours, so pretty sure that has nothing to do with it.  

Next up is Harvest Moon:

Now it’s just getting stupid.  How can we have three gorgeous polishes in a row like that?  Is that even possible?  Quick, someone do the science.  Should we buy lottery tickets next?

Isn’t this pale gold so stunning?  It’s literally glowing.  It’s got loads of gold micro flakies in it, and I’m basically a melty pool of goo right now.

Macros next!

You love it, oh yes you do.

Here is Autumn Nights:

Welp, if I had a mic right now, I’d totally drop it.  Like literally drop it, and walk right out of the room.  

I love dark polish.  I’ve mentioned this before, maybe in this same blog post, I dunno.  But I just love the look of dark colors on my nails.  Makes my fingers seem less pale, although I’m sure you just scrolled up to look and now you think I’m crazy.  Listen, this is a darker shade of pale for me; trust me, it’s better.

So this polish is a dark navy blue with copper flakies in it.  I applied two coats even though this one didn’t really need it.  It was basically a one coater, which I’m sure a lot of you will appreciate.  Not me, cuz I can polish for 17 hours straight and never blink an eye (unless someone puts a Starbucks in my face), but I’m sure all the rest of you are normal human beings.

You know what’s next:

You can see those copper flakies in that one.  So pretty.

Last polish in the collection is Sunshine on Falling Leaves:

Oh, green, how much I love thee.  What an awesome ending, right?  Despite all my oohs and aahs about all the other  colors, green will always be my baby.  It’s my comfort color.  I love all shades of green, but especially ones like this.  

This one is a shimmery olive green packed full of gold holo micro glitters and gold holo shreds.  It’s perfection and the collection wouldn’t be complete without it.  It’s fall in a bottle, but just the warm part.  Like today, when it was 80-degrees.  That kind of fall.  The only fall that matters.  Because after the warm part, things turn brown.  And then naked.  And despite what you’ve heard, naked is not an attractive look for anyone.  Unless you’re Leonardo DiCaprio.  I assume, anyway.

More macros:

I die!

The round up:

Lindsay, the maker of Night Owl Lacquer, has truly outdone herself.  I loved the last collection she did, but this one just blows me away.  Every single one of them had a super rich color and requires either one to two coats, but more like one-and-a-half coats, although I don’t know if that’s a thing.  Regardless,  you’ve gotta get it!  It debuts later today at 10pm MST so click here to order.  You can thank me later.  I like gift cards.  And nail polish-shaped packages.  Thanks.

Later, loves!                                                                                                                               

Nov3

Blush Lacquers: November 2016 Releases

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I don’t know what all you’ve got going on today, but I’ve just rearranged your schedule.  This post is about to be a long one, so let’s get our priorities straight.  Grab your snacks, a cozy blanket, maybe some diabetic circulation socks just to be safe, cuz we’re gonna be here for a while.  Work will understand.

And I muted Full House, so I can concentrate.  Who’s the best, most dedicated blogger ever?  (Me.)

One of my most favorite brands is Blush Lacquers, and I’ve got their entire line of November releases to share with you today.  I’m feeling quite blessed that I received such a ginormous PR package, and every single polish I unwrapped was a workout of constraint, lest I jump up and down too much and accidentally exercise, which I do not take kindly to.  Pajamas are meant for lounging, that’s it.  Well, and driving to Starbucks.

Let’s get started.  First up is the November Color of the Month, Rust-ic Beauty:

I could probably end this blog right now, and you’ll buy everything in the shop anyway.  Isn’t this color absolutely insanely gorgeous?  This is my favorite kind of orange, earthy and rusty.  It’s comforting to me.  I do not like fall because of it’s proximity to winter, but this orange makes it bearable.

Base here is a rust orange with a rust orange shimmer.  It’s pretty on it’s own, but get it out in direct lights, and you’re a big pool of goo.  Look:

Gah!  See?!  I’m sliding out of my seat as we speak.  It may get really hard to ty o[pe here ina dsecond …

Focus!  Sorry.

For my macro lovers:

You’re buying this, just so you know.

For the main collection this month, Victoria was inspired by the characters in the BBC series, Sherlock:

As usual, it’s a set of six polishes, but it’s a little different this time as they are all cremes.  Lovely cremes.  Rich, pigmented, delicious cremes. Want, want and need.  You’ll see.

First up is The Blind Banker:

This is one of those “ugly” colors that I am magnetically drawn to.  They don’t always suit my skintone, but I love them anyway.  Gimme all the poopy greens and weird mustardy yellows.  The more unique, the better.

So, this one is a chartreuse green.  And it’s gorgeous.  It’s the color of Tupperware from the 1970s.  Tell me you had a least one ugly green flour canister on your counter as a kid.  That thought brings me so much joy.  Eeeeee!

OMG, they still sell Tupperware.  Brb.  I need to buy a Sandwich Keeper or something.

Next, is this sexy deep berry called The Woman:

Holy moly, she’s pretty!  For real, all these polishes are so glossy, you may not even need a quick dry top coat.  Unless you’re me, that is.  Cuz I don’t have time to wait around for my polish to dry.  Nothing says I got shit to do like ten freshly painted fingertips.  Like, I can literally be comatose on the couch for hours, but as soon as I finish a manicure, I suddenly need to find a paper clip at the bottom of my purse.

Check out how rich this color is under direct lights:

Heck ya.  You’re getting this one.

Here’s Moriarty:

Now this is my kinda nude.  Darker, more brown.  Taupe-y.  Makes my pale fingers look a skosh more model-y.  I mean, I know I’ll never be asked to caress the prizes on Let’s Make a Deal or anything, but this color gives me hope.

So yes, a brown leaning taupe creme.  Reminds me slightly of cereal milk after you’ve fished out all the Cocoa Krispies.  You agree?  Or maybe you just like cornflakes, and in that case, I feel sad for you.

Look at this beauty under the lights:

Wowza.  I hope you’re still awake cuz you don’t wanna be missing this one.

Next up is Mycroft:

Like your polish a little more dramatic?  Me too; dark polish is the best.  They’re the kinds of polish that give you a boost of confidence.  Makes you feel like you could punch someone real hard instead of the noodle arms you usually have.  I’m speaking for a friend, obviously.  The concept of noodle arms is foreign to me.

*crickets*

Ugh.

A bad ass little polish is what I’m trying to say.  Looks good in all lighting situations.  So you can leave your LED lamp at home.  Hooray!

Now, Watson:

Don’t be showing me no chocolate brown polish now.  I can’t take it; my knees are already weak as it is.  (Noodle arms notwithstanding.)  I have a strong magnetic attraction to things with food connotations.  I have bought so many moisturizers with the word “whipped” on the jar, it’s not even funny.  Cuz while I know they’re not actual whipped cream, the idea that they could be makes me want to buy them more.  Might be a jar of dog turd for all I know, but if it’s whipped dog turd, somehow that makes it better.

OMG.  Shut up, brain.

Dead.

Still dead.  Did I not mention how amazing this collection is?  For real, y’all.  I may say really stupid things occassionally (read: a lot) in this blog, but I’m super serious this time.  For a batch of cremes, these are some must-haves.

Did I spell occassionally right?  I’m too tired to even check.

Okay, you know I checked.  There’s only one “s” in occasionally.  But guess what?  We’re moving on.

Last one is Sherlock:

Couldn’t end the collection without a stunning navy blue.  It’s officially my new go-to navy.  Previously, every navy nail art I would do, I’d use Urban by Revlon.  But come on.  It’s so much more cool to use Blush Lacquers.  It’s true; I checked.  Indie polish is a billion times better.

Under the lamps:

I’m literally speechless.  This blue is all the happy words poured in a bottle.  It’s stunning.  Glorious.  Want, want, and NEEEEEEED.  The Sherlock Collection is no joke. 

Let’s end on the highest high note possible shall we?  Victoria has collaborated again with other makers this month to bring you the most gorgeous BLUSH Box ever made.  Here is Autumn Leaves:

Told you.  This box is the epitome of fall.  If you’re like me and need a really good reason to be done with summer, this be it.  

Let’s start with the Blush Lacquers offering.  Here is Fall-ing For You:

What can I say that hasn’t already been said?  Victoria is amazing at what she does.  Her polishes are elegant, unique, handmade little masterpieces.  I can’t even comprehend how she achieves this each and every time.  Here’s a scenario:

ME (making a polish):  Let’s take this red and put some glitter in it.

VICTORIA (making a polish):  Let’s take this red and put some MAGIC in it.

Ugh.  It’s the magic that makes it possible. And I have zero magic.  I wouldn’t like Victoria if I didn’t love her so much. So technically (according to etiquette books), I should shut the ef up.

This polish has a beautiful coppery-red base with a good measure of holo and some gold to bronze flakies (i.e., magic) thrown in.  Under the lamps, she just GLOWS:

You already want this box. The voodoo is working.

Macro porn!

One of the indie makers collabing in this box is MDJ Creations, and Melissa’s offering is Golden Glow:

Everyone needs a good gold.  But instead of just being good, we got a GREAT one.  Perfectly fall, but will definitely be useful for the upcoming holiday season as well.  It’s truly versatile and so so beautiful.

Base here is a light cool-toned gold, then she had to go all braggy with it by adding micro rainbow flakies and holographic micro glitter.  Take THAT! all the rest of all the other golds.  Why be basic when you can be this?  Result is bright with an almost metallic finish.

Of course it is.

It’s so holographic, my picture looks blurry.  Or maybe it is blurry.  I’m no professional.

Look at these macros, though:

So pretty, it hurts.

Last of the polish contributions is this one from Lindsey with Tonic Polish called Leaf Pile Leap:

Okay, for real?  This box is insanely good.  What an epic finish to the polishes.  You see, this polish right here is why fall colors are my favorite.  It’s a crackling campfire, a mug of hot chocolate, a pile of fiery leaves.  It’s all the beautiful things about fall minus the 60-degree weather (the not-so-favorite).

It’s your Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Did I get your attention now?

This one has a black base although you’d never know it.  There are so many metallic copper shimmers in it, it looks brown.  A glorious, cozy brown.  Toss in a bunch of holo and some pink to green shifting flakies, and I. AM. DONE.

Good God.  Sometimes polish makes me speechless.  This is one of those times.

While I find my voice, enjoy these awesome macros:

Try finding something this pretty at Walgreens.  Spoiler alert: you can’t.

And then there’s this:

I don’t even know.  I had a dorky moment.  But I paid $1.49 for that flower, so I had no choice.

Last item in the box is a Heather’s Hues Cutie-cle Oil pen in the scent, Maple Leaf:

Do you like pancakes?  Do you like them covered in syrup?  Then you are correct!  This cuticle oil smells like heaven.  I don’t know if you’ve ever used cuticle oil in a pen, but it’s the best way.  The most convenient and easy way.  And when faced with choices, convenient and easy is always at the top of my list.

Now, I’m no scientist (surprise!), but this oil contains almond oil, and that might mean something to someone with an allergy.  Or maybe it won’t.  Like I said, not a scientist.  Also, not a mathmetician.  Or an athlete of any kind.  I’m quite the catch, you might say.

The round up:


First of all, everything is amazing.  I can’t think of any valid reason why you’re not buying these.  I mean, it took like 5 days to write this blog post, so I’d say you owe me.

Here’s the lowdown on the goods:

November Color of the Month – $9

Sherlock Collection – $45 full set or $9 each

November BLUSH Box – $30

All release on November 3 at 7pm EST – which means they’re available now and you need to GET ON IT.  Click here to buy!

If you made it to the end of this blog post, you need to pat yourself on the back for being so amazing.  I appreciate you, cuz if it weren’t for you being here, I’d just be talking to myself.  And I’m prettttty sure that’s how crazy starts.
Later, loves!

Nov1

Pretty & Polished: Throwback Collection and 5 Year Anniversary Exclusive

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It took a total of 30 seconds after the Walking Dead season 7 premiere before someone on Facebook ruined it for everyone.  Don’t they know I’m only on season 5 right now?!  And that I somehow have to watch the next 32 episodes trying to unknow what I know.  Ugh.  People are assholes.

I’ve been trying to catch up.  I’ve got nine weeks worth of US Weeklys just sitting on the counter, neglected.  I’m still not reading the last 150 pages in that book I started reading 20 months ago.  I haven’t watched Dancing with the Stars AT ALL.  I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m really terrible at balancing my life.

Granted, my husband and I have made great progress on The Walking Dead.  We went from episode 1 to episode 50-something in the course of two months.  And this all truly surprises me because if you’d told me back in August I’d be loving a show about zombies right now, I’d swear you’d got your facts wrong.  Cuz there’s zero comedy in it.  No one is drinking coffee in Central Perk.  AND, Leonardo DiCaprio is nowhere to be seen.

I’m also the girl who went from never polishing her nails to owning over 800 bottles in less than a year.  So what do I know?

I’ve got more Pretty & Polish beauties to share with you!  The month of November is Pretty & Polished’s 5th anniversary, and to celebrate, Chelsea has come out with one anniversary exclusive polish and an awesome Throwback Collection.

Let’s start with the collection:

Oh, how intrigued you are!  This Throwback Collection is a revamp of four of their original polishes from back in the day.  They come in their original bottles and labels but with the updated and improved formula you know and love.  Also, they’re only $6.50 each.  Whaaaat?! I know; practically free.

First one is Mannequin Hands:

So elegant!  If we’re gonna do a light-colored polish, it’s gotta be one like this.  It has to be soft and dainty and remind you of peaches and cream.  Or mannequin hands, except my mannequin has the hands of someone with a water retention problem, and therefore you’d better take the peaches instead.

The base on this one is a very pale pinky peach. A light smattering of peach and pale pink glitters. Goes on opaque in about three thin coats.

I’m surprised how much I loved it.  In the bottle it was definitely very pretty, but on the nail, it’s so much lovelier than expected.  It’s the best kind of surprise.  Well, after Leonardo DiCaprio in pajamas holding Starbucks in my living room, that is.

Macros:

Next up is this purple jawbreaker of a polish called Tart:

How fun is this?  It’s like the colors of a birthday party or something. Or the pair of floral corduroy pants I wore in the 7th grade.

OMG, best throwback collection ever.  Now if someone could make a polish inspired by black clunky shoes and a pair of Hammer pants, you’ll know everything there is to know about my life.

Base here is a medium lavender with fun confetti glitters of different sizes and colors and a tiny dusting of sparkling flakes.  I did two thin coats plus a dabbed on coat to make sure I got the glitters where I wanted them.  Excellent glitter payoff though – no fishing required!

More macros cuz I know you love them! (Right? Right.)

Next, we have this awesome black and white glitter topper called Valentino:

It’s hard to swatch a topper.  I agonized over the best way to showcase it for you.  So naturally, I did all the things.  When in doubt, go overboard.  That’s basically the motto for everything I do in life.  You don’t end up with 17 sizes of crochet hooks and a duffle bag full of back issues of Penny Press puzzle books for nothing.  Well, until you sell them all at a garage sale that is.

So this first shot is my attempt at a full coverage something or other.  I sponged on about three coats on three of my fingers with a one pass deal over a grey polish on my pinky:

Next shot shows the same pinky and full coverage ring finger, but just two brushed on coats over naked nails on the other two:

Lastly, here are two brushed coats over a grey polish on all my nails:

In case you were wondering, all this took AGES.  I don’t put much effort in anything, so this is a var var big deal.  If I expended this much energy on everything else in my life, I’d most likely be president of the universe by now.

And now, some macros:

I like this topper; it’s very chic.  Kind of a formal tuxedo type of feel.  It would look so cool on top of a hot pink, or even a neon.  Ooooh, like a yellow neon!  OMG, I just invented the best mani ever.  Pretty sure someone needs to send me a Visa gift card then.

Finally, here’s Day Trippin’:

I saved the best one for last.  Holy moly, look at it!  I’m not real good at thermals, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off this little lady.   It was a dangerous situation on the way to the grocery store.  Well, according to my husband, that is, who was sitting in the passenger seat holding onto the Oh Shit handle and pumping on his imaginary brakes.

He’s so rude.  But did you die?!  No you did not.

Here’s a shot of Day Trippin’ in it’s warm state:

So shiny and glossy!  I’d be perfectly okay if this polish stayed this way forever.  Which is a good thing, cuz my nails stay warm most of the time anyway.  With the exception of Monday thru Friday from 8:30 to 5:30 when I’m sitting in the meat locker that others refer to as my office.

Here are a few transition photos:

Oh my god, are we done?!

No.  Here are a couple more pics:

Clearly I had trouble making a decision.  I just wanted to make sure you were absolutely certain how much you love this polish.  Lots and lots.  You’re buying this in about 2.5 seconds.

In addition to the Throwback Collection, Chelsea has also made a commemorative 5 year anniversary polish called I Got 5 On It.  She’s super pretty:

Dark polish!  Yes, ma’am.  This polish makes me so incredibly happy.  A maroon brown with tones of purple and a lot of fuchsia flash.  There is nothing NOT to love in here.

Under the lamps, it’s a killer:

The holo!  The shine!  And that perfect cuticle line!  Sometimes having OCD pays off just a little.  And then other times it’s annoying , especially when you’re trying to go to bed, but first you have to check all the doors, physically touch the locks because although you can clearly see they’re locked, it could just be a figment of your imagination (you never know!), and then open the door that leads to the garage to make sure the garage door is shut although when you shut it a mere four or so hours before, you said out loud to yourself to REMEMBER THIS DOOR IS SHUT but somehow that is a moot point at 1 in the morning.

Was that a run on sentence?  Probably.

But back to the polish.  Let’s end with some spectacular macros:

Gah!  In love.

The round up:


Both the Throwback Collection and the 5th anniversary polish debuts today – right now in fact because I’ve got this blogging thing down to a science.  Here’s the scoop:

Throwback Collection – pre-sale will run from November 1 through November 14, with shipping to begin on November 15.  Each polish is $6.50.

5th anniversary polish – available to ship now!  Cost is $9.

Lastly, don’t forget to use my coupon code (dianna15) to get 15% off your order (excludes beauty boxes).  Now aren’t you glad you read all the way to the end?  (You are.)

Later, loves!