Monday, July 31, 2017

Zoya Spring 2011 Intimate Collection Swatches and Review: Dannii



Zoya Dannii (3 coats)

No, you're not hallucinating, it's another post tonight! I didn't think it was quite fair that I showed a polish from earlier this year. I'm still working through my Zoya backlog and tonight I have Dannii. Can you believe this one was released SIX years ago? Time really flies. It's a medium metallic orchid purple with gold shimmer. I mean, is this a true metallic? Zoya calls it a metallic, but I don't know. I think I'd call it more of a glass-flecked finish. It's definitely a beautiful polish, and I'm glad I finally added it to my collection. I could have used 2 coats with this one, but I ended up doing a quick third just to make sure the VNL was covered. Do you own this one? 

Zoya polishes retail for $10 and you can find out more about them on their websiteFacebookTwitter, or Instagram pages. Dannii may not be in your local Ulta store, but you can find a nice selection of others to see before you buy.

Paint Box Polish/Stella Chroma Multichrome Madness Group Exclusive: Amortentia




Paint Box Polish Amortentia (3 coats)

Hi guys! I'm back from my vacation! Charleston is such a beautiful city with a ton of history (at least for the US). We went to Folly Beach, the South Carolina Aquarium, a ghost tour of the USS Yorktown, the Magnolia Plantation, and an aquatic tour of the harbor. I can't wait to go back!

You might be thinking to yourself, "Audrey, what are you doing?! You showed this polish back in January!" True, but Pam from Paint Box Polish (now known as Stella Chroma) decided to re-release Amortenia for the the Multichrome Madness Facebook Group. Today is the last day it's available, so get your order in now! If you haven't seen the new labels for Stella Chroma, you're in for a pleasant surprise. When some people rebrand, it can leave a stale taste in your mouth (I'm looking at you, Cirque), but some people do it and bring it to another level. Pam is a big Harry Potter fan, so Amortentia is named after the love potion. It has flashes of pink/purple/gold/green, with green showing at the most extreme angles. I've never had a problem with the formula from Pam, and this is is no exception. If you've never tried any of Stella Chroma's multichromes, you're missing out.

You can learn more about the Multichrome Madness group on their Facebook page, and here are the appropriate links for more information on Stella Chroma (website, Facebook page, Facebook Fan Group, Twitter, and Instagram). Have a great week!

Friday, July 21, 2017

Random Zoya Spam: Swatches and Reviews


Hi guys! TGIF! My family just got in town to take care of my animals and house while I'm on vacation. I can't wait for the time off! I'll do my best to take some pictures and I'll likely be giving my nails a little break while I'm away. Tonight I have some more random Zoya polishes I picked up during a recent sale. Zoya is my favorite mainstream brand, and I'm excited to fill out some of the collections I missed.


Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Zoya Spring 2012 True Collection Swatches and Review: Bevin



Zoya Bevin (2 coats)

Hi guys! Sorry for the lack of post on Monday, but to keep it 100, I haven't been feeling great the last few days. I don't know if I'm exactly sick, but I'm definitely fighting some sort of virus or bacteria this week. You know when you have a few symptoms, but mostly you feel sluggish and worn-down doing even minor things. I'm going to slowly ease back into full-fledged blog posts by showing a few Zoyas that have been around a few years. I bought these during a sale back in December and immediately forgot they existed - oops!

You guys know how much I love shimmers and dusty colors. It should be no surprise that I finally picked up Bevin which is a light dusty green creme with some blue undertones. I've been so lucky to be able to swatch for Zoya now, but the True Collection came out just before I was given press samples. You'll be seeing a few more colors from this collection because there are truly some beauties in there. I know I likely have a couple polishes in the same vein as Bevin, but I've looked through some other blogger's comparisons and I don't think I have any that are exact dupes. The formula was great and only needed 2 smooth coats for full opacity. If you're looking to fill up that cart during a good sale, I definitely recommend Bevin. Zoya polishes retail for $10 and you can find out more about them on their websiteFacebookTwitter, or Instagram pages. Bevin may not be in your local Ulta store, but you can find a nice selection of others to see before you buy.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Quixotic Polish Facebook Fan Group Exclusive Trio Swatches and Reviews


Hi guys! TGIF! I don't really have too many plans for this weekend, but that's fine. I think I'll just rest tomorrow and then run some errands on Sunday. Quick question: does anyone have any recommendations for shows on Netflix or Amazon? I have 2 episodes of The Night Manager with Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston left and then I'm out of shows. My husband says I should watch Riverdale, but I haven't started it. Unfortunately the trio I'm going to show you is a Quixotic Polish Facebook Fan Group exclusive, and it's no longer for sale. I'm telling you, you need to join the group for all of the exclusives and discounts. Mary just released a new trio inspired by Greek beaches so make sure to check those out while they're around. If you love purple, you're in for some beauties tonight.


Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Quixotic Polish Swatches and Review: Donnerwetter Geht



Quixotic Polish Donnerwetter Geht (3 coats)

Hi guys! Basically I've been on cruise control waiting for my vacation to come. Why is it time slows down the week before? Tonight I have another color from Quixotic Polish to show you. It's on sale now for only $6.50, so you might want to get it sooner rather than later. I showed some of the pictures in the Quixotic Polish Fan Group and I was so happy to get a warm reception. Everyone is so friendly, especially Mary. If you aren't a part of the group, you may want to consider it since there are lots of perks (group-only exclusives, sales, etc.).

Donnerwetter Geht is a German idiom which I believe translates to "all hell breaks loose." If this is what hell breaking loose looks like, then count me in! It's a light grey crelly base with ultra-chrome flakes, iridescent micro-glitter, and a holo finish. I love neutrals with an interesting touch. Most of the flake crelly polishes I own do not have quite as much holo in it, and they lack the iridescent glitter. I love complex polishes, so I say add everything but the kitchen sink (get it, so many idioms!)! It was slightly sheer so I ended up using 3 coats for the photos above. I found the formula to work better for me on this one, so I have nothing but positives to say about that.

You can get a wonderful product from a sweet maker, so I definitely recommend Donnerwetter Geht...especially since it's on sale for $6.50. Stop by the Quixotic Polish websiteFacebook pageFacebook Group, or Instagram pages to find out more.

Monday, July 10, 2017

Quixotic Polish Swatches and Reviews: Cher's Favorite Sparkle and Inner Sparkle


Hi guys! It was yet another manic Monday after a nice weekend. My husband and I went to see Spiderman: Homecoming this weekend, and I really loved Tom Holland as Peter Parker. If you haven't seen it, I definitely recommend it. We also took Scraggles hiking again, and she is such a little adventurer! She hates going outside if it's raining (we call her Princess Paws), but she was walking through some streams with no issue. Tonight I have a new brand to the blog called Quixotic Polish. I joined the Facebook Group about a month ago, and Mary, the maker, had just released a new trio. Unfortunately this trio is no longer available, but I hope you're ok with me still showing them this week. On the bright side, the polishes I'm showing tonight are still for sale, and are even on sale right now! Shall we get to it?


Friday, July 7, 2017

Sally Hansen X Crayola Collaboration- COLOR yourself happy! Press Release

TGIF! Have you heard of the new collaboration between Sally Hansen and Crayola? I, for one, am super excited to get my hands on these! I think they were released this week, but haven't been anywhere to confirm that. I dunno, I think I want all of them! I've also heard that these will stamp, so if you are into nail art, you may want to pick these up. They'll likely retail for ~$3.99-$4.99 depending on where you get them. Will you be picking any of these up? 


GO BACK TO SCHOOL IN STYLE: INTRODUCING THE NEW SALLY HANSEN + CRAYOLA INSTA-DRI COLLECTION

Sharpen those pencils, pack that apple, and add the final touch to your back-to-school look in an instant! The new Sally Hansen + Crayola Insta-Dri Collection transports you back to that care-free time of coloring with crayons, sketching out vibrant creations, and jumping back into the September back to school season. Color authorities Crayola and Sally Hansen joined forces to offer a bright, bold, and fun suite of hues that dry in just 60 seconds — so no time is wasted for the woman on the go. With a 60 second dry time, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri® Nail Color’s 3-in-1 formula features a built-in base and top coat to provide shiny, extended wear in a single step in just one stroke. These color specialists did their homework: From a saturated red to a marvelously mod white, here are the 12 new, specially designed shades inspired directly by the Crayola crayon colors we all know and love.

Wild Strawberry
Ripe and ravishing, this primary red crème shade is a classic.

Sunset Orange
As bold as it is beautiful, this hue conjures memories of blissful beachy evenings.

Carnation Pink
Everything’s coming up carnations in this vivid, pretty pink.

Dandelion
Picked right from a sprawling field, this sunny saturated yellow is a force of nature.

Granny Smith Apple
Take it to the tart side in this vivaciously verdant polish.

Cerulean
Rock this hue, it’s a go-to blue for back to school. 

Vivid Violet
Cultivate the feeling of floral fancy in this purple shade that elevates any first-day-of-school outfit.

White
No better way to kick off the year than with a blank slate. Be crisper than a white board with this pristine white.

Razzmatazz
It’s your time to shine bright and be a dazzling star with this raspberry hue.

Scarlet
Show off your summer tan with this red hot mani.

Denim
Casually cool, this jean-ius indigo hue goes with everything.

Purple Heart
Be the Queen Bee in this courageously colorful purple.

Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri® is #1 in the quick-dry segment. The Sally Hansen X Crayola Insta-Dri Back To School Collection will be available July 2017Crayola is the worldwide leader in children’s creative expression products. The Crayola brand is known for its iconic Crayola crayons, and portfolio of colorful and innovative art tools, crafting activities and creative toys.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

KBShimmer Indie Shop Atlanta Exclusive Swatches and Review: It's Petrifying



KBShimmer It's Petrifying (3 coats)

Hi guys! I'm sure you've heard this multiple times this week, but I can't believe it's Wednesday already. I really needed an extended weekend, so I finally feel a bit refreshed when it comes to blogging and work. There were some really good sales this weekend, and I partook in a couple of them. KBShimmer was one of those with a sale, and I ended up getting a couple polishes and their quick-dry topcoat. I have some bad news about the polish I'm going to show you tonight; It's Petrifying was only available at the Indie Shop Atlanta and for a handful of days after. On the bright side, KBShimmer has other similar crellies you can still buy on their site. Both Indie Shop exclusives were made for The Jedi Wife's 5th year blog anniversary, and wood just so happens to be the traditional gift for that anniversary.

It's Petrifying is a taupe crelly with various sizes of black, white, orange, and copper hexagonal glitter. There are only a few brands that I unequivocally trust with making a good crelly. My top 2 would be KBShimmer and Polish 'M. I love the color combination here. It may feel a bit like a fall color, but you won't find me complaining. Even though this is no longer for sale, may I suggest I Wet My Plants or Take Me For Granite? I went with 3 thin coats instead of 2 thicker ones, but that's just personal preference.

Make sure to check out KBShimmer's websiteFacebookTwitter, and Instagram pages for more information.

Monday, July 3, 2017

Zoya Summer 2017 Wanderlust Collection Swatches and Reviews: The Cremes Part II

*press samples*


Hi guys! I'm a bad blogger...these reviews were supposed to go up on Friday, but I was a slacker. I have a 4-day weekend for the first time in a year, and I've bee taking advantage of it. I'm planning on going to the fireworks tomorrow, but I think it's supposed to rain. I hope you have a great 4th tomorrow if you're in the US (and happy belated Canada Day to my Canadian readers). To all of my other great readers, have a delightful Tuesday! Tonight I'm finally finishing up the cremes from the Zoya Wanderlust collection.  Zoya is currently having a buy 3 get 3 free sale going on now with the code 3COLOR, so you can go ahead and get any of the polishes that pique your interest.