Nail Mail: April & Polish Count

Hi ladies, it's been a while! Before I start with the Nail Mail post I'd like to apologise for my lack of posting this last week. The weather in the UK has been horrendous, it's pretty much rained constantly for the past week so I haven't been able to get any swatching done! Fortunately, the weather is beautiful today so I have been 'catching up' on my swatching which I will be posting over the next week. Anyway, enough excuses - let's get into my Nail Mail for April!

BarryM; Black Multi Glitter, Silvery Lilac, Denim & Teal

Models Own; Ibiza Mix, Collection 2000; Hoola Hoop, Button Moon, Wham & BMX Bandit, GOSH; Splish Splash

China Glaze; City Siren & Traffic Jam

I picked up these polishes at the beginning of the month during my trip into town. I knew that BarryM had released new colours, so I wanted to see if my Boots/Superdrug had them in. Unfortunately they didn't have Copper at the time so I was only able to pick up the four you see, from Superdrug. Whilst in Superdrug I spotted GOSHs new Spring/Summer releases but to be honest, the other colours didn't really tickle my fancy so I only picked up Splish Splash. I then headed over to Boots in search of the always sold out Ibiza Mix from Models Own, to my surprise there was one left on the display! Needless to say I grabbed it. I also picked up a couple of Collection 2000 polishes, just because they were 2 for £3. Then just as I was leaving town I decided to quickly head over to Sallys to see if they had any of the new China Glaze/OPI collections, which they didn't, but it was buy one get one free on China Glaze Metro Collection! I only picked up two colours since I'd already spent most of my money in town >.<

China Glaze; Smoke & Ashes, Sinful Colors; Let Me Go

I got these from a mini swap I did with Traci @ The Trace Face Philes. I'd seen swatches of China Glaze - Smoke & Ashes around the interwebs and thought it looked interesting, so I asked her to pick it up for me. She was kind enough to throw in Sinful Colors - Let Me Go as a bonus!

GOSH; Rainbow, Silky Mint, Holographic, Rainbow & Sweet Rose

I've been on a little bit of a GOSH hype lately, ever since the discounted bin arrived in my Superdrug. Unfortunately, the two polishes I was hoping I would find in there were nowhere to be found. So I took to eBay to fish out Rainbow & Holographic and to my surprise I managed to find them both for a reasonable price! I picked up an extra Rainbow for my 1000 follower giveaway (only 12 people away!)

Dollish Polish; Dark Passenger & TEAM Salvatore

Now, if you know me in real life, you'll know that I am a HUGE Dexter & The Vampire Diaries fan! I've read all the books for both TV shows and have watched every season religiously. As soon as I saw that there were Nail Polishes named after characters in my two favourite shows, I had to have them! As you're probably aware, Dollish Polish is a pretty popular Indie brand that sells out literally seconds after she opens the shop and being in the UK I always missed out on the opening due to time zones. BUT I was determined to get my hands on them this time, so I specifically stayed awake until she opened. I snagged Dark Passenger straight away, but TEAM Salvatore kept jumping out of my cart, so after constantly refreshing and clicking I was able to get it.

Models Own; Peaches & Cream, Edamame & Naked Shimmer

Diego Dalla Palma

These polishes were kindly sent to me for review by the companies PR. Being a Models Own junkie, I was surprised that I didn't actually have the polishes already! You can see the swatches I did of those here. I've never heard of Diego Dalla Palma but I'm pretty impressed with their formula! I'll have a swatch post uploaded soon.

OPI; Pirouette My Whistle

This was also kindly sent to me by OPI's UK PR company. This was the only polish which stood out to me from the NYC Ballet collection, mainly because I'm not a fan of sheer polishes.

Wet N Wild; Grays Anatomy & Spoiled; Paying With Platinum

Catrice; Iron Mermaiden

You may remember a while ago I posted a picture on my Facebook page of Deborah Lippmann - Wicked Game, OPI - Not Like The Movies & BarryM - Silvery Lilac, well I have been asking around for dupes and the lovely Amanda from Mandy's Polish kindly offered to pick up the Wet N Wild & Spoiled polishes for me. I was then contacted by a lovely follower Daria saying she had the Catrice polish for me so we organised a mini swap for it! I will be doing the post sometime in May, so keep an eye out for that!

I apologise at how much I've rambled on in this post, clearly the lack of posting has affected my blogging ability. The main point of the post is the photos so you'll have to forgive me. Seeing as it's officially the end of April today, I thought I would tag on my Polish Count for the month. So without further ado, the grand total of polishes I now own is;

Polish Count (April 30th); 357

That's a total of 42 new polishes! The best news is that I now have a HelmerIKEA so I didn't have to pay the expensive shipping fees to have it delivered! I'll try and do an updated storage post soon to show you guys!

Swatch: Models Own - Edamame, Naked Shimmer & Peaches & Cream

Hi ladies, you may have seen I did a post on Models Own new Spring/Summer collection 'Freshen Up' (seen here) a couple days ago. Well today I'm here to show you three of the five polishes from the collection. This will be a longer, pic heavy post so I won't ramble aimlessly in the intro, lets get straight into it!

Label Shot - The polish is mislabelled with an 'N'

Indoors, Natural Lighting

Indoors, Natural Lighting

First from the 'Freshen Up' collection we have Edamame described as 'a fresh, shimmering green'. I'd personally describe it as more of a pastel, lime green (if that's possible) with hints of silver shimmer. I was a little disappointed with this polish, mainly because the shimmer is so subtle on the nail it's barely visible and also because it's one of those polishes that can make you look as though you have 'lobster hands'. Other than that it applied well, a little streaky with the first two coats, but evened out nicely with the third.
Note: I have noticed that the bottle is labelled as 'Endamame' but is spelt 'Edamame' on the Models Own website. Apparently, this is the case with most Edamame bottles.

Label Shot

Indoors, Overcast sunlight

Indoors, Natural Light

Next up I have Naked Shimmer which is described as 'A glistening gold-tinted stark beige'. Naked Shimmer to me has the same problem as Edamame, there's a gorgeous golden shimmer in the bottle, but doesn't translate well at all onto the nail resulting in Naked Shimmer being an almost exact dupe for Nude Beige, another Models Own polish. The only difference between these two polishes on the nail is that Naked Shimmer has a slightly pinker undertone, I will do a comparison post for you as soon as the weather cheers up! The application, again, was streaky in the first two coats but evened out with the third.

Label Shot.

Indoors, Natural Lighting

Indoors, Natural Lighting

Last but not least, I have Peaches & Cream described as 'a light sherbet peach'. This is probably my favourite out of the three polishes and I'm not that much of an orange fan, mainly because it doesn't compliment my skintone, but I actually think this compliments it well. Peaches & Cream is a vibrant, orange-toned peach which applied well with two coats. Again, Peaches & Cream is very similar to Fuzzy Peach - another Models Own polish (swatch comparison coming soon).

I will, at some point, be picking up the remaining two polishes from the 'Freshen Up' as well as their Summer releases to show you, so keep your eyes peeled for those! What do you think to Edamame, Naked Shimmer & Peaches & Cream? Does one shade in particular stand out to you? Let me know in the comments!

Models Own nail polishes are available to buy at www.modelsownit.com for £5 each. Models Own also has an offer where if you buy 3 of their polishes you save £3 or if you buy 5 polish you save £7!

Press Release: Models Own - Freshen Up Collection

#FRESHEN UP

A collection of Spring pretty sherbet pastels

Models Own, the destination for of-the-moment colours are going back to their roots. Known and famed for brilliantly creative colour, Models Own is causing a storm with their latest Spring Summer offerings.

Launching online at www.modelsownit.com from March, the Freshen Up collection consists of five pretty pastel shades, each designed to give a gorgeous natural colour.

Naked Shimmer; A glistening gold-tinted stark beige

Soda Pop Pink; A subtle pastel blush

Edamame; A fresh shimmering green

Bare Beauty; A pretty barely-there nude

Peaches & Cream; A light sherbet peach

Designed to compliment any outfit, Models Own's latest collection is the perfect accessory, offering unique colour combinations that are ultra-wearable and bang on trend.

Passionate about fashion, Models Own aren't shy when it comes to innovative colour. In fact, they're famously loved for their fast moving, constantly evolving cosmetic collection.

Models Own Freshen Up collection is now available from www.modelsownit.com for £5 each or £18 for the whole collection. To keep up with the latest Models Own news be sure to follow Models Own on Twitter @modelsown and become their Facebook Fan.

*Information and photo's provided by PR

Swatch: OPI - Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow (Suede)

Hi ladies! I have another one of my OPI Suede polishes for you today, in the form of Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow. It seems to be a common theme amongst OPI Suede polishes looking nothing like their original counterparts and Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow is no exception to that rule. Originally released in the 'La Coleccion De España' of Autumn 2009 as an almost black, army green creme (which can be seen here); Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow (Suede) couldn't be any further away from it's original as a stunning Emerald Green matte packed with tiny, Silver, foil like shimmer.

Label Shot

Indoor, No Flash

Indoor, No Flash

Of course, like all my other Suede posts, I had to add a topcoat! Here it is with one coat of China Glaze - No Chip Topcoat.

Indoor, No Flash

Indoor, No Flash

Indoor, No Flash

How freaking amazing does it look with a Top Coat on?! It looks like it's almost radioactive, Superman thinks Kryptonite is his weakness...he clearly never came into contact with this stunner. I was so completely taken with this polish that it graced my nails for 4 whole days! Since I change up my nails daily, sometimes even multiple times a day (especially when swatching), this is an accomplishment. I even stopped my 'swatchfest' although I was only 3 polishes in.

What do you think to OPI's Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow (Suede)? I bet you've all gone and added this to your 'must have or I'll die' list, right?!

Press Release: OPI - The Amazing Spider Man Collection

In“Spider”ed Shades!

OPI are proud to present their spectacular new collection for summer 2012, created in collaboration with Marvel Studios' amazing new film:

'The Amazing Spider-Man'

Weave a web of colour with these six new shades and a crackling Green Shatter Topcoat; guaranteed to ensure you are looking stylish even when swinging from the rooftops!

The seven new shades in The Amazing Spider-Man by OPI include;

Your Web or Mine?
The perfect pink for sticky situations.

Into the Night
This perfect midnight blue was made for prowling.

Call Me Gwen-ever
Girlfriend, be sure to pick up when this urgent coral calls

Just Spotted the Lizard
Be seen in this reptilian yellow-green.

My Boyfriend Scales Walls
Climb new heights with this cityscape white.

Number One Nemesis
Show your metal in this sparkling nickel.

Shatter The Scales
Green Shatter Topcoat

As with all OPI nail lacquers, these shades inspired by The Amazing Spider-Man contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This limited edition collection will be available to buy on line at the beginning May 2012 at the official UK retailer of OPI products, Lena White for £11 each. Also available is The Amazing Spider-Man Mini Pack, consisting of 4 x 3.75ml including; Into The Night, Number One Nemesis, Just Spotted The Lizard and  Your Web Or Mine? for £12.95.

For more information, please call 01923 240 010 or visit www.lenawhite.co.uk. Follow Lena White on Twitter @OPINAILS and become a Facebook Fan!

ABOUT OPI
As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colours and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no BP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.

*Photo's provided by PR

Press Release: OPI & New York City Ballet Release 6 New Soft Shades.

On Pointe Lacquers for Spring!

OPI are proud to announce six stunning new additions to their SoftShades collection, inspired by the world renowned New York City Ballet.

The New York City Ballet collection by OPI features five en pointe pretty pastel shades and a sparkling silver glitter topcoat which will take your nails from sophisticated office-chic, to stylish evening-glamour in a hop, skip and a jeté.

A must have collection for prima ballerinas everywhere.

The six new lacquers in New York City Ballet by OPI include:

Barre My Soul
This sheer beige is gorgeous, and that’s the “naked” truth.

You Callin' Me a Lyre?
This ascending pink hits all the right notes. 

Don't Touch My Tutu!
Hands off this wispy white -- it's all mine! 

Care to Danse?
This lilac is up-to-the-minuet in fashion. 

My Pointe Exactly
See? This gorgeous sheer grey has been right all along! 

Pirouette My Whistle
Drink up! This silver sparkle is just what you need. 

All SoftShades nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

New York City Ballet by OPI is now available to buy on line at the official UK retailer of OPI products, Lena White for £11 each. Also available is New York City Ballet Mini Pack, consisting of 4 x 3.75ml including; Pirouette My Whistle, Don't Touch My Tutu!, Care to Danse? and My Pointe Exactly for £12.95.

For more information, please call 01923 240 010 or visit www.lenawhite.co.uk. Follow Lena White on Twitter @OPINAILS and become a Facebook Fan!

ABOUT OPI
As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no BP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.

*Photo's provided by PR

Swatch: Deborah Lippmann - Lady Sings The Blues

Hi ladies! Yesterday I showed you Essie - Midnight Tango and said I had an amazing layering combo to show you, well here it is! This is actually my joint second Deborah Lippmann polish (the other one being Wicked Game) which I recently got from my recent Apothica order. Lady Sings The Blues is a really deep, dark blackened blue with large hexagonal and smaller glitter particles of silver and blue. As of this moment, I don't have anything in my collection like this so I'm definitely happy I picked it up. The swatches are 2 coats of Lady Sings The Blues over Midnight Tango. I didn't have too much trouble with the application, everything went on smoothly and there was even a fair amount of glitter dispersion, which can sometimes be a problem with some other glitter polishes I have used.

Label Shot

Indoors, No Flash

Indoors, No Flash

And of course I had to see what it was like matted. Here it is with a coat of E.L.F Matte Finisher Top Coat.

Indoor, No Flash

Indoor, No Flash

Mini Macro!

LOVE this matted! If you didn't already know, my camera is horrendous for taking Macro shots. So I ended up just taking a portion from one of the photos, apologies for how small it is! Deborah Lippmann is available to buy in the UK from House of Fraser and Beautybay for between £14 and £18 each for 15ml of product. If you're in the States you can purchase Deborah Lippmann directly from their website as well as Apothica for between $16 and $18 each.
What are your thoughts on Deborah Lippmann polishes? Do you think they're worth the money or overpriced? Let me know in the comments!

Swatch: Essie - Midnight Tango

Hi ladies, I have another Essie polish from the Morticia's Nails set I received from Emily! Midnight Tango is a deep, Navy Blue with Blue shimmer. The Blue shimmer only becomes apparent when you're in Natural Light or Sunlight otherwise it just looks like another run of the mill Navy Blue. Excuse the mess around the nails! Would you believe me if I told you it actually looked better BEFORE I attempted to clean up?!

Label Shot

Dull, Overcast

Indoors, No Flash

Indoors, No Flash

What do you think to Midnight Tango? I think it looks extremely similar to BarryM - Navy, I'll probably post a comparison picture on my Facebook page soon! I have an absolutely amazing polish to show you tomorrow which I layered over the top of this. If you regularly read my Facebook posts, you will already know what's to come!