Ms. Sparkle Spring 2019 Easter Egg Hunt Collection Swatches and Reviews

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Hi guys! I told you I had lots of polishes in the works. While I've not been posting many blogs, I've been busy behind-the-scenes swatching a ton of new polishes coming out in the next week or 2. Spring polishes are in full bloom (pun intended), and today I've got a new collection from Ms. Sparkle. Simone is the maker, and she just so happens to be an indie maker from the Netherlands. I know of some indie brands in Australia, the UK, and Brazil, so I was excited to learn that there are others in Europe. I know what you're thinking; what about shipping from the Netherlands? These were shipped first class mail and they arrived a lot sooner than expected. I think I got them in 10 days total, or 7 business days. I believe Simone mentioned that they usually take around 7-10 business days to the US. If you're still not convinced, you can head over to one of the several stockists in the US that feature Ms. Sparkle, and some even have free shipping over $50. 

She sent me over her newest collection, Easter Egg Hunt, which will be released on Monday, April 1st in her shop. As you can see from the photo above, this one is full of colorful glitter crellies. I'm so happy there's been a resurgence of true glitter crellies in the indie world.  There are several brands that have stayed true to them, and I'm proud to be able to work with some of them. I was having a discussion with Simone about some of our favorites, and it was clear that she has a passion for them, and has been making them a long time. Again, these will be available on Monday, and they will retail for $9 each. 

Polish Pickup April 2019 Swatches and Review: Static Lacquer

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Hi guys, I hope you're enjoying your Saturday. I was woken up at 8 AM to several lawnmowers next door. Is it just me, or is that too early? I mean, it's not even summer where it gets too hot in the afternoon to mow. I say it's at least 9 AM on Saturday? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments. Today I'm back with another PPU shade, this time from Static Lacquer. Again, PPU starts at 11:00 AM ET Friday, April 5th and ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, April 8th. Since this month's theme was famous works of art, Stacy was inspired by the piece Goodnight Lava by Alex Pardee which is shown above. It will retail for $12 and there is a cap of 75 bottles. 

Static Lacquer Goodnight Lava (1 coat) over Primary Black (1 coat)

Static Lacquer Goodnight Lava (1 coat) over Primary White (1 coat)

Yes, this is a flakie topper, so you can use it over any base you'd like. I went ahead and used black and white so you can really see what is going on here. Goodnight Lava is a clear base with silver holo flake and various shades of UCC flakes. Have a shimmer or creme you think would look bangin' with some flakes? No problem, just add a quick layer of this one and you're done. I think this one is a true topper, as I'd imagine it would take quite a few coats to get enough coverage. That said, I found that 1 thin coat was the perfect amount of flakes. My Static's are notorious for applying well, and this one is no different. 

You can purchase this one this coming Friday. If you don't have many toppers in your collection, I definitely recommend them. They can make a world of difference to a polish you don't fully love. You can learn more about Static Lacquer on their website, Facebook, Group, and Instagram pages, while you can find more about PPU on their Facebook page and website.

*These polishes were provided by the company or PR representative. All reviews are based solely on my opinion. For more information, please see my full disclosure at the bottom of the site*

Polish Pickup April 2019 Swatches and Review: Noodles Nail Polish

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Hi guys! I know I'm a little early, but tonight I've got the April PPU shade from Noodles Nail Polish to show you. Not sure what PPU is? Each month, indie makers come together to bring store a exclusive nail polish or other handmade good for just 4 days a month (first Friday-Monday). The themes change each month and are chosen by the people. Each brand uses their own inspiration to come up with new and exciting items. Shipping is just $3 for the US, $5 for Canada, and more for international customers. A UK site recently opened, so you can purchase there if you are in Europe. If you make several orders over the weekend, all will be combined and shipping overages will be refunded (make sure to have the same name and address associated with each order).

This month's theme was Famous Works of Art and Noodles Nail Polish was inspired by the mosaic piece of art, Depthfinder by Sonia King. I happen to love mosaics...just look at that piece above! PPU opens at 11:00 AM ET on April 5th, and closes at 11:59 PM on Monday, April 8th.

Noodles Nail Polish Depthfinder (2 coats)

Price: $12

Cap: 125 bottles

Depthfinder is a dark charcoal crelly base with green/blue UCC flakes, blue/green shifting shimmer, and turquoise/aqua microglitter. Even though the base is dark, the amount of flakes/glitter in here makes it almost appear to have a green base. It's amazing how well the polish matches the mosaic piece. The polish was extremely pigmented was nearly a 1-coater. As always, I used 2 for my photos above, and it applied flawlessly like all my Noodles. It dried with some texture due to the glitters, so make sure to use a thick topcoat to smooth everything out, or add a second coat of thin ones. 

Blue and green polishes are some of my favorites, so it's no surprise I enjoyed this one so much. Natalie is so good at balancing out flakes with glitter. You can find out more about Noodles Nail Polish on their website, Instagram page, Facebook page, and Facebook Fan Group while you can learn more about PPU on their Facebook page and website. Have a great night! 

*These polishes were provided by the company or PR representative. All reviews are based solely on my opinion. For more information, please see my full disclosure at the bottom of the site*

le polish Swatches and Review: Cocaine and Windchimes 2.0

le polish Cocaine and Windchimes 2.0 (3 coats)

Hi guys! It's be too long! Rest assured I've been busy working behind-the-scenes on some new collections, PPU, and Polish Con shades. I'm not quite done with them, but you'll be the first to know when it happens. Tonight I've got a polish from le polish that features their infamous crelly flakies. I've got good news and bad news. The bad news is that le polish has been closed for a few months, and I'm not 100% sure when they'll be back. On the bright side, I don't think Cocaine and Windchimes 2.0 is discontinued, so as soon as Allison is back, you will hopefully be able to purchase this one. She's been closed recently, but make sure to check out PPU because she has had some shades pop up there. 

I have no idea where the name Cocaine and Windchimes comes from, but this is 2.0 because the 1.0 version was a One Batch Wonder which sold out quickly. Allison didn't have a recipe to follow, so she made 2.0 as close to the OBW as possible. It's a light grey crelly base with multi-colored UCC flakes, and blue shimmer. It was fairly sheer, which is expected, so I needed 3 thin coats for full opacity. I had no issues with the formula, and it dried with no texture, despite the abundance of flakes. 

I love this polish. If it happens to come back when the website opens, make sure to add this to your cart. I believe it retailed for $11, and it's worth every penny. You can find out more about le Polish on their website, Instagram, Facebook page, and Facebook Fan Group. 

Static Lacquer Primary Collection Swatches and Reviews + Cuticle Oil + Magnets!

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Hi guys! TGIF! It was a short week for me at work, but it still felt long. I was in Baltimore working all last weekend, which is the reason for my semi-long break from the blog. Tonight I have a new permanent collection from Static Lacquer, as well as some new items hitting the shop. These are available now, so make sure to check out the site for everything shown here. 

The new Primary Collection will always be available and restocked in the shop. They all stamp and watermarble for all you great artists out there. As you know, I'm not one of them. I did manage to get a few photos of some simple stamping just so you can see how well they work. They are available individually for $10, or $45 for the 5-piece collection. Just want a trio of the yellow, red, and blue? No problem, these will be available for $28. Perhaps the staples black and white are all you need? You'll save yourself $1.50 and get the duo for just $18.50. 

Formula

All 5 polishes were easy to work with. The only one that I felt could really use the second coat was the yellow, which is no surprise for that shade. As you can see below, I used 2 coats for all my swatches. Macro settings and bright lighting show every imperfection, which is why I opted to apply a second coat. When using these at home, you would be more than happy with just 1 coat (minus maybe the yellow). I should also mention that these dry with a satin finish due to how pigmented they are. If you want that shiny finish, make sure to grab your favorite topcoat. 

Static Lacquer Primary Black (2 coats)

Listen, there are many issues that came up when I decided to stamp. First, I lost the stamp I usually use. I had to use one of those really cheap and small ones that don't work well with the strong 'C' curve of my nail (and is too short for my nail bed). Second, I never got the chance to use the Halloween plate I bought last year, so of course I decided to go ahead and use that one. In March. I totally expect to be judged for that. Anyway, if you want a great basic 1-coat black, here it is. It will make a great base for your nail art, or shifty UP-filled polishes. 

Static Lacquer Primary Blue (2 coats)

Up next is a Primary Blue which is a bright cobalt blue creme. 

Static Lacquer Primary Red (2 coats)

Primary Red is your bright tomato red creme. With topcoat, it has a nice squishiness to it.  

Static Lacquer Primary White (2 coats)

Calling all artists! A stark white creme is what everyone needs. 

Static Lacquer Primary Yellow (2 coats)

Last, but not least is Primary Yellow which is a canary yellow creme. Again, this is the only one I thought really needed a second coat. That's really saying something because most yellows need 3 coats and are a pain to apply. I'm digging this one a lot more than I was expecting to! 

New Items to the Shop 

MAGNETS! These are neodymium mini magnets that come as 4-packs for $5. They are approximately 12 mm and I went ahead an gave a size comparison because I'm more of a visual person. All magnets are decorated with your favorite Static Lacquer shades including some limited edition, PPU, or other collaboration shades. You will get a random assortment unless specifically requested. I immediately put mine on my Helmers, but they can easily be used on refrigerators, whiteboard calendars, or in the office. 

And Static Lacquer now has cuticle oils! Stacy took her time with the ingredients and came up with a really nourishing and moisturizing formula. It does take a few minutes to absorb, but it's still lightweight. The ingredients include Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Argan Oil, Sunflower Oil, Vitamin E , and fragrance, if chosen. They are currently available in 5 mL droppers for only $3, but brush pens will be coming soon. The scent list is quite extensive, and Stacy also includes the top, middle, and bottom notes for each scent which I appreciate. 

I chose Strawberry Shortcake and Blackcurrant Absinthe to try out. Strawberry Shortcake is sugary and sweet, but not cloying or overpowering. It adds a nice hint of scent without being headache-inducing. Sometimes strawberry scents can smell really artificial, but I didn't find that with this scent at all. The Blackcurrant Absinthe scent is stronger, likely due to the base notes in it. When you hurl around anise, patchouli, and amber scents, it's no surprise it has more throw. And don't worry, it doesn't smell like patchouli or anything. The fruity top and middle notes mellows it all out. I've only been using the cuticle oil for a week or 2 so I can't claim any long-term results, but it has done a great job at keeping my nails and cuticles in top shape. 

What an awesome set from Static Lacquer! Don't forget, everything is available now for purchase. You can check out Static Lacquer on their website, Facebook, Group, and Instagram pages.

*These polishes were provided by the company or PR representative. All reviews are based solely on my opinion. For more information, please see my full disclosure at the bottom of the site*