FYI: This is not a full size bottle, it is a sample which I won in a giveaway.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Ginger and Liz 'Ivy League'
Just sharing a swatch with you!
FYI: This is not a full size bottle, it is a sample which I won in a giveaway.
FYI: This is not a full size bottle, it is a sample which I won in a giveaway.
Gold and Silver Glitter Gradient
This was requested a long time ago. It's not a difficult nail design at all but I have just been so swamped that I didn't get around to it. Here's the original:
And here is what I came up with:
Mine is a bit different but not a bad dupe of the original. I used (in order):
Nail Magic Base Coat Therapy
China Glaze French Bliss 'Ooh La La Peach'
Ginger and Liz 'Got my Groove Back'
China Glaze 'Nova'
China Glaze 'Techno'
China Glaze 'Golden Enchantment'
Seche Vite
Here's how I did it:
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| (Source) |
Nail Magic Base Coat Therapy
China Glaze French Bliss 'Ooh La La Peach'
Ginger and Liz 'Got my Groove Back'
China Glaze 'Nova'
China Glaze 'Techno'
China Glaze 'Golden Enchantment'
Seche Vite
Here's how I did it:
An International Polish Swap!
Recently I swapped with Helena from All About My Nails who is located in Portugal. I've been reading her blog for a few months and absolutely love all the swatches and different brands of polishes that she posts about. I've been wanting to get my hands on a few so we arranged a swap and I just wanted to share what I recieved. If you want to see what I sent her feel free to click here!
FYI:
My only request was no pinks or reds as I am overwhelmed with the ones I already own.
FYI:
My only request was no pinks or reds as I am overwhelmed with the ones I already own.
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| (Left to Right) All Access, Into the Night, 270, Menta, 96 |
And individual (very quick) swatches:
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| All Access |
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| 96 |
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Into the Night   |
If ever anyone would like to do a swap feel free to contact me via email (audrey@allnailandcosmetics.com)!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
GINGER and LIZ Nail Polish Review
Not too long ago I was shopping online for nail polish (surprise, surprise) when I came across a brand that was new to me: GINGER and LIZ. Now while I in no way claim to know everything about nail polish and different brands I was surprised that I hadn't, in the very least, seen a swatch of their colors before. Since I am always looking for a good deal, and I knew that I wanted four colors in particular, I waited for a sale and then snagged these four beauties!
Up until this point no "high end" polish had truly lived up to the hype for me. OPI, Essie, and the like all wore off pretty quickly on me even with a great base/top coat combination. There is a reason I have a large number of China Glaze polishes in my collection; they mimic Essie and OPI in color but are less than half the price.
The G and L polishes come in several finishes, have a wide range of colors, and wear like no body's business. I can get a solid week out of these polishes with nothing more than tip wear and since I use my hands a lot for work, that is saying something! They have a wide range of colors from professional nudes and lighter shades, to neon's and deep sultry colors. Overall it is a varied selection sure to fit anyones needs. They also have their own base coat and top coat which I haven't tried yet but am excited to get my hands on.
(Left to Right: Chase Me, Boy Toy, Reality Check, Got my Groove Back)
G and L polishes are normally $12 for .43 fl oz but on this particular occasion, I paid $8 a bottle so the same as if I was purchasing Essie or OPI. The difference? Quality!Up until this point no "high end" polish had truly lived up to the hype for me. OPI, Essie, and the like all wore off pretty quickly on me even with a great base/top coat combination. There is a reason I have a large number of China Glaze polishes in my collection; they mimic Essie and OPI in color but are less than half the price.
The G and L polishes come in several finishes, have a wide range of colors, and wear like no body's business. I can get a solid week out of these polishes with nothing more than tip wear and since I use my hands a lot for work, that is saying something! They have a wide range of colors from professional nudes and lighter shades, to neon's and deep sultry colors. Overall it is a varied selection sure to fit anyones needs. They also have their own base coat and top coat which I haven't tried yet but am excited to get my hands on.
Below you'll find some swatches as well as my review video! Enjoy!
Reality Check
Got my Groove Back
Chase Me
Boy Toy
FYI: This is not a sponsored post and I am not affiliated with GINGER and LIZ. I'm just sharing an amazing brand with fellow nail fanatics!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Review: Seche Ultra V Top Coat
When I first saw this product at my local Sally's I was curious to try it but would look at the price, pick up my regular top coat (Seche Vite) and leave. Recently though I had a 20% off coupon and I decided that it was time to take the plunge and see if it was worth the fuss; so here it goes:
This is a two step process:
First you need to paint your nails and use the Ultra V formula topcoat.
Second you cure the topcoat with the UV light that you purchase seperately.
The overall effect gives you shiny (almost mirror like) nails that look more like gels than nail polish. The curing (takes three mins) sets the polish no matter how thick you paint it on and gives a pretty durable finish. I went 7 days with just tip wear and on the 8th I got a chip.
By no means is this a necessity for anyone to have but it is great if you like gadgets, or the way acrylics look with out the damage to your nails!
Just so you know, this removes very easily with nail polish remover and felt or a cotton square. For more details you can check out the video at the end of the post. The last 20 second or so show you a snapshot of my nails each day to see the wear.
This is a two step process:
First you need to paint your nails and use the Ultra V formula topcoat.
Second you cure the topcoat with the UV light that you purchase seperately.
The overall effect gives you shiny (almost mirror like) nails that look more like gels than nail polish. The curing (takes three mins) sets the polish no matter how thick you paint it on and gives a pretty durable finish. I went 7 days with just tip wear and on the 8th I got a chip.
By no means is this a necessity for anyone to have but it is great if you like gadgets, or the way acrylics look with out the damage to your nails!
Just so you know, this removes very easily with nail polish remover and felt or a cotton square. For more details you can check out the video at the end of the post. The last 20 second or so show you a snapshot of my nails each day to see the wear.