500 Follower Sparkle + Duochrome Giveaway!!!--CLOSED

The time has come!! I reached 500 followers earlier this month. I greatly appreciate all of my followers and the people who comment and support this blog. I have met a ton of wonderful people on here. I love blogging and I hope this blog continues to be great source of happiness and great way to make friendships for me. As a gift to you guys I'm hosting a 500 follower giveaway! Also as a special treat I have added MAC Bad Fairy to this giveaway.

Here are the prizes:

1. Sally Hansen HD DVD- light blue duochrome glass fleck
2. Sally Hansen HD Byte- fuchsia duchrome glass gleck
3. Sally Hansen HD Laser- deep blue duochrome glass fleck
4. L.A. Colors Color Craze Metallic Collection (no names)
          -Sparkly glass fleck magenta
          -Sparkly glass fleck purple
          -Grey/silver metallic foil
          -Emerald foil
5. MAC Bad Fairy!!!!!!!- bright pink/fuschia/golden foil duochrome
6. Eva Mine (not Big 3  free)- golden/rose/rose gold shimmer duochrome
7. Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Confetti in Glitz- silver holographic fine glitter for frankening

Guidelines:

1. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parents permission.

2. This giveaway is open internationally, however I will use the least expensive shipping method possible for international shipment. If it is a US winner I will ship priority mail.  (Note: If you are international and have had issues in the past receiving international packages, please enter at your own risk. I can not make any guarantees the package will get to you. )

3. Giveaway will end Thursday, October 28th @ 11:59EST

4. Winner we be chosen using random.org

5. Please leave all of your entries into one comment.

6. Winner we be announced Friday October 29th and will have 72 hours to reply to my email or else another winner will be chosen.

How to Enter:

Mandatory:

You must be a follower (new or old) of this blog. Please let me know you are a follower and provide me with your email address. If you do not leave your email I cannot enter you because I will have no way to contact you if you win. (1 entry)

Optional:

-Blog about this giveaway either in your sidebar or in a post and leave me a link. (1 entry)

-Tweet about this giveaway and provide me a link. (1 entry)

-If you could dress up as anything for Halloween what would you be or what are you planning on being? If you say you're not going to dress up as anything that does not count as an entry. (1 entry)

That's it!!! I hope you all enjoy this giveaway package. Please email me if you have any questions by click the Gmail envelope button on my right sidebar!

Happy Thursday!

Confetti Debutante

I've had a love/hate relationship with Confetti, but since I heard there was some issues with this brand getting a restraining order/sued I don't know the legal jargon, I decided to grab some more. The color I got was Debutante. Let me just say I probably would of been better off not purchasing this one, but you can doctor things up, right?

Debutante

 Debutante is a sandy gold frosty metallic, Blech,  I don't really care for this at all. I could tell I wouldn't care for it either when I picked up the bottle. Also, like some other Confetti polishes the brush on this was wonky and deformed. I guess I picked it up because I figured I could do something with it. I figured it may work for a funky Christmas manicure...

Here is Debutante with Revlon Slipper and Eva Green Hex Glitter layered over it. Meh, I'm not sure if this is cute or looks like Santa Claus and his elves threw up on my nails? I'll leave the up to you all to decide. I kind of like it, but if I were do that I think I'd do it on my ring finger only and paint the rest green or red. I think as full mani this would be a bit too much for me personally.

So, what do you think? Cute or ridiculous? It won't hurt my feelings. :P

Happy Wednesday!

Sinful Colors Gogo Girl

I think reds are sometimes an underrated color in the nail polish world. I love reds, but I can see why they get the short stick sometimes. You don't really see too many unique variations of reds and if you do they are not very original. I get it. When a great red does come around it does seem to get the attention it deserves, but there is way more of a fuss over purples,blues, and greens. That being said I think reds are great staple colors in every collection. Red goes with anything. It's classic!

Gogo Girl

Wow, wow, wow! Now this is RED. This is warm-toned red jelly. This is that Marilyn Monroe red and that NYC Big Apple Red. I have quite a few reds, but I didn't have one like this. This isn't an original color, you can probably find this anywhere from any brand, but for $2 at Walgreens this is a great color to have in your collection. It's sexy and glamorous.

This is why I love brands like Sinful Colors, Wet n' Wild, and Confetti (if they'll still be around). These are great brands that can accommodate those holes in your stash. I use these brands when I'm interested in a particular shade, but I'm not necessarily lemming it from another brand. I'm sure you can find this same color from Revlon for $4, from Orly for $6, or Deborah Lippmann for $18, but why pay that if I can get it for $2 especially if it's such a general color. These brands also have their own unique colors that are great too, but I think you get what I'm saying.

What are some of your favorite drugstore reds?

Happy Tuesday!

Zoya Julieanne

I got this Zoya polish as a surprise from Kellie over at Also Known As! Thank you so much Kellie! :) Julieanne came from Zoya's Wicked Fall collection from this season. This is my only polish from this collection so I'm super excited about it!

Julieanne

 Julieanne is a deep grape purple base with light purple glitter mixed in. What's interested about the glitter is at certain angles it reads almost gold, so even though this is a cooler color it does have a warm autumn feel if that makes any sense? I love this color. I don't have any sparkly purples like this. This is weird comparison, but do any of you in the US know that kids cold medicine Dimetapp? My mom used to give that to me when I was little, it was the only medicine I enjoyed taking. It was a deep purple and grape flavored. Well, lol this color reminds me of that medicine minus the glitter. I think of the strangest things huh?

This is a beautiful color for fall! When some more money rolls around I hope to pick up some more of these from this collection!


What are your favorite colors from the Zoya Wicked/Wonderful collection?


Happy Monday!

Claire's Yel

I don't make it to Claire's often. I'm somewhat iffy on  Claire's polishes. I've picked out some great colors, but usually their selection isn't great or the formula isn't up to par. The good thing about their polishes is they are usually on sale BOGO 50% off.

Yel

Yel is holographic robin's egg blue. I can't get enough of holographic colors, so this one is definitely a unique variation of one. The holographic-ness isn't as prominent as in other brands,  but it's enough to make statement. My only beef with this color is the formula. This was 3 coats and I still had patchy bald spots. The formula was very sheer. I also don't understand the name what is "Yel"?

I don't have much else to say today. I'm not in the best of moods. This upcoming week is going to be difficult for me with my school work and other things going on. I'm looking forward to October 1st. It's kind of one of those weeks where you have some major thing going on, and doesn't feel like life goes on after that event. Do you get what I mean? It's like you're waiting for this doomsday and you can't think, plan, or be excited about anything else until it's over. I tend to make things out to be way worse than they are. I know this, but I can't help it :P. No worries, nothing serious is happening this week. It's just something that gives me a lot of anxiety when most people don't even give it a second thought. Anyways, I will try to remain a positive as possible on here.

Happy Saturday!

China Glaze Strawberry Fields

I figured since it was mentioned quite a bit yesterday I'd do a post on my favorite China Glaze and compare it to OPI Pink Me I'm Good. It's difficult when you're asked what is your favorite polish of all time. I don't think I could answer that, but I know China Glaze Strawberry Fields is up there. I do know it is my favorite China Glaze hands down.  have 2 extra bottles of this that's how much I love it. I've never hit bottom on the first bottle I own, but it's half gone! Move over Ruby Pumps! I think Strawberry has you beat! This polish came from the 2009 Summer Days collection.

Strawberry Fields

 Strawberry Fields is amazing. THE END. Just playing! Strawberry Fields is a medium strawberry pink creme packed with gold glass fleck shimmer. It's the perfect pink. I think this is a pink that will satisfy all. I've heard many non-pink people fall in love with this pink. It has so much dimension with the golden glass fleck shimmer. It's a gorgeous color that would go with anything.


China Glaze Strawberry Fields vs. OPI Pink Me I'm Good
(Strawberry Fields is on my index & ring fingers/Pink Me I'm Good is on middle & ring fingers)

top-Bottom: Strawberry Fields & OPI Pink Me I'm Good

These are not dupes, or even that similar to each other. Strawberry Fields is medium pink creme based polish with gold glass fleck shimmer, while Pink Me I'm Good is lighter jelly based polish with golden iridescent glitter. That all being said, it is evident to me why I love both these colors and why many people think of Strawberry Fields when they see Pink Me I'm Good. They're both strawberry pinks and have golden type finishes. I think April of Concrete and Nail Polish who commented on my post yesterday said it best. It is like Strawberry Fields on steroids. Pink Me I'm Good is like Strawberry Fields' Las Vegas showgirl cousin.

These are both amazing colors. Don't ask me to choose a favorite, because I love them both equally. It would be like asking if I'd prefer chocolate cake or carrot cake. They're both my favorites and I'd feel bad putting one above the other! :P

Happy Friday!

OPI Pink Me I'm Good

Note: The polish I'm reviewing today is HTF (hard to find) polish. If you're lucky you can get it for a fair price or through swap. However, I have only seen it listed recently on ebay for $25. One the main themes of this blog is nail products for under $10. I decided to post it because it's something I was very excited about finding and wanted to share with you all. If anyone feels that I shouldn't be posting it because of its HTF status and it's price, I'll gladly remove this post.

I love the feeling when you have fulfilled a major lemming, especially one you thought you'd never get. That's how I felt about OPI Pink Me I'm Good. I don't know why I put off buying it. It was a LE (limited edition) from Ulta during Valentines Day, that should of been major red flag  to go out and get this polish while you can! Apparently that didn't compute, and when I was ready it was too late. I asked around, nothing. I saw it in a few giveaways I entered, but didn't win. Then I saw it on ebay for $25, no thank you. However, I was getting to the point of desperation it did cross my mind to pay that much for it. Luckily, another blogger had a spare she sold to me for a reasonable price! Thank you! Thank you! I'm sure they're tired of me saying thank you, but I am SO happy about this!

Pink Me I'm Good

Pink Me I'm Good is a strawberry pink jelly jam packed with golden iridescent glitter. It's like sparkling sunset. I am in LOVE. I'm sure you all may notice why I love this so much. The gold iridescent glitter. Gold shimmer, gold glitter, gold flakies, and gold anything are right up my alley! I kind of wish more of the China Glaze specialty glitters featured a golden glitter rather than the white/silvery kind. Gorgeous, blingy color, that is my new love, and I'm so happy to own!!!!

Any of your major lemmings been fulfilled recently?

Happy Thursday!

Del Sol Rock Star

Hey guys! Sorry, for the lack of post yesterday, and not replying to comments. School has been hectic. My cat also went into the vet on Monday for her annual vaccinations, and the vet said one of them may cause her to have a fever and not feel. Of course, she wasn't feeling well later that night and all day yesterday. Wet canned food seemed to do the trick and liven her up, so she's been doing better now. I hate when she's not feeling well. I feel so helpless, plus I'm always so paranoid. It's not a good combo. :P

Back to nail polish! Rock Star is another Del Sol color changing polish I got. I really enjoy these polishes. I prefer them over the Claire's Mood color changing ones. The formula is better, the color selection/finishes are better, and they change color in the sun which I think you see more often than putting your hand under hot water! :P The only thing Claire's polishes have over these is the price. Del Sol's are $10, but totally worth it.

Rock Star (indoors)

Indoors Rock Star is a bright blue jelly base with blue glitter. This took 4 coats to achieve. The glitter is more sparse than more typical glitters, but it is definitely noticeably and very pretty!

Rock Star (outdoors)

Outdoors Rock Star turns into a jeweled toned green-blue it almost looks teal. The base changes color while the glitter remains blue. It's a very pretty combination.

I really love this one. I think it gives you the best of both worlds you get a blue and a green which are both very popular nail polish colors! The formula and wear on these are great and color change effect is instant. I have no complaints from this polish!

Happy Wednesday!

Eva-Mine

Before I get into this post, if you remember a few weeks ago I asked if anyone was able to sell me a bottle of OPI Pink Me I'm Good because it was a major lemming for me! Thankfully, Enamel Girl had an extra bottle and sold it me. I just got it today and I'm over the moon! Thank you so much! I'd love to share this one the blog, but it is HTF and not easy to get a under $10. Does anyone have any objections to me posting this polish? If you do it won't hurt my feelings. I promise :)

Anyways, Eva is polish brand I've been able to find at a few Walgreens here in Orlando. I think they are based out of Miami, and I'm not sure if anyone has been able to find these anywhere outside Florida? They make your standard colors but they also make a few unusual ones. Check out my other Eva post to see the other colors I have. I happened to find another great color from this brand that happens to be a duochrome!

Mine

Yes this all the same bottle of polish! This varies from a bronzy-pink, to a rose gold, to a straight up gold depending on the angle. It is a great duochrome it's not subtle at all. It's gorgeous!!!! I don't have any other words for it.

The only downside to Eva polishes is they are not Big 3 free. They have formaldehyde, toluene, and the whole kitten kaboodle. I know this is a issue for a lot of people into nail polish. Personally, I don't really mind, but I understand people who do mind. That all being said I have grabbed and extra bottle of it, and I'll be in search of more bottles of it this week. Would anyone be interested in me doing a giveaway with this polish? If most people have issues with the Big 3 thing I won't do a giveaway, but if most of you don't mind, I will do a giveaway with the bottles I can find of this polish with a clear warning these are not Big 3 free. Let me know what you think. :)

Happy Monday!

China Glaze Watermelon Rind

China Glaze Watermelon Rind was requested by quite a few people when I asked for requests a little while ago. Watermelon Rind was part of the Summer Days collection in 2009. This was a great collection. If you like glass-fleck glitters/shimmer these polishes are perfect for you. This collection also features my favorite China Glaze polish of all time Strawberry Fields, but this is about Watermelon Rind. :P Sorry, Strawberry, you'll be for another day!

Watermelon Rind

Watermelon Rind is a jewel toned emerald/jade green with silver glass fleck. This a beautiful color. It's very vibrant. This needs a solid 3-4 coats. The base of this polish is less opaque than other polishes and to avoid VNL (visible nail line) you'll need more coats. I think they nailed it with the name, this color definitely reminds me of watermelon rinds!

My personal opinion will probably vary from the majority. This isn't exactly a favorite of mine. I love the color in general, but not necessarily on my nails. I tend to not be a fan of cooler toned polishes with silvery shimmers. I had the same issue with Grape Juice in this collection. I wish the glass fleck was a green color, but that's just me. I know you all probably think I'm crazy,but like I said majority of people will adore this color! I love it too, just not so much on me!

Happy Sunday!

Del Sol- Ruby Slipper

I have to say Del Sol nail polishes are one of my earlier nail polish memories. I came across Del Sol nail polishes I think back in 1998/1999? My family and I were on a trip to Hawaii, and we spotted a Del Sol store. I was about 12/13 at the time and thought color changing nail polish was the coolest thing! Well, it still is! I remember purchasing Ruby Slipper back then and fell in love with it. I've long since lost that nail polish, but we have been reunited!

Ruby Slipper (indoors)

Indoors Ruby Slipper is a clear base with silver glitter mixed in. It's definitely not the most interesting of polishes color-wise indoors, but there is a reason for that. It is amazing outdoors!

Ruby Slippers (outdoors)

In the sunlight this changes into a vibrant juicy cool toned red. The base of the polish changes, while the silver glitter doesn't change colors. This is great. I LOVE this color, partially because it's just great in general, but it holds a lot of fun memories.

I figured the flaw to this polish for many of us would be how it looks indoors. It's a clear base with silver glitter and doesn't provide for much coverage or give really any color, with that in mind I tested it over black. I layered it over black polish over two fingers while on the other two fingers I turned it into a funky french!

I used about two coats of Ruby Slipper on these nails. It doesn't get to that vibrant ruby you get with it alone but it does add nice punch of color over the black. I think it would make for neat look indoors and outdoors.

I really love these Del Sol polishes and I'll be sharing more throughout the upcoming week. They retail for $10 at Del Sol stores,which now can be found in many tourist locations in the US, along with the Caribbean, and other tropical destinations worldwide. You can also purchase them from their website. I think they are usually on sale buy 3 get 1 free.

I understand the price is on the high end for me, but if add in the color changing factor, I think it makes it worth it. It's a fun novelty, and the colors besides for this one I purchased are great. Top coat doesn't affect the ability for these to change color either (except UV blocking ones). These colors also change instantly in the sun, there is no waiting time. Also, if the sun isn't all the way out they still do change, they may not reach the full vibrancy, but they do change colors. So Del Sol gets good reviews from me!

Happy Saturday!

Hauly Haul Haul

No real post today. I am swamped with work still. I am such a perfectionist and I like to get my classwork done ASAP, but I just can't concentrate this week! I'm not the type of person who does things last minute. I've got about 60% of my work for the week done. I put way too much pressure on myself to get things done at a certain time, and when I don't accomplish that I get frazzled and lose focus. I need to just re-group and get my stuff done. It's not due until Monday, if it's done Saturday or Sunday instead of yesterday or today the world isn't going to end. I don't need to always finish the race first. I hope there are some other perfectionists out there who can relate? :P

Anyways, over the past week I have accumilated some goodies.

I got some Sinful Colors thanks to the Walgreens sale, and my wonderful parents who mailed me some Del Sol polishes they got me on their vacation last week. I love my parents, they're too sweet. I appreciate it so much, because Del Sol polishes are bit high for me and I had been wanting some for some time!  There is also a Wet n Wild polish and a pretty Eva duochrome thrown in there!

Look for swatches soon! I can't wait to share the Del Sol polishes with you. Time to get back to work, but I need some food first. I am LOVING this Sabra hummus you can get at the grocery store. It's so good with grilled chicken in a pita or on Wheat Thins. It's pretty much good on anything.  I think I've been eating hummus everyday for the past 2 weeks. Have you all tried this hummus before or hummus in general? If not, give it a try. I love the Sabra sun-dried tomato kind! It's good for you too!

Happy Friday

Sinful Colors See You Soon

Sorry, for no post yesterday. I've been tied down with classwork. I still am! I have quite a few hefty assignments due by Monday, they are going to take me awhile. It's ok, I don't mind the work, it's just time consuming. Today I have Sinful Colors See You Soon. This was a color I saw in a display I believe was called "Colors of Darkness" do not quote me on that I could be wrong. Typical of Sinful Colors, the colors in this display are not new. They are re-promotes. Boo. That being said it's a great color!

See You Soon

See You Soon is deep blackened creme with medium blue/green shimmer throughout. This is great color by Sinful. This color is only $2 ($1 this week at Walgreens!), and this is color comparable to more of the mid-range polish brands (China Glaze, Orly, Finger Paints). This is great all around shade to have it will be excellent for fall and great for Halloween!

While at the store looking at this polish, I thought it had some similarities to Zoya Kotori, which is one of my favorite polishes. Usually, when I see a color in a store and think it maybe dupe/similar to a color I already have I'm usually wrong 80% of the time. In this case, I was wrong too. I thought I have good photographic memory, but I apparently don't. :( They do have some similiarties, but for the most part they are vastly different.

See You Soon is on my index and ring fingers & Zoya Kotori is on my middle and pinky fingers

Side By Side: L-R  See You Soon & Kotori

I'm terrible at describing polish finishes, so forgive me. Sinful Colors See You Soon is more of a blackened creme base with medium blue/green shimmer. The shimmer in See You Soon is more fine and there seem to be equal parts black and equal parts blue/green shimmer.  Zoya Kotori is more of sheer blackened base with tons of bright blue shimmer. The shimmer is less fine and more visible than in See You Soon. The star of the show in Kotori is the densely packed shimmer while the blackened sheer base is more of a side-kick.

I hope that made some sense. They are both beautiful polishes. They are both different and both worthy of having! The only similarity between the two is they are both bluish shimmers with blackened bases, but the amount of shimmer and the finish of the bases create a completely different polishes.

Happy Thursday!