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...

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!

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. :)

Kleancolor 230 - Chunky Holo Fuchsia over Revlon Royal (2/18/2012)

So, I don't have Clarins 230 but I have Kleancolor 230 (Chunky Holo Fuchsia) and here it is over Revon Royal.  It's interesting, isn't it?  I wasn't well this weekend so I didn't leave the house with this look and was kinda sad that I didn't get to see it in the sun but it was a nice look to lounge around in - lol.


Color Description: So pretty I have to say it twice "230 is gorgeous iridescent glitter that sparkles gold, orange and green all suspended in a fuchsia jelly transforming any base color from wow to ooh wee!"


Similar To: This is really a unique lacquer that said to be mimicking the rare find known to be Clarins 230.  The glitter is much larger in the Kleancolor, however.


This Look: One coat of Miss Marion Garlic Superbase, two coats of Revlon Royal and two coats of 230 (Chunky Holo Fuchsia).


Price Point/Availability: Kleancolors are available online $3.49 (+ tax) with a whopping $8.00 for shipping.  So 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.


Thanks for checking me out... :)

Revlon - Royal (02/18/2012)

Royal needed its own post even though it was used as a layering lacquer!  
Not much detail will be given on this one, other than, this can be picked up at your local drugstore.  Happy Hunting...

Pink Wednesday: Sally Hansen - Frozen Creamsicle

Okay, ya'll, if this isn't one of the prettiest Sally Hansen Hard As Nails lacquers I've ever seen I don't know what is.  Can you believe all of this shiny jelly goodness is from Hard As Nails?


Color Description: Frozen Creamsicle is not orange enough to be peach and not rosy enough to be pink it's best described as a pink-peach jelly that is delicate and simple yet classy and on-trend for the Spring. 


Similar To:  Nothing else that I own is even close to this but from online pics it could be the jelly version of Barielle Blossom or possibly 2009's PYT by Deborah Lippman (see pic below), but I don't own either of these so I can't be sure. Also, here's a recent post from Mocha Mish Mash that has similar colors for your view pleasure.


This Look: Two coats of Nutra Nail Super Base Coat, two coats of Frozen Creamsicle and one coat of Shine & Hold.


Price Point/Availability: I happened upon Frozen Creamsicle at Walgreens in the "new items" section for $1.99.  I've searched the web and can't seem to find another mention of this lacquer and haven't seen it anywhere else, so Walgreens is your best bet.  I'm assuming this is new for Spring 2012.


I really hope this look helps brighten your day as much as it has mine. Color really changes my mood and I have a feeling that the next few days will be full of good things for both me and you - have a great Wednesday, my lovelies!


Oh and next I think I will try to recreate Let Them Have Polish's MaxFactor Fantasy Fire over Revlon Royal...  I don't have Fantasy Fire so I will have to get creative but I have a few thoughts in mind. I'm really excited about look.  I liked it so much I Pinterested It!

Kleancolor - Holo Chrome over Wet n Wild On A Trip (02/12/2012)

Halogen Lighting w/ Cloudy Camera Setting
(for truer color)

I decided to spice up my WnW with a little Holo Chrome from Kleancolor.  These are a great accompaniments to one other as they are both blue based medium-toned purples.


Color Description: Holo Chrome is a fine particle scattered holo in a blue-based purple clear jelly. It is a very striking lacquer and will definitely glam up any mani.


Similar To: Holo Chrome is definitely a stand-alone lacquer but if you're looking to layer it, try this combo.  WnW On A Trip is, again, is the same color/hue of purple.


This Look: One coat of Holo Chrome over my last mani and topped with Shine & Hold.

Day (OTT) Lighting w/ Cloudy Camera Setting

Price Point/Availability: I, generally, find these in a local beauty supply and have seen them for as low as $1.00. They are also available at Kleancolors website for $3.49 (+ tax and $8 an shipping charge). 


This should be a good week, instead of starting the weekend with party nails I'm ending the weekend with them. 

Day (OTT) Lighting w/ Normal Camera Setting
(shows blue but still nice, eh?)

Have a great week and see you in a day or so...  I have a hunch that I'm going to get tired of these nails really quick and I already know what's next.  See you soon!

NYX - Salmon (02/07/2012)

Something new!  To me at least... This is NYX Salmon which is part of new Salon Formula collection and what's really interesting is that they're in Deborah Lippman shaped bottles and are double the price of the regular NYX lacquers, but we'll get to the price a bit later.  So to say the least I was intrigued...


Color Description: Salmon is a muted burnt-orange that's a jelly(yay!) with suspended gold micro-glitter.  It really struck me as unique in the bottle and did not disappoint when it was applied.


Similar To: Another strike-out! I have not seen or know of nothing else like Salmon. However, in hue/color it totally reminds me of OPI DS Tapestry (less the gold glitter).  So for all of you OPI DS girls, you pretty much know what I'm talkin' 'bout... (for more on the DS Tapestry pic check out: Did Someone Say Nail Polish's post).


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials with three coats of Salmon and one coat of Shine & Hold.


Price Point/Availability: I purchased this at a local beauty supply store for $3.99 which is a deal when compared to the larger brands.  You can also find this lacquer online.


Salmon is long wearing, however, it does take a while to dry due to the jelly consistency; very dentable of over an hour but the results are well worth it. 


Have you seen these new NYX bottles?  Last weekend was my first time noticing them and though all colors aren't unique, there are a few standouts and the bottle is a nice one. :)

Pink Wednesday: Miss Marion - Neapolitan

Can you say yummy?  Who doesn't like Neapolitan ice cream?  Strawberry, Vanilla and with a hint of Chocolate, this Miss Marion lacquer is very appropriately named.  I must say I was a bit puzzled at the name until I sat down and took a real close look at the bottle, then it all came together like two scoops and a spoon - lol!!!


Color Description:  A creamy, dusty pink with brown undertones, Neapolitan is definitely a neutral to be reckoned with.  It applies sheer and shiny like the best jellies, which was a pleasant surprise. So I guess I would sum this one up as a dusty pink with a jelly finish.


Similar To:  I found this to be close in hue (not finish) to Sally Hansen's Infinite Natural, which I previously compared to OPI's Dulce De Leche but again Neapolitan is definitely a jelly which makes it unique.


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


Price Point/Availability:  Miss Marion can be purchase directly from Miss Marion via JBK Trading for 3 for $8.95.

Boy does this bottle (and picture) bring back memories.  In the late eighties and even into the early nineties all the ladies (including myself) would request Miss Marion's Garnet to be placed on our medium to long acrylic talons.  Well, Miss Marion's is still in business and I found them to purchase a multitude of colors a few years ago and am happy that I did.  


Have you ever worn Miss Marion's lacquer?  If not, you can still find out about their history here.

Kleancolor - Holo Yellow/Catherine Arley #801 Comp

Just out of curiosity I swatched Kleancolor's Holo Yellow on my pinky so that I could compare it with Catherine Arley's #801.  As you can see the coloring is very close in color but the finish is totally different. 

The finish of the Catherine Arley is jelly and linear (very sophisticated), while the Kleancolor Holo Yellow is a bit more frosty and definitely a scattered holo.

Again, if you can't get your hands on Catherine Arley's version, Kleancolor will definitely do!

Catherine Arley - 801 (08/09/2011)

Before yesterday, I'd only seen pictures of Catherine Arleys and since I own over to 50 holograpic lacquers including 25 OPI Designer Series, 10 China Glaze OMGs, 11 Tronicas and a hand full of Color Clubs and Kleancolors, I don't get too excited anymore but behold Catherine Arley - 801 in all of its chartreuse golden jelly goodness.

Color Description: Can a lacquer be holographic and jelly at the same time?  Well, Catherine Arley figured away to combine the two and I'm thankful to have this in my collection.  Again, I would consider this a golden chartreuse with scattered holographic prisms in a jelly finish.

This Look:  Two coats of lacquer with no topcoat!

Similar To:  This is a very unusual holographic lacquer but also very similar in coloring to Kleancolor Holo Yellow.  If you can find the Kleancolor around this may satisfy a lemming for Catherine Arley 801.  However, the Kleancolor has somewhat of a frost finish to it.

Availability: Catherine Arley is manufactured in Turkey and can be purchased on the web, however, I've had no success getting a response from the online distributor.  So glad I got this in a swap!

 One last pic for the road!  Have you heard of Catherine Arley?  Which do you have in your collection?

OPI - Black Onyx (The Perfect Glitter Base)

Trying to figure out the best way to showcase my glitters, I painted one hand white and the other black. Needless to say, black won out hands down with Black Onyx stealing the show. I almost don't want to put the glitter on now.


Color Description:  The shiniest, wettest looking black I've seen yet. Definitely dries with a jelly finish, go figure?


Similar To: Sinful Colors Black on Black is an awesome black, too, but OPI's formula is a lot thinner and easier to deal with than Black on Black.  Black Onyx is also very fast drying, as well.


This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials and two coats of Black Onyx - that's it and that's all folks! Can you believe how shiny this is without a topcoat?


Price Point/Availability: Black Onyx is in OPI's core line so should be easily found in stores and online wherever OPI is sold and retails for $8.50.


I won't be wearing Black Onyx alone but I thought it warranted it's own review because for those of you who do rock black nails, this needs to be in your collection... 

Kleancolor 231 - Chunky Holo Scarlet over OPI - A Man In Every Port-ugal (07/14/2011)

Window Lighting

Kleancolor is really "knocking it out the park" with their Chunky Holo series of nail lacquers!  Today we have Scarlet and she's a true beaut...


Color Description:  The perfect layering glitter, Scarlet, has a multi-chromatic golden-orange glitter suspended in bright red sheer jelly syrup-like lacquer and could easily be worn alone.  I already had on OPI's AMIEP and wanted to freshen it up so I picked up Scarlet and went to town.  And yes, after you paint your nails with Scarlet, you will want to go on a night on the town, literally!

Halogen Lighting

Similar To:  Well, ladies, if you couldn't get your hands on Essie Ruby Slippers (which is discontinued) then you need to run out and pick up Scarlet.  These are similar in effect except for the fact that the Essie was a bit bumpy while Kleancolor's formula is smooth.  Wet n' Wild also came out with a red glitter last Winter called Extravaganza which was a bit more opaque but was gorgeous, just the same.  I ♥ red glitters!!!

OTT Light

This Look:  
One coat of Scarlet over my existing mani, topped with one coat of Sally Hansen's Mega Shine.


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 Kleancolors website for $3.49 (+ tax and $8 an shipping charge).  Gas is so expensive you might just want to purchase online than hunting for them at you local beauty supplies.  Your choice but worth it either way! :)

Incandescent Lighting

(over gold)

No matter what the brand, with the right top and base coat your nails will be fabulous.  Check out my Nail Treatments and Essentials tab so that you can find out my tips and tricks to keep my nails chip free and lovely.  Take care!

Pink Wednesday: Essie - Status Symbol (05/25/2011)

Well, Wednesday is here and I'm excited to wear an untried pink!  Essie Status Symbol (SS) is from the Spring 2009 collection and is a great Spring/Summer color that can be worn on the tips and toes with ease.


Color Description:  Described by Essie as a creamy feisty hot pink, Status Symbol, by its very name, suggests that is the quintessential "mean girls" pink. It is a medium flamingo pink with a unique creme/jelly finish.  So nice!


Similar To:  SS has been compared to OPI Strawberry Margarita (clic 4 pic)  by Vee, of Milan & Vanaily and is very close to OPI Elephantastic Pink.  In certain lighting, it also reminds me of Wet n' Wild (click 4 pic) How I Met Your Magenta.  As you can see from the pics, this color can go from "party over here" to "sweet sophistication" in an instant. :)


This Look:  One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, three coats of SS and one coat of Shine and Hold topcoat.  I used three coats to even out the bald spots on my nails.  If you have patience enough for a third coat, it can really make a difference in the final look.


Price Point/Availability:   I own the mini bottle that came with Flawless, Mesmerize and One of A Kind. I picked it up on sale at Ulta over a year ago.  At any rate, Status Symbol can be purchased at various e-tailers online or may be found at select salon locations retailing for $8.00.  However, I believe this to be discontinued because it's not sold on Essie's website. 


I'm always pleased to hear from you so, by all means, leave a comment down below and as always have a well-polished Wednesday!

Oh and before I forget, this look was inspired by my all-time favorite Beanie Baby, Pinky the Flamingo.  Isn't she the cutest? 

L.A. Colors - Aqua Crystals (05/22/2011)

Run! (don't walk) to your nearest Dollar Tree for this blue glittered beauty.  I picked this up while on a mini-vacay with my sister last week in San Diego and I'm so glad I gave it a chance.  Of the four glitters I picked up (including: Glistening Purple, Jewel Tone and Sparkling Diamonds) Aqua Crystals is my absolute favorite. :)


Color Description:  Aqua Crystals is medium blue jelly with glistening glitter.  If you can imagine the blue equivalent of Orly's new Bubbly Bombshell, then you got it!  And you can get away with one coat of this baby.


This Look:  One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, two coats of Aqua Crystals (went on pretty thick) and one coat of Z Super Fast Dry top coat.

Similar To:  I pulled a few bottles from my stash to compare this with and overall I really like Aqua Crystals (index) the best.  It's the most rich and regal of the bunch, which are, Milani Blue Flash (middle), China Glaze Dorothy Who? (ring) and Claire's Twinkle Twinkle (pinky).  All are two coats and as you can see, Blue flash (middle) is the closest match with Dorothy Who? being too sheer, and Twinkle Twinkle (pinky), though nice, was too dark.


Price Point/Availability:  I found L.A. Colors Aqua Crystals at the Dollar Tree for $1.00.  It's also available online at various e-tailers.


Thanks for stopping by and let me know your thoughts...  I hope you like this color as much as I do!  For one dollar this is a great purchase and if you have any questions please let me know.  I will do my best to point you in the right directions.

Essie - Ruby Slippers (5/8/2011)

There's no place like home...  Essie Ruby Slippers is what I call a "special occasion" nail polish, however, it is very wearable; you wanna be anywhere but home with when you wear this.  My hubby picked this out for our anniversary and though I couldn't wear it to dinner, I put it on the first chance I got and wore it on Sunday.  I've been wearing this for three days and so far so good.


Color Description:  Ruby Slippers is a deep red jelly with medium (almost chunky) multi-colored glitter from shades of red to orangey-gold.  Depending on how many coats you apply, the glitter appears to be suspended in strawberry syrup.  If you've ever made your own strawberry shortcake from scratch, with fresh strawberries, you know exactly what I'm talking about.


Similar To:  It's different than any other red glitter I own because of the size and color of the glitter.  But, believe it or not, this is not my favorite red-jelly glitter of the bunch...  I actually preferred Wet n Wild's Extravaganza, so much so, that I bought an extra and have it in my back-up box!


This Look:  One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, three coats of Ruby Slippers, one coat of Sally Hansen NailShine Miracle and one coat of Sally Hansen Mega Shine.


Price Point/Availability:  I received this in a swap from the lovely rmcandlelight of Nails Beautiqued, however, Essie has long since discontinued Ruby Slippers. After doing a quick google search, I see that it is still being sold online at a few e-tailers.


Well, it's time for a change!  I really want to join in the Pink Wednesday craze, so I'm off to remove this and see which pink I want to wear...  Talk to you soon. :)

Wet N Wild - How I Met Your Magenta/Fast Dry (3/8/11)

Color Description:  How I Met Your Magenta is not magenta, at all.  It's a strange/beautiful mix of finishes, a creme-y neon jelly with super fine golden shimmer.  It's very pretty and very bright, like a shimmery plastic pink highlighter.

Similar To: From my collection, HIMYM is very similar to Orly Fiesta. 

This Look: Since I haven't been wearing a base coat for my last few manis, I decided to use Starting Over After Artificials as my base today.  I have on three coats of color (since HIMYM is a sheer/jelly that dries matte/neon) topping it off with Sharif Tufcoat.

Price Point/Availability:  I found this at Walgreens for $1.99.

And remember, being well-polished is the way to go!  Have a great week. :)

OPI Too Hot Pink To Hold 'Em (Spring/Summer 2011)

OPI's Too Hot Pink To Hold 'Em, is my second go around with OPI's Texas Collection and so far so good.  Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI's Executive VP and Artistic Director states that, "Wearing these colors on fingers and toes will accessorize the season's must-have pieces...".  Well, I love to accessorize and I really like this collection.


Color Description:  Too Hot Pink To Hold 'Em is described as "a red-hot pink-red that deals a winning hand".  Notice how many times "red" is used in the description.  Well, on me, this color is a cherry red jelly (no pink in sight) that is very flattering and definitely gets compliments.


Similar To:  As this is a jelly, it's similar to nothing that I own.  Feel free to comment with other similar colors down below. :)


This Look:  Believe it or not, this is 4 coats of color for opacity with Barielle's Camouflage as a base and topping it with Shine and Hold from my local beauty supply.


Price Point/Availability:  The Texas Collection is in stores now, retailing for $8.50.  Just received my Ulta coupon in the mail for $3.50 of of $10 purchase.  I just may pick up a few more to help complete my collection.


Have and awesomely well-polished Monday - and if you have a day off like me that's even better!

Barielle - Elle's Spell (12/13/2010)

I was so excited to find this at Ulta on Saturday!  I called and the store said, "No, we don't have it but we have the Too Faced Enchanted Kit".  I went to the store thinking, "One out of two isn't bad."  Low and behold, I perused the aisles and there it was.  The only Barielle of note (IMO) in the collection.

Color Description: Elle's Spell (ES) has a deep ruby jelly base with medium size golden-orange flakies.  This is definitely a nail fanatic must-have, however, like many jelly finishes, it is extremely difficult to capture in pictures.  I did the best I could. :)

Price Point:  Barielle's are reasonably priced (for a salon brand) at $6.00.  So far, I've only seen these at Ulta and Barielle.com, but I'm sure these can be found at a few boutique salons and beauty supply stores.

Similar To:  I have no other red flaky in my collection, however, from pictures of Nfu Oh #59 (see PHD's awesome post here), it looks like #59 is the closest thing on the market and is probably as accessible as ES.  I own about five other red lacquers with gold or red glitter which are: Rush Glamour (old school Sally Beauty brand), Essie Ruby Slippers, Maybelline Red Carpet, China Glaze Ruby Pumps and the newest edition Milani Red Sparkle. All of these put me in the same mind frame as ES (also included in the bottle pic below).

This Look: 1 coat of Starting Over After Artificials, 3 coats of ES and 1 coat of Sherani Tufcoat.

Well, thanks for stopping by and I believe my next mani will be full on glitter.  Can't wait to post this soon. 

Stay well-polished and dry today; it's raining here in Sunny Los Angeles!