tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33131388881100708332024-02-20T08:48:42.559-08:00The Nail Neophytea newbie nail blogMelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-80047867535465503372011-03-23T21:42:00.000-07:002011-03-23T22:02:16.345-07:00lots of awesome giveaways!Nail bloggers are so generous!! Check out these awesome giveaways!<br /><br /><a href="http://nailaddictsanonymous.blogspot.com/2011/02/singing-guess-what-time-it-is-its.html">Nail Addicts Anonymous Giveaway</a><br /><br /><a href="http://thenailventuress.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-cant-waithere-it-is-giveaway.html">The Nail Venturess 50 Follower Giveaway</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.varnishvixen.com/p/yay-spring-giveaway.html">Varnish Vixen's "Yay! Spring!" Giveaway</a><br /><br /><a href="http://ooohshinies.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway.html">Oooh Shinies' Giveaway!</a>Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-27500155661120189592011-03-19T08:49:00.000-07:002011-03-19T13:39:10.517-07:00Claire's- Rain Drop<center><i><br />Raindrops keep fallin' on my head<br />And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed<br />Nothin' seems to fit<br />Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'<br />---BJ Thomas "Raindrops"</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5445834949/" title="IMG_1767 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5445834949_fc4eaa9805.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1767" /></a></center><br /><br />Love this! I had been eying American Apparel "Mouse" for a while when I bought this, thinking it might be similarish. It's not, not at all, and I actually like it much better. This is a cool, slightly-blue-toned grey that I think would be flattering for most people. It applied well and dried at a decent rate. Only prob is it was easily imprintable, even days after, so definitely use a good topcoat. Shown above is maybe 2-3 days of wear, so you can see how every little ding or bump left a mark. As a mom of 4 year old twins, my fingers might see some heavy use, so this was unfortunate. I actually have since bought Zoya "Dove" which I much prefer and these are similar colors, if not dupes, and has superior quality, and honestly, not much difference in price. I think Claire's polish is expensive, even though they seem to always have a BOGO 1/2 off deal. I think it was 4.99 and that is just too expensive, when I can get China Glaze or Orly or Finger Paints, basically anything from Sally's, at a cheaper price for much better quality.<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= A (love the color, it's just fun!)<br />Formula= C+ (mostly good except for those naggy imprints days after, so remember, topcoat is a must for this one)<br />Brush= B (decidedly average)<br />Price= C- (just not priced right at all)<br /><br />Overall= B-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-73611425543510062542011-03-07T13:31:00.000-08:002011-03-07T13:48:27.526-08:00Piggy Polish- Daylilly's and Music<center><i><br />I got rhythm,<br />I got music,<br />I got my man --<br />Who could ask for anything more? <br />---"I Got Rhythm" George and Ira Gershwin</i></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5446435014/" title="IMG_1736 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5446435014_29d850f192.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1736" /></a></center><br /><br />So pretty in the bottle, a dusty minty herby looking pastel green. Unfortunately, shown is 4 coats, and as you can see, it bubbled and was just not drying correctly at that point. Not to mention, it was NOT big3 free and has a bizarre odor, triggered a migraine for me. I guess I'll stick with Revlon "Minted" but if I had my druthers, I'd prefer a more yellow-based green like this one per the bottle versus Minted's bluish-tinge which looks kinda cotton-candyesque.<br /><br />And these were supposed to come with a little toe-ring but mine did not. It WAS on clearance for 1.99 at Ulta, guess I can't complain too badly. I do wish I had known it wasn't Big3 Free, but oh well.<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= D- (the bottle is so misleading, it just was not opaque enough at all and looked sorta vomitish until I put enough coats for opacity)<br />Formula= D- (runny, difficult to apply, and fumey)<br />Brush= C- (stiff and pokey, not good with the thin formula)<br />Price= D (I paid just under $2, but it's $7 usually according to a quick google, which I find sorta blah considering my experience with it- not a good investment personally)<br /><br />Overall= D<br /><br />PS and DON'T get me started on the name. It grammatically makes no sense. Not only is "daylilies" misspelled but there's also odd punctuation, making it possessive, but without a reference to what. It's like saying "Joe's and Crab Shack!" or "Gilligan's and Island". Just... not right.Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-71951297046324938282011-03-02T14:48:00.000-08:002011-03-02T15:00:49.644-08:00Maybelline- Iced Mauve<center><i><br />"Sir, we're on beige alert."<br />---aide to the Neutral Planet's President, on Futurama</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5445834085/" title="IMG_1733 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5445834085_328984ecfd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1733" /></a></center><br /><br />This ain't mauve. It might be iced, but it AIN'T mauve. It's beige. I don't know why I bought this. I must have had a total brain fart. Oh, wait, I know why I got it, I wanted something similarly-toned to layer Wet n Wild "Blitzen" over. Blitzen can hold its own over just about anything, so it's less imperative to have this for undies now.<br /><br />This is thick, chalky, and difficult to apply. It took too long to dry, despite the 50-second claim. Not only that, but it makes a weird dried-film on top, like you'd expect a fast-dry to be, but underneath took forever to set, so it gave me icky lines towards my distal edge.<br /><br />So...<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= D- (maybe nice for mani hands, but kind of a weird, sallow beige, unflattering I think, the shimmer is ok though)<br />Formula= D- (very close to unusable, in my opinion)<br />Brush= C+ (fairly wonky, but not the worst by any means)<br />Price= B- (I paid 3.22 for mine I think, about average, but a waste considering my disappointment)<br /><br />Overall= D+<br /><br />PS, here it is over <a href="http://nailneophyte.blogspot.com/2010/12/wet-n-wild-blitzen.html">Blitzen</a>.Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-85521466550342918092011-02-22T16:33:00.000-08:002011-02-22T16:46:24.692-08:00Orly- La Playa<center><i><br />Hey Blue, there is a song for you<br />Ink on a pin<br />Underneath the skin<br />An empty space to fill in<br />--"Blue" by Joni Mitchell</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5445833637/" title="IMG_1730 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5445833637_e747b60899.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1730" /></a></center><br /><br />This was a color I was "lemming" and finally found on clearance at Ulta this past January. The color is just gorgeous! It is a bright, yet also dark and dramatic blue and so glossy. However, as pretty as the color is, the quality...meh, it leaves something to be desired. You wanna guess how old the above mani is? <br /><br />You probably are thinking a couple days or so. NOPE! It was just 12 hours! Yeah...you see why I am disappointed. But the color...oooh, it's so pretty. Maybe if I can find the right topcoat (I used Orly's Top to Bottom I think it was called). Either way, I love the color quite a bit, and certainly think it's worth another shot. Especially since it was basically a one-coater!<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= A (pretty dang beautiful)<br />Formula= C+ (thick, difficult to paint somewhat, and did not hold up)<br />Brush= B (pretty good, but not quite sturdy enough to maneuver the polish adeptly)<br />Price= C- (4.99 usually at most beauty supplies, not too bad if it were good quality, but it was disappointing. I at least found mine on clearance for 2.99)<br /><br />Overall= B-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-83562525974833458032011-02-21T18:49:00.000-08:002011-02-21T19:07:21.812-08:00Color Club- Catwalk Queen<center><i><br />I'm a model you know what I mean<br />And I do my little turn on the catwalk<br />Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah<br />I do my little turn on the catwalk<br />---Right Said Fred "I'm Too Sexy"</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5445833203/" title="IMG_1720 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5445833203_b99491fdde.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1720" /></a></center><br /><br />Ooh, how pretty! It's a shimmery, vampy, plummy browned-purple. It applied like a dream and was just so flattering on my skin-tone. I think it probably would be flattering for most, even though it's so dramatic. It's just pure sexiness. I found this in a 7 pack at Ross for 7.99 so if you find it, it is worth the money. The other colors were good too, so it's a nice investment.<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= B+ (pretty, although not unique)<br />Formula= A (very close to perfection, just a smidge unwieldy with the thin brush)<br />Brush= C+ (thin and a little flimsy, not good with the thick polish)<br />Price= A (ended up a dollar a polish, which is kick-butt)<br /><br />Overall= B+Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-16983505449127764412011-02-17T19:59:00.000-08:002011-02-17T20:30:48.376-08:00Sally Hansen- Pink Rose Diamond<center><i>A rose must remain with the sun and the rain or its lovely promise won't come true.<br />Ray Evans</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5445832751/" title="IMG_1716 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5445832751_cac82c1a97.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1716" /></a></center><br /><br />This is one of the Nail Prisms holos I got at Dollar Tree in the Sally Hansen 2-packs. <br /><br />I will try and set aside my dislike of holos, but I am really generally not a fan. It just looks too techno or futuristic to me. I'm just kinda meh.<br /><br />Setting that aside, I do like the base color, a funky, juicy, fruity pink, and the holo glitters are more subtle than the other Nail Prisms I got. It unfortunately was more sheer than the others, and very very similar to the Blush Diamond. You can see the difference between those two, and the Purple Diamond <a href="http://nailneophyte.blogspot.com/2011/01/comparison-sally-hansen-nail-prisms.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= C+ (not my style, and kinda cheap looking)<br />Formula= D+ (kinda took a while to dry, and had a dull finish, so a topcoat is a must)<br />Brush= D- (thick, bristly, and splayed...very poor)<br />Price= A+ (excellent, considering it was just 50 cents basically!)<br /><br />Overall= CMelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-91014478027658313422011-02-15T09:10:00.000-08:002011-02-15T09:32:47.117-08:00Barielle- Snow Day<i><br />Hal Branston: Come on Lane! This snow day happened for a reason. It's given me a second chance with Claire.<br />Lane Leonard: Hal, what do you think she's gonna do? Hold you to your chest and lick your ear and call you funky? <br />---Snow Day (2000)</i><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5446432766/" title="IMG_1714 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5446432766_108c42c75b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1714" /></a></center><br /><br />Ok, so the weather outside is nice today. I thought I'd be contrary and post this polish today. In the bottle, I was pretty wowed. It looks like a pretty metallic grey-blue shade. It unfortunately was not my cup o' tea.<br /><br />During application, it was thick and globby and hard to maneuver. Remember, I've been out of the polish game for a while, plus, I have a health problem that sometimes gives me shaky hands, so polishes too thick or thin can be a bad idea for me. This was definitely too thick. Not only that, look at all the brush-strokes. It was not attractive. I later tried a topcoat which did not help at all. I think if you try it, you will need one thick coat of topcoat or at least 2-3 regular ones, just to overcome the chalky texture.<br /><br />It did last a while though. 3-4 days with no damage. It may have went longer but I was way bored with it. <br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= C- (kinda generic, and even if pretty in the bottle, it doesn't stay that way on the nail)<br />Formula= D (I found it extremely difficult to apply and hated how bad it was for brushstrokes)<br />Brush= C- (again, just too long for this polish)<br />Price= D+ ($6 at Ulta usually, though mine was 1.99 on clearance)<br /><br />Overall= D+Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-7107157925462129232011-02-15T01:16:00.001-08:002011-02-15T01:17:25.852-08:00Rest in Peace- OPI "A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find"Victim of children, jumping on the couch, unaware of my upturned mani basket. Oh the humanity! The couch got collateral damage as well.Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-18339880963280637252011-02-14T14:49:00.000-08:002011-02-14T14:50:03.506-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5446449694/" title="IMG_1807 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5446449694_0919a4f301.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1807" /></a>Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-49892794726842509652011-02-10T20:30:00.000-08:002011-02-10T20:45:14.567-08:00Essie- Demure Vixen<center><i><br />Among the taller wood with ivy hung,<br />The old fox plays and dances round her young.<br />---"The Vixen" by John Clare</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5376344944/" title="IMG_1724 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5376344944_ac47ee192d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1724" /></a><br /></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5375743657/" title="IMG_1723 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5375743657_d9447a366e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1723" /></a></center><br /><br />Shown is about three days of wear, so w00t! I had a big lust for this color after seeing it on another blog, and I found it by happenstance on clearance at Ulta last month. I wasn't quite like I thought, it was much sheerer, but I have now come to understand why everyone says that about Essie. It's true! They are so sheer usually! This is about 4 coats I think, maybe even 5 on my thumb and middle finger.<br /><br />I don't care though, it was gorgeous, and lasted forever, so when my mini one runs out, I will be buying another. It's just such a lovely, unique color and I can see it working for multiple occasions/scenarios. <br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= A (love it, so perdy, but would get top marks if it was more saturated)<br />Formula= A (ditto, only prob is it's too sheer)<br />Brush= B (well, it's a mini, but even so, it's not a bad brush)<br />Price= D- (they seem to be 7ish bucks regular price, and that's expensive if you end up not liking it)<br /><br />Overall= B-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-8032387274431417252011-02-09T18:55:00.000-08:002011-02-09T19:13:01.388-08:00Zoya- Penelope<center><i><br />In the pathway of the sun,<br />In the footsteps of the breeze,<br />Where the world and sky are one,<br />He shall ride the silver seas,<br />He shall cut the glittering wave.<br />I shall sit at home, and rock;<br />Rise, to heed a neighbor's knock;<br />Brew my tea, and snip my thread;<br />Bleach the linen for my bed.<br />They will call him brave. <br />-"Penelope" by Dorothy Parker</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5375732395/" title="IMG_1788 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5375732395_38c0203943.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1788" /></a></center><br /><br />LOVE this! It's a creamy brownish pink. It is officially one of my favorite colors. It's so neutral, yet different from the average red, pink, or beige. It's just chic, minimalist, classiness. <br /><br />It applied easily, dried at a decent pace, and lasted for a while. I think I wore it 5 days or so and it had nary a scuff and I only changed it because I get bored easily.<br /><br />So, if you need a nice, yet different business-appropriate color, this is a winner!<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= A+ (it's neutral yet I swear it pops on your nails!)<br />Formula= A (it was just a little thick, but still so wonderful)<br />Brush= A (a little thin for the thickness of the polish, still excellent though)<br />Price= D- (it's $7 a bottle, which is expensive, but for me, this was a great investment!)<br /><br />Overall= BMelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-86956655343066675782011-02-08T09:38:00.000-08:002011-02-08T09:55:24.822-08:00<center><i><br />A note as from a single place,<br />A slender tinkling fall that made<br />Now drops that floated on the pool<br />Like pearls, and now a silver blade. <br />---Robert Frost "Going For Water"</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343892870/" title="IMG_1712 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5343892870_abdd261533.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1712" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />This was just a dollar at Dollar General. I had high-hopes, since I have had decent luck with L.A. Colors. Unfortunately, this one sort of bombed. Shown is 5 coats and as you can see, there is still VNL. It was pretty aggravating. Also, it just wasn't as lustrous and I wanted it to be, it just looks milky. And it's too brush-strokey for layering, so this lacquer is just sort of useless to me. I have since frankened with mine and it doesn't even seem useful for that either.<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= C- (bleh- too frosty, too milky)<br />Formula= D- (wayyyyy too thin and sheer)<br />Brush= B (actually ok here)<br />Price= A+ (just a dollar, so if it sucks, you haven't wasted much)<br /><br />Overall= C+Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-70250338307269625282011-02-05T16:13:00.000-08:002011-02-05T16:23:11.000-08:00Cover Girl- Copper Penny<center><i><br />God if you're listening would you come up with some change?<br />Cause I wake up every morning with a penny to my name. <br />---"Penny" by Idina Menzel</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343282377/" title="IMG_1707 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5343282377_6ca6f1afb3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1707" /></a></center><br /><br />This swatch is from about 36 hours of wear. Obviously, not too good. Chipped, grubby looking, scuffed, etc, just not a good look.<br /><br />I love the color though. It's a rich, coppery autumn-brown-red. It was very flattering on me, colorwise, and even if a little brush-stokey, the metallic finish was nice with the color. It is just very thick.<br /><br />I had a coupon though and only paid 65 cents for it, yeehaw!<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= B+ (I like it, it's also a generally flattering color)<br />Formula= C (thickish and brush-strokey)<br />Brush= C+ (for the thickness of the polish, the brush was definitely lacking)<br />Price= B (was just 2.65 and I had a $2 off coupon)<br /><br />Overall= B-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-35929719730034452592011-02-01T12:42:00.000-08:002011-02-01T12:52:43.141-08:00OPI- Yodel Me on My Cell + exciting news!<center><i><br />I went across to Switzerland<br />Where all the Yodellers be<br />To try to learn to yodel<br />With my yodel-oh-ee-dee<br />I climbed a big high mountain<br />On a clear and sunny day<br />And met a yodellin' gal<br />Up in a little Swiss chalet<br />---Frank Ifield "She Taught Me How to Yodel"</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343281353/" title="IMG_1692 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5343281353_541f1609e0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1692" /></a></center><br /><br />Lovely color! It's a pretty teal with a metallic shimmer. It wasn't as opaque as I would have liked, but applied well, especially considering it was a mini, which tends to give me probs. Whenever I run out, I do believe I'd like a full-size bottle. It would make for an awesome summer pedicure. <br /><br />It's rainy and dreary outside today, so this swatch from a few weeks ago is just the thing to brighten my mood. <br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= B+ (it's kinda generic in theory, but it's done right)<br />Formula= B+ (hits all the marks except it is more sheer than it ought to be)<br />Brush= A (basing it on a full-size bottle, since minis suck)<br />Price= D- ($8 is either good or bad, if you love or hate the polish, so it's a gamble)<br /><br />Overall= B-<br /><br />+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=<br /><br />And the exciting news is I won a giveaway! My very first actually! It was hosted by <a href="http://rachelsnails.blogspot.com/">Rachel Marie's Nails.</a> I can't wait for it to arrive in my mail box!Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-61765639640091743222011-01-30T19:18:00.000-08:002011-02-01T12:54:59.788-08:00OPI- Ali's Big Break<center><i><br />I'm a girl<br />I'm gonna live the dream<br />I'm gonna live out my fantasy<br /><br />Look at me<br />And tell me what you see<br />You know what I'm gonna be<br />---Bo and Monica "I'm Gonna Be a Star"</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343255407/" title="IMG_1688 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5343255407_3ee8c63888.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1688" /></a></center><br /><br />Not much to say here- didn't like this. It was super thick, gummy, and difficult to apply. I just wasn't a fan. I love the bright, cheery, cherry-red of the bad, but the flecks where just too thick I think? Maybe my novice-ness is just too pervasive, but I just did not apply this well. I had high hopes when I looked at it in the bottle, but once I got down to applying, that hope flew out the window. It was realllllly sheer too. <br /><br />Oh well...<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= C+ (great in theory, but not so much reality)<br />Formula= C- (bad, especially a letdown since I love OPI)<br />Brush= A (OPI generally has good brushes, but this was a mini and sucked majorly)<br />Price= D- ($8, a toss-up- good if you like it, but a bigtime bummer if you don't)<br /><br />Overall= CMelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-25148479662085812112011-01-30T09:17:00.000-08:002011-01-30T09:20:29.379-08:00Not a helmer but...This is the home of my polishes. It's an old treadle machine! Ignore the rag and ziplock baggie full of cleaners, I was cleaning it)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343251941/" title="IMG_1678 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5203/5343251941_65e3451634.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1678" /></a>Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-69815224127156856072011-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:002011-01-29T09:22:38.227-08:00OPI- Take the Stage<center><i><br />He was a "rock and roll messiah"<br />She was known for her childcare<br />The truth is gonna give up the world<br />If you can give up the stage<br />If I can give up the stage<br />If we can give up the stage<br />---Live "Stage"</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343862960/" title="IMG_1685 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5343862960_43b039414b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1685" /></a></center><br /><br />Like the others in the collection, it isn't so bad. But it's a glitter, which is not really my kind of thing. It's nice enough though, if you are into glitters. It's very foil-ish in finish and lasts well. It isn't so gritty either as other glitters can be, it's pretty fluid and smooth. It's a pretty, juicy orange too, it's nice. Unfortunately, it's not very versatile in my opinion. Also, it might make some people's skin look off, green or brassy.<br /><br />Color= B (it's nice, if you like orange and glitter)<br />Formula= A (really nice, as OPI usually is)<br />Brush= A (this is a mini, but OPI's are usually great, though minis usually stink, especially with glitters)<br />Price= D- ($7.50, either a good investment, if you like it, or a total wash, if you hate it)<br /><br />Overall= B-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-86947244821587953522011-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:002011-01-28T10:02:46.890-08:00Wet n Wild- Wild Card<i><center><br />I love you 'cause your Deuces Are Wild, girl<br />Like a double shot of lovin' so fine<br />I been lovin' you since you was a child, girl<br />'Cause you and me is two of a kind<br />---Aerosmith "Deuces are Wild"</center></i><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343860438/" title="IMG_1673 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5343860438_d0090eac99.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1673" /></a></center><br /><br />Love this one! I came across it online in pics when I was trying to discover the name of a nameless Wet n Wild I got in a holiday gift set. My nameless is more pink. Wild Card is more purple. It is a slightly golden-tinged duochrome as well. <br /><br />Formula is excellent, applies and dries awesomely. It is a pretty color to me as well, and I think flattering for many. I can see it working for lots of different occasions, dressed up or dressed down. For 99 cents, you can't go wrong!<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= A (I think it's unique, and pretty as well as generally flattering for many skin tones)<br />Formula= A- (I had like one bubble, but the rest of it was awesome)<br />Brush= B- (it was a little long, I'd rather it were a smidge shorter)<br />Price= A+ (just 99 cents!)<br /><br />Overall= A-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-89372309885471164312011-01-27T12:12:00.000-08:002011-01-27T12:22:08.144-08:00Franken- "Aurora"<center><i><br />Aurora is the effort<br />Of the Celestial Face<br />Unconsciousness of Perfectness<br />To simulate, to Us.<br />---Emily Dickinson "Aurora is the effort"</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343250833/" title="IMG_1671 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5343250833_3405f1e653.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1671" /></a></center><br /><br />I frankened this with L.A. Colors "Classic White" and L.A. Colors "Classic Pink" plus some Jazz "18K Gold" and some Sally Hansen "White Diamond." I like it, it has a very odd, but pretty, finish in my opinion. It looks fluid and milky, yet also metallic. It looks like the gold rays of dawn breaking, hence why I named it "Aurora." It was opaque in 3 coats and didn't have many issues formulawise. I like it, and decided it's a keeper. Oh, I dug around and it looks very similar to Chanel "Gold Lame." Fun!<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= A (I realllllllly like it)<br />Formula= A- (it's pretty good I think, maybe a smidge gummy)<br />Brush= n/a (this is a L.A. Colors bottle, came in a mini mani 2 pack)<br />Price= B+ (I figured this up to have cost me about $2.25, so not bad)<br /><br />Overall= A-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-77047926604409135332011-01-26T07:25:00.000-08:002011-01-26T07:32:44.334-08:00OPI- Rising Star<i><center><br />The ugly mess you thought you were is fading fast<br />Now something's spoken through it's virtues<br />The night of black is rolling back at long last<br />The wheel of fate turns to your fortune<br />---Wishbone Ash "New Rising Star"</center></i><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343250255/" title="IMG_1670 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5343250255_7152eaa2a8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1670" /></a></center><br /><br />I knew I wouldn't like this, so I was meh with the swatching, sorry. I just don't like glitters that much. I like the red one, but the rest, bleh. Not a fan personally. They are very pretty and blingy though, just not my style.<br /><br />Color is a super-shiny, bright foily glitter with a golden base. Application was decent, considering it was a mini and the brush sucked. Dried quickly as well. <br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= B+ (it's interesting, I'll give it that, and pretty, if you are into glitters)<br />Formula= A (this was rather nice, considering)<br />Brush= A (well, rating for a regular OPI brush, not this one, which was a mini and sucked totally)<br />Price= D- (OPI are 7.50 to 8 bucks, which to me is too expensive for a polish I am not in love with)<br /><br />Overall= BMelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-27729269694924539022011-01-25T18:10:00.000-08:002011-01-25T18:35:12.479-08:00Sally Hansen- Diamond<center><i><br />"I loved being outside. We'd hold lightning bugs in our fingers and pretend they were diamond rings."<br />Loretta Lynn</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343858686/" title="IMG_1669 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5343858686_1bb252ca49.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1669" /></a></center><br /><br />I bought this at Dollar Tree in a 2-pack. I found several Nail Prisms there. This one is "Diamond" and it's a silvery-grey base with lot of holo glitter. It applies....ok. It's pretty bleh to me. Not really here or there ya know. Kinda was gummy and slow to dry, but it does look interesting and pretty when it's all said and done. I just don't foresee an occasion where I'll wear this again unfortunately. Just not my style.<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= B+ (it's interesting, but I don't think flattering for many skin tones)<br />Formula= C (kinda is lowish marks all across the board, not the worst, but not good either)<br />Brush= D (pretty splayed and unruly)<br />Price= A+ (2 pack for a dollar, so 50 cents, woot!)<br /><br />Overall= B-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-31510804128518438072011-01-24T08:20:00.000-08:002011-01-24T08:29:59.776-08:00L.A. Colors- Tease<center><i>A song just doesn't come on. I've always had to tease it out, squeeze it out.<br />---Dorothy Fields</i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343249221/" title="IMG_1667 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5343249221_17691befdc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1667" /></a></center><br /><br /><br />Ew...this was just....ew. Shown is 4-5 coats. It took forever for opacity. By those last coats, I got lazy and disgruntled, hence the horrible paintjob. I knew I was removing it later and never wearing it again.<br /><br />That's all I got to say about that!<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= D- (except for some slightly interesting blue flash, most unoriginal fuchsia ever)<br />Formula= F (5 coats! Need I say it again?)<br />Brush= D- (super thin and flimsy, barely usable with this polish)<br />Price= A+ (hey, it was a buck- a buck wasted though imo, but I'll give it an A here, generally I am happy with L.A. Colors)<br /><br />Overall= D+Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-63272155503565938412011-01-23T08:41:00.000-08:002011-01-23T09:14:40.520-08:00Color Club- Best-Dressed List<i><center>Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he's well dressed. There ain't much credit in that.<br />---Charles Dickens</center></i><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343248803/" title="IMG_1665 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5343248803_d40890e851.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1665" /></a></center><br /><br />This might look a little beat-up. I had worn it for 4 days after the holidays, so I was packing up lots of stuff like the Christmas tree, decorations, wrapping stuff, etc. I loved it, and I think it looked great and lasted well. It's a taupey mushroomy earthy tan. Very pretty and flattering to my skin tone. Not sure if it would be flattering for everyone though.<br /><br />On my ring finger is a comparison of L.A. Colors "Antique Rose." Obviously, it's much redder and much darker, and has the golden shimmer where BDL does not. I like both.<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= A- (pretty lovely, if a bit neutral)<br />Formula= A (just about the best around)<br />Brush= B (mine is just average)<br />Price= B- (I got mine in a multi-pack at Ross for 8 dollars, but they run 3-4 dollars singly online)<br /><br />Overall= B+Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3313138888110070833.post-73012362683562787192011-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:002011-01-23T09:15:26.499-08:00L.A. Colors- Antique Rose<center><i><br />A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world.<br />---Leo Buscaglia </i></center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537100@N05/5343857042/" title="IMG_1661 by sombermuse1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5343857042_c4d361f62e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1661" /></a></center><br /><br />This is L.A. Colors "Antique Rose" with Color Club "Best-Dressed List" on the ring finger as a comparison. It is a dark clayish color with an interesting golden shimmer. I actually really like it, maybe the most of all my clay-toned polishes. It has a lovely depth hanks to the shimmer. It dried quickly and lasted well, and held up just as well, if not better, than the Color Club did. It hard barely any tipwear at all after 3 days, and the CC had slightly more. And get this- it could easily be a 1 coater if you apply it well!<br /><br />All that for a dollar! I won't complain!<br /><br />Report card:<br /><br />Color= A (very nice, to me. It's one I plan to rewear often)<br />Formula= A (pretty nifty, it might be slightly thick, but overall, still great)<br />Brush= C+ (the brush is too thin to me, it would be better if it was a bit sturdier and wider)<br />Price= A+ (just a dollar, so that's the best you can ask for)<br /><br />Overall= A-Melinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09804743061761847755noreply@blogger.com0