Quo by Orly Water Transfer Nail Art: Kaleidoscope

Hello!  I've got another set of the Quo by Orly Water Transfer Nail Art to share with you today.  They applied the exact same as the previous set, so I'll omit most of the details in this post but you can read up my original review for everything you need to know about them here!

This time,  I applied the decals over a glitter polish instead of white.  I used three thin coats of Orly Halo for the base, and then applied the water decals.  The rest of my nails are one coat of LaCC 1999 followed by one coat of Butter London Black Knight.  All nails are topped off with a coat of Seche Vite. 

Quo by Orly Water Transfer Nail Art.  Available at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix for a limited time only.  Quo by Orly polishes are free of DBP, formaldehyde, and toluene. 

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me by the company's PR representative for review and my honest opinion.  

NYE Mani

Hooray, Nutcracker season is over!!  My December was pretty much consumed by doing those twenty performances, so much so that I sadly only got to do one Christmas mani.  But as fun as the run was, I'm glad to be done with it for another year, and we've got a few weeks now of just rehearsals so I can actually (hopefully) have time to do some nail art again!  

Our last shows were on Decmber 30th, so of course one of the first orders of business on the 31st was doing some awesome nail art for New Year's Eve that was totally not stage-appropriate, woohoo!!

I just recently received the LaCC Fall release polishes in the mail and hadn't had time to play with them yet, so I decided to use the black 2002 as the base for my nail art.  There will be a full review of this collection up shortly, as soon as I finish swatching them all.  

For now, all you need to know is that this is just one fabulous coat of 2002!  The nail art was painted freehand with a nail art brush and Barry M Gold Foil.  I picked up that polish while I was in London because I had heard good things about painting and stamping with it; this was the first time I've tried it and let me say that I was super impressed!  I'm normally one for only freehanding with acrylic paints because I find polishes difficult to work with (especially in line work).  But this polish was so super easy to work with, it will definitely be a go-to from now on!  

It's been a long time since I've done any freehand work, especially attempted fine lines like this, so I was a bit nervous going into it.  But in the end, I was really pleased with how it turned out!  It has a bit of a Gatsby 20's vibe to it, which I'm loving the feel of!  What do you think?  :)

Noho & Solitaire

Good morning! Just a quick post today with a black and white textured look I've worn for the past two days.  :)

I got a mini bottle of OPI Solitaire from my Secret Santa last month which had been on my wishlist for a while, and I finally got around to using it!  (Thank you Blair!)  I layered two thin coats over a silver polish which I'll keep a secret for now because swatches will be on the blog soon... 

I finally caved and purchased Nails Inc. Noho over the weekend, which is part of the Leather Effect collection.  I've got the burgundy and light blue and have been wanting this one forever, and I'm so glad I finally bought it!  It's a super awesome jet black with the really cool leather finish that I love.  This is two coats; it's opaque in one if you're careful, but it does wear at the tips pretty quickly.  

I really liked mixing the Liquid Sand and Leather Effect polishes in this mani; the different textured finishes were really fun together, and the black and white were a great contrast.  What do you think?  :)

LynBDesigns: T.A.R.D.I.S., Snog Box, & Space Gandalf

We've had Sherlock and Dr. Seuss polishes, but to finish up my set of reviews of LynBDesigns, I've saved the best for last... Doctor Who!!  

Read on for lots more photos, a full review, and a healthy dose of fangirling!

Color Club: Beyond

This morning I've got a quick swatch of a beautiful polish!  Color Club Beyond is a black linear holographic polish from the Halo Hues Collection.

I used two coats for full opacity, no issues with the formula.  I top coated with Seche Vite, and it didn't noticeably dull the holo. Yay!

I wasn't really on the hunt for these polishes like a lot of others were, since I'm not a huge holo fan in general.  This was the only polish that caught my eye in other people's blog posts, so when I saw it on sale at Winners (the last bottle, too!) I decided to pick it up.  

Boy, am I glad I did!  It's so deep and mysterious in most lighting, but when the light hits it just right, beautiful rainbows appear!  :D  This actually reminds me of unicorn blood from Harry Potter, anyone else?

No?  I know, I'm weird.

I'm not sure where these polishes are readily available, seeing as I just happened upon mine.  However, I know that you can order the Halo Hues Collection (and many other collections) through Llarowe.  

I know I'm a little late to the party with this, so which Halo Hues seem to be the general favourites?  Have you picked up any yet?  :) 

Darling Diva Polish: Back In Black Collection

I know that Tuesday's post is hard to follow, but I wanted to thank you all so much for the overwhelmingly positive reactions.  I was honestly kind of afraid that you would all think I was some weirdo, and I'm glad it turned out that most of you are all weirdos with me!  :P

On to today's post, I've got the Darling Diva Polish Back In Black Collection to show you!  This collection consists of six polishes all in black jelly bases: three with chunkier glitter, and three with colour-shifting microglitter.  

More photos and full review after the jump!  :)

piCture pOlish by Llarowe: Starry Night

I've got a very exciting polish to show you today, it's a new piCture pOlish collaboration shade with Llarowe!  Starry Night is described as a charcoal jelly scattered holo with multi-coloured sparks; take a look!  :)

piCture pOlish Starry Night by Llarowe, direct lighting

This is two coats of Starry Night.  The formula on this was absolutely perfect, it dried quickly and to a super shiny finish all by itself, photos are without top coat!  

piCture pOlish Starry Night by Llarowe, direct lighting

piCture pOlish Starry Night by Llarowe, direct lighting

The previous photos were in direct lighting to show how much this polish truly "sparks"!  The next three photos are in my lightbox, so you can better see the fine details of the polish.  I can't decide which photos I like better of this one!

piCture pOlish Starry Night by Llarowe, lightbox

piCture pOlish Starry Night by Llarowe, lightbox

piCture pOlish Starry Night by Llarowe, lightbox

And, just because I figured at least some of you would be curious, here's a close-up comparison of Starry Night and Zoya Storm.  The piCture pOlish shade looks more like micro-shards in a very dark grey (almost black) jelly base, while the Zoya polish is all uniform holographic micro-glitters in a true black crelly base.  Both polishes are shown in two coats in direct lighting,  and Storm is top coated while Starry Night is not.

Click to enlarge if you feel so inclined.

From piCture pOlish: "Starry Night will be available in the US via Llarowe only (so no other stockists in Canada or the USA will have it) as it is a Llarowe exclusive!  USA price is $14.50 and it will be available at piCture pOlish on-line for AUD$12.00.  At this stage it will not be available via our other Network members however it may be available shortly!"

What do you think of this new collaboration shade?  Great application, edgy look, and a perfect finish; I personally love it!!  :)

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for review. 

The Black Knight's Heart

If you were expecting some strange mash-up nail art between chess pieces and a deck of cards based on the title of this post, it's just some more valentines nail art over here.  I'm not one to go all-out for this holiday, but this is a look I've been wanting to try for a while, and I figured now was as good a time as ever to give it a go!  

I started with one easy coat of Revlon Raspberry Scone, and added one coat of a glow-in-the-dark polish that my friend's parents got me on a recent day-trip to the states!  Topped that with Seche Vite because I'm impatient, and then stuck two hole-reinforcement stickers at the base of each nail to make the top of a heart.  

Next, I painted over the exposed part of my nail with my recently acquired Butter London The Black Knight which has been a long-time lemming of mine, and immediately removed the stickers.  I absolutely love the black base with multi-coloured microglitter!

I finished the look with two coats of Seche Vite for a completely smooth finish.  I was happy with my execution on this one, but as I was wearing it I kept questioning my colour choice with the pink.  I think I might have preferred a rich red, or a darker pink. 

While in ballet yesterday with one of the teachers who regularly checks on my nails in class, she caught a glimpse of these and I told her they were supposed to be the tops of hearts.  She then asked me if I did them for anyone special; I replied "My internet friends!" which got me a strange look, so I had to explain my whole nail-blogging thing in the middle of barre to my teacher.  I'm pretty sure that all my teachers know now, haha!  

I'll be back tomorrow with my last Valentine's Day nail art, along with my sister's nails!  :)

Rosie Lee & Jane Eyre

I've never been one for Valentine's day, and I don't usually love holiday-themed nail art (Christmas excluded.)  However, when I saw this post by Lydia's Nails, I loved the edgier Valentine's Day colour combination and opted to give it a go for myself!  :)

I didn't copy her look exactly, but instead drew inspiration from her colour choices.  Coincidentally, I had Butter London Rosie Lee sitting on my desk still untried, which is the same polish Lydia used in her nail art.  Pink glitter isn't really my thing and I wouldn't have bought the polish by itself, but hey, it came in a set of three BL for $15!  Can't pass up a deal like that!  :P

I started this at 10:47 pm, so due to laziness I layered one easy coat of Rosie Lee over OPI Senorita Rose-alita instead of building it up alone.  I got this OPI from my mom's friend at work, and I was curious when I opened it and found a small brush; I did some searching and it turns out it's from the 2002 South America Collection, before the days of OPI's wide brushes!   

I didn't want to use a plain black creme for the accent colour, but every polish I tried in my head seemed to be overkill.  It was then that I remembered my well-loved bottle of A England Jane Eyre, and knew the black creme with a subtle burgundy shimmer would be perfect!  

I taped of 2/3 of my nail and applied Jane Eyre before removing the tape and topping with two coats of Cult Nails Wicked Fast.  I really like this top coat, but I'm totally a Seche Vite girl and am desperately in need of another bottle (or five.)

Overall, I really like this look even though pink glitter doesn't quite suit me; it's simple, but eye-catching.  How do you like this look?  Is it something you'd wear around Valentine's Day, or are you more one for hearts and such?  :)

Indie January: CrowsToes Triple Black Diamond

**This is a scheduled post, as I'm out of town for a dance convention.  Where I can't wear nail polish.  Sad Emma. **

Today is Day 27 of Indie January, and I've got another huge crushed lemming to show you today.  CrowsToes Triple Black Diamond is a mix of small black, aqua, purple, and blue glitters in a clear base.  I've wanted this polish ever since I saw The Swatchaholic's pictures of it, and it didn't disappoint! 

I layered one medium coat of Triple Black Diamond over OPI Ink Suede.  The glitter is really packed in there as with the rest of my CrowsToes polishes, so application required some extra care.  Now take a guess at how many coats of Seche Vite are one there....

Four stinking coats and it STILL WASN'T SMOOTH.  It dried to the texture of sandpaper.  This polish is like Winnie the Pooh with honey.  Like those piranha plants in Super Mario Bros that just keep eating everything.  Like the honey badger who just takes what it wants.  It doesn't give a sh*t.  It'll eat your topcoat and then bite a cobra's head off. 

Sorry, got a bit carried away there.  But seriously, if you haven't seen the honey badger video, go watch it now.  CrowsToes polish is currently in stock on Llarowe, and follow The Polished Crow's blog for updates.

I hate how much top coat this one needs, but the final result is worth it.  Seriously, how amazing is that black glitter with glints of blue and purple?  :)

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for review. 

Indie January: Girly Bits Eight Crazy Nights

It's Day 23 of Indie January, and today's polish is another stunning glitter topper from Girly Bits!  Eight Crazy Nights is a clear base full of blue, silver, holographic, and white satin glitters.

I layered one coat of Eight Crazy Nights over A England Jane Eyre.  The formula on this was perfect, no extra work required and I only used one coat of Seche Vite for a smooth finish! Win!  :)

Over a dark colour, this polish looks like a sparkling night sky!  The mix of different shapes and colours of glitter all come together very nicely, I love it!  

If you like Eight Crazy Nights, hurry on over to Llarowe because full-sized bottles are on sale for only $5!!  Girly Bits is available on Llarowe, Girly Bits BigCartel shop, and Etsy.  Like on Facebook, and follow Pam's blog and Instagram! (@girlybitscosmetics)

How do you like this glitter topper?  Will you be picking it up on sale?  Do you like it layered over a dark colour, or would you wear it over a blue polish or something completely different?  

Have a good Wednesday!  :)

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for review. 

Indie January: Candeo Colors Skaul

I can't believe it's already Day 20 of Indie January!  Today's polish is yet another from the Candeo Colors Aruba Collection, Skaul.  You can see my posts on the other polishes in this collection here:  Divi Divi, Shelu Blou, Laman Brisa.  

All of the names in this collection are in Papiamento, and Skaul means storm.  It is described as an ink-coloured base with strong shimmer that flashes pink, purple, and blue.  The formula was easy to work with, and you're seeing two coats here with one coat of Seche Vite.  

I really love the shimmer in this one; as with the rest of the Aruba Collection, it's very prominent and visible in any lighting!  It's constantly flashing pink, purple, and blue, which keeps it from ever looking too dark or completely black.  

Formula was perfection, though I'm pretty sure it dried to a satin finish so you'll need a coat of top coat if you want a high-gloss finish.   Overall, this one is definitely a win!

The Candeo Colors Aruba Collection and other polishes are available through Llarowe and the Candeo Colors website; keep up to date on Facebook. 

What do you think of this polish?  Do you like dark bases with strong shimmers?  Of the polishes that I've shown you from the Aruba Collection, which is your favourite?  :)

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for review. 

Indie January: CrowsToes Tangled Web

It's Day 9 of Indie January, and today's polish is an awesome glitter topper from CrowsToes!  Tangled Web is a clear base packed with black hexes, bars, and micro glitter, as well as blue duochrome hexes.  

I layered one coat of Tangled Web over two coats of Zoya Dove, and topped with two coats of Seche Vite.  Application required some extra work because it was super thick, so I dabbed it on like I described in this post. 

You're probably aware of my love for black glitter, and I really like the pairing of black and blue instead of the normal black and white!  It gave this really cool almost graffiti look to my nails, I had so many people grab my hand and ask me how I "did" the black, haha!   I find that most nuggles (nail muggles) have some mental block with the concept of matte or black glitter, ("But glitter is sparkly!") 

CrowsToes polish is currently in stock on Llarowe, and follow The Polished Crow's blog for updates.

Black glitter: Yes?  No?  Do you like the different pairing of colours, or prefer the normal black and white?  Comments make me happy!  :) 

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for review. 

Indie January: Emily De Molly Ode To The Elite

I haven't shown a glitter topper since Day 1 of Indie January, which is why today I've got a huge explosive glitterbomb of a polish!  Emily De Molly Ode To The Elite is a clear base jam-packed with every kind of silver holographic glitter under the rainbow; take a look!

I've layered one coat of Ode To The Elite over two coats of A England Jane Eyre.  The glitters seemed to congregate at the bottom of the bottle and I did go fishing to get a good assortment of shapes on each nail.  I dabbed on the glitter for an even covering, and topped it with one coat of Seche Vite (though you'll probably need two for a smooth finish - the glitter ate my top coat after I took pictures.)

I love this one in the pictures, but in person it was just a bit too chaotic for me.  I prefer uniformity, so this had a little too much going on in my opinion. 

Emily De Molly polishes are currently available through Llarowe, and her own website will be up and running soon!  As always, Facebook page! 

How do you like the mix of different glitters?  Right up your alley, or too chaotic?  Do you own any Emily De Molly polishes? 

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for review.

Aphrodite Lacquers: Birthday Collection

Yet again, Aphrodite Lacquers has put out a collection that stands out from the crowd.  We had spring colours in the fall, and now we've got a collection of gorgeous jellies and glitters to celebrate her winter birthday!  I'm constantly impressed by Rebecca, the creative mind behind Aphrodite Lacquers, (Exhibits A, B, C, and D) and this collection is certainly no exception!

It's My Party is a hot pink jelly with silver micro shimmer.  I thought the end of photographing neons came with the turn of the season, apparently not!  I used this polish as undies in a post last week, see it topped with a black & white glitter here!

I'm honestly not really one for bright pinks (or bright colours at all), though I did enjoy wearing this topped with the black & white glitter.  It was certainly an attention-grabber in December!  

The formula on this was easy to work with, though I still had a little bit of VNL with 4 thin coats.  It dried to a slightly satiny finish, so swatches are 4 thin coats with one coat of Seche Vite.  Photo below is the most colour-accurate. 

Never Too Old  is described as a black matte polish with silver and fuschia shimmer, though the gorgeous shimmer looks more silver/blue/purple to me. 

I think that this is a very versatile polish, the shimmer is so pretty and makes it much more interesting than a plain black creme!  Wouldn't this be lovely as a base for galaxy nails? 

I love the satin finish of this polish, the matte black with a hint of shimmer looks so classy!  Photos are without top coat to show the natural finish of the polish, though the shimmer comes out even more with a glossy top coat.

I used three coats on all fingers except the index, for which I used two.  It appeared fully opaque in two coats, though I'd recommend a third to add depth to the finish.  The photo below shows the difference in direct lighting between two and three coats.  (L-R: 3 coats, 3 coats, 2 coats.)

Saving the best for last, this is Wrapping, Ribbons, Bows. It is a purple jelly polish packed with tiny glowing purple glitters.  When I tell people my favourite colour is purple, THIS is what I'm talking about!  

So much depth and richness to this polish!!  It became one of my all-time favourite purple polishes before I had even painted on a second coat.  Simply stunning!

If memory serves, this is three thin coats (I did so much swatching over the weekend, I really should start taking notes!)  Formula was easy like the others, but one coat of Seche Vite left it a little grainy (as in the photos).  Just barely. Probably wouldn't bother most people, but I'd use two coats of top coat for a perfect glass-smooth finish. 

You can find Aphrodite Lacquers always fully-stocked on Etsy, and keep up to date on Facebook.  To see my previous posts on Aphrodite Lacquers, click here. 

Overall, another absolutely amazing collection from Aphrodite Lacquers!  Which polish is your favourite?   Will you be picking up any of the polishes from the Birthday Collection?  

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for review and my honest opinion.