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

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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. :)

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

Okay, so I've searched high and low for something remotely close to Essie's Navigate Her ($8.29) and I think I found it - CQ Mint Green ($2.99).


I know they're not identical twins but they are definitely more than fraternal twins.  So here's the bottle pic but I will have actual swatches up shortly.

The Essie has a bit more of a yellow undertone but I would describe them both as a celery green creme.

Can't wait to see what this looks like on my nails.  Exciting stuff, but I must admit that I'm easily pleased.  See you soon!

Pink Wednesday: Sally Hansen - Iced Out

Glitter be gone!  I can only take glitter on my hands for so long and now for something a bit more soft and subdued.  Feast your eyes on Sally Hansen Iced Out.  Such a cold name for a rather demure look, wouldn't you say?  The name reminds me of an infamous "housewife" with much bling and this on their nails - lol. Ice, ice baby!


Color Description:  Iced Out is an extremely sheer lacquer that you will definitely need to wear "under-ware" with or use as a layering lacquer.  It is densely packed with gold, green and orange micro-glitter in a fairest pink base.


Similar To: Maybe Revlon Sheer Snowflake Pink or  possibly Nicole by OPI's Kim-pletely In Love (click here for Sneakerette's post) - these definitely have similarities but are by no means dupes.


This Look: One coat of Growing Nails Odorless Garlic base coat, one coat of Barielle Camouflage, three coats of Iced Out and one coat of Nutra Nail Ultra Shine Top Coat.


Price Point/Availability:  This was found in the same collection Frozen Creamsicle and has not yet made it to the core collection. It retails for $2.49.


Well, off to go do some much needed home organization - have a good one... :)

NDB - Under The Sea (02/21/2012)

NDB is one of those little known Los Angeles based brands that not too many are aware of but boy oh boy do their glitters pack a punch.  Under The Sea hails from their Tropical collection of glitters which boasts such names as Golden Bikini, Sea Swept and Message in A Bottle.


Color Description: Under The Sea is a medium blue (leaning turquoise) base which contains fine silver and deep turquoise glitter.


Similar To: Under The Sea is much lighter that OPI Absolutely Alice or even China Glaze Dorothy Who? but does not fail to deliver when it comes to the glitter factor.


This Look: One coat of Miss Marion's Garlic Superbase with two coats of Under The Sea and one coat of Shine & Hold.


Price Point/Availability: This lacquer retails for $2.00/bottle and can be purchased online.


Have a great evening ladies (and gents)!