AllThingsNails Spring/Summer 2016

Hi Everyone! Just thought I'd check in to give you a glimpse of what I've been up to on Instagram...

If you have any questions, please ask or just stop on by my IG page: https://www.instagram.com/allthingsnails_/ for more information on 

each pic above. If you'd like a full review on any of these photos, I'd 

be glad to oblige.  And I will give you detailed review here on Blogspot.

I update Instagram, at least, once a week so you can catch me there most 

of the time.

OPI Nail Polish Rack Storage Idea - Watches

Greetings! I thought I'd share this with all of my nail polish fanatics. This is an OPI professional nail polish storage
system that I converted into a watch organization unit. 

I found this rack to be ineffective for nail polish storage because the bottom back section of my polish was not easily accessible, but for watches, oh boy, just perfect if you like to display your beautiful timepieces!

Hope some of you found this useful and can repurpose your old nail polish rack, as well...

Pantone September 2013 Nail Challenge

Hello All! I've been in Instagramland (allthingsnails_) for the last year and promised one of my friends I'd post again because I've come to realize that everyone doesn't have Instagram or even want it, so...

I've challenged myself in two ways with today's post, 1. To come back to Blogger after my hiatus, and 2. To polish my nails more this month and for that reason I created the September 2013 Pantone Nail Challenge!

"For more than 20 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season’s most important color trends. This [color selection] previews the most prominent hues for fall 2013." -- www.pantone.com

So with that said, I will break this up into a three-post series from the Fall 2013 Top Ten color spectrum (above).

Today we will be showcasing the brights of the bunch:

• Samba (Red) is OPI's Vodka and Caviar

• Koi (Orange) is Misa's Flame Angel

• Vivacious (Magenta) is Zoya's Areej 

Thank you so much to the 500 of you for sticking around, I really hope you like this series and sincerely hope to hear from you. With Blogger, comments mean everything!!! 

China Glaze - Stone Cold



I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the China Glaze Hunger Games Collection! My favorite of the bunch was Stone Cold - so gorgeous. The movie is now on DVD but if you haven't seen it there were 12 Districts which coincided with twelve lacquers for China Glaze's Spring 2012 Collection. 

Stone Cold is from District 2 - Masonry.  And though it was released for Spring, it's the perfect color to transition you right into Fall.

Color Description: Stone Cold is a matte charcoal/black with silver shimmer and I recommend keeping it matte for the full effect of this "rock" star look.  This could be described as "street chic" with its asphalt texture and, to me, is best suited for shorter nails.  Stone cold is a winner, check it out if you can.

Similar To: Nothing I own comes close to this, it's definitely a "collector's" lacquer. However, from pics, it looks just like Orly's Iron Butterfly (check out The Polished Perfectionist for a closer look at this lacquer).

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of Stone Cold and no top coat.  (If you need to put on a top coat use a matte finish to preserve the look.)

Price Point/Availability: I believe you'll still be able to find these on line but it was Limited Edition (Hunger Games Collection) and last I saw was being clearanced out at Sally's a few months ago.  Better yet, just check the Sally's store online and it's only $1.50.  Wow!  That's a deal - retails for $6.50+!

Whether you saw the movie or not, this is a collection that you should check out.  See you soon ladies and (gents, I think there's a few of you that are male readers, at least)!  Have a great week... :)

Sally Hansen - Lightening (Insta-Dri)

We have a few more weeks until summertime is officially over (09/22/12), so I'm posting a polish I wore back in May when my nails were a bit longer and Summer was in full bloom.  Now, from the archives we have Sally Hansen's Lightening and it truly is lightening in a bottle!

Color Description: Lightening is a bright lemon yellow, not to be worn by the faint of heart.  And not really for those who care what people think about their nails.  It's a daring, bright, artsy color for the willing and able - lol.

Similar To: Nothing else I own is the same but Lightening has been compared to Chanel Mimosa (color not finish) and Revlon Electric by the wonderful blogger Fab Fatale (check her out!).

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of Ligtening and one coat of Shine & Hold.

Price Point/Availability: Of late, I've seen this online for as little as $3, however, I purchased mine a while ago at Big Lots and generally when cosmetics go to Big Lots or discount stores they've been discontinued.  But, by all means, check your local drugstore for the Insta Dri's, you may just find it there.

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed wearing it.  Have a great day!

OPI - Don't Talk Bach to Me

Don't you just love the title of this lacquer? Some lacquer names I could care less about, others will prevent me from purchasing a lacquer altogether, and some I must own due to the great name.  Well, with this lovely shade, I fell in love with the color long before I knew the name.

Don't Talk Bach to Me (DTBtM) hails from OPI's Germany Collection for Fall/Winter 2012. This collection is described as "edgy elegance" and is said to include "rich colors and striking textures for fall". I would describe it as redundant, with the exception of two shades, the namesake of this post, and Schnapps Out of It!  The other colors I've seen before and could not justify purchasing.

Color Description:  OPI describes DTBtM as a sassy lime-yellow.  It's sassy because there's a secret silver shimmer going on that makes this lacquer extra shiny.  I love this color because on me it turns into a lovely neutral that can be worn with anything.

Similar To: Okay, so I pulled out American Apparel's MacArthur Park and at first glance, in the bottles they look very similar but the AA is darker albeit in the same family.  It has also been compared to Fiercely Fiona in OPI's Shrek Collection (not even close) or China Glaze's Trendsetter which is closer but not nearly enough to call it a dupe.

This Look: One coat of Growing Nails Orderless Garlic base coat, two coats of DTBtM and one coat of my all-time favorite Shine & Hold topcoat.

Velusa: yellow green/gold -
Wallpaper from the 70s

Price Point/Availability: Germany by OPI became available August 8, 2012 and can be purchased at Professional Salons near you including JCPenney and ULTA; retails for $8.50.

70's Vinyl Sofa

Don't Talk Bach to Me is the kind of color that you just forget you have on all together until someone pays you a compliment - which will happen, a lot. This yellow leaning, green reminds me of a throwback to the 70's upholstery fabric or wall coverings.  Just gorgeous!

OPI - My Boyfriend Scales Walls

Has it really been over three months? The answer is yes! What have I been doing? 

Well, I've been job-hunting, double-dutching, roller skating, watching my weight and just living life.  My nails as you can see are now nubbins but I still like them.

I must tell you, though, I have missed blogging and thought I'd try one of my many untrieds from OPI's Summer 2012 selection. Now on with my Q&D review...

Color Description - The pale gray-blue (almost white) My Boyfriend Scales Walls (MBSW) from The Amazing Spiderman Collection is crisp and fresh. I think this will look great on most complexions!

Similar To - MBSW has been compared to OPI's Alpine White. Not close, in my opinion, and is pretty stand-alone.

Price Point/Availability - This collection became available May 2012 and was limited edition.  You should still be able to find it at your local salon/store.  Retails for $8.50 + tax.

Thank You! - Thanks so much for hanging out and hanging around! I am so humbled to have you all still here and will see you in the very near future...

Essie - Bazooka

Right in line with Pantone's Color of the Year for 2012, Essie Bazooka is bright and bold and, interestingly enough, very wearable when compared with other neons.  Bazooka hails from Essie's 2012 Poppy Razzi collection, as did, Action (my previous post).


Color Description: Bazooka is a bright orange translucent creme lacquer bordering on a jelly finish.  Again, it is not outlandish and can be very wearable in a fun setting.


Similar To: Bazooka reminds, in some ways of, Sinful Colors Big Daddy.  However, Big Daddy has a bit more red in it.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of Bazooka, and one coat of Sally Hansen's Mega Shine.


Price Point/Availability: Available now in your local drugstores and salons for a suggested retail price of $8.00.

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonliebigstuff/)

When trying to figure out where its name came from, I came across Bazooka bubble gum in the flavor Juicy Orange and the nail polish is the same color as the package.  Coincidence? Probably, but coincidences intrigue me.  This bubble gum was popular in the 80's and 90's. I remember Bazooka but not the Juicy Orange flavored kind.


So what do you think?  Would you wear this color?  Or, better yet, have you ever eaten Orange Juice flavored Bazooka bubble gum?

Essie - Action

Today we have Essie Action from their neon collection - Poppy Razzi, which makes me want to go to the grocery store and pick up a nice big box of Creamsicles!  Very reminiscent of  a hot summer day waiting for the ice cream truck to come my way...

Color Description: Described by Essie as a vivid and wild tangerine, Action is definitely in the citrus family.  As you can see from the picture, it's light and creamy in the bottle but a bit darker and translucent on the nail.

Similar To:  Essie says, Action isn't "your 80's neon" because it has a "new generation of fluorescent pigments" so it's unique to others that may seem similar including L.A. Colors Color Craze in Shock (see Nightly Nails swatch of Shock here) which I thought was an exact dupe - no-go!  Shock is definitely more yellow than orange.

This Look:  One coat of OPI Acrylic Nail base coat, three coats of Action (and I still have VNL - yikes!) and one coat of Nutra Nail Ultra Shine topcoat. (Side Note: I've switched up my base and topcoat. I do this occasionally when swatching and don't plan to wear a lacquer very long).

Price Point/Availability:  The Poppy Razzi collection is popping up at my local CVS and Salon locations.  You may also be able to find this at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Retail price is $8.00.

Well, what do you thing of Essie's fluorescent offering? While it is a fun color that conjures up memories of my childhood, I think the formula could have been better (i.e. somewhat difficult application). 


It looks like they're trying out a new formula that needs a few wrinkles ironed out.  Good thing I was given this lacquer to try by a friend.  We'll see if the next one is any better - I will be reviewing Essie Bazooka next...

OPI - I Vant To Be A-Lone Star

I'm attending a wedding tomorrow and will be wearing a yellow/gray floral dress and this color was calling my name. I Vant To Be A-Lone Star is from OPI Texas Collection (Spring/Summer 2011). 


After doing a little sleuthing, it appears that the name of this lacquer comes from a famous Greta Garbo quote from the movie The Grand Hotel. 


Wikipedia states that Garbo saying, "I want to be alone..." became so popular that "in 2005 it was voted the 30th most memorable movie quote of all time." I guess there is something to these collection names, after all.


Description: Isn't she lovely? On my skin tone this shows up as a creamy gray frost (EDIT: definitely a pearl finish not frost) with blue undertones but OPI describes it as a starry-silvery blue.  Whatever the case may be it will look good on anyone!

Similar To: China Glaze Sea Spray is almost a dupe for this out of my collection. It is also said to be very similar in hue to Essie Sag Harbor.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of I Vant To Be A-Lone Star, and one coat of Shine & Hold topcoat.


Price Point/Availability: You can still find this lacquer at some salons and online retailer for up to $8.50.


Have a great weekend everyone!

Sinful Colors - Big Daddy

Well my darlings, feast your eyes on, what is being promoted for Spring 2012 as Pantone's Color of The Year! Pantone is calling it Tangerine Tango but what you see on my nails is a lovely Sinful Colors lacquer named Big Daddy.

Color Description: Big Daddy is reddish-orange jelly and is not an uncommon shade to get your hands on.

Similar To:  Big Daddy has been touted as an exact dupe for OPI's A Good Mandarin Is Hard To Find by a fellow blogger at  I Like Socks (click here to see comparison post) and I would have to agree from her pics.  Other lacquers that will keep you on trend this spring would bee Essie Meet Me At Sunset and of course Pantone's collaborating collection Sephora's Tangerine Tango.

Price Point/Availability: The Sinful Colors line can be found at Walgreens and retails for $1.99.

Described by Pantone as a "provocative and enticing juicy orange", it's said to be "a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone's outlook this Spring" and I concur!

Kleancolor - Funky Yellow

Whoooo! Can you say bright? Well, today is a rather cold and dreary Tuesday here in Southern California, so I decided to brighten things up a bit with this bold lacquer from Kleancolor - Funky Yellow.  


I should also mention that I'm housebound (without wheels) today so this is the perfect color to wear inside - p.s. I don't think I'll be sporting this look for the public, but you can be sure that bold and daring celebrities rock this color all the time; everyone from Seal to Rihanna have been spotted with this look.


Color Description:  Neon (aka highlighter) yellow creme.


Similar To:  There are many colors like this on the market but this one is by far the least expensive.  Perfect for a lacquer that more than likely won't be worn much.


This Look:  One coat of Instant Artificials, three coats of Funky Yellow and one coat of Shine and Hold.  Note: Two coats were totally opaque but had balding in certain spots, thus the third coat.


Price Point/Availability:  If you can find these in a local beauty supply, that's your best bet; I've seen them for as low as $1.00. They are also available at Kleancolor's website for $3.49 (+ an $8 shipping charge - yikes!).


Would you wear this color or is it too avant garde?  Have a great evening and take care of yourselves. :)

Revlon - Cherries In The Snow

Revlon Cherries In The Snow has been a cult classic since the 50's and is still going strong!  I had a special assembly to attend on Sunday and this was my lacquer of choice.  Vivid and elegant and just perfect for the occasion.


Color Description: Photographing here as a classic red creme, Cherries In The Snow is anything but.  Yes, in certain lighting it definitely is what you see on the screen but in the bottle and at first glance, it's a blue-based dark red bordering on fuchsia. 


Similar To: This the same color as my previous post, OPI Do You Think I'm Tex-y!  The major difference is the finish with OPI being a jelly/sorbet (needing about 3 coats) and Revlon ending up a nice one-coat creme.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats (because I wanted two not because I needed two) of Cherries In The Snow and one coat of Shine & Hold topcoat.

Click to expand and read for a good giggle!

Price Point/Availability: As mentioned earlier, this lacquer's been around since the 50's and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere.  You can find this wherever Revlon is sold retailing at $4 -$5/ea.


If you choose to pick up this beauty you will not be disappointed and thanks for stopping by!

OPI - Do You Think I'm Tex-y?

Do You Think I'm Tex-y (DYTIT) is from OPI's 2011 Texas Collection and this nail look was inspired by Revlon's Cherries in The Snow lipstick.  It's a new lipstick to me but a cult classic since the 1950's for many.  Isn't it intriguing?


Color Description: I would categorize this lacquer in the raspberry/cherry family as it is a deep pink-red that contains blue undertones.  OPI described it as "a berry" sorbet (jelly) and I concur.


Similar To: Can't wait to get my hands on Revlon's lacquer Cherries In The Snow because even though one is a jelly (DYTIT) and one is a creme (CITS), I believe them to be just about the same color.  Also, I compared it to a vintage Sally Hansen that I own Tropical Rose Creme these are the same, as well.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, one coat of OPI Acrylic Nail Base Coat, three coats of DYTIT, and one coat of Sally Hansen Mega Shine, totaling 7 coats of lacquer! 


Price Point/Availability: Texas Collection by OPI is available at Professional Salons, JCPenney and Ulta, for $8.50 suggested retail.


What finish do you prefer? Jelly, creme, glitter, crackle, holographic? Personally, I'm actually starting to like cremes more than jellies for opacity but you can't beat the shine that a jelly lacquer offers.  A certain yummy-factor like no other. :)

China Glaze - Oxygen

Oxygen is from China Glaze's 2007 Creme Couture collection and is literally a "breath of fresh air" on the nails. Want to wear white and not look like you have liquid paper correctional fluid on your nails?  Well China Glaze's Oxygen is worth a try!


Color Description: This lacquer is an off-whtite that has a clean (almost jelly) creme finish. It looks like milk on the nails and has a slight pink undertone but no where near as pink as OPI's Bubble Bath.


Similar To: In my opinion, Oxygen is very similar (at least, in the bottle) to OPI Time-less Is More. Both are gorgeous and timeless and classic and sophisticated and A MUST HAVE!


This Look: One coat of Instant Artificials, three coats of Oxygen and one coat of Sally Hansen Mega Shine.


Price Point/Availability:  It looks like this has been included in China Glaze's core line of lacquers so you can find Oxygen at most retailers.  The price point is around $5.00.


Do you wear white on your nails?  If not, would you ever try it? If so, this is a good starting point. :)

Pink Wednesday: Cheri - Spring Mauve

,

I wore Spring Mauve for a week and just took it off!  What a lovely off-brand lacquer I've stumbled upon. 


Color Description: Spring Mauve is a lovely lavender based hot pink with a secret shimmer to die for.  The secret shimmer is what pull lavender and makes this lacquer extra shiny.


Similar To: What came to mind first was Wet N Wild's How I Met Your Magenta but they're totally different in the bottle.  So, I don't have anything to compare Spring Mauve to, really.


This Look: One coat of Instant Artificials, two coats of Spring Mauve and one coat of Sally Hansen's Mega Shine.


Price Point: I believe this color is discontinued but the Cheri brand is sold online for $2.00/ea.  What a bargain!  I truly believe that with a great base and top coat any lacquer can be a lasting beauty...


I sincerely hope you liked this look as much as I did!  It's taking me longer and longer to change my polish lately because I'm in love with the spring colors.  Hope to have a few more looks for you this month and again enjoy you Spring to the fullest.


p.s.  I'm actually looking for an opaque lipstick in this color - any ideas let me know (lol)... 

Pink Wednesday: L.A. Girl - Matte Pink

It's been a week since Spring's arrival and it's about time to start wearing your brights - wouldn't you say!  So I have for you today, L.A. Girl's Matte Pink...


Color Description: Matte Pink is a neon hot pink creme that definitely needs a topcoat over it to make it come alive.  These pictures aren't really showing the neon quality but believe me, it's there.


Similar To: Misa's Sandals, Flip Flops and Hip Hop is a bit brighter than Matte Pink and  it's not a matte but it's the closest thing in my collection.  Both are nice!


This Look: Two coats of Instant Artificials, two coats of Matte Pink and one coat of Sally Hansen Mega Shine.


Price Point/Availability: L.A. Girl Matte Raspberry retails for $4.00 and can be found online at http://www.lagirlusa.com/ or in your local beauty supply store.


Well, thank you all for being here and I sincerely hope your Spring is off to a great start!

Essie - She's Picture Perfect (03/09/2012)

I was able to get my paws on the entire Essie Sure Shot - Resort 2012 Collection and my favorite is She's Picture Perfect. 

There's not much out on this collection other than a few write ups on the web - however, here's a more detailed description for your reading pleasure from Chic Profile.  Now onto She's Picture Perfect:

Color Description: She's Picture Perfect is a beautiful periwinkle lavendar with a pink iridescence.  The iridescent quality can only be seen in certain light and would definitely be considered a secret shimmer making this lacquer extra shiny and extra special.

Similar To:  I have absolutely nothing else like this!

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of She's Picture Perfect and one coat of Shine & Hold topcoat.

Price Point/Availability:  This collection will be available this month at salons and other retailers that carry Essie and is generally priced between $8 - $8.50.

Have a great weekend my lovely ladies!

L.A. Girl - Matte Raspberry (03/06/2012)

L.A. Girl Matte Raspberry is an awesome long-wearing lacquer that needs no clear coat to make it stand out! I've worn this for close to a week with little tip wear, no chips and no color fading.  Now on to the color description.

Color Description: Raspberry is not only a great color name but it's also a great color description. Matte Raspberry is a blue-based magenta matte creme lacquer that brightens up with a topcoat (though not necessary).

Similar To: After a few bottle comparisons and swatches Matte Raspberry is most similar in color to the new WnW Megalast Through The Grapevine, especially when a topcoat is added.

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials with two coats of Matte Raspberry (if you're in a hurry, one coat will suffice).  Then after a week of wear I added a coat of Shine & Hold.

Matte nail polishes are not shown much but definitely should not be overlooked.  Edgy, yet classic colors are the way to go.  Check these out when you get a chance.  Do you own any matte lacquers?

Price Point/Availability: L.A. Girl Matte Raspberry retails for $4.00 and can be found online at http://www.lagirlusa.com/ or in your local beauty supply store.

COMP-POST: Essie Navigate Her vs. CQ Mint Green - Part Two

Navigate Her (2 coats) ~ Mint Green (3 coats)

Well, the verdict is in and as you can see, there's no dupe here.  I would even say that if you like one, you may not like the other - that's how different they look on the hand.


The picture to the left is showing, on alternating fingers,  Essie Navigate Her (index and middle) and CQ Mint Green (middle and pinky).


Color Description: Navigate Her is a warm-tone creme that has yellow undertones and I would definitely describe it as a pistachio or celery green, whereas, Mint Green is cool-toned with more of a pastel green and is a bit lighter and airier, which I prefer.  Personally, I think Mint Green is prettier.


Application: Navigate Her was almost opaque in one coat with the application being easy and pretty much flawless with little effort.  Even though I prefer the look of Mint Green, it was thin and watery and a challenge to apply.  The question is which one did I choose to wear out the door?


This Look: As you can see in the picture to the right, I chose to wear Essie's Navigate Her for the ease of application with two coats, and one coat of Nutra Nail Ultra Shine topcoat.


Price Point/Availability: I found both Navigate Her and Mint Green at Rite Aid for $2.99 and $8.00, respectively. If only CQ's application was as good as the price we would have a winner!  But as it is, it's just gonna take a little more time and forethought before applying.


Hope you enjoyed this comparison post and that it will help you in your selection process. :)